Back in November Israel’s Channel 10 reported that the semi-final allocation draw for the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 will take place on January 28. And today we can reveal exclusive new details about the event, which will assign the participating countries into the two semis.

Mr Gidi Shmerling, Tel Aviv’s municipal spokesperson and its Eurovision project manager, has revealed to wiwibloggs that the semi-final draw will take place inside the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. The draw takes place along with the ceremonial transfer of the Eurovision keys from Lisbon to Tel Aviv.

Originally — and following the lead of previous Eurovision host cities — the event was meant to take place in Tel Aviv’s city hall. But KAN conducted a test-run and it wasn’t satisfied, so launched a search for a new venue. Mr Shmerling’s confirmation ends domestic speculation about the matter.

Go behind-the-scenes of the 2018 allocation draw.

The Tel Aviv Museum of Art is one of Israel’s leading cultural institutions. It include an Old Masters Department with art dating from the 16th century, and a more modern and contemporary section with international works from the mid-19th century to the present. There are plenty of impressive spaces — think high ceilings, glass, white walls — where KAN and the EBU can set up the draw.

Eurovision 2019 red carpet at HaBima?

The Eurovision 2019 red carpet event, which takes place immediately before the opening ceremony at Eurovision, will be another major highlight. It’s a chance for journalists to catch up with acts at the end of the first week of rehearsal, and an opportunity for the singers to slip into their Sunday best and feel like total stars.

Yediot has reported in its print edition that HaBima — Israel’s national theatre — will host the opening ceremony, though we’ve not seen an official announcement or had confirmation. The gorgeous building is situated in central Tel Aviv very close to the prestigious Rothschild Boulevard. It’s among the city’s most expensive streets and a must-visit for tourists. The red carpet would be outside and lead to the venue.

As ever, the actual opening ceremony at the theatre will be a closed event for the delegations and special guests.

We’ll keep you updated with more information as and when it drops.

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Netta
Netta
5 years ago

I wonder what the pots will look like, since it’s the first time that 36 countries compete in the allocation draw. Assuming it will be 6 pots of 6, which country from the Balkan pot will replace Bulgaria in the Mediterranean pot?

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
5 years ago
Reply to  Netta

Portugal

Maldric
Maldric
5 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

Portugal is not a Mediterranean country….is Atlantic

Ugnius
Ugnius
5 years ago
Reply to  Maldric

There is no such a thing as Atlantic pot. Also I think that Switzerland will replace Israel in ‘leftovers’ pot 5’ so that we would have same number of countries in all pots

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
5 years ago
Reply to  Netta

I think Ireland might replace Bulgaria just because I think Australia will replace Ireland in the nordic pot.

Clever1
Clever1
5 years ago

With Tel Aviv’s gorgeous weather in May it would be a crime to hold the red carpet event indoors. It would make more sense to hold it by the mediterranean – adjacent to the Euro Village, or in either Jaffa’s or TLV’s lovely ports.

Maya
Maya
5 years ago
Reply to  Clever1

or the Marina of Hertzelya Pituach – where almost all the ambassadors live !! plus – there are also many good places to eat there, right on the water of the sea. perfect spot.

Alon I srael
Alon I srael
5 years ago
Reply to  Clever1

May can be very hot…. and when i say “hot” i mean that it can be even 40 degrees( celcius)due to eastern wind coming from the desert….hopefully that the eurovision week will fall on a pleasant weather

PP77
PP77
5 years ago

Ideal semi finals to avoid neighbours and diaspora voting
In one semi final ALB,SRB,SLO,SWI,DEN,FIN,SWE,LAT,IRE,GEO,RUS,UKR,ROM,CYP,BEL,SM,CZE,POR plus ISR,UK,FRA
In other MAC,CRO,MNE,AUT,ICE,NOR,EST,LIT,AUS,AZE,ARM,BLR,MOL,GRE,NET,MAL,HUN,POL plus SPA,ITA,GER

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
5 years ago
Reply to  PP77

In what world are Armenia and Azerbaijan together ‘the ideal semi- final’

Ugnius
Ugnius
5 years ago

What’s wrong with it ? The purpose of this allocation is to avoid ‘friendly’ voting and Armenia and Azerbaijan don’t vote for each other as other neighbours

Yagor
Yagor
5 years ago
Reply to  PP77

are u sure that finland and sweden won’t vote for each other in 1st semi?