Welcome to our new news round-up series to take a look back at the Eurovision news headlines from the past seven days. Here you’ll find all the important news whether you need to catch-up or to remind yourself what has happened in the Eurovision world. Want to read more? You can access the full article by clicking on them!
Vlatko Ilievski unexpectedly passes away, aged just 33
Very sad news reached us this morning from F.Y.R. Macedonia. Vlatko, who represented his country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011, sadly passed away aged only 33. This awful news comes just five days after his birthday. The entire team here at ESCXTRA.com wishes Vlatko Ilievski’s friends and family a lot of strength in these difficult times.
Is the Eurovision 2018 winner a copy?
Israeli media outlets have reported that the record label Universal is threatening a lawsuit against the composers of “Toy”. They claim that the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 winning song contains some elements of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. The composer of “Toy”, Doron Medalie, commented that he will “take care of it”.
Universal threaten “TOY” composers with lawsuit due to “copying” White Stripes song
Kosovo’s RTK might get full membership
The subject of Kosovo acquiring full EBU membership was brought up at the EBU General Assembly in Tirana. As a result, it was agreed that “constructive discussions” will continue to take place between the EBU and RTK for “closer co-operation” between the two organizations. Could this lead to the future possible debut of Kosovo in the Eurovision Song Contest?
EBU releases official statement regarding vote for full membership of Kosovo’s RTK
Israeli aims for some big names to host ESC 2019
KAN’s first hosting hopeful, Gal Gadot, is currently making big waves all over the planet as her role in “Wonder Woman”. She sadly had to turn down the offer due to pre-existing commitments. Next on their wishlist is model Bar Refaeli and actress Natalie Portman. Let’s see if KAN can pull this off and get a well-known world star to host next year’s contest! One thing is already for sure, they are not playing around.
“Hollywood calling”? Israel’s ambitious wishlist of Eurovision 2019 hosts
Key members of the core team for Eurovision 2019 revealed
As we get closer to the announcement of the host city and the dates for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, the Israeli broadcaster KAN announced two important team members for ESC 2019. Zivit Davidovitch will be the Executive Producer and Yuval Cohen will be the Editor in Chief and Lead Director for next year’s shows. Both already have a lot of experience in the entertainment industry.
Executive Producer, Editor in Chief and Lead Director for Eurovision 2019 revealed
Other notable stories (and Eurovision gossip)
While they are this week’s headlines, there’s still lots more Eurovision news and gossip to feast on! Last month, Malta announced that they will use The X Factor to find their next singer. Now it has been revealed, that Ben Camille will host the first series of the popular talent show in Malta. How about some potential 2019 entrants? Ilse DeLange for the Netherlands? X Factor’s Sean and Conor Price for Ireland? They both apparently consider performing on the Eurovision stage in the future for their country. Talking about national selections… Östersund is rumoured to host next year’s Andra Chansen of Melodifestivalen 2019.
One week and so much news around the Eurovision world! After Eurovision is before the next Eurovision and we look forward to bring you more news over the coming weeks. Which news item of the past week are you most excited about or most disappointed in? Leave a comment in the section below or on social media @ESCXTRA.
