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Post by istersay on Jan 23, 2016 13:08:16 GMT
Stockholm to host 2016 Eurovision Song Contest
Globe Arena home to Eurovision for a second time
Stockholm, Sweden - This morning, SVT revealed Stockholm as the Host City for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest. The capital city's Globe Arena will stage the contest for the second time in its history. The Semi-Finals will be held on 10 and 12 May, the Grand Final on 14 May 2016. Information about ticket sales is expected later this year.
The process of finding a Host City for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest began directly after Måns Zelmerlöw’s victory in Vienna just over a month ago. "Stockholm has delivered a thorough offer which guarantees that the event once again is taken to the next level, says Martin Österdahl, Executive Producer for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of SVT. Österdahl also lead the production of the 2013 contest in Malmö, Sweden.
Stockholm = music
"Stockholm is music. Our city seethes with activity revolving music. Creativity is close to our hearts and is something that we want to emphasise and be noticed even more clearly in the city," says Karin Wanngård, Mayor of Stockholm. "To be the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest gives us the opportunity to reinforce and stimulate the involvement which the music creates for people in Stockholm and all that will travel here to take part of the Swedish musical wonder," the proud Mayor added.
The agreement with Stockholm city entails that SVT is responsible for all the parts connected with the TV production, while the Host City will be responsible for all logistic solutions, the festivities for the participating countries, all fans and the media.
Second time for Globe Arena
The Globe Arena, which was completed in 1989, already hosted the Eurovision Song Contest before, back in 2000. The venue's regular capacity is between 14,000 and 16,000 spectators, set design and camera plans will determine the final seating capacity for the three live shows.
The surrounding buildings of the Globe Arena complex will also be used. A press centre for more than 1,500 journalists will be located at the Hovet venue, delegations will house in Annex. "The jewel in the crown is that we can organise an even more powerful experience by incorporating the Tele2 Arena in the Grand Final," said Österdahl.
Long tradition
Sweden is known for its long Eurovision Song Contest tradition and in particular for their national selection Melodifestivalen, which is widely regarded as a highlight during the national selection season attracting thousands of Eurovision fans from across Europe.
SVT's CEO Hanna Stjärne said she's looking forward to welcoming around 40 countries to Stockholm next year. "I’m looking forward to welcoming all of Europe to Stockholm and one of the worlds biggest television events. Eurovision Song Contest is a musical party and a festival and in Stockholm we can offer both," she said, adding: "Artists, broadcasters and Eurovision fans will get a chance to discover the creativity and the musical engagement we have in Sweden."
When informed about the choice for Stockholm, Jon Ola Sand, the EBU's Executive Supervisor for the Eurovision Song Contest, said: "We are glad that SVT has found a dedicated partner in Stockholm as Host City for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest. With fresh memories of a successful contest in Malmö back in 2013, we are looking forward to once again taking the world’s biggest music show to new heights in Sweden next May."
Buying tickets
Tickets for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest are not expected to go on sale before the end of 2015. "Make sure you only buy your tickets through the official ticket partner, which will be announced in due time," said Eurovision Song Contest Event Supervisor Sietse Bakker.
Who's in?
EBU Member Broadcasters, on behalf of their countries, have until mid-September to formally submit their applications to take part in next year's competition. The final list of participating countries will be released close to the end of the year. The Semi-Final Allocation Draw, to determine which countries take part in which of the two Semi-Finals, takes place in late January.
www.globearenas.se/en/
www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=stockholm_to_host_2016_eurovision_song_contest
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Post by istersay on Jan 23, 2016 13:08:47 GMT
Sanna Nielsen wink - opens for leading Eurovision 2016 Sweden Previously Mans Zelmerlöw flirted - now he is joined by Sanna Nielsen. Artist Mr opens for leading Eurovision. "Obviously I want to be with if I'm asked," she said to the Evening Post.
Just the day after the victory in Vienna told Mans Zelmerlöw that he is willing to lead the super show next year. Now reports also artistic colleague Sanna Nielsen, third in Eurovision in 2014, its interest.
In an interview with the Evening Post says Nielsen, who led this year's Eurovision Song Contest together with Robin Paulsson, to be mentioned in the preliminary speculation.
- It's great that my name figures in these circles. Then I have no idea if I'm up to date, but it's great that people want to see me there. It would be very interesting, I love the Eurovision Song Contest and Eurovision, so of course I want to be with if I'm asked, says Nielsen Evening Post.
Bjorkman: Are many good name
Among other names mentioned in speculation about next year's host of the ESC in Stockholm is among other Petra Mede and Måns Zelmerlöw.
- There are two very good name, but there are many good names we consider. But there are two names that I absolutely understand that discussing, said Christer Bjorkman to SVT News earlier this summer.
www.svt.se/melodifestivalen/sa-tycker-varlden-om-valet-av-stockholm-for-eurovision-song-contest-2016
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Who should lead the Eurovision? Petra Mede is the favorite touted as hostess, but so far no one knows who gets the assignment.
- We will have vacation now, then it will work, says Christer Björkman, competitive producer of ESC.
The last time the Eurovision Song Contest was held in the Globe was in 2000. That time it was the hosts Anders Lundin and Katty Ahlstrom who held the contest. But who is holding next year's competition is not clear yet.
- We have no idea. Now, we have presented the contest was to be held and it is the first decision. Now, the creative work begin, says Martin Østerdal, Executive Producer.
Petra Mede and Måns Zelmerlöw favorites
Betting site Unibet has published a list of possible programs leadership candidates. The list is topped by Petra Mede, followed closely by Mans Zelmerlöw. On the list is also visible name gina dirawi, Danny Saucedo and Marie Serneholt.
