Israel's Eurovision entry 'shocked' by protests during semi-final show

Noam Bettan was met with a mixture of cheering, boos and chants as he performed in Vienna on Tuesday night.

Five countries boycott Eurovision Song Contest over Israel's participation

Israel's participation in the Eurovision song contest once again stirs controversy — and a walkout by five countries.

By Itay Stern

Will the boycott of Eurovision have any impact?

The decision by five nations to boycott the song contest comes amid Israel's genocide in Gaza.

Will Canada compete in Eurovision? We want to know

Eurovision director Martin Green says Canada's entry is possible but no request or decision has been made. Any participation would need European Broadcasting Union (EBU) approval. CBC/Radio‑Canada is an associate EBU member and not currently eligible to compete. However, the public broadcaster is sending observers to this year's Eurovision Song Contest while talks continue.

Should politics and culture mix? Eurovision 2026: inside the controversy

Eurovision has hit a "bum note" over the participation of Israel in this year's song contest. Demonstrations are planned in Vienna against the presence of Noam Bettan and his song "Michelle." He succeeded in getting through the semi final 24 hours ago, but his appearance was greeted by chants of "Stop the Genocide." Five nations who usually take part have pulled out in protest, including serial Eurovision winners Ireland. The Netherlands, Spain and Iceland are the others.

By Mark OWEN

Israel’s Noam Bettan Advances in Eurovision Song Contest Amid Protests

Israeli performer Noam Bettan advanced in the annual Eurovision Song Contest as tensions mounted over his country’s participation, with protesters shouting “stop the genocide” and reportedly delaying the beginning of his performance. Bettan was set to start his performance of the song “Michelle” when several audience members booed and shouted anti-Israel sentiments, while others chanted […]

By Steven J. Horowitz

Eurovision Almost Didn’t Happen This Year Because of Israel Boycotts — and 2027 Is Dangling By a Thread

A withdrawal of sponsorships and lost fees from nations sitting out over Israel's Netanyahu government put the contest on precarious financial footing. It remains on the precipice.

By Steven Zeitchik

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.

How will Eurovision boycotts impact the song contest?

The Journal’s News Editor and resident Eurovision expert Daragh Brophy joins us to examine the impact on the 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

Israel’s Eurovision entry ‘shocked’ by protests during semi-final show

Israel's contestant at the Eurovision Song Contest has said he was surprised by protests that disrupted his semi-final performance.

By Emmanuel Tetteh

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...