#mcgettigans

[eurovisionart]

🇮🇪 Paul Harrington & Charlie McGettigan - Rock 'n' Roll Kids

[eurovision-song-bracket]

Songs from the 90s

1993 - “In Your Eyes” Niamh Kavanagh (Ireland)

1994 - “Rock 'n' Roll Kids” Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan (Ireland)

[rthwrms]

me cause i have hope

12mil year old praying mantis encased in amber

amy beager

mantega, madonna of victory (1466) detail

cassie mcgettigan (detail)

1929 image of unidentified victorian women

[theyhavetakenovermylife]

Their Favorite Eurovision Songs 1956 - 2024 (Headcanons)

Rise!Turtles + Bonus!

A/N: I was just so hyped to see that Albania had chosen Shkodra Elektronike with Zjerm to represent them in Eurovision 2025, that I just HAD to write this. Two songs into 2025! Let’s see if it will get as chaotic this year like it did last year😂😅💚

Warnings: Flashing lights

Raphael:

1 points: TiTAN - Besa (Albania🇦🇱, 2024)

2 points: Ai Coração - Mimicat (Portugal🇵🇹, 2023)

3 points: Satellite - Lena (Germany🇩🇪, 2010)

4 points: Only Teardrops - Emmelie de Forest (Denmark🇩🇰, 2013)

5 points: Take Me to Your Heaven - Charlotte Nilsson (Sweden🇸🇪, 1999)

6 points: Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi - Céline Dion (Switzerland🇨🇭, 1988)

7 points: J’aime La Vie - Sandra Kim (Belgium🇧🇪, 1986)

8 points: We Will Rave - Kaleen (Austria🇦🇹, 2024)

10 points: Waterloo - ABBA (Sweden🇸🇪, 1974)

12 points: Euphoria - Loreen (Sweden🇸🇪, 2012)

Leonardo:

1 points: Making Your Mind Up - Bucks Fizz (United Kingdom🇬🇧, 1981)

2 points: Euphoria - Loreen (Sweden🇸🇪, 2012)

3 points: Take Me to Your Heaven - Charlotte Nilsson (Sweden🇸🇪, 1999)

4 points: Zorra - Nebulossa (Spain🇪🇸, 2024)

5 points: La Noia - Angelina Mango (Italy🇮🇹, 2024)

6 points: Zitti E Buoni - Måneskin (Italy🇮🇹, 2021)

7 points: Waterloo - ABBA (Sweden🇸🇪, 1974)

8 points: Soldi - Mahmood (Italy🇮🇹, 2019)

10 points: SloMo - Chanel (Spain🇪🇸, 2022)

12 points: Fuego - Eleni Foureira (Cyprus🇨🇾, 2018)

Donatello:

1 points: Because Of You - Gustaph (Belgium🇧🇪, 2023)

2 points: Only Teardrops - Emmelie de Forest (Denmark🇩🇰, 2013)

3 points: Popular - Eric Saade (Sweden🇸🇪, 2011)

4 points: The Code - Nemo (Switzerland🇨🇭, 2024)

5 points: Tattoo - Loreen (Sweden🇸🇪, 2023)

6 points: Waterloo - ABBA (Sweden🇸🇪, 1974)

7 points: Euphoria - Loreen (Sweden🇸🇪, 2012)

8 points: Before The Party Is Over - Mustii (Belgium🇧🇪, 2024)

10 points: Shum - Go_A (Ukraine🇺🇦, 2021)

12 points: Europapa - Joost Klein (Netherlands🇳🇱, 2024)

Michelangelo:

1 points: Puppet On A String - Sandie Shaw (United Kingdom🇬🇧, 1967)

2 points: 10 Years - Dadi og Gagnamagnid (Iceland🇮🇸, 2021)

3 points: Moustache - Twin Twin (France🇫🇷, 2014)

4 points: Give That Wolf A Banana - Subwoofer (Norway🇳🇴, 2022)

5 points: No Rules! - Windows95man (Finland🇫🇮, 2024)

6 points: Run Away - SunStroke Project and Olia Tira (Moldova🇲🇩, 2010)

7 points: Rim Tim Tagi Dim - Baby Lasagna (Croatia🇭🇷, 2024)

8 points: Dancing Lasha Tumbai - Verka Sandurchka (Ukraine🇺🇦, 2007)

10 points: Stefania - Kalush Orchestra (Ukraine🇺🇦, 2022)

12 points: Cha Cha Cha - Käärijä (Finland🇫🇮, 2023)

Bonus!

