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Sam Ross

@escinsider.bsky.social
870 followers 450 following 295 posts

Eurovision Insider since 2011. ESCInsight contributor (@escinsight.com), "12 Points From America" co-creator (@12pointsusa.bsky.social), roving trivia nerd, constantly wanderlusty, proud Minnesotan. She/her.

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Reposted by Sam Ross
ESC Insight @escinsight.com · 24/09/2026
As the Netherlands returns to the Eurovision Song Contest, it appears the era of the boycott is coming to an end. But are we really going back to normal? James Stephenson asks what comes next. escinsight.com/2026/09/24/e...
Promotional card, "Back To The Way We Were", why the Eurovision Song Contest has never been normal.
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ESC Insight @escinsight.com · 13/08/2026
The Eurovision Song Contest 2027 is going to the shores of the Black Sea, as Burgas becomes one of the smallest host cities for the show in recent years. Sem Anne van Dijk explores why the Contest is kicking off its shoes and heading for a beach holiday next year.
escinsight.com
Burgas? Why Eurovision 2027 Is Going Full Beach Mode
Sem Anne van Dijk explores why the Eurovision Song Contest is kicking off its shoes and heading for a beach holiday in Burgas next year.
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12 Points from America @12pointsusa.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
[DeBarge voice] To the beat of the Rhythm of Bhutan Dance until the morning liiiiight
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Happy New Series of #OnlyConnect Day to all who observe!
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Coming on the heels of legislation to shutter MTVA and replace it with a new broadcaster, Magyar Rádió és Televízió.
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ESC Insight @escinsight.com · 02/07/2026
The Eurovision Song Contest has a brand-new country – and it’s unlike any we’ve had before. James Stephenson breaks down why Canada is joining Eurovision, why now, and what it could mean for the future of the Contest as we know it.
escinsight.com
Canada Comes to Eurovision - But Will Eurovision Leave its History Behind?
Mark Carney Reveals Canada's Eurovision Participation at Canada Day Speech (CBC)
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
I mean...I'm always thrilled about #Eurovision events that I only need one flight to get to. But one I could *drive* to?!
static.klipy.com
Shoresy Says Yeah!
Alt: Shoresy, a hockey player missing a front tooth, exclaims "yeah!".
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
So, I've been watching the World Cup on Peacock, with Spanish language commentary. The commentator on the Algeria-Austria match sounds so much like Tulio Triviño from "31 Minutos", it's messing with my head.
static.klipy.com
31 Minutos Tulio Triviño
Alt: 31 Minutos Tulio Triviño: A giant sock monkey news caster shrugs.
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
So, while this *isn't* an official announcement that Canada is joining Eurovision (yet), it's basically the EBU removing any barriers for them to do so if they wanted to. And Canada Day *is* next Wednesday, if PM Carney wants to give us all a little gift... 🍁
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Fabulous timing on this! 🍁
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
It should be noted that this specifically covers nations that are considered Observer States by the Council of Europe, of which there are only five: Canada, the US, Mexico, Japan, and the Holy See.
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
The EBU's decision to allow for full membership from broadcasters beyond their previous traditional geographic boundaries could be absolutely huge, especially for the Contest.
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Massive news from the EBU! www.ebu.ch/news/2026/06...
ebu.ch
CBC/Radio-Canada joins EBU as full Member
CBC/Radio-Canada becomes a full member of the European Broadcasting Union and joins the Eurovision News Exchange, strengthening international public media collaboration.
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
The speaker at the work conference that I'm at proudly announced that the playlist of music that's been on before sessions (innocuous stomp-clap with lyrics that could be generously described as pablum) was all AI generated. I feel sick to my stomach.
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ESC Insight @escinsight.com · 22/05/2026
As we head into the long summer, and the Eurovision community's pace slows down (not you, Bulgaria), we'll be looking to see what we can do better for the 2026/27 season. To do that, we'd like to know what you think about the site and about the Eurovision Song Contest world, via our one-page survey.
