Meet Auri The Eurovision 2026 Mascot And The Weird History Behind It

Send us Fan MailEurovision 2026 has a mascot. Austria’s broadcaster ORF has unveiled Auri for Vienna, complete with a heartfelt message about unity and togetherness… and a design that is shaggy, loud, and instantly memeable. To make sense of Auri, we zoom out into the history of Eurovision mascots: the iconic EuroCat, Eurobird, Italy’s forgettable Leo the drone, and Switzerland’s 2025 Lumo that went viral for all the wrong reasons. If you love Eurovision lore, Eurovision branding, and the odd little traditions that fans never truly forget, this one’s for you.Subscribe for the upcoming Eurovision 2026 round-ups, share this with your most chaotic Eurovision friend, and leave a review if it made you laugh or gasp. What’s your mascot ranking: EuroCat, Auri, Lumo, or something else?#eurovision 

Send us Fan MailEurovision 2026 just got its faces: Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski. Two names, one very big stage. Want our take on the risks, the upside and the chemistry check that matters most? Press play, weigh in, and help us predict the vibe of Eurovision 2026. If you enjoyed the breakdown, follow, rate and share with your favourite Eurovision tragic—what’s your read on this hosting duo?#eurovision 

Send us Fan MailWe break down the hottest question in the Eurovision universe—why Russia is out and Israel isn’t—we examine the rules and the reasons as best we can. Whilst looking at previous controversies to try to find the answer. We try to make sense of decades of controversy, from daffodils on Jordanian TV in 1978 to China’s censored semifinals and the EBU’s hard line on inclusivity.We visit 1978, 2018 and 2022 and examine how the EBU applied the competitions standards across very different political climates.Along the way we talk heat waves, cats, and the human side of fandom, while keeping focus on governance: broadcaster accountability and inclusivity.In the end all that matters is we understand that everyone matters . #eurovision 

Send us Fan MailBring the cat inside and put the slippers on as we get ready to put 2025 to bed and we ponder will there even be a 2026?#eurovision 

Send us Fan MailGuess who's back in the Eurovision hot seat? After equipment delays and mental cobwebs, your favourite straight-talking podcast host returns to dissect Eurovision 2025 in all its controversial glory.Eurovision 2025 might not have delivered the strongest musical offerings, but it certainly provided enough drama, debates, and dance battles to keep fans entertained long after the confetti settled. The standout moment? That unexpected lyrical face-off between Baby Lasagna and Käärijä during what was supposed to be a simple interval act. When these two Eurovision icons hit the stage together, not a single viewer could resist squealing with delight. This "Eurodab" battle proved that while winning the trophy matters, sometimes winning the hearts of Eurovision fans is the real victory.Behind the sequins and key changes, this year's contest revealed fascinating cultural fault lines. Finland and Malta's performances highlighted what appears to be "the final taboo" – women's sexuality – triggering global conversations about representation and acceptance. Meanwhile, the enhanced anti-booing technology sparked debates about authenticity versus production values in broadcasting. Is it censorship or simply good television production? We'll unpack these questions and more in upcoming episodes, including a deep dive into the annual voting "controversies" that never seem to surprise yet always manage to inflame the Eurovision community.The podcast takes an unexpected but welcome turn when addressing post-Eurovision depression, offering practical mental health advice and emergency self-care tips (paper plates, anyone?). Whether you're suffering from Eurovision withdrawal or depression, remember that reaching out for professional help isn't weakness – it's winning at life. Subscribe now for our upcoming episodes featuring special guests, including the "continuously shirtless" Sam Tarling and various Eurovision personalities. Until then, take comfort knowing Austria awaits us in 2026!#eurovision 