Splinter:

1 points: In A Moment Like This - Chanée and N’evergreen (Denmark🇩🇰, 2010)

2 points: Only Teardrops - Emmelie de Forest (Denmark🇩🇰, 2013)

3 points: Voila - Barbara Pravi (France🇫🇷, 2021)

4 points: Özülne Apar - Fahree (ft. Ilkin Dovletov) (Azerbaijan🇦🇿, 2024)

5 points: Refrain - Lys Assia (Switzerland🇨🇭, 1956)

6 points: Tout L'univers - Gjon’s Tears (Switzerland🇨🇭, 2021)

7 points: Euphoria - Loreen (Sweden🇸🇪, 2012)

8 points: Fly On The Wings Of Love - Brødrene Olsen (Denmark🇩🇰, 2000)

10 points: Teresa & Maria - alyona alyona, Jerry Heil (Ukraine🇺🇦, 2024)

12 points: Waterloo - ABBA (Sweden🇸🇪, 1974)

Baron Draxum:

1 points: De Troubadour - Lenny Kuhr (Netherlands🇳🇱, 1969)

2 points: Rock Bottom - Lynsey de Paul and Mike Moran (United Kingdom🇬🇧, 1977)

3 points: Tout L'univers - Gjon’s Tears (Switzerland🇨🇭, 2021)

4 points: Calm After The Storm - The Common Linnets (Netherlands🇳🇱, 2014)

5 points: Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids - Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan (Ireland🇮🇪, 1994)

6 points: Beautiful Mess - Kristian Kostov (Bulgaria🇧🇬, 2017)

7 points: Hold Me - Farid Mammadov (Azerbaijan🇦🇿, 2013)

8 points: Molitva - Marija Serifovic (Serbia🇷🇸, 2007)

10 points: 1944 - Jamala (Ukraine🇺🇦, 2016)

12 points: Amar Pelos Dois - Salvador Sobral (Portugal🇵🇹, 2017)

April:

1 points: Running Scared - Ell and Nikki (Azerbaijan🇦🇿, 2011)

2 points: Only Teardrops - Emmelie de Forest (Denmark🇩🇰, 2013)

3 points: La Noia - Angelina Mango (Italy🇮🇹, 2024)

4 points: Everyway That I Can - Sertab Erener (Turkey🇹🇷, 2003)

5 points: My Number One - Helena Paparizou (Greece🇬🇷, 2005)

6 points: Euphoria - Loreen (Sweden🇸🇪, 2012)

7 points: Shady Lady - Ani Lorak (Ukraine🇺🇦, 2008)

8 points: Évidemment - La Zarra (France🇫🇷, 2023)

10 points: Rise Like A Phoenix - Conchita Wurst (Austria🇦🇹, 2014)

12 points: The Code - Nemo (Switzerland🇨🇭, 2024)

Cassandra:

1 points: Euphoria - Loreen (Sweden🇸🇪, 2012)

2 points: Jezebel - The Rasmus (Finland🇫🇮, 2022)

3 points: Promise - Voyager (Australia🇦🇺, 2023)

4 points: Ulveham - Gåte (Norway🇳🇴, 2024)

5 points: Blood & Glitter - Lord Of The Lost (Germany🇩🇪, 2023)

6 points: Zitti E Buoni - Måneskin (Italy🇮🇹, 2021)

7 points: Dark Side - Blind Channel (Finland🇫🇮, 2021)

8 points: We Could Be The Same - Manga (Turkey🇹🇷, 2010)

10 points: Doomsday Blue - Bambie Thug (Ireland🇮🇪, 2024)

12 points: Hard Rock Hallelujah - Lordi (Finland🇫🇮, 2006)

Casey Jr:

1 points: Brividi - Mahmood and Blanco (Italy🇮🇹, 2022)

2 points: Euphoria - Loreen (Sweden🇸🇪, 2012)

