Everyone thought the drama would end in 2024. It seems we were wrong.

Michael looks into the withdrawals and disqualifications in 2025’s national final season.

What’s going on?

What should the broadcasters do?

Who’s to blame?

Get more of the love:

• By being SOCIAL and following JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision
• By LISTENING to the worldwide podcast via Spotify
• By sharing your thoughts with the HASHTAG #JOYEurovision

The post National Final drama: A season of DQs appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

One of the most exciting national finals is upon us, as Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu returns for 2025. Finland‘s UMK (or New Music Competition) continues to deliver some amazing tunes, all worthy of heading to Eurovision.

Michael runs through the six songs in the running for the UMK win, and shares his thoughts about the possibilities.

What would make Australian radio?

Who’s Michael’s pick for the win?

Can the juries be trusted?

Get more of the love:

• By being SOCIAL and following JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision
• By LISTENING to the worldwide podcast via Spotify
• By sharing your thoughts with the HASHTAG #JOYEurovision

Playlist

NEW: Windows95Man – Paperclip

NEEA RIVER – Nightmares

Nelli Matula – Hitaammin Hautaan [Slower to the Grave]

costee – Sekаisin [I messed up]

VIIVI – Aina [Always]

Goldielocks – Made Of

Erika Vikman – ICH KOMME [I’M COMING]

The post Previewing Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2025: May the best Finn win appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

After Tali fought for Eurovision success in 2024, the Grand Duchy is back with another edition of the Luxembourg Song Contest.

Michael, Io and Icelandic queen Hera Björk preview the seven songs in contention for the golden ticket to Basel.

The big show takes place on Saturday 25 January (the early morning of Sunday 26 January for Melbourne) and can be watched via RTL Play.

What tips does Hera have for the Luxembourgish contestants?

How might the staging look?

What does Hera have to say about it all?

Get more of the love:

• By being SOCIAL and following JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision
• By LISTENING to the worldwide podcast via Spotify
• By sharing your thoughts with the HASHTAG #JOYEurovision

Playlist

Laura Thorn – La poupée monte le son [French: The doll turns up the sound]

MÄNA – Human Eyes

One Last Time – Gambler’s Song

Rhythmic Soulwave – Stronger

Zero Point Five – Ride

Luzac – Je danse [French: I dance]

Rafa Ela – No Thank You

The post Previewing Luxembourg Song Contest 2025: Let the Duchy decide appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

In 2010, an Icelandic diva took to the Eurovision stage in Oslo and has remained in our hearts since.

Thanks to Je ne sais quoi, Hera Björk became a household name in every Eurovision-loving home, and we keep hoping she’d visit.

Finally, after an aborted attempt in 2020 and a return ESC performance in 2024, we get to have the Queen of Effing Everything on Aussie soil.

Michael and Io chat with Hera about finally being in Australia and what it’s taken to get here. Plus, enjoy a special live performance of that 2010 banger made intimate!

What lifestyle show starring Hera will Michael be pitching to SBS?

Where will Hera be off to while she’s here?

What’s so special about Australia?

Catch up with Hera:

• See Hera perform on the Main Stage at Midsumma Carnival on Sunday 19 January 2025
• Grab tickets to Hera’s residency cabaret show at Pride of our Footscray from 21 to 25 January 2025 via the Midsumma website
• Help Hera raise money for skaters at the special Queen of the Ice(land) show in Melbourne on 22 January 2025
• Catch Hera across Australia with details via the Euro Party website

Get more of the love:

• By being SOCIAL and following JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision
• By LISTENING to the worldwide podcast via Spotify
• By sharing your thoughts with the HASHTAG #JOYEurovision

The post A show fit for a Queen: It’s Hera Björk! appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

It’s great to have Montenegro back in the Eurovision fold once again. And it’s even better to have another Balkan national final to enjoy.

Michael and Io dive into the drama that was Montesong and pull out some gems to enjoy.

How much rock can a Montenegrin rock?

What’s with all the drama?

Who’s the poster child for Montenegrin Disney?

Get more of the love:

• By being SOCIAL and following JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision
• By LISTENING to the worldwide podcast via Spotify
• By sharing your thoughts with the HASHTAG #JOYEurovision

Playlist

Milena Vučić – Škorpija [Scorpion]

Đurđa – To ljubav je [That is love]

Baryak – Dva Srca [Two Hearts]

NeonoeN – Clickbait

The post Reviewing Montesong: Welcome to the clickbait drama appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

JOYEurovision is back for another year, and what a year it’s already been.

Michael and Io begin season 2025 with every Eurofan’s favourite: Albania’s Festivali i Këngës. The 63rd edition gave Shkodra Elektronike the ticket to Basel to perform Zjerm, but what of the other songs that were trying to get the gig?

Whose arms got Io going?

Which song should be the theme for Albania’s World Cup hosting bid?

Who should become a FiK staple?

Get more of the love:

• By being SOCIAL and following JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision
• By LISTENING to the worldwide podcast via Spotify
• By sharing your thoughts with the HASHTAG #JOYEurovision

Playlist

Ardit Çuni – Amane

Lorenc Hasrama – Frymë [Spirit]

Vesa Smolica – Lutem [Please]

Alis – Mjegull [Fog]

Elvana Gjata – Karnaval [Carnival]

The post Reviewing FiK 63: When the heart takes over appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

We’ve heard from one half of this year’s talented lot, but there are still nine songs left in the running for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest trophy for 2024.

Michael and Io run through the second half of #JESC2024 and realise some broadcasters know kids better than others.

Who don’t we want to be upset?

