Entries submitted for Eurovision 2014

 

Copenhagen, Denmark - Today, the entries for the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest have been submitted to the European Broadcasting Union, making them officially the entries of the participating countries. Now, the countdown to this year’s contest is at its very last stretch.

Heads of delegations - the people in charge for Europe’s favourite TV show in all the countries - gathered to Copenhagen today to hear the latest updates from the contest and submit their entries.
This means that all the entries will also be officially presented right here on Eurovision.tv on the artist profiles - stay tuned!
One of the first updates was that the preliminary dates for the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest, its 60th edition - it’ll be held on the 12th, 14th and 16th of May!
The delegations also got a sneak peek of the stage and the so-called postcards - video clips between the entries which got a very warm welcome. We'll share details as soon as we can!
As the host country, Denmark was also drawn to be performing as number 23 in the Grand Final of the contest in May. The running order for the Semi-Finals will be revealed by the producers in the weeks to come. The running order for the Final will be revealed shortly after all the finalists have been chosen.
PS! Don't forget we'll release the Austrian and Russian entries later this week!

DAILIES® to partner with Eurovision 2014

 

Geneva, Switzerland - DAILIES® daily disposable contact lenses have now become an Official Partner of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest. Confirmation of the partnership was announced by the Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Jon Ola Sand.

"We are glad to welcome DAILIES® on board with this year's Eurovision Song Contest as an Official Partner. We are literally looking forward to the upcoming months of this partnership." Sand says.

Great Vision for the Eurovision Song Contest

DAILIES® AquaComfort® PLUS family of contact lenses is proud to partner up with the Eurovision Song Contest aiming to provide a Great Vision for the Eurovison Song Contest. DAILIES® AquaComfort® PLUS is a complete family of daily disposables contact lenses designed to provide lasting comfort and consistently crisp vision through the end of the day to better meet the lifestyle needs of people interested in contact lenses.
DAILIES® AquaComfort® PLUS family of contact lenses are manufactured by Alcon and feature the proprietary Blink-activated Moisture Technology. With each blink of the eye, moisturising agents are released from the matrix of the contact lens. This helps support clear vision and refreshing comfort, no matter what the day may bring.
“The Eurovision Song Contest is a spectacular event for the whole family. Today, people are looking for convenient and comfortable vision correction options that best suit their lifestyle at all ages. At Alcon, we focus on providing innovative products that will help people see better”, explains Kristofer Karlsson, General Manager, Alcon Nordic. “We found that partnering with the Eurovision Song Contest is a perfect way to educate and connect with our consumers and Eye Care Professionals as we launch across Europe, starting in March, a new family of Dailies contact lenses that fulfil different vision correction needs.”
Available in spherical, toric and multifocal designs, DAILIES® AquaComfort® PLUS family of contact lenses allows Eye Care Professionals to conveniently fit the majority of people by correcting the most common of refractive errors – near and farsightedness, presbyopia and astigmatism – so more people can enjoy the benefits of daily disposable contact lenses for refreshing comfort all day.
Visit DAILIES® to know more about DAILIES® AquaComfort® PLUS contact lenses.

VisitDenmark to partner with Eurovision

 

Geneva, Switzerland - VisitDenmark, the Danish tourism organisation, is set to become an Official Partner of the Eurovision Song Contest this year.

Confirmation of the partnership was announced by the Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Jon Ola Sand.
"We are delighted to have VisitDenmark on board as the Official Partner of this year's contest. We are sure the cooperation will help all visitors of the Eurovision Song Contest to get to know and see what the host country of Denmark has to offer," Sand says.

Through the partnership with the Eurovision Song Contest, VisitDenmark will receive a wide range of rights enabling them to run campaigns abroad in order to boost Denmark's awareness as a tourism destination.

On behalf of VisitDenmark, the Brand Manager, Anja Hartung Sfyrla says:

"The 2014 Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen is a great opportunity for us to increase the awareness of Denmark as a destination. We are very happy to make full use of this exciting occasion for Denmark, through the partnership with the EBU. We are a small nation with loads to offer and we look forward to using our experience with mega-events to actively engage with Europe and the wider world."
The 2014 Eurovision Song Contest, hosted by the EBU Member and Danish public broadcaster DR will take place in Copenhagen on the 10th of May, following Semi-Finals on the 6th and 8th of May.