3 points: The Code - Nemo (Switzerland🇨🇭, 2024)

4 points: Soldi - Mahmood (Italy🇮🇹, 2019)

5 points: Promise - Voyager (Australia🇦🇺, 2023)

6 points: Fairytale - Alexander Rybak (Norway🇳🇴, 2009)

7 points: What’s Another Year - Johnny Logan (Ireland🇮🇪, 1980)

8 points: Zitti E Buoni - Måneskin (Italy🇮🇹, 2021)

10 points: We Could Be The Same - Manga (Turkey🇹🇷, 2010)

12 points: Stefania - Kalush Orchestra (Ukraine🇺🇦, 2022)

[unibrowzz]

The Signs and their Eurovision winners

Another year, another update! Wonder if I should make a birthday list so y'all can see if you share a birthday with anyone?

♈ Aries: Agnetha Fältskog (ABBA, 1974), Ard Weeink (Teach-In, 1975) Lee Sheridan (Brotherhood of Man, 1976), Elisabeth Andreassen (Bobbysocks, 1985), Céline Dion (1988), Nenad Nakić (Riva, 1989), Linda Martin (1992), Rolf Løvland (Secret Garden, 1995) Katrina Leskanich (Katrina and the Waves, 1997), Nils Olsen (Olsen Brothers, 2000), Sergei Morgun (2XL, 2001) Duncan Laurence (2019)

♉ Taurus: Teddy Scholten (1959), Jacqueline Boyer (1960), Jørgen Ingmann (1963), Björn Ulvaeus (ABBA, 1974), Marie Myriam (1977), Johnny Logan (1980 and 1987), Jay Aston (Bucks Fizz, 1981), Emilija Kokić, Dalibor Musap AND Zvonimir Zrilić (All Riva, 1989), Paul Harrington (1994), Alexander Rybak (2009), Victoria de Angelis (Måneskin, 2021), Oleh Psiuk and MC KylymMen (both Kalush Orchestra, 2022), JJ (2025)

♊ Gemini: Grethe Ingmann (1963), Anne-Marie David (1973), Salomé (Spain, 1969), Koos Versteeg (Teach-In, 1975), Kaido Põldma (2XL, 2001), Ruslana (2004), Lena Meyer-Landrut (2010), Eldar Qasımov (Ell & Nikki, 2011), Måns Zelmerlöw (2015)

♋ Cancer: John Gaasbeek (Teach-In, 1975), Toto Cutugno (1990), Amen and OX (both Lordi, 2006)

♌ Leo: Isabelle Aubret (1962), Massiel (1968), Vicky Leandros (1972), Per and Richard Herrey (Herreys, 1984), Bobby Gee (Bucks Fizz, 1981), Marie N (2002), Nemo (2024)

♍ Virgo: Dana (1970), Boško Colić (Riva, 1989), Carola (1991), Fionnuala Sherry and Hans Frederik-Jacobsen (Secret Garden and Co, 1995), Indrek Soom (2XL, 2001), Nigar Jamal (Ell & Nikki, 2011), Jamala (2016)

♎ Libra: France Gall (1965), Udo Jürgens (1966), Séverine (1971), Chris de Wolde (Teach-In, 1975), Smulik Bilu (Milk and Honey, 1979), Sandra Kim (1986), Åsa Jinder (Secret Garden and Co, 1995) Vince de la Cruz (Katrina and the Waves, 1997), Charlotte Nilsson (1999), Loreen (2012 and 2023), Ethan Torchio (Måneskin, 2021), Sasha Tab and Vitalii Duzhyk (Kalush Orchestra, 2022)

♏ Scorpio: Jean-Claude Pascale (1961), Frida Boccara (France 1969), Lulu (UK, 1969), Anni-Frid Lyngstad (ABBA, 1974), Rudi Nijhuis (Teach-In, 1975), Reuven Erez (Alphabeta, 1978), Nicole (1982), Corinne Hermès (1983), Louis Herrey (Herreys, 1984), Tanel Padar (2001), Marija Šerifović (2007), Conchita Wurst (2014)

