Eurovision 2025 is just weeks away, but the Icelandic Head of Delegation is hoping to make changes to bring juries back to Eurovision semi-finals. This comes as another edition of the Contest is already being prepped.
Reviewing Eurovision semi-finals every year
Speaking to The EuroTrip Podcast, Icelandic Head of Delegation Felix Bergsson said that he would like to see juries return to Eurovision semi-finals. This comes despite Felix having supported the move to televote only semi-finals in 2023.
Since then, Iceland has failed to qualify for the final two years in a row, finishing in 37th place in Malmö with Hera Björk. Chatting with the podcast, Felix – who took a break from his delegation role in 2024 – has said he is now working to revert the change.
We review it very closely every year. And I have my views on it: I would like to change it back, but I’m one voice within the Reference Group.
I think it will be changed back at some point. I think what happens is that the countries with the biggest diaspora in Europe have a bigger chance of getting through to the final.
We feel that we have less of a chance; a small nation like ours that doesn’t have the support. I hope one day it will be changed back. I would love to have the juries back.
Felix – who is a member of the EBU Reference Group – also spoke about the introduction of the Code of Conduct ahead of Basel. He added that it was a priority for the EBU to sanctify the working environment for the show so that everyone can benefit.
We’ve done a lot of work to make Eurovision more professional, to emphasise the non-political nature of the event, and to make everybody aware of what they’re taking part in.
Also, we’re trying to listen to the fans, trying to listen to all the voices that feel we’ve been pushing people out, and trying to make it all inclusive, but at the same time make it very safe for the artists and everybody taking part in it.
The story of Eurovision 2025 so far
Switzerland will be hosting the 69th edition of the competition following Nemo’s historic win at Eurovision 2024 in Malmö. A few weeks after their win, Reto Peritz, and Moritz Stadler, was announced as the Executive Producers, with the other roles revealed in July 2024.
Basel, Bern & Biel/Bienne, Geneva, and Zurich submitted bids to host next year’s competition, with Basel and Geneva being shortlisted as the final two cities. After the shortlist, it was revealed that Basel will host Eurovision 2025, at St. Jakobshalle with the shows taking place on May 13, 15 and 17.
What do you think of Felix’s comments? Should the jury be brought back to Eurovision semi-finals? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2025!
News Source: The EuroTrip Podcast
Photo Credit: RÚV
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