Betting sites are believed to Petra Mede. How do you comment on that?
- I have nothing to say about programlederiet right now, says Martin Østerdal.
Will there Mans?
- Same answer there.
Christer Björkman do not want to comment on the favorites.
- There are two very good name, but there are many good names we consider. But there are two names that I absolutely understand that discussing says Christer Björkman.
www.svt.se/kultur/musik/vem-ska-leda-eurovision
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ World on the choice of Stockholm for the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 After Wednesday's news bomb in Eurovision-country - now the world's attention towards the Stockholm and Globen. This is what the world on the election of the host city.
When Sweden organizes the Eurovision Song Contest for the sixth time ever next year's host city for the third time Stockholm - and for the second time Globen arena.
- Stockholm have come with a seamless offering that ensures that the event is again taken to the next level, says exekutive producer Martin Österdahl.
And now the world's attention to Sweden - after the SVT on Wednesday announced the 2016 host city for the super show which attracts hundreds of millions of TV viewers every year.
The New York Times Cultural Arts Beat blog notes that Stockholm hosted the ESC for the first time in 1975, after Abbas' victory in Brighton the previous year. At the same attention Ekstrabladet former Danish success in the Globe in the competition's history. "Last show in 2000 it was with the Danish success when brothers Olsen went all the way," the newspaper said.
"Are you serious? Globe when we Tele2? It will be as little as 2013, "writes Alexander and is backed by 17 other users.
"Very good choice !!! See you again in May Stockholm, "wrote Peter at Eurovision official Facebook page and get the thumbs up of 50 other fans.
In the same Facebook page writes another ESC fan, Steve:
"After 16 years (amazing how time flies by), it will be amazing to see how different the show will look like in the same arena after all these years."
Freelance journalist Tobias Larsson says on Twitter that the Globe as organizer is the "good news".
Roberta writes in a comment ESC Todays Facebook page to Stockholm "is the best choice."
On the fansite Wiwibloggs have visitors during the spring have been able to vote for their dream city of the Eurovision in Sweden. It says Stockholm as clear favorite.
The semi-finals of the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 will be held on 10 and 12 May Final will be held May 14 Tickets are scheduled to be released around the end.
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Post by istersay on Jan 23, 2016 13:10:36 GMT
Ronaldo's sister wants to Stockholm Globe Arena and the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 Football World Ronaldo. Soon, Eurovision country have their own Ronalda.
Nine months left - but already begins artists draw the bow against the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden. Now would Katia Aveiro - soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo's sister - to the Globe. Cristianos older sister Katia Aveiro, 38, is now flirting game with the fans of Portugal.
Her wish - to represent Portugal in the Eurovision in Sweden.
"Euro fans, I would like you to back me to represent Portugal - A dream!" She wrote on her Twitter account.
Aveiro, who made stage debut in 2005 under the stage name Ronalda, has among other things been seen in the television program Survivor in their home country, writes Indepentent.
Little brother Cristiano Ronaldo has repeatedly been named the world's best footballer and is also captain of the Portuguese national team. It remains to be seen whether Aveiro become the country's representative in Eurovision in May.
Portugal has never won the Eurovision despite 45 attempts in the competition. Best position came in 1996, when the country finished sixth in the final.
www.svt.se/melodifestivalen/ronaldos-syster-vill-till-globen-och-eurovision-song-contest-2016
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Post by istersay on Jan 23, 2016 13:12:16 GMT
Controversial Swedish proposal: Connect with Grand Prix at. 21
If Eurovision must get hold of younger viewers, the time of sending moved, believes next year's Eurovision hosts, who will send the three TV shows out on the air an hour earlier.
After the International Song Contest in May each year run the television screens of up to 200 million viewers from Portugal in the west to Australia in the east, it sure as fate church that the show starts at 21:00 Central European - and thus Danish - time.
It has, with few exceptions, been ever since the start of the competition back in 1956. But it will Swedish SVT, who host next year's Eurovision Song Contest, now change to:
- Especially in the new countries that have begun to participate in Eurovision in the years after the Eastern bloc fall, it becomes very late the night before the shows ends. So it's hard for kids to stay awake, says Martin Österdahl, executive producer of Eurovision 2016, to Dagens Nyheter.
Must catch the young viewers
According to the Swedish newspaper will SVT do away with 60 years of tradition and present a proposal for the European TV Union, EBU, to move forward the time of the three Eurovision shows back one hour.
Thus it must therefore start at 20 Danish time instead of, as now, at the 21st
- If the (Eurovision, ed.) To grow over time and will continue to be the world's biggest TV show in the next 50 years, so it requires the same development, as we have had in Sweden: The Eurovision prisoners younger viewers, says Österdahl.
DR's entertainment president: It must be thoroughly investigated
It is ultimately the EBU, which each year organizes Eurovision with that year's host nation, who will decide on the time of transmission will be brought.
And although it is far from certain that the Swedish proposal goes ahead, evoking the spontaneous joy of DR's entertainment president, Jan Storage Lundme that was show responsibility when Denmark was Eurovision-hosts in 2014:
- Taking the Danish glasses on, then it is clear that it would be advantageous to send at 20 instead of at 21, says Lundme.
- But you've got to look at it from a European perspective and examine carefully what it will get the consequences for all Grand Prix'ets countries - and not only those in our time zone. You will need to take into account all.
Grand Prix commentator: Sensible proposals
An amended sending time will be especially good for the Eastern European countries that take part in the competition, says DR Grand Prix commentator since 2011, Ole Tøpholm.