♐ Sagittarius: Corry Brokken (1957), Gigliola Cinquetti (1964), Benny Andersson (ABBA, 1974), Martin Lee, Nicky Stevens AND Sandra Stevens (all Brotherhood of Man, 1976), Reuven Gvirtz (Milk and Honey, 1979), Mike Nolan (Bucks Fizz, 1981), Charlie McGettigan (1994), Eimear Quinn (1996), Kimberley Rew (Katrina and the Waves, 1997), Sertab Erener (2003)

♑ Capricorn: André Claveau (1958)***, Esther Tzuberi (Alphabeta, 1978), Gali Altari (1979), Aleksandra Kalafatović (Riva, 1989) Dima Bilan (2008), Salvador Sobral (2017), Damiano David and Thomas Raggi (both Måneskin, 2021), Ihor Didenchuk (Kalush Orchestra, 2022)

♒ Aquarius: Yehuda Tamir (Milk and Honey, 1979), Hanne Krogh (Bobbysocks, 1985), Niamh Kavanagh (1993), Gunnhild Tvinnereim (Secret Garden and Co, 1995), Dana International (1998), Dave Benton (2001), Helena Paparizou (2005), Mr Lordi and Kita (both Lordi, 2006), Netta Barzilai (2018), Tymofii Muzychuk (Kalush Orchestra, 2022)**

♓ Pisces: Lys Assia (1956), Sandie Shaw (1967), Lenny Kuhr (Netherlands, 1969), Getty Kaspers (Teach-In, 1975), Yizhar Cohen (1978), Cheryl Baker (Bucks Fizz, 1981) Jørgen Olsen (Olsen Brothers, 2000), Lauri Pihlap (2XL, 2001) Awa (Lordi, 2006), Emmelie de Forest (2013)

UNKNOWN: Lisa Gold-Rubin*, Itzhak Okev and Nehama Shutan* (all Alphabeta, 1978), Alex Cooper (Katrina and the Waves, 1997)

*I did uncover some information regarding Lisa Gold-Rubin and Nehama Shutan which would make them Pisces and Leo respectively, however I was unable to confirm whether they were the actual Eurovision performers or whether they just happened to share the same names. The lead for Gold-Rubin is stronger... but still unconfirmed 😅

**Some sites list Tymofii's birthday as being in September, however his actual Ukrainian Wikipedia page shows it as February 6th, so that's what I'm going with

***Claveau's Google profile and Wikipedia page listed his birthday as 17th December for ages, which is what I used. However his Wikipedia page now lists 29th December, changing him from Sagittarius to Capricorn. His French Wikipedia page also gives 29th December as his birthday, and who I am to doubt the French when it comes to their own countryman?

Corrections/additional information welcome!

[qnewsau]

Queer Eurovision winner wants Israel out in 2026

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/queer-eurovision-winner-wants-israel-out-in-2026/

Queer Eurovision winner wants Israel out in 2026

Queer Eurovision winner JJ stated he’d like next year’s contest to take place ‘without Israel.’

The 24-year-old singer won the title for Austria in Basel, Switzerland, last week.

It came down to him and Israel’s artist Yuval Raphael for the trophy.

By winning Eurovision, Austria will host the contest next year, and Spanish publication El País asked JJ about Israel’s inclusion.

“It is very disappointing to see that Israel continues to participate in the contest,” he said.

“I would like next year’s Eurovision to take place in Vienna without Israel.

“But the ball is in the court of the organiser, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), we, the artists, can only express our views on the subject.”

He did pull back on his comments later with a statement coming from his label saying that “My words were misunderstood.”

“Although I am critical of the Israeli government, I condemn all forms of violence against civilians anywhere in the world – be it against Israelis or Palestinians. I will not comment further on this issue,” the statement also read.

Other winners raise concerns

JJ  isn’t the only recent winner to raise concerns, though.

Nemo, the non-binary Swiss champion from 2024, also called for Israel to be removed.

“I personally feel like it doesn’t make sense that Israel is a part of this Eurovision,” they said.

“Israel’s actions are fundamentally at odds with the values that Eurovision claims to uphold — peace, unity, and respect for human rights.”

It also followed a letter from 72 former Eurovision artists calling for Israel’s expulsion.

