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It may not be an easy task for them at the moment, but Ukraine delivered yet another amazing Eurovision national final. They also delivered LELÉKA the ticket to Vienna. Michael and Lou jump into Vidbir to explore what didn’t quite make the cut. Is Ridnym the best choice for Ukraine for 2026? In this episode: Find out how much Lou loves cheese Understand the confusion with Jerry Explore why instrumentalist singers need to do more Get involved Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision Not in Australia? Grab this podcast via Spotify Podcasts. Playlist KHAYAT – Герци (Hertsy) MR. VEL – Do or Done Jerry Heil – CATHARTICUS (prayer) Laud – Lightkeeper The post It’s all relative: Reviewing Ukraine’s Vidbir 2026 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

After close to 10 hours of broadcasting (consisting of approximately 5 hours of conversations, 2 hours of ads for dentists and tech and 2 hours of songs), Malta Eurovision Song Contest came to an end, with AIDAN finally taking hold of the MESC trophy. Michael and Euro-fan Daniel review some of the songs in the mega grand final and wonder what might have happened if AIDAN didn’t get his way. Is Bella the best choice for Malta for 2026? In this episode: Understand Michael’s jury flip-flopping Dream about a post-Flute world Learn how to wrangle ten genres into one song Get involved Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision Not in Australia? Grab this podcast via Spotify Podcasts. Playlist Janice Mangion – Univers DENISE – TROPHY Matthew Cilia and The AfterParty – Brutality Mentality Mychael Bartolo Chircop – My Sweet Angel MATT BLXCK – Ejja Lejja Ħdejja ‘l Hawn (The Flute) The post So beautiful: Reviewing Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2026 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

Each year, we wait with baited breath for Croatia to choose their Eurovision entry via Dora. Will it be more Baby Lasagna or more Jacques Houdek? And every year, we’re left with a heap of songs that could’ve done well. Michael is joined by Eurovision fan Daniel to review some of the songs that couldn’t beat out Lelek to take the Dora trophy. Is Andromeda the best choice for Croatia in 2026? In this episode: Meet Daniel (who is also a fan of Dora) Get the background on what Lelek’s artwork means Question what juries consider ‘artistic’ Get involved Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision Not in Australia? Grab this podcast via Spotify Podcasts. Playlist Lara Demarin – MANTRA Lima Len – Raketa Stela Rade – Nema te Cold Snap – Mucho Macho The post Galaxies aligning: Reviewing Croatia’s Dora 2026 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

It’s the last National Final weekend of the year. And that means Sweden is ready to decide on its song for Vienna. Michael and Bryan jump into the Melodifestivalen final, with 12 songs all vying for that ticket south. While some may argue Melfest has been going downhill of late, the fact that Michael and Bryan can’t settle on one winner is a positive. You can enjoy the show (and find out who wins) by watching via SVT Play from 8pm CET on Saturday 7 March (or 6am AEDT on Sunday 8 March). In this episode: Decide if you’re Team Medina or Team Bryan Find out just how much of a boomer mum Michael is Wonder who the 3-9 year olds will be voting for Get involved Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision Not in Australia? Grab this podcast via Spotify Podcasts. Playlist A*Teens – Iconic Meira Omar – Dooset Daram [Podcast extra] Lilla Al-Fadji – Delulu Saga Ludvigsson – Ain’t Today [Podcast extra] Smash Into Pieces – Hollow Cimberly – Eternity Medina – Viva L’Amor Greczula – Half Of Me Robin Bengtsson – Honey Honey [Podcast extra] FELICIA – My System Sanna Nielsen – Waste Your Love Brandsta City Släckers – Rakt in i elden [Straight into the fire] The post Turn up the heat: Previewing Sweden’s Melodifestivalen 2026 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

Super Saturday is upon us, as six countries choose their songs for Eurovision. One of them is Norway, is ready to razzle-dazzle us with all things Melodi Grand Prix. Michael is joined by special guest, Lou, to navigate through the nine songs in contention and decide if the new Tarjei Strøm era of MGP is going to amaze us. You can enjoy MGP from the comfort of your lounge room, by tuning in to NRK TV on Saturday 28 February at 7:45pm if you’re in Europe, or on Sunday 1 March at 5:45am if you’re in Melbourne. In this episode: Find out who has a urinal named in their honour Meet the little sister of some Euro-famous siblings Cheer for the Aussie, who’s back to tell his story Get involved Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision Not in Australia? Grab this podcast via Spotify Podcasts. Playlist Skrellex – Into the Wild Hedda Mae – Snap Back STORM – Lullaby Mileo – Frankenstein Silke – Forevermore Alexander Rybak – Rise emma – Northern Lights Leonardo Amor – Prayer JONAS LOVV – Ya Ya Ya The post Shining bright: Previewing Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix 2026 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