- Sending date (at 21 Central European Time, ed.) Dates from the time when Eurovision was exclusively a Western event. But now there is many time zones to the east, so the Swedish proposal is very reasonable, says Ole Tøpholm.
He does not believe that the proposal's possible adoption will mean it big in a Danish perspective. But compared to the Danish program planning tradition, it may prove to be very handy:
- In Denmark, we are accustomed to entertainment television begins at 20:00 - whether it's X Factor or Versus - so in that way is the Swedish proposal very Scandinavian and well thought out.
Tradition can frustrate renewal
So far called time of transmission for the three Eurovision shows, however, still at the 21st
And should the change of the time of transmission be executed, then it will be the first time in more than 30 years, the Eurovision Song Contest has not been sent at 21:00 on Danish TV:
- DR has once sent Eurovision staggered. It happened in 1985, when one had to mark the 40th anniversary of Denmark's liberation, but otherwise you have to say that at 21 has been a tradition for many, many years.
- And that's exactly what it is a tradition that can hold EBU from changing the time of sending. For what if people did not turn on? But the pluses are clearly outnumber the minuses, if you change the time of transmission, is the assessment by the Danish Grand Prix commentator.
Eurovision Song Contest 2016 will be sent 10, 12 and 14 May - and thus so far at 21 Danish time.
www.dr.dk/event/melodigrandprix/kontroversielt-svensk-forslag-slut-med-grand-prix-kl-21
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Post by istersay on Jan 23, 2016 13:12:27 GMT
The Netherlands: Douwe Bob to Stockholm!
The Dutch artist is the first act announced for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest
Amsterdam, The Netherlands - The word is out: Douwe Bob will represent the Netherlands at the 61st Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm in 2016. The participation was made official minutes ago in De Wereld Draait Door. The song which he will perform in Sweden will be announced by the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS next year.
More than 235 days before the 61st edition of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Stockholm, it's been confirmed by the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS that Douwe Bob will be their performer in one of the two Semi-Finals to be held on the 10th and the 12th of May 2016 hoping to qualify for the Final on Saturday the 14th of May 2016.
Douwe Bob has stated that "as a songwriter I'll now get the chance to have my music heard on the biggest stage in Europe, the Eurovision Song Contest. I'm going to Stockholm to win and I am very very happy that I'll be able to do it my own way!".
Remco van Leen, media director of AVROTROS, is proud of the Dutch entrant, "Douwe Bob has quickly become one of the top Dutch performers. He writes and composes his own music and with his great energy we must be able to do well on an international stage. We all are going to work hard now, because only when everything is right, there is a chance to win".
Who is Douwe Bob?
The first time that the Dutch audience made acquaintance with Douwe Bob was in 2012 when he won the TV show The Best Singer-Songwriter in The Netherlands. His debut album Born In A Storm was released in 2013 and immediately after he was already on stage at Pinkpop. In May 2015 the second album of Douwe Bob rocketed to number one in the album charts. After the huge success of the duet Hold Me with Anouk, Douwe Bob scored a hit this summer with the song Sweet Sunshine.
www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=the_netherlands_douwe_bob_to_stockholm ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 'Big Five' and host country more prominently in the Semi-Finals
Berlin, Germany - Last week, the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group gathered in Berlin to discuss the short-term and long-term future of the contest. Today, we can already reveal one of the decisions taken during the meeting: the so-called Big Five (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) as well as the host country, Sweden, will appear more prominently in the Semi-Finals of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest. The six countries will remain to be pre-qualified for the Grand Final.
The 'Big Five' and the host country will appear in the Semi-Final in which they will vote. This will be determined during the Semi-Final Allocation Draw in late January. For scheduling reasons, Germany was already granted the right to vote and appear in the second Semi-Final.
"It will look so much better to show the Big Five and the host country on the Eurovision Song Contest stage, performing their act as they will be in the Grand Final," says Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the contest on behalf of the EBU. To avoid the need to extend the length of the Semi-Finals, shortened clips of the 'Big Five' and host country stage performances will be shown, recorded during the previous night's Dress Rehearsal.
Another benefit of this change is the increased amount of rehearsal time for the Big Five and the host country. Due to their pre-qualification for the Grand Final, these six countries normally had less stage time than the Semi-Final participants. "More rehearsal time means better performances and a better TV show, since the production crew has more time to get acquainted with the act," says Sand.
As a consequence of this change, the 'Big Five' and the host country representative will have to be present in the host city to rehearse one or two days earlier than before, increasing its promotional opportunities. "From here on, its in the hands of these six countries to pick great entries for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest," Sand concludes.
The 'Big Five'
France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom automatically qualified for the Grand Final since the introduction of a Semi-Final in 2004. Since 2000, these countries were granted the automatic right to participate, regardless of their previous results. When Italy re-joined the contest in 2011, the 'Big Four' became the 'Big Five'.
The Reference Group is the Eurovision Song Contest's governing body, consisting of eight members; a chairman, the EBU Executive Supervisor, the Executive Producer of the upcoming contest, the previous two Executive Producers and three members elected by the Heads of Delegation of all participating broadcasters.
For more exciting news in the lead up to the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest, stay with us in the weeks to come!
www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=big_five_and_host_country_more_prominently_in_the_semi-finals
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Post by istersay on Jan 23, 2016 13:13:51 GMT
The Netherlands: Douwe Bob to Stockholm!
The Dutch artist is the first act announced for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest
Amsterdam, The Netherlands - The word is out: Douwe Bob will represent the Netherlands at the 61st Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm in 2016. The participation was made official minutes ago in De Wereld Draait Door. The song which he will perform in Sweden will be announced by the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS next year.
