Sequins, smoke machines and political drama? Eurovision is officially back. The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest final takes place Saturday night in Vienna, where 25 countries will battle for Europe’s most gloriously unpredictable musis crown. But this year’s competition is not about key changes and glitter cannons – it’s also wrapped in growing controversy over Israel’s […]
Eurovision
Four countries quit ‘Eurovision’ 2026 after Israel’s song disruption
As 28-year-old Israeli singer Noam Bettan began his performance of “Michelle” during Tuesday’s live show, a protester could be heard shouting “Stop, stop the genocide” and “Free, free Palestine”. Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 has caused Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia to pull out of the world’s biggest live televised music event. Eurovision […]
‘Eurovision’ champion Nemo protests Israel’s role in ‘Eurovision Song Contest’ awards
The previous year’s Eurovision Song Contestwinner, Nemo, returns their trophy in protest over Israel’s continued participation in the event. The 26-year-old Swiss singer, Nemo, said there is a “clear conflict” between Israel’s involvement in the competition and the ideals of “unity, inclusion and dignity” that the contest says it stands for. Israel’s presence at Eurovision […]
‘Eurovision’ voting rules altered after Israel controversy
The Eurovision Song Contest’s organisers said Friday they were changing voting rules to strengthen “trust and transparency”, following controversy sparked over Israeli candidates. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced that it was implementing a range of changes to the voting rules for the glitzy competition ahead of its next edition in Vienna next May, including […]