#26: Tel Aviv and Other Headlines

Tel Aviv will be hosting Eurovision in 2019! I mean, we pretty much knew that, but now it’s official! On this episode of the Eurowhat Podcast, we check in with the venues around Tel Aviv that will be hosting the big events in May. Will the Tel Aviv Convention Center be big enough to hold the Eurovision fandom? How is the green room supposed to work? And are hotels already busting budgets for fans? In case Tel Aviv doesn’t work out as an option, details about Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam have been revealed. Speaking of the Netherlands, we have the final recap of Glennis Grace’s journey on America’s Got Talent. Did she triumph through adversity, despite having to perform with Bebe Rexha? Finland’s UMK, Sweden’s Melfest, and Iceland’s Söngvakeppnin have been added to the calendar, while Ireland’s songwriters have been murmuring about a possible boycott. We don’t talk about Junior Eurovision—there’s too much to discuss with the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships instead. Oh! And Ralph Siegel’s birthday is coming up! Happy birthday, buddy! So much to celebrate in this episode—download and join the fun! Episode Summary * Tel Aviv is the host city! (1:15) * Eurovision in Concert (5:46) * This is not an America’s Got Talent podcast (7:12)1 * Participants Update (10:22) * Ireland Boycott? (14:52) * This is definitely not a Junior Eurovision podcast (15:56) * Eurovision in the Wild: Rhythm Gymnastics edition (16:37) * Happy birthday, Ralph Siegel! (21:49) Links * Intro Clip: Tel Aviv Travel Guide (Traveling Israel) * Glennis Grace’s Heartbreaking Story (Zondag Met Lubach) * IASCA May Boycott Eurovision 2019 (Eurovoix) * Knots Happen: Equipment Malfunction At Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships (Deadspin) * Deep Zone Project release anthem for World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship (WiWiBlogs) * Voyage of the Rock Aliens trailer Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or your podcast catcher of choice. When you subscribe, feel free to rate and review us. We welcome your feedback and the ratings will help other folks find this podcast. You can also follow us on Twitter @eurowhat, see our photos on Instagram @eurowhat, and like us on Facebook. Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. We can also be reached by email, if you prefer. * h/t to