More than 235 days before the 61st edition of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Stockholm, it's been confirmed by the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS that Douwe Bob will be their performer in one of the two Semi-Finals to be held on the 10th and the 12th of May 2016 hoping to qualify for the Final on Saturday the 14th of May 2016.
Douwe Bob has stated that "as a songwriter I'll now get the chance to have my music heard on the biggest stage in Europe, the Eurovision Song Contest. I'm going to Stockholm to win and I am very very happy that I'll be able to do it my own way!".
Remco van Leen, media director of AVROTROS, is proud of the Dutch entrant, "Douwe Bob has quickly become one of the top Dutch performers. He writes and composes his own music and with his great energy we must be able to do well on an international stage. We all are going to work hard now, because only when everything is right, there is a chance to win".
Who is Douwe Bob?
The first time that the Dutch audience made acquaintance with Douwe Bob was in 2012 when he won the TV show The Best Singer-Songwriter in The Netherlands. His debut album Born In A Storm was released in 2013 and immediately after he was already on stage at Pinkpop. In May 2015 the second album of Douwe Bob rocketed to number one in the album charts. After the huge success of the duet Hold Me with Anouk, Douwe Bob scored a hit this summer with the song Sweet Sunshine.
www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=the_netherlands_douwe_bob_to_stockholm ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 'Big Five' and host country more prominently in the Semi-Finals
Berlin, Germany - Last week, the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group gathered in Berlin to discuss the short-term and long-term future of the contest. Today, we can already reveal one of the decisions taken during the meeting: the so-called Big Five (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) as well as the host country, Sweden, will appear more prominently in the Semi-Finals of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest. The six countries will remain to be pre-qualified for the Grand Final.
The 'Big Five' and the host country will appear in the Semi-Final in which they will vote. This will be determined during the Semi-Final Allocation Draw in late January. For scheduling reasons, Germany was already granted the right to vote and appear in the second Semi-Final.
"It will look so much better to show the Big Five and the host country on the Eurovision Song Contest stage, performing their act as they will be in the Grand Final," says Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the contest on behalf of the EBU. To avoid the need to extend the length of the Semi-Finals, shortened clips of the 'Big Five' and host country stage performances will be shown, recorded during the previous night's Dress Rehearsal.
Another benefit of this change is the increased amount of rehearsal time for the Big Five and the host country. Due to their pre-qualification for the Grand Final, these six countries normally had less stage time than the Semi-Final participants. "More rehearsal time means better performances and a better TV show, since the production crew has more time to get acquainted with the act," says Sand.
As a consequence of this change, the 'Big Five' and the host country representative will have to be present in the host city to rehearse one or two days earlier than before, increasing its promotional opportunities. "From here on, its in the hands of these six countries to pick great entries for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest," Sand concludes.
The 'Big Five'
France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom automatically qualified for the Grand Final since the introduction of a Semi-Final in 2004. Since 2000, these countries were granted the automatic right to participate, regardless of their previous results. When Italy re-joined the contest in 2011, the 'Big Four' became the 'Big Five'.
The Reference Group is the Eurovision Song Contest's governing body, consisting of eight members; a chairman, the EBU Executive Supervisor, the Executive Producer of the upcoming contest, the previous two Executive Producers and three members elected by the Heads of Delegation of all participating broadcasters.
For more exciting news in the lead up to the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest, stay with us in the weeks to come!
www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=big_five_and_host_country_more_prominently_in_the_semi-finals
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Post by istersay on Jan 23, 2016 13:14:12 GMT
Song submission platform opens in Switzerland
upload your song here: esc.srf.ch/de/upload listing to all the songs thats is uploadet: esc.srf.ch/de/videos/archive
Upload window for national final entries closes on October 26
Zurich, Switzerland - The Swiss national selection for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest is drawing closer. Today the Swiss-German public broadcaster SRF opened their online platform where artists can submit videos of their potential entries for Stockholm.
This morning the online platform to submit entries for the Swiss national selection has been opened. Until October 26th, 8:00 am CET, video clips of newly composed songs - which of course have to comply with the official Eurovision Song Contest rules - can be uploaded.
Several songs have already been uploaded since the platform was opened this morning. You can check them out, and after the end of the submission period, you can even participate in the official voting. So be sure not to miss this opportunity!
The Swiss national final will be broadcast live from the Bodensee Arena in Kreuzlingen on February 13th, with six acts participating. An expert jury and the TV public will jointly decide who will go on to represent the country in Stockholm. You can find more details about the Swiss selection mode in our article below.
www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=song_submission_platform_opens_in_switzerland
BBC unveils biggest song search ever for 2016 UK entry
London, United Kingdom - The BBC has announced its biggest ever Eurovision song search as the process for finding a song to represent the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 is revealed. This year, working with partners, the BBC wants to provide as many routes into the selection process as possible, whether amateur, professional or superstar.
After a run of disappointing results for the United Kingdom in the contest, the BBC have decided to change the entire process for selecting their entry for Stockholm. The key changes are as follows:
•An open submission process will take place. The BBC is inviting anyone over the age of 18 to submit a video of their original song for consideration. The video does not have to be professionally shot and the audio production can be a demo – but it must be sung live by the artist who would be performing the song in Stockholm. Details of how to enter can be found at bbc.co.uk/eurovision. The closing date for submissions is Friday 20 November 2015.
•The BBC recognises that the fan community is a very important element of the Eurovision Song Contest. As such, the BBC will be inviting the UK branch of the OGAE to assist in the shortlisting of these open entries. The OGAE is the largest independent Eurovision fan club in the world and its UK branch has around 1,000 members.
