🇦🇱 Road to Malmö: Albania

It’s time for another weekly Eurovision update, with a mix of sad news and significant developments. Europe’s Eurovision community bids farewell to a former contestant, while broadcasters across the continent share important updates. Here are this week’s top stories: 🇩🇪 Obituary: Inge Brück (1936–2025) Germany’s Eurovision singer Inge Brück passed away on 8 September 2025, aged 88. Born in Mannheim in 1936, she began her career in the 1950s with the Erwin Lehn orchestra. Her breakthrough came in 1957 with the hit “Peter, komm heut’ abend zum Hafen,” which reached the German charts. Brück built a reputation as a versatile performer. She toured with big bands, worked in musical theatre, and appeared on many German television shows. In 1966 she achieved international recognition by winning the Rio de Janeiro Song Festival with “Frag den Wind.” The following year she represented Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. Her ballad “Anouschka,” composed by Hans Blum, finished eighth. Though she did not win, her performance was praised for its elegance and sincerity. The song remains one of the memorable entries of the 1960s. After Eurovision, Brück balanced acting and singing. In 1970 she starred in the ZDF series “Miss Molly Mill,” about a housemaid-turned-detective. The series drew up to 22 million viewers per episode and made Brück a household name. She also sang the show’s theme song, later released as a single. In the mid-1970s she shifted to spiritual and religious music. Together with Katja Ebstein and Peter Horton, she founded Künstler für Christus (Artists for Christ). The group toured churches and festivals, releasing a double album of Christian music. This work reflected Brück’s strong personal faith and her search for deeper meaning in her art. Brück was married to television director Michael Pfleghar, and later to Klaus Überall. In her later years she lived quietly in Meschede. She leaves behind a legacy as one of Germany’s notable entertainers of her time, remembered for her Schlager hits, television success, and of course her Eurovision appearance. The Eurovision community mourns her passing and celebrates her contribution to music and culture. 🇨🇭 Céline Dion’s Missed Comeback French media revealed that Céline Dion was due to make a surprise appearance at Eurovision 2025 in Basel. She had planned to sing “Ne partez pas sans moi,” her winning song from 1988. Dion flew to Switzerland, and hints of her involvement appeared during rehearsals. However, the singer, who suffers from stiff person syndrome, suffered a health crisis at the venue and had to cancel at the last moment. She returned to Las Vegas for treatment. Producers replaced her planned performance with a tribute by other artists. Dion later appeared at a Coldplay concert in Las Vegas, showing better spirits. Still, her illness continues to affect her career. Concerts remain postponed, and her next steps are uncertain. Fans and the Eurovision community continue to send her support. Eric Sallard, Wikimedia Commons 🇪🇸 Spain Questions Israel’s Participation Spain’s Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun said the country might withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to compete. Speaking on RTVE television, he argued that Spain “cannot normalise Israel’s participation as if nothing is happening.” Urtasun noted that RTVE has already raised concerns with the European Broadcasting Union. While the final decision lies with RTVE, the minister’s comments put political pressure on the broadcaster. Spain is still planning Benidorm Fest 2026, but a withdrawal remains possible. The EBU will discuss Israel’s status at its December assembly. Spain’s stance, following Slovenia’s earlier warning, highlights the political tension surrounding next year’s contest. Other News in Brief 🇲🇪 Montenegro – RTCG has opened submissions for MonteSong 2025, running until 3 October. Executive producer Vladana Vučinić stressed the festival is a platform for young artists, not a waste of money. 🇮🇹 Italy – RAI and the City of Sanremo confirmed the Sanremo Festival 2026 will stay in Sanremo. The event will run 24–28 February at the Teatro Ariston, with Carlo Conti returning as host. 🇨🇿 Czechia – Česká televize confirmed participation in Eurovision 2026. Entries can be submitted until 19 October, with the act to be chosen internally. 🇸🇲 San Marino – SMRTV confirmed participation and will continue its San Marino Song Contest format until at least 2028, backed by the Tourism Ministry. 🇸🇮 Slovenia – RTVSLO said it may withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates. Director Ksenija Horvat stated, “we realistically think we won’t be able to go” under current conditions. Share