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12 Points from America @12pointsusa.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Last 15 Eurovision winners ranked by the number of times the title is sung: 1944 - 0 Running Scared - 1 Amar Pelos Dois - 1 Arcade - 1 Zitti e Buoni - 1 Rise Like a Phoenix - 5 The Code - 6 Tattoo - 7 Stefania - 8 Wasted Love - 9 Euphoria - 9 Only Teardrops - 12 Toy - 16 Heroes - 18 Bangaranga - 45
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Scaredykat Bonemann 💀🦴 @katbaumann.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Needed to do some warmup inks and I got this idea from my friend Knife Jill who has been similarly cursed by Sweden
3-panel comic drawn in ink on bristol; the panels are all the same size and in one horizontal row, with a top caption saying "Every waking moment since I saw Eurovision 2026"
Panel 1 shows me, eyes closed and barely awake in a robe with a messy top bun while I open a can of "Gremlin Chow" for my two cats. There are three scraggly speech bubbles coming from me that say "My head.. my heart.. my body part.." which are lyrics from Sweden's Eurovision song entry for this year (admittedly a bop)
Panel 2 shows me vacuuming the filter on an air purifier at work, accompanied by a "VRRROOOM" SFX. My single speech bubble says "My head, my heart, my body part"
Panel 3 shows me licking the seal on an envelope at my desk, staring into the middle-distance with speech bubbles wandering around the top of the panel in segments: "My... head, my... heart.. my... body part"
Beneath the comic is my signature and the date this was drawn: Kat Baumann 5-19-26
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
I'd say less "working with" and more "hanging out with a lot this week"!
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12 Points from America @12pointsusa.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
After a pair of second places *and* a pair of third places, this is also the first #Eurovision win for prolific ESC songwriter Dimitris Kontopoulos
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12 Points from America @12pointsusa.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
GENGHIS KHANT #Eurovision
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12 Points from America @12pointsusa.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
#Eurovision Voting is now open! Remember, if you don't spread your votes around, Martin Green will find you!
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ESC Insight @escinsight.com · 16/05/2026
It’s been a long road, but tonight we finally see the culmination of months, even years of work. Following two competitive Semifinals, we have winnowed the field down to twenty-five acts, and only one will raise the crystal microphone high this evening. @escinsider.bsky.social previews the show
escinsight.com
The Spotter’s Guide to Eurovision 2026: The Grand Final
The trophy of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest on the Wiener Stadthalle stage, for Vienna 2026 (Photo Credit: Corinne Cumming/EBU)
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ESC Insight @escinsight.com · 15/05/2026
How effective is Eurovision's move to a ten-vote maximum? The televote has come under increased scrutiny by broadcasters, the media, and viewers following 2025’s Song Contest. Sharleen Wright discusses this change and its impact on 2026’s televoting. escinsight.com/2026/05/15/h...
escinsight.com
How Effective Is The Televote's Move To A Ten-Vote Maximum At Eurovision?
The Eurovision Tropy (Corinne Cumming - EBU)
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Ben at @escinsight.com has scribbled down his thoughts on it! escinsight.com/2026/05/15/f...
escinsight.com
Finland's Lucky Number 17: The 2026 Grand Final Running Order Analysis
10 songs have been eliminated, now 25 remain to be in contention to be crowned the winner of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. As customary, here is our review of the producer's running order, in a sh...
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
The run from Sweden to Romania is a wild ride of a story...breakup, rebound vacation hookup, wedding, honeymoon, divorce. #Eurovision
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12 Points from America @12pointsusa.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
I really think that Giant Sal and Albania Mom would be great friends #Eurovision
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12 Points from America @12pointsusa.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
It's time to vote! Be sure to spread your vote out, and to send this handy graphic out to anyone who doesn't! #Eurovision
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12 Points from America @12pointsusa.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Well, we still couldn't take rehearsal photos, so today's performers will be represented by things covered in Swarovski crystals. We hope you'll join us! #Eurovision
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12 Points from America @12pointsusa.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
By the slimmest of margins, BULGARIA 🇧🇬 are your winners of the second semifinal audience poll! Thanks to the over 3,300 people who voted, and to @escinsight.com, @escgabe.com @mercicherie.at, @thateurosite.bsky.social, @escxtra.bsky.social and @vdan.design for your teamwork! #Eurovision
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Did Croatia's staging have just a liiiiiittle too much smoke? Felt a bit "oximated" to me, if you know what I mean. #Eurovision
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Hey, ho, let's go! We start our show with "Viva Moldova!", a high-energy song that will make you want to book a flight to Chisinau. #Eurovision
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Could someone do me a favor and pass me Vicky Leandros's moisturizing routine, ASAP? Please and thank you. #Eurovision2026
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12 Points from America @12pointsusa.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
It's almost #Eurovision showtime! We still can't take rehearsal photos, so we've again found the next best thing - each act tonight will be represented by one of Austria's greatest exports: Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1997 classic "Batman and Robin." We hope you'll join us!