•In addition, the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) is to revive its former partnership with the BBC and will run a song-writing competition amongst its members. BASCA exists to support and protect the professional interests of songwriters, lyricists and composers of all genres of music and to celebrate and encourage excellence in British music writing.
•Hugh Goldsmith – former MD of RCA and founder of Innocent Records – will act as Music Consultant to the BBC, principally responsible for overseeing communication with established record labels, publishers, managers, writers and producers, in order to encourage high-level music industry involvement too.
Songs from all routes of entry will be included in a final shortlist, which will be presented to a professional panel and the public, who will have the final say on which song is taken forward to represent the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden in 2016. More details regarding this will be announced in due course.
Guy Freeman, Editor Special Events for the BBC, says: “This year really will be the biggest song search for Eurovision the BBC has ever undertaken. With input from key industry figures and fan associations, plus with the public having the final say, we are looking forward to seeing a true People’s Eurovision entry representing the UK at next year’s competition in Sweden.”
Graham Norton, Eurovision Commentator for BBC One says: “Eurovision is one of the highlights of my year and I love the fact that the BBC is launching its biggest song search ever. I think it really shows that they take the competition seriously and the fact that the public will get the final say on who is sent to represent the UK in Stockholm next year is the icing on the cake!”
Alasdair Rendall, President of OGAE UK says: “It's a massive honour - and very exciting - for OGAE members to be given a key role in helping to choose the UK's entry for Eurovision 2016. Eurovision fans are never backwards in coming forwards about their thoughts on the UK's performance at the world's greatest music competition, so I'm really excited about the opportunity this offers us to help find the right song to fly the flag for the UK in Stockholm next year.”
Vick Bain, CEO of BASCA, says: “This is a great competition that many of our members have had considerable success with in the past so BASCA is delighted to be partnering once more with the BBC in searching for the UK entry to Eurovision.”
Hugh Goldsmith, Record Industry Executive and Music Consultant for the BBC, says: “The UK has been home to some of the world's finest artists and songwriters for many decades now and it is exciting to think that, going forward, our Eurovision entry will better reflect the extraordinary writing talent we have in our midst. I have always worshipped at the altar of the song so am hugely energised by the role I've been asked to perform by the BBC.”
www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=bbc_unveils_biggest_song_search_ever_for_2016_uk_entry Highway to represent Montenegro!
Podgorica, Montenegro - Montenegro have made their choice for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest: A professional jury has unanimously decided that the band Highway should represent the country in Stockholm. They became popular after their participation in the X Factor Adria talent show, where they gained the fourth place.
Highway consists of Petar Tošić, Marko Pešić and Luka Vojvodić. While their participation in X Factor Adria made them popular, they presented their first single Bar na kratko in this year's Sunčane Skale festival, where they came third in the New Stars section. You can listen to the song on Youtube.
A professional jury took the unanimous decision that Highway should represent Montenegro in the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest. The jury consisted of Dragan Tripković, Nada Vučinić, Slaven Knezović and Milorad Šule Jovović, all members of the Council of Montenegrin public broadcaster RTCG.
In this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Montenegro had come 13th in the Grand Final with Adio, performed by Knez - their best result to date.
www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=highway_to_represent_montenegro
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Post by istersay on Jan 23, 2016 13:14:33 GMT
Australia joins to make it 'Super 17' at Junior Eurovision in Sofia!
Geneva - Junior Eurovision 2015 will feature 17 competing countries, the most since 2007, we can confirm this morning.
After their successful debut at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest, Australia joins the Junior Eurovision event for this year, which takes place at 19:30 CET on 21 November in Sofia’s Arena Armeec. Broadcaster SBS will line up with 16 other countries, making it the largest competition since 2007 - and joint second-biggest ever!
The official list of participants is as follows: •Albania (RTSH) •Armenia (ARMTV) •Australia (SBS) •Belarus (BTRC) •Bulgaria (BNT) - host broadcaster •Georgia (GPB) •Ireland (TG4) •Italy (RAI) •FYR Macedonia (MRT) •Malta (PBS) •Montenegro (RTCG) •Russia (RTR) •San Marino (SMRTV) •Serbia (RTS) •Slovenia (RTVSLO) •The Netherlands (AVROTROS) •Ukraine (NTU)
Contest supervisor Vladislav Yakovlev says he’s looking forward to welcoming millions of television viewers and fans from around the world joining the event online. "Host broadcaster BNT have been outstanding in their enthusiasm and preparation for the event," Mr Yakovlev said.
"With #discover as the slogan for this year’s contest, we are also thrilled to welcome newcomers Ireland and Australia. Australia is continuing its journey after the tremendous success of Guy Sebastian at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna earlier this year and is now supporting the future talent of their country. Junior Eurovision has always strived for inclusion and collaboration - having Australia as part of our event shows their commitment to celebrating young and future singing talent and we welcome them to our enthusiastic and growing international group of performers, delegates, media and team members."
About Australia in Junior Eurovision
Australia's entry will be chosen by EBU Associate Member SBS, and revealed on Friday! Managing Director Michael Ebeid said that SBS has been broadcasting Eurovision for over 30 years, and Junior Eurovision since it began in 2003: "Eurovision is a landmark program for SBS and we’re so proud to be part of an event which brings people together to celebrate creativity and diversity through music. We’re delighted to have secured another opportunity to showcase Australia’s amazing vocal and song-writing talent to the world, this time through an incredibly talented young artist. We look forward to giving Australian audiences a surprise second dose of Eurovision fun this year."
