Eurovision boss shares major update over one country taking part
Eurovision bosses have shared a major update on one country taking part. Top dogs behind the song contest are beckoning new Pope Leo XIV to grace the stage of their famed song contest. They're eager for Vatican City to throw its hat into the ring for next year's musical showdown. They reckon the Pontiff's involvement would be a smash with Eurovision fans.
On The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, Eurovision's Brand Director Martin Green spilt the beans: "You can participate in Eurovision if you are a member of the EBU - the European Broadcasting Union. My understanding is that it's Vatican Radio that is a member of the EBU. So technically, they might be able to enter an act. Frankly, a line-up of dancing cardinals... I'm all for it."
Further stirring excitement, Eurovision's Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl jumped in with: "Me too. I think that could do really well." To which Martin Green chimed: "Let's cross our fingers. It would be a moment.", reports the Daily Star.
If Vatican City joins the Eurovision fold, it will echo the unforgettable scene from Father Ted where Ted entered with 'My Lovely Horse'. The Vatican might be the smallest nation around, but Eurovision has never shied away from small – remember San Marino?
Though San Marino has yet to clinch the win at Eurovision, Vatican City entering would surely turn heads. And if it seems odd, well, it might be less perplexing than why non-European nations like Israel and Australia are hitting up the Eurostage.
Australia got its ticket to the contest as a guest during the 60th anniversary bash in 2015. Their latest entry, Go-Jo, bowed out in this year's semi-finals – probably for the best since they're not on the cards to host, even if they snag first place.
Israel is eligible to participate in the competition as they are a member of the European Broadcasting Union, which is the requisite membership for entry. Since their debut in 1973, Israel has been in the contest 49 times and triumphed on four occasions.
In addition to Eurovision updates, Saturday night's Grand Final was surrounded by an ironclad security presence. The contest's head has ramped up security measures at the St Jakobshalle arena in Basel, Switzerland, amid concerns of a potential terrorist threat.
Armed guards patrolled the venue for the duration of the event. Furthermore, stringent airport-style security checks were implemented at all entry points, with spectators being informed that bags would not be allowed inside.
A source commented: "Organisers are taking no chances. They are making sure everyone is safe." Bosses later issued a statement following Israel's controversial participation in the competition. They explained that a Eurovision Song Contest crew member had been hit with paint after two people tried to storm the stage during Yuval Raphael's performance.
A spokesman for SRG SSR said: "At the end of the Israeli performance, a man and a woman tried to get over a barrier onto the stage. They were stopped. One of the two agitators threw paint and a crew member was hit. The crew member is fine and nobody was injured. The man and the woman were taken out of the venue and handed over to the police."
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