Elephant in the room: New Eurovision rules, old problems; new tunes, old mates

Elephant in the room: New Eurovision rules, old problems; new tunes, old mates

Author: JOY 94.9 - LGBTI, LGBTIQA+, LGBTQIA+, LGBT, LGBTQ, LGB, Gay, Lesbian, Trans, Intersex, Queer Podcasts for all our Rainbow Communities January 10, 2026 Duration: 55:30

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.


There's a particular kind of glitter that doesn't wash off for months, and a specific enthusiasm that arrives every spring. JOY Eurovision lives in that space year-round. More than just a recap show when the contest lights up our screens, this podcast dives deep into the music, the politics, and the sheer spectacle that makes Eurovision a global phenomenon for the LGBTIQA+ communities and allies who cherish it. You'll hear from the team at JOY 94.9 as they break down the latest news, analyze the competing entries with a keen ear, and share the unique perspectives that come from a rainbow community for whom Eurovision has always felt like a home. Expect thoughtful commentary, lively debates, and interviews with people who are just as passionate about the contest's history and its future. It’s for anyone who knows the lyrics to a losing entry from 2007, who debates the merits of a key change, and who believes the song contest is a vibrant, evolving celebration of diversity and pop culture. Tune in to find your people and get the full story behind the performances.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

JOY Eurovision
Podcast Episodes
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Duration: 20:13
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Duration: 13:25
Bringing cultures together is one of Eurovision’s drawcards. And this year, it’s even allowing one country to showcase a younger side. Marina Satti brings a fresh sound for Greece to the stage with Zari, combining her lo…
Previewing the second half of Eurovision 2024 Semi Final 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:59
With one week to go, the action is heating up in Eurovision world. And the action isn’t stopping as we preview the second half of Semi Final 2. Michael’s up early in Malmö to join Io in Melbourne to give their thoughts o…
🇵🇱 Building it up: LUNA aims for the stars for Poland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:02
The celestial LUNA is carrying the weight of Poland on her shoulders as she attempts to make it through to the 2024 Grand Final. Michael caught up with LUNA to chat about The Tower, her love of space and an interesting A…