The countdown to the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, is officially underway as nations prepare to select their entries.

Steven dives into the latest developments as we brace ourselves for another season of twists, turns, and high drama. We run down all the confirmed acts so far, PLUS he answers a listener question about the still unknown UK entry... and if we'll ever win again!

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Mentioned in this episode:

NeonoeN - ‘Clickbait’ (Montenegro NF, 2024/2025): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It6x81MgAsE

Nina Žižić - ‘Dobrodošli’ (Montenegro, 2025): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zs0yq39aFA

Who See - ‘Igranka’ (Montenegro, 2013): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR9rtB2ilZU

Shkodra Elektronike - ‘Zjerm’ (Albania, 2025): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNT1SmmxuIk

Besa - ‘Titan’ (Albania, 2024): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQG22XJIdWw

Bashar Murad - ‘Wild West’ (Iceland NF, 2024): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Moqt2hnlEM 

Hera Björk - ‘Scared Of Heights’ (Iceland, 2024): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VChBgcycVl8

Joe Grech - ‘Marija L-Maltija’ (Malta, 1971): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyCkJkD9InQ

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Highlights from this episode:

• Montenegro's entry for Eurovision faced controversy over eligibility, leading to a last-minute change.
• Albania's selection process resulted in a unique entry that shows promise for Eurovision success.
• The discussion around the UK's Eurovision entry reflects broader themes of artistic integrity versus strategy.
• Iceland is changing its Song Verketnin format, aiming to improve the selection process.
• Joe Grech, Malta's first Eurovision contestant, passed away, marking a significant moment in Eurovision history.

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Douze Points is a Podcasts By Liam production, presented by Steven Perkins and produced by Liam Heffernan. Original theme composed by Ian MacEwan. The Bingewatch network was created by Hannah Fernando and Ian MacEwan. For any queries, including advertising & sponsorship, please email [email protected]

From a bizarre new twist on the voting results to everyone's favourite trend of 2024... AI. The 2024 Junior Eurovision Song Contest, held in Spain, may not have lived up to the lofty heights of last year's contest in France, but it gave us at least enough to talk about for a 12 minute podcast!

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If you love Eurovision as much as we do, don't forget to connect with us on social. DM us on Twitter at @Bingewatch_Pod and join our Facebook Page.

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Bitesize Bingewatch

Douze Points is a Podcasts By Liam production, presented by Steven Perkins and produced by Liam Heffernan. Original theme composed by Ian MacEwan. The Bingewatch network was created by Hannah Fernando and Ian MacEwan. For any queries, including advertising & sponsorship, please email [email protected]

In this episode, Stephen deep dives into a Eurovision record nobody particularly wants, but one the United Kingdom has... and it's not the number of 'nil points'!

From Cliff Richard to Sam Ryder, the UK is far and away the most successful runner up in Eurovision history, so we take a look at every one, from the lucky breaks to the near-misses, and everything in between.

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Highlights from this episode:

• The Netherlands confirmed its participation in Eurovision 2025 after extensive negotiations with the EBU.
• Germany is changing its national final format for Eurovision 2025, promising more viewer involvement.
• Australia will compete again in Eurovision 2025, marking their tenth year in the contest.
• The UK has an impressive record with 16 second place finishes at Eurovision, the most by any country.
• Stephen Perkins dives into the history of the UK's Eurovision entries that finished in second place.
• Despite various runner-up finishes, the UK is still searching for its next winning entry.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Electric Fields - ‘One Milkali (One Blood)’ (Australia, 2024): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzpp6996QdI

Dami Im - ‘Sound Of Silence’ (Australia, 2016): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ymFX91HwM0

Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson - ‘Sing Little Birdie’ (United Kingdom, 1959) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m4ADnfu91k

Teddy Scholten - ‘Een beetje’ (Netherlands 1959): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaEskI58tAM

Bryan Johnson - ‘Looking High, High, High’ (United Kingdom, 1960): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2GivwSboXM

Jacqueline Boyer - ‘Tom Pillibi’ (France, 1960): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX_hlMchXvc