It’s a national final that we’ve become big fans of and yet again, Finland isn’t here to disappoint. Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu is back for another year and we’re ready to work out who will be following in Erika Vikman’s saucy footsteps in Vienna. Michael is joined by Ethan, a voice who would be familiar if you’re a fan of the Eurovision Top 100, to dive into UMK. While there are seven big songs, there are two currently in contention. Do you agree? Plus, hear the latest banger (and first English language song) from one of our 2025 favourites – Erika Vikman. You can enjoy UMK (and Erika’s new song) at 8pm CET on Saturday 28 February (or the polite time of 6am on Sunday 1 March if you’re in Melbourne) via Yle Areena. You might even want to switch over to the English commentary! In this episode: Hear Michael go gutter(al) Wonder if the dentist will make an appearance Work out when you’ll schedule your toilet break Get involved Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision Not in Australia? Grab this podcast via Spotify Podcasts. Playlist Erika Vikman – FATHER (I Will Never Confess) Komiat – Lululai Etta – Million Dollar Smile KIKI – Rakkaudenkipee [The pain of love] Antti Paalanen – Takatukka [Mullet] CHACHI – Cherry Cake Sinikka Monte – Ready To Leave Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen – Liekinheitin [Flamethrower] The post Who’s coming next?: Previewing Finland’s UMK 2026 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

It’s the first big weekend of Eurovision national finals, and Friends of the Show – Estonia – are ready to deliver one of the biggest Eesti Laul finals in recent memory. Michael and Bryan preview most of the songs that are hoping to win the coveted award, sharing their thoughts on how it might all go down. You can get involved by watching the show from 6:30pm CET on 14 February (4:30am on Sunday 15 February if you’re in Melbourne) via ERR’s Jupiter or the Eurovision YouTube channel. Plus, you can spend your euros to vote for the superfinalists and the winner! The info is all at eestilaul.vote In this episode: Wonder if Ollie can ever brush off his bridesmaid moniker Work out when you’ll need to turn the lounge room sound system right up Hear from some past Eurovision favourites as they return for another go Get involved Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision Not in Australia? Grab this podcast via Spotify Podcasts. Playlist Clicherik & Mäx – Jolly Roger Grete Paia – taevas jäi üles [The sky stayed up] ULIANA – Rhythm of Nature Ollie – Slave NOËP – Days Like This Getter Jaani – The Game Minimal Wind & ANT – Wounds (Don’t Wanna Fall) Vanilla Ninja – Too Epic to Be True STOCKHOLM COWBOYS – Last Man Standing Plus, in this podcast, hear the full versions of: Robert Linna – Metsik roos Laura Prits – Warrior Marta Pikani – Kell kuus The post Hold my coffee: Previewing Estonia’s Eesti Laul 2026 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

The Nordic Grand Prixes are getting underway. The first cab off the rank is Denmark, with Dansk Melodi Grand Prix (DMGP) taking place on 14 February. Michael and Bryan flag down the eight songs that are hoping to follow in the footsteps of Sissal’s 2025 hallucinations… including Sissal herself! You can enjoy DMGP live via DRTV on Saturday 14 February at 8pm if you’re in Europe, or on Sunday 15 February at 6am if you work on Melbourne time. In this episode: Wonder how DMGP is like a visit to Spotlight Understand just how bad apprentice chippies have it Find out just how gay JOY Eurovision is Get involved Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision Not in Australia? Grab this podcast via Spotify Podcasts. Playlist Sander Sanchez – Two Spirits Emil Otto – Copenhagen Noir Myrkur – Touch My Love And Die Søren Torpegaard Lund – Før Vi Går Hjem [Before We Go Home] Lasse Skriver – Roaring Heart Sissal – Infinity Late Runner – Can U Feel It? Ericka Jane – Death Of Me The post Living a fantasy: Previewing Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2026 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

