Boycott over Israel takes some glitz off Eurovision final
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest final took place in Vienna, with Finland and Australia emerging as favorites amid protests over Israel's participation due to the Gaza war. Five countries, including Spain, boycotted the event in protest, casting a political shadow over the usually glitzy music spectacle. Despite the controversy, the show featured diverse musical acts and enthusiastic fans, with performances spanning multiple languages and genres.
- ▪Protesters demonstrated in Vienna against Israel’s participation in the Eurovision final.
- ▪Five countries, including Spain, boycotted the contest due to Israel’s war in Gaza.
- ▪Finland’s Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen and Australia’s Delta Goodrem were the top contenders in the final.
- ▪The contest featured songs in 25 languages and dialects, including Neapolitan, Japanese, and Maltese.
- ▪More than 10,000 fans attended the event at Vienna’s Stadthalle venue.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Boycott over Israel takes some glitz off Eurovision finalSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxNoam Bettan of Israel performing the song Michelle, during the last dress rehearsals for the grand final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, on May 16.PHOTO: EPAPublished May 16, 2026, 11:44 PMUpdated May 16, 2026, 11:46 PMListenSummariseFinnish duo Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen alongside Australia's Delta Goodrem are favourites to win the Eurovision final.Protesters demonstrated in Vienna against Israel's participation, with five countries, including Spain, boycotting due to the Gaza war.The 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna features diverse music, astounding performances, and 10,000 fans in party mood.AI generatedVIENNA - A fiery Finnish…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.