SBS will broadcast the Junior Eurovision Song Contest at 19.30 Saturday 28 November on SBS. Eurovision fans can also tune in to SBS’s LIVE coverage of the contest from Sofia, Bulgaria, at 04.30 Sunday 22 November on SBS - however televoting will not be used. The votes of Australia for this year will be decided 100% by the jury.
Other countries
As many regular Junior Eurovision followers will know, a delegation from MTVA Hungary has observed the contest for the past two years. "Unfortunately, due to major restructuring at MTVA, our colleagues there simply did not have the production capacity to choose an entrant and take part this year," added Vladislav Yakovlev. "We are very hopeful however that we will be able to welcome them in 2016". MTVA has re-branded many of its main channels, and launched a new dedicated sports service, since March.
Croatia, Cyprus, and Sweden will also all not take part this year after appearing in Malta. "We continue to talk with our colleagues at these broadcasters, as we do with the wider EBU membership, about taking part in Junior Eurovision. We do however understand that some are not able to secure budget for this project every year, and we hope to have them back in the future" he added.
What's next?
On Friday the Junior Eurovision Head of Delegation meeting will take place in Sofia, during which the stage design and postcard concepts, among others, will be formally presented.
www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=australia_joins_to_make_it_super_17_at_junior_eurovision_in_sofia
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Post by istersay on Jan 23, 2016 13:15:12 GMT
Iveta Mukuchyan to represent Armenia
Yerevan, Armenia - Armenia has chosen: Iveta Mukuchyan will represent the country in Stockholm. Watch her very first interview right here on Eurovision.tv, and learn how she intends to find her song for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest!
Just minutes ago the name of the Armenian representative for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest has been revealed in the Profession - Journalist TV show aired on AMPTV: Iveta Mukuchyan!
"I'm very happy, thankful and honored to be chosen by the Public TV Company of Armenia to represent Armenia," Iveta commented. "I love Eurovision and it's amazing to get a chance to represent my country on the big stage. Your support is very important to me, so I hope you will be next to me on this responsible and important journey."
You can watch her very first interview on her Eurovision Song Contest participation right below, on Youtube!
Also today. the Public TV Company of Armenia has announced an open contest for songwriters from all over the world. Entries can submit by Email to selection@armtv.com no later than November 13. More details can be found on the official Armenian Eurovision website.
Iveta Mukuchyan was born in 1986 in Armenia. When she was 5 years old her family moved to Germany, but after living there for 20 years Iveta decided to come back to her motherland, Armenia.
Iveta studied at the State Conservatory in Yerevan. In 2012 she participated in the talent show The Voice of Germany where she made it all the way to the live shows. Today, Iveta is a well-known and loved singer-songwriter on home ground, and she acts as a role model for many young women, and she definitely is an eye-catching and dynamic artist.
www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=iveta_mukuchyan_to_represent_armenia
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Post by istersay on Jan 23, 2016 13:15:54 GMT
Minus One to represent Cyprus in 2016! With a song penned by themselves alongside Thomas G:son Nicosia, Cyprus - After their decision to participate in the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation, RIK, announced that to fly their flag in Sweden they chose the popular band Minus One. Minus One is among the most beloved rock bands of Cyprus. For six years they've been making gigs with success in Cyprus and abroad. This year they reached the final selection phase of the national selection for the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Shine. The song they will perform in Stockhom, which will be presented to the public at a time to be announced, will be a collaboration of the band Minus One with the successful Swedish composer Thomas G:son. Thomas G:son, a popular composer from Sweden has already represented many countries in the Eurovision Song Contest culminating in the victory of Sweden with the song Euphoria which Loreen performed in 2012 www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=minus_one_to_represent_cyprus_in_2016
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Post by istersay on Jan 23, 2016 13:16:23 GMT
Nora Brockstedt dies age 92
She was Norway's first Eurovision Song Contest participant
Nora Brockstedt represented Norway at the 1960 and 1961 Eurovision Song Contest
Norway - Norway’s first ever participant in the Eurovision Song Contest, Nora Brockstedt, died at the age of 92. The singer, who represented Norway in the contest in 1960 and 1961, had a career spanning seven decades.
Born in Oslo, Brockstedt began working in the music industry professionally from the age of 20. In 1960 she won the Norwegian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, Melodi Grand Prix, and subsequently represented Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest with her song Voi Voi. She repeated her success in the contest in 1961 with her song Sommer i Palma. Her entries finished 4th and 7th in the Eurovision Song Contest respectively.
Brockstedt enjoyed a successful career as a jazz singer following her appearances at the Eurovision Song Contest. In 1996 she was awarded the Kings Medal of Merit and in 2008 she released an album at the age of 85. Nora has been credited by former Eurovision Song Contest winner Hanne Krogh as being one of the major influences in the creation of the Norwegian music industry. The term ‘legend’ is often overused but in the case of Nora Brockstedt, this description is wholly appropriate.