Allocation Draw results: Who's in which Semi-Final?

 

 

TopicsDREBUnewsCopenhagen2014drawpressallocationSemi-Finals

 

Copenhagen, Denmark - Moments ago, the Host City Insignia ceremony and the Semi-Final Allocation Draw for the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest took place at the City Hall in Copenhagen, Denmark. Check out which countries will participate in each Semi-Final next May.

For the seventh year in a row the day started with the Host City Insignia ceremony. It is the ceremony where the mayor of the previous host city - Malmö - Mr. Kent Andersson hands over the symbolic Host City keys to the mayor of the city that will do that in 2014, Copenhagen, Mr. Frank Jensen. Starting from that moment, it's officially Copenhagen's turn to take over the hosting responsibilities.

Host Insignia & Allocation Draw

Check out the Full gallery

Then the hosts of the allocation draw, Tine Gøtsche and Ulla Essendrop, announced it was time for the most exciting moment as all countries were drawn into the Semi-Finals as well as in either the first or the second part of the shows. The first Semi-Final has 16 participants and the second one 15 contestants.
You can watch the draw again here on our ESC TV Player!
See the results below!

First Semi-Final

First half

• Sweden
• Albania
• Iceland
• Russia
• Latvia
• Azerbaijan
• Armenia
• Estonia

Second half

• Belgium
• Hungary
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• San Marino
• Portugal
• Ukraine
• The Netherlands

Second Semi-Final

First half

• Norway
• Israel
• Georgia
• Austria
• Lithuania
• Poland
• Malta

Second half

• F.Y.R.Macedonia
• Finland
• Ireland
• Romania
• Slovenia
• Belarus
• Greece
• Switzerland

Norway and Sweden were already drawn into Semi-Finals to assure a fair allocation of tickets in the Nordic region. Israel will take part in the second Semi-Final due to the first Semi-Final falling on their Independence day.
It was also drawn which Semi-Final the already qualified countries, the so-called Big 5 - Germany, Spain, France, the UK, Italy - and the Host Country of Denmark will broadcast and vote in.
First Semi-Final

• Spain
• France
• Denmark

Second Semi-Final

• Germany
• Italy
• United Kingdom

The German broadcaster ARD requested to air and vote in the 2nd Semi-Final which was approved by the reference group. The whole process was overseen by the EBU Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand, the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest Executive Producer Pernille Gaardbo and Thomas Niedermeyer from Digame, the official voting partner.
The final running order of the shows will be decided by the producers of the show again this year and approved by the EBU Executive Supervisor and the Reference Group.
This year's Eurovision Song Contest will take place on the 6th, 8th and 10th of May in the Danish city of Copenhagen. 37 countries are set to take part in the 59th edition of Europe's favourite TV show.

Slovenia joins Eurovision 2014, Semi-Final Allocation Draw on Monday

 

 

Copenhagen, Denmark - While it was announced that 36 countries would take part in the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest, the Slovenian broadcaster RTVSLO has decided to join the contest as well. Which countries will be in which Semi-Final will be decided on Monday at the Semi-Final Allocation Draw.

The Slovenian broadcaster had a final deadline for their decision on taking part in Copenhagen and have now confirmed they will indeed be competing in Copenhagen.
This means that this year's 37 participants are the broadcasters in Albania (RTSH), Armenia (AMPTV), Austria (ORF), Azerbaijan (Ictimai TV), Belarus (BTRC), Belgium (VRT), Denmark (DR), Estonia (ERR), Finland (YLE), France (France 3), Georgia (GPB), Germany (NDR), Greece (NERIT), Hungary (MTV), Iceland (RÚV), Ireland (RTÉ), Israel (IBA), Italy (RAI), Latvia (LTV), Lithuania (LRT), FYR Macedonia (MKRTV), Malta (PBS), Moldova (TRM), Montenegro (RTCG), the Netherlands (AvroTros), Norway (NRK), Poland (TVP), Portugal (RTP), Romania (TVR), Russia (RTR), San Marino (SRMTV), Slovenia (RTVSLO),Spain (TVE), Sweden (SVT), Switzerland (SRG SSR), United Kingdom (BBC) and Ukraine (NTU).