The Allisons - ‘Are You Sure?’ (United Kingdom, 1961): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIxU_XWUmf4

Jean-Claude Pascal - ‘Nous les amoureux’ (Luxembourg, 1961): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i87Vm2BOXL4

Matt Monro - ‘I Love The Little Things’ (United Kingdom, 1964): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OIkip05qu0

Gigliola Cinquetti - ‘Non ho l’età’ (Italy, 1964): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utd9cHBPfRA

Kathy Kirby - ‘I Belong’ (United Kingdom, 1965): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeDI52bdntQ

France Gall - ‘Poupée de cire, poupée de son’ (Luxembourg, 1965): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyFnDf8PvmU

Cliff Richard - ‘Congratulations’ (United Kingdom, 1968): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xJcE9tnY6E

Massiel - ‘La La La’ (Spain, 1968): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhPAZOwEY0I

Mary Hopkin - ‘Knock Knock, Who’s There?’ (United Kingdom, 1970): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWIkmL39aYA

Dana - ‘All Kinds Of Everything’ (Ireland, 1970): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1a_5Hyzjks

The New Seekers - ‘Beg, Steal Or Borrow’ (United Kingdom, 1972): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcBM6f3Sz6s

Vicky Leandros - ‘Après toi’ (Luxembourg, 1972): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52W1665yI1Y

The Shadows - ‘Let Me Be The One’ (United Kingdom, 1975): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wmU3LJFQvc

Teach-In - ‘Ding-a-dong’ (Netherlands, 1975): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUNet0NF2DE

Lynsey de Paul and Mike Moran - ‘Rock Bottom’ (United Kingdom, 1977): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_WWnKt4GAY

Marie Myriam - ‘L’Oiseau et l’enfant’ (France, 1977): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQG8dtWClc8

Scott Fitzgerald - ‘Go’ (United Kingdom, 1988): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WBMsRc5fEs

Céline Dion - ‘Ne partez pas sans moi’ (Switzerland, 1988): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXLWfXmlXPc

Saara Aalto - ‘Monsters’ (Finland, 2018): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdjiuCUUpPc

Live Report - ‘Why Do I Always Get It Wrong?’ (United Kingdom, 1989): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi2puzoNppY

Riva - ‘Rock Me’ (Yugoslavia, 1989): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1glDWFMK_0

Michael Ball - ‘One Step Out Of Time’ (United Kingdom, 1992): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4uK77ZtPh4

Linda Martin - ‘Why Me’ (Ireland, 1992): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zyicQLmQq4

Sonia - ‘Better The Devil You Know’ (United Kingdom, 1993): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P6yTW_70B0

Niamh Kavanagh - ‘In Your Eyes’ (Ireland, 1993): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-Vamz7UAfQ

Imaani - ‘Where are You?’ (United Kingdom, 1998): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z745-juFlck

Dana International - ‘Diva’ (Israel, 1998): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ5B6w-Baxs

Sam Ryder - ‘Space Man’ (United Kingdom, 2022): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ0hqX_92zI

Kalush Orchestra - ‘Stefania’ (Ukraine, 2022): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1fl60ypdLs

...

If you love Eurovision as much as we do, don't forget to connect with us on social. DM us on Twitter at @Bingewatch_Pod and join our Facebook Page.

You can also now support the show with a generous Douze Points of your own!

And if you want more bingeworthy TV coverage, check out our other shows:

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Douze Points is a Podcasts By Liam production, presented by Steven Perkins and produced by Liam Heffernan. Original theme composed by Ian MacEwan. The Bingewatch network was created by Hannah Fernando and Ian MacEwan. For any queries, including advertising & sponsorship, please email [email protected]

Eurovision 1993 marked a pivotal moment in the contest's history, being the first to implement a relegation system and featuring an unprecedented number of participants from Eastern Europe. Hosted in the small town of Millstreet, County Cork, it was the smallest ever host city, but managed to pull off the biggest production in Eurovision history.