Details of Nora Brockstedt’s funeral have not yet been released. On behalf of the Eurovision community, we send our heartfelt condolences to Nora’s family, friends and of course her fans.
www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=nora_brockstedt_dies_age_92
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Post by worldidols on Jan 23, 2016 13:17:50 GMT
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Post by istersay on Jan 23, 2016 13:18:12 GMT
Who are the hopefuls to represent Estonia? (UPDATE) The 20 Eesti Laul 2016 participants announced and how to get tickets for the final Tallin, Estonia - Only days ago the Estonian broadcaster, ERR, revealed the number of submitted songs to their national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, Eesti Laul, and today they announced the 20 entries that managed to qualify for the TV shows. UPDATE: Semi-finals running order and how to get tickets for the final of Eesti Laul 2016. The 20 semi-finalists of Eesti Laul 2016 were announced during the TV-show Ringvaade. Later they were allocated semi-finals and running order positions. The artists, song titles and composers are as follows: Semi-final 1 (13th of February 2016): 1.The Jingles - Love a Little Bit (Jonathan Flack, Hain Hoppe, Rauno Vaher, Tanel Liiberg) 2.Würffel - I'm Facing North (Kaspar Kalluste, Rosanna Lints) 3.Mick Pedaja - Seis (Mick Pedaja) 4.Indrek Ventmann - Hispaania tüdruk (Allan Kasuk) 5.Cartoon & Kristel Aaslaid - Immortality (Ago Teppand, Hugo MartinMaasikas, Joosep Järvesaar, Kerli Kõiv, Iiris Vesik, Kristel Aaslaid) 6.Kéa - Lonely Boy (Egert Milder, Robert Stanley Montes, Ian Karell) 7.Kati Laev - Kaugel sinust (Urmas Kõiv, Anneli Kõiv) 8.Zebra Island - How Many Times (Rasmus Lill, Helina Risti) 9.Laura - Supersonic (Sven Lõhmus) 10.Windy Beach - Salty Wounds (Priit Uustulnd, Tuuli Rand, Mari Tamm) Semi-final 2 (20th of February 2016) 1.Go Away Bird - Sally (Stanislav Bulganin) 2.Jüri Pootsmann - Play (Fred Krieger, Stig Rästa) 3.Meisterjaan - Parmupillihullus (Jaan Tätte Juunior) 4.I Wear* Experiment - Patience (Hando Jaksi, Mikk Simson, Johanna Eenmaa) 5.Púr Múdd - Meet Halfway (Oliver Rõõmus, Joonas Alvre) 6.Grete Paia - Stories Untold (Sven Lõhmus) 7.Põhja-Tallinn - Ei ole mul olla (Jaanus Saks, Kristjan Soomre, Mark Eric Kammiste, Hannes Agur Vellend, Herlend-Kaspar Raudkivi) 8.Anett Kulbin - Strong (Anett Kulbin) 9.Gertu Pabbo - Miljon korda (Priit Pajusaar, Maian-Anna Kärmas) 10.La La Ladies - Unikaalne (Tatjana Mihhailova, Mihkel Mattisen, Timo Vendt, Inga Tislar) As in previous years, five songs will qualify through each semi-final through a 50/50 mixture of jury and televoting. The final, with ten songs, will take place in the Saku Suurhall on the 5th of March 2016. While it is up to each individual artist and their management to decide when to release their entries, all songs must be online by mid-december. The latest Eesti Laul Winners These are the last seven acts that won Eesti Laul and went on to represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest. The images are used for promotion for Eesti Laul 2016. Elina Born & Stig Rästa (2015), Tanja (2014), Birgit (2013), Ott Lepland (2012), Getter Jaani (2011), Malcolm Lincoln (2010), Urban Symphony (2009). Eesti Laul 2016 final: tickets on sale Next year in a move to accommodate growing interest in Eesti Laul, the final will be held in the Saku Suurhall, the same venue used for the 2002 Eurovision Song Contest which has capacity for around 5000 seats. Estonian head of delegation, Mart Normet said that "Eesti Laul is growing, so we are expecting a high demand for tickets." Eesti Laul has become one of the biggest national finals in the Eurovision calender and is only expected to grow from here, as such it is extending an official welcome to anyone interested from Europe and beyond to come experience Eesti Laul in person. Next year the Eesti Laul green room will be built into the stage, so everyone in the audience can see their favourite artists relax or sweat it out as the show progresses. For the last week all the former Eesti Laul winners have been counting down until the tickets will be released (see gallery above). Today is the day that Elina and Stig announced that tickets will be on sale tomorrow. And why at exactly 10:11 on 10/11 you may ask? Well it's because Eesti Laul has always been playful and will continue to be so in the future. www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=who_are_the_hopefuls_to_represent_estonia
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Post by istersay on Jan 23, 2016 13:18:39 GMT
Australia to return to the Eurovision Song Contest!
After placing 5th in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015, Australia will compete in the semi finals in 2016
Geneva, Switzerland - History was made in Vienna earlier this year when Australia debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest. Initially envisaged as a one-off to celebrate the event's 60th anniversary and Australia's long tradition of broadcasting the show, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Australian broadcaster SBS are proud to announce that Australia will participate again in 2016.
"The feedback we got from viewers, fans, press and the broadcasters after Australia's participation in Vienna was overwhelmingly positive," says Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the contest on behalf of the EBU. "We strongly believe the Eurovision Song Contest has the potential to evolve organically into a truly global event. Australia's continued participation is an exciting step in that direction, "It remains to be seen what such an event may look like in the long run," Sand continues.
In Vienna, Australia was guaranteed a spot in the final. Next year, Australia will have to compete in one of the two Semi-Finals. Australia's participation is secured for 2016, but it is yet to be decided whether Australia will become a permanent participant in the contest.
"SBS is thrilled to have secured this opportunity for Australia to compete at Stockholm in 2016 and thank the European Broadcasting Union for their invitation. The Eurovision Song Contest is a wonderful example of cultural diversity and social inclusion and our continued participation offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase Australian musical talent in a truly international multicultural celebration. Production partner Blink TV have been integral in supporting our ambition to build Australia's presence on the world's biggest stage and together we look forward to again bringing the Eurovision experience to our screens." says CEO and Managing Director SBS, Michael Ebeid. Earlier this year, Australia was represented by megastar Guy Sebastian who finished 5th in the Grand Final with Tonight Again.