Time for a draw

The decision came just days before the so-called Semi-Final Allocation Draw where all Semi-Finalists will be drawn into their respective Semi-Finals. In addition to that the draw will decide which show will the pre-qualified countries of Denmark, France, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom broadcast and vote in.
Germany will broadcast the second Semi-Final for scheduling reasons, as requested by their broadcaster NDR and approved by the Reference Group.
You can see the draw LIVE on Eurovision.tv, starting at 14.00 CET on Monday!
It'll also be drawn in which half of the shows they'll take part. This is done due to planning purposes for the delegations - the ones performing in the second half of the shows can arrive a day later in Copenhagen.

The pots

To create more excitement, like past years, the 30 countries will be allocated to 5 pots based on voting patterns from the previous nine years. The pots were calculated by the televoting partner Digame and are as follows:
Pot 1

• Albania
• FYR Macedonia
• Montenegro
• Slovenia
• Switzerland

Pot 2

• Estonia
• Finland
• Iceland
• Latvia
• Lithuania

Pot 3

• Azerbaijan
• Belarus
• Georgia
• Russia
• Ukraine

Pot 4

• Armenia
• Belgium
• Greece
• Ireland
• The Netherlands

Pot 5

• Austria
• Hungary
• Poland
• San Marino

Pot 6

• Malta
• Moldova
• Portugal
• Romania

Norway and Sweden were already previously drawn into Semi-Finals to assure a fair allocation of tickets in the Nordic region. Israel will take part in the second Semi-Final due to the first Semi-Final falling on their Independence day.
The whole process will be overseen by the EBU Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand and Thomas Niedermeyer from Digame.
The same day also the Host City Insignia handover ceremony will take place where the mayor of Malmö will hand over the symbolic Eurovision Song Contest host city keys to the mayor of Copenhagen.

37 countries represented at Eurovision in 2014 [Updated]

Europe will once again gather for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2014.

 

Geneva, Switzerland - Public broadcasters from 37 countries have confirmed participation in the 59th Eurovision Song Contest. Poland (TVP) and Portugal (RTP) are making a comeback in 2014, while the new Greek public broadcaster NERIT is set to continue the nation's participation after last year's closure of its predecessor.

This year's 37 participants are the broadcasters in Albania (RTSH), Armenia (AMPTV), Austria (ORF), Azerbaijan (Ictimai TV), Belarus (BTRC), Belgium (VRT), Denmark (DR), Estonia (ERR), Finland (YLE), France (France 3), Georgia (GPB), Germany (NDR), Greece (NERIT), Hungary (MTV), Iceland (RÚV), Ireland (RTÉ), Israel (IBA), Italy (RAI), Latvia (LTV), Lithuania (LRT), FYR Macedonia (MKRTV), Malta (PBS), Moldova (TRM), Montenegro (RTCG), the Netherlands (AvroTros), Norway (NRK), Poland (TVP), Portugal (RTP), Romania (TVR), Russia (RTR), San Marino (SRMTV), Slovenia (RTVSLO) Spain (TVE), Sweden (SVT), Switzerland (SRG SSR), United Kingdom (BBC) and Ukraine (NTU).
One more country kept Europe on their toes till the 17th of January till we could announce that Slovenia decided to join the contest in 2014.
"We see broadcasters from Poland and Portugal returning to the competition as they seem to be on their way to recovery from the financial crisis, while others are facing tough choices as they are being hit by severe budget cuts," says Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
READ MORE: Sand 'happy' to have Portugal & Poland returning

Substantial effort made

The EBU made a "substantial effort" working with Members to find solutions for financial and organisational challenges, yet Bulgaria, Cyprus and Serbia saw no option but opting out of the 2014 contest.
Croatia stays home due to organisational reasons, Bosnia & Herzegovina withdrew after initially signing up for the contest. Several broadcasters already expressed to the EBU their intention to return in 2015, when the competition celebrates its 60th anniversary.

As France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the host country Denmark are automatically qualified for the Final, at least 30 countries will take part in the Semi-Finals. From each Semi-Final, ten countries will qualify for the Final.

This year's Eurovision Song Contest will be held at the B&W Hallerne in Copenhagen, Denmark, on the 6th, 8th and 10th of May and is hosted by the Danish EBU Member DR. Last year, the three shows reached some 180 million people across Europe, as well as in Australia, Kazakhstan and China.