We’re ready for a big show in a little country, as Luxembourg decides on their Eurovision representative for 2026 via Luxembourg Song Contest. Michael and Bryan work through the eight songs in the running for the Duchy’s trophy and don’t hold back on what they think of them all! You can watch Luxembourg Song Contest live on YouTube from 8pm CET on 24 January (6am AEDT on 25 January) and be part of the voting via esc.vote. In this episode: Get to know more about Bryan’s thoughts on French music Explore the impact of songwriting camps Imagine what a stage glow up might look like Get involved Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision Not in Australia? Grab this podcast via Spotify Podcasts. Playlist Irem – Bad Decisions (Hush Hush) Steve Castile – Sweet Tooth Hugo One – Born Again ShiroKuro – Eye To Eye Eva Marija – Mother Nature Andrew the Martian – I’m The Martian Daryss – Melusina Luzac – Prison Dorée [Golden Prison] The post Rockin’ the Duchy: Previewing Luxembourg Song Contest 2026 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

December was busy in Eurovision land. Not only did FiKmas come, so did Montesong – Montenegro’s national final competition. It was a big one, with Tamara Živković getting over the line thanks to the jury and local televote. But what didn’t make it? Michael and Bryan headed to Crna Gora to meet the bangers that were ready to fly the flag in Vienna. Catch up on the show by streaming Montesong 2025 online. In this episode: Wonder how many ‘Yaas Queen!’ bangers are yet to come Investigate the role of Nordic songwriters in the Balkans Get the lowdown on this year’s drama Find out how close Lara was to winning Get involved Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision Not in Australia? Grab this podcast via Spotify Podcasts. Playlist Đurđa – Dominos Luka Radović – Pjevaj, vilo [Sing fairy] Krstinja – Oli oli [Oh oh oh] LANA x ĐORĐE – Temperatura [Temperature] Lara Baltić – Rhythm boy The post Rise and shine: Reviewing Montenegro’s Montesong 2025 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

When the Christmas decorations go up, you know it’s time for Albania’s most wonderful time of the year: FiKmas. And the 64th edition of Albania’s Festivali i Këngës ended up crowning Alis as its winner. Michael and Bryan take a quick dive into the Eurovision season’s first national selection competition to find out what else we could have heard in Vienna this year. If you missed the show or want to see the songs performed live, catch up on the FiK Nata Finale online. In this episode: Join the conversation about manchester Find out who hasn’t ended up in Kënga Magjike Meet Albania’s most popular instrumentalist Hear what couldn’t beat Alis Get involved Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision Not in Australia? Grab this podcast via Spotify Podcasts. Playlist Vedat Ademi – KUR FJALA MBARON [WHEN THE WORD ENDS] FIFI & TIRI GJOCI – RRI [STAY] Sheila Haxhiraj – ZEMRA E TOKËS [HEART OF THE EARTH] Inis Neziri – TË KAM FAL [I FORGIVE YOU] The post Nân knows best: Reviewing Albania’s Festivali i Këngës 64 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

JOYEurovision is back for season 2026. And with it being the 70th edition of the world’s biggest music competition, we all should be celebrating right? The news over the break has made things difficult for Eurovision fans, including Michael and Io. In this season return: Get the latest news about the semi final allocation draw Catch up on the new Eurovision rules introduced after the General Assembly Dive into the issues behind Israel’s participation Find out about the fallout from the EBU General Assembly vote Find out how it’s affecting the JOYEurovision team in 2026 Get involved Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision Not in Australia? Grab this podcast via Spotify Podcasts. Playlist Käärijä – Disko Balls Go-Jo & Erika Vikman – Appetite Tina Karol – Шиншила Subwoolfer – Dark Side of the Moon Aiko – Time Nemo – Ride My Baby ADONXS – Perfume The post Elephant in the room: New Eurovision rules, old problems; new tunes, old mates appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