The signatories include two former winners of Eurovision: Portugal’s Salvador Sobral and Ireland’s Charlie McGettigan.

Organisers unlikely to remove Israel

The EBU, who organise Eurovision, are made up of member broadcasters (such as Britain’s BBC) and is a politically neutral organisation. 

They have consistently rejected calls for Israel to be removed from the contest.

In a letter to Members of the European Parliament who raised concerns, they stated:

“Participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is extended to all EBU member broadcasters. The Israeli broadcaster, Kan, is a full and active member of the EBU and is therefore eligible to take part,” they said. 

“The EBU is also aligned with other international organisations, including sports unions and federations, that have similarly maintained their inclusive stance towards Israeli participants in major competitions at this time.”

Next year’s contest

The host city in Austria is expected to be announced in the next few months.

The full list of competing broadcasters and countries will be made public towards the end of this year.

At this stage ,it is unknown if Australia will compete in 2026.

Australia missed out on the Eurovision Grand Final by one spot – finishing 11th in their semi-final.

Read next:

Another queer winner at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest

The queer artists in the Eurovision 2025 grand final

Former Eurovision contestants call for Israel to be banned

  For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[vintageurovision]

Eurovision Song Contest 1994

April 30 1994 | Dublin, Ireland

In 1994 seven countries joined the Eurovision Song Contest in what was the biggest single expansion in participants since the contest began in 1956. Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Russia and Slovakia all competed in the 39th Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin. Poland's debut at the Eurovision Song Contest was very successful when their representative Edyta Gorniak finished second with 166 points.

The interval act in 1994 was the then unknown Riverdance, an act which combined traditional Irish folk music with modern dance. Riverdance became a global phenomenon, with the exception of participating artists, it is arguably the biggest money-spinner ever created by Eurovision. Lithuania scored zero points with its first ever entry.

Never before in the history of the song contest had a country had won three times in a row. The Irish entrants Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan sang Rock 'n Roll Kids, which in the end was 60 points ahead of the runner-up and at 226 points was the highest score ever at a Eurovision Song Contest up to that date. [eurovision.tv]

[watch the show]

[somewhatreal]

Cassie McGettigan, Devon Road, 2022

[hoodoverhollywood]

Irish Start-Up, Luxury Exchange, Bags Profit with Community Building & Circular Fashion

Luxury Exchange, an Irish start-up owned by Caitriona McGettigan and Cillian Moloney, recorded €1M in turnover last year and is on track to achieve €4M in turnover in 2025. Luxury Exchange is a curated collection of pre-loved designer handbags, clothing, and accessories; all at incredible value. The business started when Caitriona, an avid fashion lover, saw a gap in the market for the resale of…

[manversus]

Dozens of former Eurovision contestants have signed an open letter urging the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to ban Israel and its public broadcaster from this year’s contest, accusing it of whitewashing alleged war crimes in Gaza.

The letter blasted last year’s Eurovision in Sweden as “the most politicised, chaotic and unpleasant in the competition’s history,” and accused Israeli public broadcaster KAN of being “complicit in Israel’s genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza and the decades-long regime of apartheid and military occupation against the entire Palestinian people.”

Among the 72 signatories are the UK’s Mae Muller, Ireland’s Charlie McGettigan, and Portugal’s Fernando Tordo.

“By continuing to platform the representation of the Israeli state, the EBU is normalising and whitewashing its crimes,” the letter said.

“The EBU has already demonstrated that it is capable of taking measures, as in 2022, when it expelled Russia from the competition. We don’t accept this double standard regarding Israel,” it added.

Controversy over Israel’s participation escalated in 2023, when a KAN journalist was filmed joking with Israeli soldiers beside a tank shell.

Irish contestant Bambie Thug also accused KAN of “inciting violence against me, twice, three times,” with the controversy causing the singer to withdraw from dress rehearsals.

[eurovision-song-bracket]

Songs from the 90s

1993 - “A Cidade Até Ser Dia” by Anabela (Portugal)

1994 - “Rock 'n' Roll Kids” Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan (Ireland)

[aijamisespava]

Eurovision 1994

We go into the next year on my list to rank the songs. 1994 is a year of change in the contest as both former Yugoslavic countries and former Soviet countries starting their debuts (namely Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Russia, and Slovakia). The same could be said for 1993, but that's going to be saved for when I actually rank 1993.

