Eurovision’s Troubles Mask a Deeper Problem
The Eurovision Song Contest is facing significant controversy due to Israel's participation amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Several countries and former contestants have announced boycotts, reflecting a broader crisis within the event and its values. This turmoil highlights the challenges facing the liberal internationalist project that Eurovision has historically represented.
- ▪Protests erupted ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel's participation amid the Gaza conflict.
- ▪Five countries, including Iceland and Spain, announced they would not attend the contest.
- ▪Numerous former contestants boycotted the event, with the 2024 winner returning their trophy.
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Dispatch Eurovision’s Troubles Mask a Deeper Problem It’s not just the song contest that’s at risk of breaking up. May 20, 2026, 7:00 AM By Charlie Sohne, a TV, film, and theater writer based in New York. A person painted in metallic silver body paint wears a structured black outfit with exaggerated, pointed shoulders. They stand in a dramatic pose on a smoky stage under moody blue and white spotlighting, looking down at one of their hands. Lithuanian singer Lion Ceccah performs during the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna on May 12. Tobias Schwarz/AFP via Getty Images Get audio access with any FP subscription. Subscribe Now ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER? LOGIN VIENNA—On May 9, the day before the Eurovision Song Contest held its opening ceremony, protesters were already in the streets.
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