In this episode, Steven Perkins delves into the backstory of how Millstreet became the unlikely host, highlighting the challenges faced in accommodating the event and the innovative solutions devised to make it all work. He looks back on the memorable performances, Ireland's back-to-back victory, and the poignant backdrop of the Bosnian War.

It's safe to say, Eurovision 1993 was a show like no other.

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Highlights:

• The 1993 Eurovision Song Contest was a groundbreaking event, hosted in the small town of Millstreet, Ireland.
• This edition marked the first use of a relegation system, impacting future Eurovision participation.
• The participation of Bosnia Herzegovina added a significant geopolitical context to the contest.
• Ireland's victory marked their second consecutive win, a feat not achieved by many countries.
• The production quality of the 1993 contest was unexpectedly high, despite hosting in a rural venue.
• The voting process was dramatic, culminating in Ireland's win with a sizable margin over the UK.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Linda Martin - ‘Why Me?’ (Ireland, 1992): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g7Q7R3SIkI

Münchener Freiheit - ‘Keeping The Dream Alive’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRawFX5wJZw 

Seebach Band - ‘Under stjernerne på himlen’ (Denmark, 1993): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB5YJlVcI-s

Barbara - ‘Iemand als jij’ (Belgium, 1993): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIRN5fO-20M

Annie Cotton - ‘Moi, tout simplement’ (Switzerland, 1993): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QG-kvD7GHo

Tony Wegas - ‘Maria Magdalena’ (Austria, 1993): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcbrElK_tok

Arvingarna - ‘Eloise’ (Sweden, 1993): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD4gdEHtS-E

Silje Vige - ‘Alle mine tanker (Norway, 1993): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrX98Kf1w-E

Niamh Kavanagh - ‘In Your Eyes’ (Ireland, 1993): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysLHYx0c80s

Sonia - ‘Better The Devil You Know’ (United Kingdom, 1993): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqWOSycDMv4

...

If you love Eurovision as much as we do, don't forget to connect with us on social. DM us on Twitter at @Bingewatch_Pod and join our Facebook Page.

You can also now support the show with a generous Douze Points of your own!

And if you want more bingeworthy TV coverage, check out our other shows:

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Bitesize Bingewatch

Douze Points is a Podcasts By Liam production, presented by Steven Perkins and produced by Liam Heffernan. Original theme composed by Ian MacEwan. The Bingewatch network was created by Hannah Fernando and Ian MacEwan. For any queries, including advertising & sponsorship, please email [email protected]

Eurovision 1993 marked a pivotal moment in the contest's history with the introduction of a pre-qualifying round, a significant change implemented to manage the increasing number of participating countries.

In this episode, Steven delves into the details of this unique event, held in the small Irish town of Millstreet, where just seven countries competed for three spots in the main contest.

We explore the backdrop of geopolitical changes in Eastern Europe that fueled a surge in interest from newly independent nations eager to join the Eurovision stage, and reflect on the overall execution and its impact on the future of Eurovision.

Listen now, as he sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how these countries fared in the main contest, coming in the second part of our 1993 deep dive.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Knez - ‘Adio’ (Montenegro, 2015): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTyi2XeeoJU

Brotherhood of Man - ‘Save Your Kisses For Me’ (United Kingdom, 1976): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yJUi6ke71I

Eurosong ’93: Kvalifikacija za Millstreet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3rKIkjn9rA

...

If you love Eurovision as much as we do, don't forget to connect with us on social. DM us on Twitter at @Bingewatch_Pod and join our Facebook Page.

You can also now support the show with a generous Douze Points of your own!

And if you want more bingeworthy TV coverage, check out our other shows:

Bingewatch

Bitesize Bingewatch

Douze Points is a Podcasts By Liam production, presented by Steven Perkins and produced by Liam Heffernan. Original theme composed by Ian MacEwan. The Bingewatch network was created by Hannah Fernando and Ian MacEwan. For any queries, including advertising & sponsorship, please email [email protected]

It's been a difficult year for the Netherlands. Following the disqualification of Joost Klein ahead of 2024's Grand Final, in which they were expected to do very well, the country is currently weighing up if it will compete next year at the Song Contest.

