The Eurovision final proceeded in Vienna despite a boycott by five public broadcasters protesting Israel's participation over its Gaza offensive. Withdrawals cut entries to 35—the fewest since 2003—and are likely to reduce global viewership. Protests in Vienna were small, though authorities remained prepared for disruption. Contest director Martin Green urged viewers to momentarily set aside global tensions and enjoy the show.
Eurovision Final Goes Ahead in Vienna Amid Five-Nation Boycott and Muted Protests
A person holds a Palestinian flag during a protest against the participation of Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Elisabeth Mandl
The Eurovision Song Contest final went ahead in Vienna on Saturday despite a boycott by five public broadcasters protesting Israel's participation over its military campaign in Gaza. The normally flamboyant, good-natured contest - now in its 70th year - took place under an unusually sober atmosphere as artists, organizers and audiences confronted political tensions.
Smallest Contest In Two Decades
The withdrawals by Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia cut the total number of entries to 35, the fewest since 2003, and reduced the field in Saturday's live final to 25 countries, including Israel. Organizers warned the smaller slate of contestants was likely to curb global television audiences; last year's contest reached an estimated 166 million viewers worldwide, outpacing the Super Bowl's roughly 128 million.
The dispute that triggered the boycott centers on Israel's offensive in Gaza following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. The original reporting cites at least 1,200 people killed in the October 7 attacks and reports that the ensuing Israeli campaign in Gaza has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians. Those figures remain highly contentious and are part of the broader political debate surrounding the contest.
Voting Rules And Broadcaster Warning
Eurovision director Martin Green acknowledged the "challenging times" facing the competition and urged viewers to set aside political differences during the show. He also issued a formal warning to Israel's public broadcaster KAN after videos posted online by Israel's contestant encouraged viewers to vote for him multiple times; KAN said the videos were removed and that it was complying with contest rules.
The contest tightened voting rules last year after concerns that promotional campaigns had skewed results: Israel finished second in the previous year following an enormous public vote that outpaced national jury scores.
'Just for a moment, well maybe 4-1/2 hours, maybe close the curtains to the outside world and dream that something else is possible,' Martin Green said, appealing for a respite from global tensions during the broadcast.
Protests In Vienna Remained Small
The mood in Vienna was tense but subdued. Police said they remained prepared for demonstrations and potential disruption, but planned protests drew only modest crowds. A rally near the venue attracted a few hundred people, far fewer than the roughly 3,000 its organizers had expected.
There was a brief disturbance during a semi-final when a small group chanted slogans within earshot of television microphones; four people were removed for disruptive behaviour, organisers said. Israel's entrant Noam Bettan told reporters he heard some booing during his performance, but the show continued.
Favorites And The Show
On the artistic front, Finland's entry 'Liekinheitin' ('Flamethrower'), featuring violinist Linda Lampenius alongside pop singer Pete Parkkonen on a dramatic burning set, was among the favourites. Australia's 'Eclipse,' performed by Delta Goodrem, was also widely tipped as a top contender.
Organizers aimed to maintain the event's spirit of creativity and unity in the face of political controversy, while balancing rules enforcement and public safety around the live broadcast.
COSMO, representing Austria, performs "Tanzschein" during the dress rehearsal 2 of the Grand Final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna, Austria, May 15, 2026. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
Parov Stelar performs during the dress rehearsal 2 of the Grand Final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna, Austria, May 15, 2026. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
Sal Da Vinci, representing Italy, performs " Per Sempre Si" during the dress rehearsal 2 of the Grand Final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna, Austria, May 15, 2026. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
Parov Stelar performs during the dress rehearsal 2 of the Grand Final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna, Austria, May 15, 2026. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
Parov Stelar performs during the dress rehearsal 2 of the Grand Final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna, Austria, May 15, 2026. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
COSMO, representing Austria, performs "Tanzschein" during the dress rehearsal 2 of the Grand Final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna, Austria, May 15, 2026. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
JONAS LOVV, representing Norway, performs "YA YA YA" during the dress rehearsal 2 of the Grand Final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna, Austria, May 15, 2026. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
Alexandra Capitanescu, representing Romania, performs "Choke Me" during the dress rehearsal 2 of the Grand Final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna, Austria, May 15, 2026. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
Winner of the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest, Ruslana, performs during the dress rehearsal 2 of the Grand Final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna, Austria, May 15, 2026. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
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