The EBU Reference Group, the governing body of the Eurovision Song Contest, voted unanimously in favour of Australia's participation. The group consists of three elected representatives from the participating broadcasters, the Executive Producer of the upcoming contest, the Executive Producers of the previous two contests, the EBU Executive Supervisor and a Chairman.
"Europe and Australia have a lot in common in regards to cultural values and when a broadcaster is so committed to bring great acts to the contest, the only right thing to do is to be inclusive," says Dr. Frank Dieter Freiling, Chairman of the Reference Group. “This is also a way for many Australians to re-connect with their European roots, and celebrate our shared cultural values and understanding through music”, he added.
In case Australia wins the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest, the 2017 contest will be co-hosted by Australian broadcaster SBS and another European public broadcaster, somewhere in Europe. The next Eurovision Song Contest will take place on 10, 12 and 14 May, 2016, in Stockholm's Globe Arena, co-hosted by Swedish public broadcaster SVT and the EBU. 41 countries are expected to take part.
In addition to this exciting news, Australia will make its debut in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2015 in Sofia, Bulgaria this coming Saturday when Bella Paige will perform her entry My Girls. The 13th Junior Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted by Poli Genova, who represented Bulgaria in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 with her song Na inat. Follow all the action over on the website of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.
www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=australia_to_return_to_the_eurovision_song_contest ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Belgian Eurovision Song Contest hopefuls unveiled
Five acts will will battle it out to represent Belgium in Stockholm
Brussels, Belgium - Belgian broadcaster, VRT, has published the names of five acts hoping to represent Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016.
The following acts (pictured, from left to right) will battle it out to win the right to represent Belgium in Stockholm in May 2016: •Laura Tesoro •Adil Aarab •Astrid Destuyver •Amaryllis Uitterlinden •Tim Frantzis
The artists are working on their respective songs which will be made public during the national selection shows in January.
www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=belgian_eurovision_song_contest_hopefuls_unveiled
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Post by istersay on Jan 23, 2016 13:20:14 GMT
Xavier Naidoo to represent Germany in Stockholm Song chosen in a live show by televoting on February 18th Hamburg, Germany - One of Germany's most successful artists has been internally chosen represent his country in the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest: Xavier Naidoo. Some of the most renowned songwriters and producers have been asked to prepare songs for him, the six best out of which will be presented in a national final on February 18th. The entry which Xavier Naidoo will sing on stage in Stockholm will be picked by the German TV viewers. With 20 years of stage experience, all of his albums going gold or platinum, and several TV awards, Xavier Naidoo is undoubtedly on of the biggest stars of the German music scene. In 2016, he will add another items to his long list of achievements: He will represent Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest. "Unser Song für Xavier" on February 18th The song Xavier Naidoo will sing on stage in Stockholm has not been chosen yet - this important task remains for the German TV viewers. On February 18th, he will present six songs in a live show on the public TV channel Das Erste. Three music experts, including Germany's latest Eurovision Song Contest winner Lena, will give their opinions on the songs during the show, but in the end, televoting will solely decide on the winning entry. The best German composers and producers have been asked to submit their songs, with no restrictions on the language of the lyrics - they can be in German but also in English, for example. The six songs for the national final will be picked by a jury consisting of music experts on December 15th, with the involvement of Xavier Naidoo. After December 16th, the songs will be presented to students of film and art academies in order to prepare staging concepts for the performances. These ideas, too, will be used in the live show. About Xavier Naidoo Xavier Naidoo NDR/Alexander Laljak Xavier Naidoo has shaped German pop music for two decades. His albums sold millions in Germany, they topped the charts for weeks, and they all reached gold or platinum status. Their success extends to Austria and Switzerland. His song Dieser Weg was the official sound track for the German national team in the 2006 FIFA World Cup and thus was one of the most played songs of that year. But Xavier Naidoo is not only a very successful musician - he also won several TV prizes. Currently he is touring Germany with his band Die Söhne Mannheims, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the group. "Xavier Naidoo is an exceptional artist, who has been well-known in the German music business for more than 20 years. This is why we decided to directly select him. The fact that Xavier has agreed to represent Germany in Stockholm is, at the same time, an obligation for us to create the best possible conditions for his performance. For that reason we have changed the selection procedure this year: We ask Germany's best producers and composers to write for Xavier. And by cooperating with students of film and art academia, we want to encourage young and creative people to develop staging and performance concepts for the Eurovision Song Contest. The success of Lena, Loreen and Måns Zelmerlöw have shown that not only the personality of the singers and the power of the songs play a key role in the voting but also the staging of the acts. I am happy about Xavier's commitment and courage to take part in this and about his trust in us. I am looking forward to exciting months ahead of us", explains Thomas Schreiber, entertainment coordinator of the German public broadcaster ARD www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=xavier_naidoo_to_represent_germany_in_Stockholm+++++++++ Hamburg, Germany - Xavier Naidoo won't sing for Germany in the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm. Today, Saturday 21st of November, the German broadcaster NDR has withdrawn its proposal to send him. Thomas Schreiber, coordinator from the German broadcasters ARD, said: "Xavier Naidoo is a brilliant singer who is, according to my own opinion, neither racist nor homophobe. It was clear that his nomination would polarise opinions, but we were surprised about the negative response. The Eurovision Song Contest is a fun event, in which music and the understanding between European people should be the focus. This characteristic must be kept at all costs. The ongoing discussion about Naidoo could harm the image of the Eurovision Song Contest. This is why Naidoo will not represent Germany. We will quickly decide now, how the German entry for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest will be found". www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=xavier_naidoo_withdrawn_to_represent_germany
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