So in this episode, Stephen takes a closer look at The Netherlands' history at Eurovision. Though one of the most loyal, and generous, participants, their success has been volatile, which makes them historically one of the most entertaining countries to watch...

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Useful Links:

Marina Satti - ‘Zari’ (Greece, 2024): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENb4LCeq9Lc

Helena Paparizou - ‘My Number One’ (Greece, 2005): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcOwvZ26KFQ

Corry Brocken - ‘Net als toen’ (Netherlands, 1957): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDA5MAfGG-M

Corry Brocken - ‘Heel de wereld’ (Netherlands, 1958): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoiVXVA8fs8

Teddy Scholten - ‘Een beetje’ (Netherlands, 1959): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaEskI58tAM

De Spelbrekers - ‘Katinka’ (Netherlands, 1962): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPzoydLh5YY

Annie Palman - ‘Een speeldoos’ (Netherlands, 1963): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWINVYSsrTU

Lenny Kuhr - ‘De troubadour’ (Netherlands, 1969): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ctod7qBMeY

Ben Cramer - ‘De oude muzikant’ (Netherlands, 1973): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6JqeLK3DQU

Teach-In - ‘Ding-a-Dong’ (Netherlands, 1975): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=447LKTYDv4Y 

Mouth and MacNeil - ‘I See A Star’ (Netherlands, 1974): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqj_UNeWA9w

Maggie MacNeil - ‘Amsterdam’ (Netherlands, 1980): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqhRioBlRNk

Willeke Alberti - ‘Waar is de zon’ (Netherlands, 1993): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHPYpEtUcoI

Maxine and Franklin Brown - ‘De eerste keer’ (Netherlands, 1996): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw_WxnIzK4Q

Mrs Einstein - ‘Niemend heeft nog tijd’ (Netherlands, 1997): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbzuS_KHmAw

Edsilia - ‘Hemel en aarde’ (Netherlands, 1998): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s08iSJALk7E

Re-union - ‘Without You’ (Netherlands, 2004): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phHQrLvEBUU

Anouk - ‘Birds’ (Netherlands, 2013): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5iazXvMw5o

The Common Linnets - ‘Calm After The Storm’ (Netherlands, 2014): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWe8PRsW4T0

Trijntje Oosterhuis - ‘Walk Along’ (Netherlands, 2015): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_fs4SPGyF0

Douwe Bob - ‘Slow Down’ (Netherlands, 2016): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_fs4SPGyF0

Waylon - ‘Outlaw In ’Em’ (Netherlands, 2018): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7jHz5asMs8

Duncan Laurence - ‘Arcade’ (Netherlands, 2019): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3D-r4ogr7s

Jeangu Macrooy - ‘Birth Of A New Age’ (Netherlands, 2021): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3Da5cr2fTs

S10 - ‘De diepte’ (Netherlands, 2022): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgOnu7ux2-k

Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper - ‘Burning Daylight’ (Netherlands, 2023): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XAsam043OY

Joost Klein - ‘Europapa’ (Netherlands, 2024): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiHFnmI8pxg

...

If you love Eurovision as much as we do, don't forget to connect with us on social. DM us on Twitter at @Bingewatch_Pod and join our Facebook Page.

You can also now support the show with a generous Douze Points of your own!

And if you want more bingeworthy TV coverage, check out our other shows:

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Bitesize Bingewatch

Douze Points is a Podcasts By Liam production, presented by Steven Perkins and produced by Liam Heffernan. Original theme composed by Ian MacEwan. The Bingewatch network was created by Hannah Fernando and Ian MacEwan. For any queries, including advertising & sponsorship, please email [email protected]

On this week's Douze Points, following the announcement of next year's Eurovision host city, Steven gives us all a 101 on what really makes a great host city for the song contest. PLUS, it's been an interesting week for Eurovision news, including:

• The first act for 2025 is CONFIRMED
• Will JoJo Siwa be representing Poland in 2025?
• Do Iceland have a future at Eurovision?