So many kids, so little time… but they’re all so so talented, and representing their countries in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest being held on Saturday 13 December (5pm CET) in Tbilisi. Michael and Io preview the second half of this year’s Contest and there’s a lot to talk about. Michael has a Book Week favourite and Io laments the loss of kid-first songs. But what do you think? Make sure you vote at jesc.tv! What do Michael and Io want back next time? Which song has Io positively beaming? Which country might need an intervention? Get involved Watch the show on YouTube (live from 3am AEST on 14 December) Listen to the songs on your preferred platform Watch the video by following the link Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision Not in Australia? Grab this podcast via Spotify Podcasts. Playlist North Macedonia: Nela Mancheska – Miracle Montenegro: Asja Džogović – I Tužna i Srećna Priča [Both a Sad and a Happy Story] Italy: Leonardo Giovannangeli – Rockstar Portugal: Inês Gonçalves – Para Onde Vai o Amor? [Where Does Love Go?] Spain: Gonzalo Pinillos – Érase Una Vez (Once Upon a Time) Georgia: Anita Abgariani – Shine Like a Star Cyprus: Rafaella & Christos – AWAY France: Lou Deleuze – Ce Monde [This World] Albania: Kroni Pula – Fruta Perime [Fruits and Vegetables] The post Previewing the second half of Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2025 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

It’s time to celebrate children’s talent as the Junior Eurovision Song Contest lands for another year. Michael and Io preview the first half of this year’s Contest, being held on Saturday 13 December (5pm CET) in Tbilisi. Who’s getting the party started? What’s medicine got to do with it? Where are the adults in children’s clothing? Get involved Watch the show on YouTube (live from 3am AEST on 14 December) Listen to the songs on your preferred platform Watch the video by following the link Follow JOYEurovision across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky and X at linktr.ee/joy_eurovision Not in Australia? Grab this podcast via Spotify Podcasts. Playlist Malta: Eliza Borg – I Believe Azerbaijan: Yağmur – Miau Miau [Azeri: Meow Meow] Croatia: Marino Vrgoč – Snovi [Croatian: Dreams] San Marino: Martina CRV – Beyond the Stars Armenia: Albert – Brave Heart Ukraine: Sofia Nersesian – Motanka Ireland: Lottie O’Driscoll Murray – Rúin [Gaelic: Secrets] Netherlands: Meadow – Freeze Poland: Marianna Kłos – Brightest Light The post Previewing the first half of Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2025 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

It's that time, when we say goodbye to Eurovision for another year. Michael and Io traipse into (the old school version of) Euroclub to let their hair down, enjoy a... LEARN MORE The post Let's party: Time to say goodbye to Eurovision 2025 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

Danke Österreich! The Eurovision trophy was lifted by JJ, after getting over the line in a nailbiting 2025 Grand Final. Michael and Io turn the clocks back to celebrate all... LEARN MORE The post JJ's a 2025 Eurovision winner baby: Celebrating Austria appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

After months of drama, backflips, cartwheels, protests and personnel changes, we've arrived at our final destination: The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. Michael and Io roll up... LEARN MORE The post Previewing the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

Eurovision is one big family and this year, some Icelandic brothers have extended it even further. Hálfdán and Matthías are VÆB, and they've found a brand-new pair of blinged out... LEARN MORE The post Boats, glasses and TV shows: Catching up with VÆB appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

Every year, JOY 94.9 turns to you to ask for your support in keeping Australia's only LGBTIQA community media organisation Out, Loud and Proud. Radiothon is our annual fundraiser and... LEARN MORE The post Stronger Together with a Eurovision 2025 update appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

There are only days until Europe (and Australia) pick up their phones to choose who's off to the Eurovision Grand Final for 2025. Michael and Bryan run through the second... LEARN MORE The post Previewing the 2nd half of Eurovision 2025 Semi Final 2 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

It's election day in Australia and we've all enjoyed our democracy sausages. But there's another big vote yet to come… Semi Final 2. Michael and Io get their pencils out... LEARN MORE The post Previewing the 1st half of Eurovision 2025 Semi Final 2 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

Easter Monday wasn't just full of buns, eggs and bunnies – it was full of your Eurovision favourites! For the sixth time, Australia voted for their top 100 Eurovision songs... LEARN MORE The post Australia's Eurovision Top 100 2025: Your Top 10 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

Easter Monday wasn't just full of buns, eggs and bunnies – it was full of your Eurovision favourites! For the sixth time, Australia voted for their top 100 Eurovision songs... LEARN MORE The post Australia's Eurovision Top 100 2025: #22 to #11 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

Easter Monday wasn't just full of buns, eggs and bunnies – it was full of your Eurovision favourites! For the sixth time, Australia voted for their top 100 Eurovision songs... LEARN MORE The post Australia's Eurovision Top 100 2025: #35 to #23 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