Send us Fan MailBuckle up for our raw, unfiltered reaction to Eurovision 2025's second semi-final! We're diving into this year's wildest collection of musical offerings before the performances even hit the stage.Australia opens the night with what might be the most polarizing act of the competition – the infamous "Milkshake Man" who's already generating heated debates across the Eurovision community. From there, we journey through the musical extremes that make this competition so addictively watchable: Montenegro's gothic drama, Ireland's bizarre tribute to a Soviet space dog, and Malta's controversially censored "Serving" that has fans ready to rebel against the EBU's language restrictions.The standout performances of the night promise to be Czechia's sultry, Bond-worthy "Kiss Kiss Goodbye" and Austria's operatic vocal showcase that could either soar or crash depending on the live delivery. Meanwhile, Georgia brings traditional dancing elements that will have jury members reaching for their highest scores, while Finland closes the show with a provocative female empowerment anthem that could divide voters.What makes this semi-final particularly fascinating is the clash between jury bait and public favorites. Will the juries ever embrace the theatrical elements that make Eurovision unique, or will they retreat to safer, more traditional performances? And which countries will ultimately secure their spot in the grand final?Ready to join us for this Eurovision journey? Grab your scorecards, prepare your party snacks, and don't forget to hydrate! The road to Switzerland's 2025 Eurovision is about to get very interesting indeed.#eurovision 

Send us Fan MailThe countdown to Eurovision 2025 has begun, and the first semi-final promises a rollercoaster of musical styles, cultural exchanges, and surprising performances. As 15 countries vie for just 10 qualifying spots, clear frontrunners and dark horses are emerging from an eclectic lineup.Sweden breaks tradition by sending their first Swedish-language entry in years with "Bada Badu Bastu" – ironically performed by Norwegians. This sauna-themed anthem with its infectious choreography has fans worldwide attempting to master the dance routine. Yet history suggests the Eurovision jury may once again prevent a quirky crowd-pleaser from claiming the ultimate prize, despite overwhelming public support.The night opens with Iceland's Vibroa, twins delivering an unexpected sea shanty pop fusion that sets a high bar from the start. Estonia follows with "Espresso Macchiato," a coffee-themed bop that curiously out-Italians Italy itself, while San Marino continues this theme with "Tutta l'Italiana," a love letter to all things Italian that somehow captures Italian spirit more authentically than Italy's own entry. This curious trend of countries channeling other nations' cultural identities better than the originating countries themselves runs throughout the competition.The Netherlands' Claude with "C'est la vie" emerges as the first serious contender for the overall crown. This emotionally stirring ballad effortlessly blends French and English lyrics, beginning with soft piano notes before building into something truly special. Its beautiful composition and heartfelt delivery make it a potential winner, exemplifying the best of what Eurovision can offer: unexpected brilliance from unexpected places.Have you made your predictions yet? Will the twerking goths of Poland survive questionable vocal performances? Can Ukraine's cult-like "Bird of Prey" stand out enough to qualify? Watch the live performances to see if my predictions come true, and join me soon for analysis of semi-final two!#eurovision 

Send us Fan MailAfter a long break from the Debbie Downers, Douze Points Podcast is back and reporting for duty at Eurovision 2025!Join us as we deep dive into Switzerland's drawers and rummage through her past to bring you all you need to know to impress around the pub this Eurovision.Switzerland rich in, well riches and mountains but lacking in good noodles and seaman. Come learn some bizarre facts as we get to know the land that will be bringing us Eurovision 2025. NO SONG SPOILERS INCLUDED!#eurovision 

Send us Fan MailA lead performer for Eurovision Semi Final 1 was raced into hospital for an embarrassing illness. Will they be able to pull it together for the big show or are they about to drop Douze points? Can you guess who?But in good news we have just invented a new drinking game. It's important to find those rainbows in the grey skies.Relax, have a drink or twelve, Eurovision 2024 is here!#eurovision 

Send us Fan MailLook we have a question to ask. Honestly, once you see it, you can't unsee it. We question some fashion choices as people prepare for the big show. We also look at some tips to avoid Euro fatigue and how to recapture your Euro mojo.#eurovision