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
@gjkooijman.bsky.social wants to know...what is your stance on nipples on the batsuit?
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ESC Insight @escinsight.com · 12/05/2026
The Spotters Guide returns for Vienna. Here's what to look out for tonight. @escinsider.bsky.social previews Semi Final 1 as Eurovision returns to Vienna
escinsight.com
The Spotter’s Guide to Eurovision 2026: Semi Final One
Eurovision Song Contest Stage, SF1, Vienna 2026 (photo: EBU)
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That Eurovision Site @thateurosite.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
📊 WE HAVE A RESULT! Tonight, the Jury Show took place for the 1st of #Eurovision 2026, where we asked the audience who attended who their favourite was 🇲🇩 #Moldova was on duty! As it has an undeniable lead over #Finland, which is the current bookmaker's favourite. The full results are listed below.
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ESC Insight @escinsight.com · 11/05/2026
The Audience Was On Duty! A HUGE victory for Satoshi and Viva Moldova at the Eurovision Audience Poll this evening! Thank you to all the contributing sites including @thateurosite.bsky.social, @escxtra.bsky.social, @12pointsusa.bsky.social and others!
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12 Points from America @12pointsusa.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
MOLDOVA 🇲🇩 is your winner of the first #ESC2026 audience poll! Over 3,000 voters spoke with @escinsight.com @escgabe.com @thateurosite.bsky.social and more. Thanks to everyone who voted!
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ESC Insight @escinsight.com · 11/05/2026
The Eurovision Song Contest is the home for a wealth of trivia and facts, and every year we gather more. Our resident Jeopardy! champion Samantha Ross, @escinsider.bsky.social, returns to take a look at the numbers behind Vienna 2026 for ESC Insight.
escinsight.com
Eurovision 2026: By The Numbers
The Eurovision Song Contest Trop 2026 (Photo: EBU)
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Cry for love...or a cry for help?
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
Washed down with an Almdudler, of course!
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
Kebab shop, wurst stand, bakery...the essentials!
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
Made it to Vienna...safe, sound, and exceptionally sleepy. Already ran into old friends, and I've identified the late-night eats that I know I'll be frequenting in the neighborhood. Roll on #Eurovision week.
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12 Points from America @12pointsusa.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Genuine game changer. Awesome.
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
As always, I'm loving the gorgeous photography coming out of the first rounds of rehearsals. Seriously, Corinne Cumming, Sarah Louise Bennett, and Alma Bengtsson are so brilliant at what they do (and they're also lovely human beings). #Eurovision
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Sam Ross @escinsider.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
It's almost officially #Eurovision time, and publishing my annual guidebook for @escinsight.com makes it feel all the more real. I head to Vienna this week for my fourteenth Contest on site (fifteenth if you count online press), and even with all of its flaws, it's still the highlight of my year.
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12 Points from America @12pointsusa.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
Another year of KMSU-rovision? You betcha! Keep an eye out for our FOUR HOUR Eurovision extravaganza, coming soon to a radio near you!
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ESC Insight @escinsight.com · 27/03/2026
For Eurovision 2026, juries will be expanded from five to seven members. The EBU have made it a requirement that two juror members for 2026 need to be young music professionals from 18 to 25. Ben Robertson investigates what difference, if any, this change might make on the Eurovision scoreboard/
escinsight.com
Five Jurors To Seven: The Statistical Impact Of Two Younger Jurors At Eurovision
Dami Im, Australia 2016 (photo EBU)
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ESC Insight @escinsight.com · 11/03/2026
35 #Eurovision songs. Which one will win? The Model. Rebuilt, redesigned, and relocated to ESC Insight for 2026. And it's launching LIVE. See The Model's first forecast as a live voting sequence on ESC Gabe's stream this Sunday night, with full results on ESC Insight Monday.
The Model
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12 Points from America @12pointsusa.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Hang on, his last name is what now
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