Who’s understood the assignment?

Which is our favourite to win?

Don’t miss out on the fun – watch the shindig direct from Madrid via the JESC YouTube channel from 4am on Sunday 17 November AEDT. And make sure you vote at jesc.tv

Get into it

Watch the official video by following the link.

Listen to the official album via your preferred store.

Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads & TikTok at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision

Not in Australia? Grab an edited version of this podcast via Spotify Podcasts.

Playlist

Georgia: Andria Putkaradze – To My Mom       

Spain: Chloe DelaRosa – Como La Lola [Like Lola]       

Germany: Bjarne – Save The Best For Us       

The Netherlands: Stay Tuned – Music       

San Marino: Idols SM – Come Noi [Like Us]       

Ukraine: Artem Kotenko – Hear Me Now       

Portugal: Victoria Nicole – Esperança [Hope]       

Ireland: Enya Cox Dempsey – Le Chéile [Together]       

Malta: Ramires Sciberras – Stilla Ċkejkna [Young Star]       

The post Previewing the second half of Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2024 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

The kids are back to let the world know they’re talented, mean business and hate fossil fuels.

Michael and Bryan preview the first half of Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2024, with eight songs blooming in your earholes ahead of the big event at 4am on Sunday 17 November AEDT.

Where’s the Australian connection?

Who’s looking fabulous?

Can France make it three in a row?

Don’t miss out on the fun – watch the shindig direct from Madrid via the JESC YouTube channel.

Get into it

Watch the official video by following the link.

Listen to the official album via your preferred store.

Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads & TikTok at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision

Not in Australia? Grab an edited version of this podcast via Spotify Podcasts.

Playlist

France 2023: Zoé Clauzure – Cœur [Heart]       

Italy: Simone Grande – Pigiama Party [Pyjama Party]       

Estonia: ANNABELLE – Tänavad [The streets]       

Albania: Nikol Çabeli – Vallëzoj [Dance]       

Armenia: Leo – Cosmic Friend       

Cyprus: Maria Pissarides – Crystal Waters       

France: Titouan – Comme ci comme ça [Like this, like that]       

North Macedonia: Ana and Aleksej – Marathon       

Poland: Dominik Arim – All Together       

The post Previewing the first half of Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2024 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

We couldn’t squeeze babbleVISION into just one hour, so enjoy another!

As a special treat for JOY Radiothon, find out what happens when the end of JOYEurovision meets the beginning of season 11 of babblePOP!.

Michael and Io are still hoping you’ll help JOY flourish by becoming a member, donating or buying some totes cool merch. You can do it right now at joy.org.au/radiothon (and make sure you tell them babbleVISION sent you!). 

Who’s the gayest person around?

Which artist’s back catalogue will Io be diving into?

Who deserves a moment on the Eurovision stage?

📲 Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads & TikTok at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision

🌍 Not in Australia? Grab this podcast via Spotify Podcasts.

We’ll be back later in the year for Junior Eurovision. Enjoy the winter break.

Playlist

CatCat – Bye-bye, baby [Finland 1994]

Benjamin 🏳️‍🌈 & BESS – Paremmin ku kukaan muu [Finnish: Better than anyone else]

Grethe Kausland & Benny Borg – Småting [Norway 1972]

Agnete Saba – Lykkerus [Norwegian: Bliss]

Jalisse – Fiumi di parole [Italy 1997]

Eiffel 65 & Loredana Bertè – BESTIALE [Italian: BESTIAL]

Kikki Danielsson – Bra Vibrationer [Sweden 1983]

Miss Li – Misstag [Swedish: Mistake]

Tina Karol – Show Me Your Love [Ukraine 2006]

Olya Polyakova – Щоб не плакати, я сміюсь [Ukrainian: I laugh to keep from crying]

The post babbleVISION: Flourishing with JOY (Part 2) [Season final] appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

It’s JOY Radiothon time, when we ask you to help your favourite LGBTIQA media organisation by supporting us financially.

It’s also the time of year when JOYEurovision finishes and babblePOP! returns.

So what better way to celebrate than having an extra special crossover event – babbleVISION!

Michael and Io allow some Eurovision classics to flourish alongside new releases in languages other than English, and it’s a treat for your earholes.

Whose butt needs talking about?

What TV show needs to find a place at JOY?

Who’s playing to the gays?

📲 Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads & TikTok at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision

🌍 Not in Australia? Grab this podcast via Spotify Podcasts.

Playlist

Elitsa Todorova & Stoyan Yankoulov – Water [Bulgaria 2007]

AZIS 🏳️‍🌈 & LIDIA – Лудница (Ludnica) [Bulgarian: Madhouse]

Edyta Górniak – To Nie Ja [Poland 1994]

Top Girls – Moje serce należy do Ciebie [Polish: My heart belongs to you]

Rebeka Dremelj – Vrag Naj Vzame [Slovenia 2008]

Domen Kumer – Halo, Halo?! [Slovenian]

Modern Folk Trio & Ayşegül – Dönme dolap [Türkiye 1981]

Demet Akalın – Dön Gece Olmadan [Turkish: Without the night]

Profil – Hé, hé, m’sieurs, dames [France 1980]

Bon Entendeur & Nicoletta – Fio Maravilha [French]

The post babbleVISION: Flourishing with JOY (Part 1) appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

It’s only been two weeks since the Grand Final, but it feels so much longer. Michael and Io try to wade through the Eurovision wash-up to make sense of all...

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The post The wash-up, the Eurovision latest: It’s a 2024 Europarty appeared first on JOY Eurovision.