Ireland also made history as the first and only country to win three times in a row with Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan performing the touching "Rock 'n' Roll Kids."

My winner was Poland with their debut entry with "To nie ja!" by Edyta Górniak.

[ehowfind]

McGettigans Pre-Opening Hiring Announcement -2024

As McGettigans pre-opening hiring announcement to expand its global presence, they are excited to announce hiring for multiple positions

As McGettigans pre-opening hiring announcement to expand its global presence, they are excited to announce hiring for multiple positions for their 2024 pre-opening at their new location in Internet city. . They are looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join their team in providing authentic Irish hospitality experiences. The upcoming location goose and Gander London pub offer…

[truecolinization]

Crackpot-Jackpot

The birthplace and home of the “Colinizers “ , Colleen and Collin McGettigan . Born to Aisha and Aloysius. McGettigan . These evolving superheroes are cutting their teeth in the family business of the circus/ party supply store.

They live in “Tripod-Towers “ a condo building designed by their architect Mother , in Westnutville, a suburb of Philadelphia. The fun is just beginning!!





[unibrowzz]

The Signs and their Eurovision winners

Here we are again, with just one new name this time, but one for a rarely seen sign for once 👀

♈ Aries: Agnetha Fältskog (ABBA, 1974), Ard Weeink (Teach-In, 1975) Lee Sheridan (Brotherhood of Man, 1976), Elisabeth Andreassen (Bobbysocks, 1985), Céline Dion (1988), Nenad Nakić (Riva, 1989), Linda Martin (1992), Rolf Løvland (Secret Garden, 1995) Katrina Leskanich (Katrina and the Waves, 1997), Nils Olsen (Olsen Brothers, 2000), Sergei Morgun (2XL, 2001) Duncan Laurence (2019)

♉ Taurus: Teddy Scholten (1959), Jacqueline Boyer (1960), Jørgen Ingmann (1963), Björn Ulvaeus (ABBA, 1974), Marie Myriam (1977), Johnny Logan (1980 and 1987), Jay Aston (Bucks Fizz, 1981), Emilija Kokić, Dalibor Musap AND Zvonimir Zrilić (All Riva, 1989), Paul Harrington (1994), Alexander Rybak (2009), Victoria de Angelis (Måneskin, 2021), Oleh Psiuk and MC KylymMen (both Kalush Orchestra, 2022)

♊ Gemini: Grethe Ingmann (1963), Anne-Marie David (1973), Salomé (Spain, 1969), Koos Versteeg (Teach-In, 1975), Kaido Põldma (2XL, 2001), Ruslana (2004), Lena Meyer-Landrut (2010), Eldar Qasımov (Ell & Nikki, 2011), Måns Zelmerlöw (2015)

♋ Cancer: John Gaasbeek (Teach-In, 1975), Toto Cutugno (1990), Amen and OX (both Lordi, 2006)

♌ Leo: Isabelle Aubret (1962), Massiel (1968), Vicky Leandros (1972), Per and Richard Herrey (Herreys, 1984), Bobby Gee (Bucks Fizz, 1981), Marie N (2002), Nemo (2024)

♍ Virgo: Dana (1970), Boško Colić (Riva, 1989), Carola (1991), Fionnuala Sherry and Hans Frederik-Jacobsen (Secret Garden and Co, 1995), Indrek Soom (2XL, 2001), Nigar Jamal (Ell & Nikki, 2011), Jamala (2016)

♎ Libra: France Gall (1965), Udo Jürgens (1966), Séverine (1971), Chris de Wolde (Teach-In, 1975), Smulik Bilu (Milk and Honey, 1979), Sandra Kim (1986), Åsa Jinder (Secret Garden and Co, 1995) Vince de la Cruz (Katrina and the Waves, 1997), Charlotte Nilsson (1999), Loreen (2012 and 2023), Ethan Torchio (Måneskin, 2021), Sasha Tab and Vitalii Duzhyk (Kalush Orchestra, 2022)