Additional sources:

https://www.reddit.com/r/eurovision/comments/14t9ztr/in_light_of_malm%C3%B6_hosting_a_map_of_countries_by/

If you love Eurovision as much as we do, don't forget to connect with us on social. DM us on Twitter at @Bingewatch_Pod and join our Facebook Page.

You can also now support the show with a generous Douze Points of your own!

And if you want more bingeworthy TV coverage, check out our other shows:

Bingewatch

Bitesize Bingewatch

Douze Points is a Podcasts By Liam production, presented by Steven Perkins and produced by Liam Heffernan. Original theme composed by Ian MacEwan. The Bingewatch network was created by Hannah Fernando and Ian MacEwan. For any queries, including advertising & sponsorship, please email [email protected]

In the latest episode of Douze Points, Steven Perkins is joined by producer Liam to discuss the future of the show, and how you can be part of it.

PLUS, we bring you some breaking news updates, including some huge developments in the Netherlands' Joost Klein case, which was being investigated by police, pending his suspension from the Eurovision Grand Final earlier this year.

If you love Eurovision as much as we do, don't forget to connect with us on social. DM us on Twitter at @Bingewatch_Pod and join our Facebook Page.

You can also now support the show with a generous Douze Points of your own!

And if you want more bingeworthy TV coverage, check out our other shows:

Bingewatch

Bitesize Bingewatch

Douze Points is a Podcasts By Liam production, presented by Steven Perkins and produced by Liam Heffernan. Original theme composed by Ian MacEwan. The Bingewatch network was created by Hannah Fernando and Ian MacEwan. For any queries, including advertising & sponsorship, please email [email protected]

Hello Europe (and Australia)... we are back!

Ok, it's been a tough season, and the Douze Points team have been doing some quiet reflection on the state of Eurovision and the future of the podcast. More on the latter very soon, but we do have some news regarding the former, including an official statement from the EBU following the 2024 controversies.

Plus, the current list of countries confirmed for Eurovision 2025 includes an unsurprising omission, and the BBC pull out of Junior Eurovision.

Also, is the UK bringing back the national selection process? The rumour mill is running wild!

Additional Links:

EBU statement

Freya Skye - Lose My Head (United Kingdom, Junior Eurovision 2022)

STAND UNIQU3 - Back To Life (United Kingdom, Junior Eurovision 2023)

Vladana - Breathe (Montenegro, 2022)

Knez - Adio (Montenegro, 2015)

If you love Eurovision as much as we do, don't forget to connect with us on social. DM us on Twitter at @Bingewatch_Pod and join our Facebook Page.

You can also now support the show with a generous Douze Points of your own!

And if you want more bingeworthy TV coverage, check out our other shows:

Bingewatch

Bitesize Bingewatch

Douze Points is a Podcasts By Liam production, presented by Steven Perkins and produced by Liam Heffernan. Original theme composed by Ian MacEwan. The Bingewatch network was created by Hannah Fernando and Ian MacEwan. For any queries, including advertising & sponsorship, please email [email protected]

In the final episode of the season, Steven and producer Liam convene one last time for a more considered recap of all the Eurovision drama this year.

It's been a bit of a unique year, where most of the talking points seemed to happening off stage, so we address some of this and discuss what the future of Eurovision might look like. Plus, we break down the winners, losers and surprises of one of the most competitive Eurovisions in recent memory.

If you love Eurovision as much as we do, don't forget to connect with us on social. DM us on Twitter at @Bingewatch_Pod and join our Facebook Page.

You can also now support the show with a generous Douze Points of your own!

And if you want more bingeworthy TV coverage, check out our other shows:

Bingewatch

Bitesize Bingewatch

Douze Points is a Podcasts By Liam production, presented by Steven Perkins and produced by Liam Heffernan. Original theme composed by Ian MacEwan. The Bingewatch network was created by Hannah Fernando and Ian MacEwan. For any queries, including advertising & sponsorship, please email [email protected]