Easter Monday wasn't just full of buns, eggs and bunnies – it was full of your Eurovision favourites! For the sixth time, Australia voted for their top 100 Eurovision songs... LEARN MORE The post Australia's Eurovision Top 100 2025: #48 to #36 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

Easter Monday wasn't just full of buns, eggs and bunnies – it was full of your Eurovision favourites! For the sixth time, Australia voted for their top 100 Eurovision songs... LEARN MORE The post Australia's Eurovision Top 100 2025: #61 to #49 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

Easter Monday wasn't just full of buns, eggs and bunnies – it was full of your Eurovision favourites! For the sixth time, Australia voted for their top 100 Eurovision songs... LEARN MORE The post Australia's Eurovision Top 100 2025: #74 to #62 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

Easter Monday wasn't just full of buns, eggs and bunnies – it was full of your Eurovision favourites! For the sixth time, Australia voted for their top 100 Eurovision songs... LEARN MORE The post Australia's Eurovision Top 100 2025: #87 to #75 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

Easter Monday wasn't just full of buns, eggs and bunnies – it was full of your Eurovision favourites! For the sixth time, Australia voted for their top 100 Eurovision songs... LEARN MORE The post Australia's Eurovision Top 100 2025: #100 to #88 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

You thought the first half of Eurovision Semi Final 1 was crazy? Check out the second half! Michael and Io wrap their heads around the monstrosity that is the second... LEARN MORE The post Previewing the 2nd half of Eurovision 2025 Semi Final 1 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

He's full of all the good vibrations and is taking them to Basel. Go-Jo has been wowing Europe with his energy and talent (and looks, to be honest) ahead of... LEARN MORE The post Guitars, lettuce, vibrations and stories: Catching up with Go-Jo appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

After entertaining Europe during the interval of the second semi of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest, Australia was invited to celebrate 60 years of the contest as a special entrant... LEARN MORE The post Celebrating a decade of Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

It's finally here – we're ready to preview the Eurovision Song Contest for 2025! Michael and Io grab a coffee and a Swiss cheese sandwich to help work through the... LEARN MORE The post Previewing the 1st half of Eurovision 2025 Semi Final 1 appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

Singing, singing, singing. That's what Malta is good at. And this year, Malta Eurovision Song Contest served all the singing (as well as ads for banks). Michael and Io serve... LEARN MORE The post Reviewing Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2025: She's serving (Malta) appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

For a country that is under attack, Ukraine certainly doesn't show it in their musical extravaganzas. Once again, Vidbir took place to allow Ukrainians to choose their entry for Eurovision.... LEARN MORE The post Reviewing Vidbir 2025: Ukraine flies high appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

There's something endearing about a Balkan mess, but somehow Serbia makes theirs sexy. After Pesma za Evroviziju declared Princ as the 2025 winner, rumours swirled about what actually happened. Michael... LEARN MORE The post Reviewing Pesma za Evroviziju 25: Serbia's Prince of the night appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

Last year, Croatia turned out a big winner thanks to Dora. This year, we're not too sure about it all. Michael and Io jump into Croatia's national final to see... LEARN MORE The post Reviewing Dora 2025: Croatia takes the cake appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

The 75th edition of Europe's original song festival gave us all the drama, with an outcome that even bookies were enjoying. This year's Sanremo (aka Festival della canzone italiana) had... LEARN MORE The post Reviewing Sanremo 2025: Olly wins, and Lucio goes appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

Benidorm Fest heralds the beginning of gay Christmas in Spain, as singers from across the country battle for the bronze microphone. This year, Melody won the hearts of muscle bears... LEARN MORE The post Reviewing Benidorm Fest 2025: Spain's diva has arrived appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

As we enter the calm before the Eurovision semi final storm, it's the perfect opportunity to check in with Ireland. After teasing that Eurosong would be its own production, we... LEARN MORE The post Reviewing Eurosong 2025: Taking Ireland to space appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

After months of musical delight (and disappointment), the 2025 Eurovision National Final Season is coming to a close. And as is traditional, Sweden‘s festival of music, Melodifestivalen, is the last... LEARN MORE The post Previewing Melodifestivalen 2025: From bros to… ? appeared first on JOY Eurovision.

As the 2025 Eurovision National Final season starts to wrap, we turn to Denmark. Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, or DMGP for brevity. Michael and Io fired the satellite up to... LEARN MORE The post Previewing Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2025: Denmark's crowning glory appeared first on JOY Eurovision.