♏ Scorpio: Jean-Claude Pascale (1961), Frida Boccara (France 1969), Lulu (UK, 1969), Anni-Frid Lyngstad (ABBA, 1974), Rudi Nijhuis (Teach-In, 1975), Reuven Erez (Alphabeta, 1978), Nicole (1982), Corinne Hermès (1983), Louis Herrey (Herreys, 1984), Tanel Padar (2001), Marija Šerifović (2007), Conchita Wurst (2014)

♐ Sagittarius: Corry Brokken (1957), André Claveau (1958), Gigliola Cinquetti (1964), Benny Andersson (ABBA, 1974), Martin Lee, Nicky Stevens AND Sandra Stevens (all Brotherhood of Man, 1976), Reuven Gvirtz (Milk and Honey, 1979), Mike Nolan (Bucks Fizz, 1981), Charlie McGettigan (1994), Eimear Quinn (1996), Kimberley Rew (Katrina and the Waves, 1997), Sertab Erener (2003)

♑ Capricorn: Esther Tzuberi (Alphabeta, 1978), Gali Altari (1979), Aleksandra Kalafatović (Riva, 1989) Dima Bilan (2008), Salvador Sobral (2017), Damiano David and Thomas Raggi (both Måneskin, 2021), Ihor Didenchuk (Kalush Orchestra, 2022)

♒ Aquarius: Yehuda Tamir (Milk and Honey, 1979), Hanne Krogh (Bobbysocks, 1985), Niamh Kavanagh (1993), Gunnhild Tvinnereim (Secret Garden and Co, 1995), Dana International (1998), Dave Benton (2001), Helena Paparizou (2005), Mr Lordi and Kita (both Lordi, 2006), Netta Barzilai (2018), Tymofii Muzychuk (Kalush Orchestra, 2022)**

♓ Pisces: Lys Assia (1956), Sandie Shaw (1967), Lenny Kuhr (Netherlands, 1969), Getty Kaspers (Teach-In, 1975), Yizhar Cohen (1978), Cheryl Baker (Bucks Fizz, 1981) Jørgen Olsen (Olsen Brothers, 2000), Lauri Pihlap (2XL, 2001) Awa (Lordi, 2006), Emmelie de Forest (2013)

UNKNOWN: Lisa Gold-Rubin*, Itzhak Okev and Nehama Shutan* (all Alphabeta, 1978), Alex Cooper (Katrina and the Waves, 1997)

*I did uncover some information regarding Lisa Gold-Rubin and Nehama Shutan which would make them Pisces and Leo respectively, however I was unable to confirm whether they were the actual Eurovision performers or whether they just happened to share the same names. The lead for Gold-Rubin is stronger... but still unconfirmed 😅

**Some sites list Tymofii's birthday as being in September, however his actual Ukrainian Wikipedia page shows it as February 6th, so that's what I'm going with

Corrections/additional information welcome!

[qnewsau]

Former Eurovision contestants call for Israel to be banned

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/former-eurovision-contestants-call-for-israel-to-be-banned/

Former Eurovision contestants call for Israel to be banned

Former Eurovision contestants sign an open letter calling for Israel and its national broadcaster to be banned from this year’s contest.

The Eurovision Song Contest is often referred to as ‘Gay Christmas’.

With its extravagant costumes, staging, and musical numbers, it has brought joy to many around the world.

Many in the LGBTQ+ communities have celebrated the contest, whether from their homes or travelling to see it live.

In the past year, celebrating Eurovision has become an issue for many.

Those who feel the continued inclusion of Israel in the competition is complicit in genocide.

This year, seventy-two former Eurovision contestants have signed an open letter calling for Israel and its national broadcaster KAN to be banned from this year’s contest.

The participants include contestants, songwriters and lyricists.

“Kan is complicit in Israel’s genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza,” the joint letter wrote.

“And the decades-long regime of apartheid and military occupation against the entire Palestinian people,”

“We believe in the unifying power of music,

“Which is why we refuse to allow music to be used as a tool to whitewash crimes against humanity.”

The signatories include two former winners of Eurovision.

Portugal’s Salvador Sobral and Ireland’s Charlie McGettigan.

British former contestants Mae Muller and Bianca Nicholas also signed the statement.

