Why a song contest has emerged as Europe’s most controversial election

The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest has devolved into its worst crisis in history, marked by a historic five-country boycott and audience protests over Israel’s participation amid the war in Gaza.

Israel and favorite Finland advance to the Eurovision final

Ten countries including favorite Finland and contentious competitor Israel won places Tuesday in the Eurovision Song Contest final, while five nations were sent home after the first day of competition in the pop music extravaganza. But divisions are clouding the contest’s 70th anniversary edition, with five countries — Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland — boycotting to protest Israel’s inclusion.

By FRANCE24

From Wagner to Eurovision: The debate over Jews in music - opinion

A number of European countries have objected to Israel's participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.

Israel meet protests as they qualify for Eurovision, but Boy George fails to make it through

The Culture Club singer was set to represent San Marino alongside Senhit, but was eliminated at last night’s semi-finals The post Israel meet protests as they qualify for Eurovision, but Boy George fails to make it through appeared first on NME.

By Liberty Dunworth

Protesters removed during Israel’s Eurovision semi-final performance

Four audience members were removed from the first Eurovision Song Contest semi-final in Vienna after protests during Israel’s performance, organisers said, as the contest opened under pressure over Israel’s participation and boycotts by five countries. The European Broadcasting Union and Austrian host broadcaster ORF said one spectator near a microphone “loudly expressed their views” as Israeli singer Noam Bettan began his song Michelle. Chants of “stop the genocide” were heard during quiet...