eurovision

Israel's eurovision entry, Noam Bettan, faced boos and chants during his semi-final performance in Vienna, despite qualifying for the finals. Protests against Israel's participation were evident throughout the week. Bettan acknowledged the audience's reaction, stating he focused on his performance and found strength in seeing Israeli flags. Several nations boycotted the event due to the Gaza war.

As the excitement builds for eurovision 2026 in stunning Vienna, 35 nations are set to battle for the ultimate musical glory. Hosting the event, Austria welcomes a thrilling blend of veterans and fresh talent showcasing their unique sounds. This year, however, the stage feels slightly different, as five countries have pulled out in response to discussions regarding Israel's participation.

eurovision 2026 in Vienna saw an unexpected Australian guest, singer Go-Jo, hilariously highlight the Australia-Austria mix-up. Joining hosts, she performed a song about their contrasting cultures, much to the crowd's delight. Meanwhile, Australia's official entry, Delta Goodrem's 'Eclipse', will compete later this week. However, the festival faces controversy with protests and boycotts over Israel's involvement.

FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal displayed a Palestinian flag during the team's La Liga title parade. The young player's gesture drew global attention amid the ongoing conflict. Manager Hansi Flick acknowledged Yamal's maturity in making his own decisions. The club celebrated its domestic triumph with thousands of fans. Yamal is seen as a rising football star.

Stevens is the latest new addition to the cast of Season 2, with Brian Cox set to star as Don Framt, also known as the notorious serial killer the New York Ripper.

Sweden is a strong contender at eurovision 2025 in Basel, with Finnish comedy trio KAJ performing "Bara bada bastu." Austria's Johannes Pietsch, France's Louane, and Israel's Yuval Raphael are also in the running. Raphael, a survivor of the October 7th attack, will perform "New Day Will Rise," while Sweden aims for its eighth victory.

The eurovision Song Contest in Basel faced political disruptions, including protests against Israel's participation and controversial songs. Despite efforts to maintain a festive atmosphere, the event was marked by demonstrations and calls for Israel's exclusion, mirroring similar incidents from the previous year. The competition also features songs addressing national stereotypes and sexual themes, sparking debate and requiring adjustments.

Ukraine won the eurovision Song Contest Sunday, riding a wave of public support across Europe for the embattled nation and buoyed by an infectious hip-hop melody. Kalush Orchestra beat out 24 competitors in the finale of the world's biggest live music event with "Stefania", a rap lullaby combining Ukrainian folk with modern rhythms from an energetic, breakdancing band.

Yuval Raphael represented Israel in eurovision 2025. Her participation faced backlash. Raphael, a Nova festival attack survivor, topped viewer votes. Broadcasters questioned the public vote's integrity. Allegations of voter fraud arose. The European Broadcasting Union dismissed these claims. Austria's JJ won the contest. Discussions are planned for future events. The eurovision director will discuss the concerns with the broadcasters. Read more below!

Fans of eurovision gathered at the British High Commissioner’s residence and joined Christina Scott, British Deputy High Commissioner, and Ivan Konovalov, Ukraine’s Chargé d’Affaires, for a reception to celebrate The Spirit Of eurovision 2023.

Eden Golan, Israeli singer, faces protests at eurovision in Malmo. Amid controversy, she prepares for the competition, receiving support from the Israeli Prime Minister and bookmakers predicting her success, inspired by Beyoncé.

Basel voters have approved funding for the eurovision 2025. The event will now proceed with its full program which includes side events. A conservative group Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland (EDU) opposed the funding citing concerns about the event's values and cost to taxpayers. Switzerland will host the eurovision Song Contest after Nemo's victory in 2024 in the annual TV spectacle.

With artists from 23 countries, hopes for a billion-plus viewers and a generous sprinkle of glitter, Russia hosts Intervision on Saturday, a song contest championed by Moscow as a rival to eurovision. At the event on Saturday, near Moscow, each artist will sing in their mother tongue, "unlike eurovision, where most songs are often sung in English," the organisers said.

Spain's RTVE has urged the EBU to debate Israel's eurovision participation due to the Gaza war, prompting the EBU to acknowledge concerns while affirming all members' eligibility. The contest, set in Basel, faces protests over Israel's inclusion, with Yuval Raphael representing the nation amidst the ongoing conflict that began on October 7, 2023.

Russian state media has listed Ukrainian singer Jamala, who won the eurovision Song Contest in 2016, as a wanted criminal. The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs cited "an article of the Criminal Code" without specifying which one. The charges may be related to disseminating fake news about the Russian army. Jamala was also recently added to a list of Ukrainian artists banned from entering Russia for 50 years. Her winning eurovision song in 2016, "1944," was seen as a criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine.

The eurovision song contest should exclude Israel, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Monday, expressing solidarity with "the people of Palestine who are experiencing the injustice of war and bombardment". Sanchez, who last year recognised a Palestinian state, also expressed on Monday "a supportive embrace for the people of Ukraine and the people of Palestine who are experiencing the injustice of war and bombardment".

Britain's government will make 3,000 tickets for the eurovision Song Contest available to displaced Ukrainians after their country was unable to host the competition because of Russia's invasion last year.

MUSIC-eurovision/JEWISH (PIX, TV)Jewish community anxious ahead of Sweden eurovision anti-Israel protests

India-born British crooner Cliff Richard was cheated out of success in the eurovision Song Contest in 1968 after Gen Franco's regime rigged the contest, a documentary claims.

Yuval Raphael is a 24-year-old Israeli singer who is all set to represent the country at the semi-finals of the eurovision Song Contest being held in Basel, Switzerland on May 15. She is one of the 11 survivors of the attack that was launched on the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. Now, the internet is rallying behind her against all the opposition she is facing for her participation.

The organisers of the eurovision Song Contest say they will start talks with the BBC on possibly holding next year's event in the UK after concluding that it can't be held in Ukraine.

German singer Xavier Naidoo, of Indian and African heritage, has been withdrawn from the 2016 eurovision Song Contest following criticism that the lyrics of his song are anti-Semitic and homophobic.

Almost 16 cities across the UK have raised their hat in the ring to host the 2023 eurovision song contest, which can't be held in Ukraine due to security concerns.

Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra, fresh off its eurovision victory, released a new music video on Sunday of its winning hit "Stefania" that features scenes of war-ravaged Ukraine and women in combat gear, as the annual song contest took on ever more political tones.

Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson are set to host "American Song Contest", the upcoming musical competition series at the channel. According to a portal, the announcement was made in a promo that aired at the start of the Super Bowl halftime show on the network. Snoop Dogg was one of the headliners at the event.

Engelbert Humperdinck failed to defeat Sweden’s Loreen in the 57th eurovision Song Contest 2012.