KAN complicit in Israel’s genocide

Israel’s continued involvement in Eurovision has been plagued by controversy amid the genocide in Gaza.

Critics accused the European Broadcasting Union of hypocrisy for refusing to remove Israel from the competition.

Russia were ejected from the contest in 2022 following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

Last year, Israel’s participant, Eden Golan, attempted to enter the competition with the song ‘October Rain’.

This was rejected by Eurovision organisers.

Taking issue with a reference to the 7th of October Hamas-led attack on southern Israel.

‘Hurricaine’, the rebranded song, was met with audible boos from live audiences and shouts of ‘Free Palestine’.

The joint letter calling for Israel to be removed from the competition says KAN is complicit in genocide.

“[We] urge all members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU),”

“To demand the exclusion of KAN, the Israeli public broadcaster, from the Eurovision Song Contest,” it reads

“KAN is complicit in Israel’s genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza,

“And the decades-long regime of apartheid and military occupation against the entire Palestinian people.

“By continuing to platform the representation of the Israeli state, the EBU is normalising and whitewashing its crimes,

“The EBU has already demonstrated that it is capable of taking measures,

“As in 2022, when it expelled Russia from the competition.

“We don’t accept this double standard regarding Israel.

“As singers, songwriters, musicians and others who have had the privilege of participating in Eurovision,

“We urge the EBU and all its member broadcasters to act now,

“And prevent further discredit and disruption to the festival: Israel must be excluded from Eurovision.”

EBU is not a government.

Protests erupted in Sweden during last year’s Eurovision over Israel’s involvement.

The joint letter said it was “the most politicised, chaotic and unpleasant in the competition’s history”.

Despite the exclusion of Russia, the EBU has repeatedly stressed that Eurovision should be a non-political event.

Pushing back at requests to exclude Israel.

The EBU said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter that the team “understands the concerns and deeply held views around the current conflict in the Middle East.”

“The EBU is not immune to global events,” it said.

“But, together, with our Members, it is our role to ensure the Contest remains — at its heart — a universal event that promotes connections, diversity and inclusion through music.

“We all aspire to keep the Eurovision Song Contest positive and celebratory,

“And aspire to show the world as it could be, rather than how it necessarily is.”

The statement reminded people that the EBU is an association of public service broadcasters, not governments.

Who is eligible to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest is defined by them meeting the requisite requirements.

“It is not our role to make comparisons between conflicts,” the statement continued.

“As part of its mission to secure a sustainable future for public service media,

“The EBU is supporting Israeli Member Kan against the threat from being privatised or shut down by the Israeli government.

“The EBU remains aligned with other international organisations that have similarly maintained their inclusive stance towards Israeli participants in major competitions at this time.”

Will a new day rise?

Israeli 2025 Eurovision entrant Yuval Raphael is set to perform the track ‘New Day Will Rise’ in this year’s contest.

Israel has repeatedly denied that its attacks on Gaza amount to genocide.

Irish national broadcaster RTÉ has asked the EBU for a discussion on Israel’s inclusion.

Its director general, Kevin Bakhurst, said he was “appalled by the ongoing events in the Middle East.”

“And by the horrific impact on civilians in Gaza, and the fate of Israeli hostages”.

At the end of last year, Amnesty International released a report that found sufficient basis to conclude that Israel has committed and is continuing to commit genocide against Palestinians.

“Amnesty International’s report demonstrates that Israel has carried out acts prohibited under the Genocide Convention,

“With the specific intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza,” said Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

“These acts include killings, causing serious bodily or mental harm and deliberately inflicting on Palestinians in Gaza conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction.”

“Month after month, Israel has treated Palestinians in Gaza as a subhuman group,

“Unworthy of human rights and dignity, demonstrating its intent to physically destroy them,

“Our damning findings must serve as a wake-up call to the international community: this is genocide. It must stop now. ”

The public broadcasters of Iceland, Slovenia and Spain have expressed concern over Israel’s participation.

The 2025 Eurovision final is set to take place this year on 17th May in Basel, Switzerland.

Australia’s Go-Jo is competing in the competition with the song ‘Milkshake Man’.

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.