Sand 'happy' to have Portugal & Poland back'

Jon Ola Sand. Photo: Thomas Hanses (EBU)

 

 

Geneva, Switzerland - Eurovision Song Contest organisers are are happy welcome Portugal and Poland back to the contest and are continuing discussions with more broadcaster for a return in 2015, Jon Ola Sand, the Executive Supervisor says.

There has been a lot of speculation about the list of participants for the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest over the past months. What happened?
We have over 30 broadcasters who are dedicated Eurovision Song Contest participants and consider it a highlight on their schedule. We are incredibly proud of that, and appreciate that commitment.
Over the years we have seen countries coming and going, and this year some broadcasters take a break to re-think their approach, others face financial difficulties.

Is it becoming too expensive for some broadcasters to participate?
A broadcaster that participates in the Eurovision Song Contest gets 7,5 hours of high quality live entertainment on prime time, bringing high ratings and a lot of excitement amongst the public.
We firmly believe they get high value for money. But we also understand that does not mean they can all easily afford it. It’s tough times and we see how public broadcasters in all corners of Europe have to deal with severe budget cuts.

What has the EBU done to get as many broadcasters as possible on board?
We are extremely sensitive to the big challenges faced by many of our Members. We have spent a lot of time working with those facing budget cuts and organisational challenges, and tried to find solutions so they can take part in Copenhagen.
The EBU froze participation fees for 2014 compared to last year. In 2013 we already shortened the rehearsal schedule with a day, cutting costs for delegations staying in the host city. This year, host broadcaster DR and their local partners negotiated sharp hotel prices.
Nevertheless, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Serbia had no other choice but staying home due to severe budget restraints. It is also unfortunate that after initially signing up, Bosnia & Herzegovina had to withdrawn, while Croatia has organisational challenges for not participating.
We are very happy to welcome back Poland and Portugal.

A question that's top-of-mind for many fans; Is there any chance to see Turkey returning to the competition?
We have made a lot of effort to bring back Turkey to the Eurovision Song Contest. But in the end, it's up to our Member Broadcaster TRT to decide if they want to be part of this unique pan-European cultural event. They are certainly welcome, and we know that many people across Europe would love to see them back. Therefor, we are continuing our talks with TRT.

What can we expect for the future of the Eurovision Song Contest?
Several broadcasters already expressed their interest to return in 2015, when we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest. We will also continue to work with broadcasters who are facing challenges. One thing is for sure: we need to adapt to reality.
As long as we are in close contact with our Member Broadcasters, listen to their challenges and are eager to find solution, this is something we can deal with. The next stop is Copenhagen, where our Danish colleagues are preparing a Eurovision Song Contest unlike ever before.

Eurovision Supervisor addresses concerns on Russia

 

Geneva, Switzerland - In an interview with host broadcaster, DR, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, Jon Ola Sand, has responded to concerns surrounding the implementation of Russia’s new laws against so-called ”homosexual propaganda” and how they could affect the competition if again held in Russia.

The Reference Group of the Eurovision Song Contest has sent an official letter to Russia’s two largest TV channels. Here they asked questions about whether the country’s much debated laws on "non-traditional sexual relations" will have an impact if Russia again should win the right to host the Eurovision Song Contest.
”From our side, this is completely undramatic”, explains Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, Jon Ola Sand.
”We have been asked by several of our member states and by journalists and fans, whether the new laws could affect the Eurovision Song Contest. That is why we have been in dialogue with the two Russian TV companies that are members of the EBU”, he says in an interview with Danish broadcaster, DR.
”There is no reason to believe that we cannot organise the Eurovision Song Contest in Russia”, he affirms.

It's up to the individual countries to decide

According to the German magazine Stern, a Swedish member of the Reference Group has raised doubts about whether Sweden would participate if Russia wins again. However, this has not been confirmed as the official position of Swedish broadcaster, SVT, Jon Ola Sand informs.
”Every year there is a discussion about who will take part in the competition and it is naturally up to each individual broadcaster to decide”, he says.
Russia hosted a very successful edition of the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2009, when Norway took home the victory with Alexander Rybak's megahit Fairytale.