After the Eurovision fame: Dima Bilan

It’s time for another weekly Eurovision update! National final preparations are in full swing across Europe, from the Baltics to the Balkans. Broadcasters are firming up their plans for Eurovision 2026 – even as debates intensify over Israel’s participation. Meanwhile, one of Eurovision’s most prolific songwriters celebrates a milestone birthday. Here are this week’s top stories: National Selection Updates 🇱🇻 Latvia: Latvian broadcaster LTV reports that 124 songs have been submitted for Supernova 2026, Latvia’s national selection, by the 1 October deadline. This marks an increase from last year, indicating strong interest from artists. A jury will now review the entries, aiming to pick a diverse and competitive lineup. Source: lsm.lv 🇦🇹 Austria: To begin with, local daily Kleine Zeitung reports that ten acts have expressed interest in competing in “Vienna Calling – Wer singt für Österreich?”, Austria’s national final for Eurovision 2026. Meanwhile, ORF has scheduled the live final for 20 February 2026 in Vienna; specifically, 12 finalists will perform and, ultimately, a combined jury and public vote will decide who represents the host nation.. Source: eurovoix.com 🇦🇱 Albania: Festivali i Këngës 64 has drawn high interest. In fact, more than 100 songs have been submitted for the upcoming edition. Moreover, festival producer Belioza Çoku explained that all entries will undergo a detailed vetting process; consequently, songs created with AI will be excluded. Additionally, the festival will retain its traditional four-night format. In the meantime, the list of selected entries should be announced within days. Finally, the competing songs are set for a November release, giving fans an early listen. Source: rtsh.al 🇲🇪 Montenegro: Montenegrin broadcaster RTCG has confirmed the return of its national final Montesong 2025 (selecting Montenegro’s entry for Eurovision 2026). The grand final will be held on 21 December 2025 at the RTCG studios in Podgorica. Organizers opted for an in-studio show to manage production costs. The song submission period closed on 3 October, and while many entries have been received, officials say it’s too early to reveal the artists or songs at this stage. Source: rtcg.me  🇮🇸 Iceland: Iceland’s broadcaster RÚV has postponed the song submission deadline for Söngvakeppnin 2026. In a statement via its official Instagram, RÚV announced it will wait until the EBU’s November vote on Israel’s participation before closing submissions. A new deadline will be set after that decision. RÚV has indicated that Iceland may withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to compete. If Iceland does proceed, Söngvakeppnin 2026 is expected to feature 10 songs. Source: RUV 🇪🇸 Spain: Benidorm Fest 2026 is underway with 870 songs submitted to RTVE’s selection process. The broadcaster has announced it will reveal the titles of the selected songs on 18 December 2025. A panel will short-list 16–20 entries to compete in the semi-finals.  Source: escplus.es 🇸🇲 San Marino: San Marino’s Head of Delegation, Denny Montesi, has outlined the plans for the San Marino Song Contest 2026. He announced that the national final is set for Sunday, 1 March 2026. In addition, a new preparatory phase called “Stage Live Academy” will take place in February, prior to the semi-final stage.  Source: SMRTV Eurovision 2026 Updates: EBU, Moldova & Israel The Eurovision Song Contest’s Reference Group has a new member from the EBU. Gert Kark, the EBU’s Eurovision TV Project Manager, has joined the Reference Group, filling the seat previously held by Martin Österdahl, who recently stepped down as Executive Supervisor. Kark has been involved with Eurovision projects since 2017, including Junior Eurovision,  and will now help steer the 70th Contest’s preparations. Source: EBU 🇲🇩 TRM, Moldova’s public broadcaster, has started consulting local artists about a possible return to Eurovision in 2026. In a recent open forum, singers, composers and producers discussed the format of a national selection and proposed rule changes, promotional plans and support measures for participants. TRM has not yet made a final decision on ESC 2026 participation; the broadcaster will decide once the consultations conclude. Source: radiomoldova.md 🇩🇪 Israel’s potential participation in Eurovision 2026 has split broadcasters. This week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany will boycott the contest if the EBU excludes Israel. He called any ban “a scandal” and insisted, “Israel has a place at Eurovision.” At least five other broadcasters take the opposite line: they threaten to withdraw if the EBU lets Israel compete and demand Israel’s exclusion. The European Broadcasting Union will hold a member vote in November to decide Israel’s status for 2026. source: AD Ralph Siegel Turns 80 Ralph Siegel, the legendary German songwriter-producer often nicknamed “Mr. Eurovision,” celebrated his 80th birthday on 30 September 2025. Born in 1945 in Munich, Siegel has been involved in Eurovision for over five decades. He is best known as the composer of “Ein bisschen Frieden”, the song that won Eurovision 1982 for Germany. In total, Siegel has written or co-written 24 songs that have competed at the Eurovision Song Contest, a record for a single composer. These include numerous German entries from the 1970s through 2000s, as well as songs for other countries (such as Switzerland and multiple entries for San Marino). Beyond Eurovision, Siegel was a prolific figure in the Schlager music scene, producing hits for artists like Udo Jürgens and Mary Roos. He also founded the label Jupiter Records, contributing greatly to Germany’s music industry. Even in recent years, Siegel remains active; in 2021 he premiered a new musical, “Zeppelin.” Marking 80 years of life, Ralph Siegel’s legacy looms large – his enduring passion and countless contributions have cemented him as a true Eurovision icon.