Eurovision Song Contest

Serbia:

Protesters in Belgrade demand Eurovision boycott over Israel

Dozens of protesters gather outside Serbia’s state broadcaster, demanding the country withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest because of Israel’s participation in the event.

Slovenia to air films on 'Palestine' instead of Eurovision

Ireland, Spain and Slovenia will not broadcast Eurovision after boycotting the contest over Israel’s participation.

Entertainment leaders reject calls to ban Israel from Eurovision

More than 1,000 entertainment industry leaders sign an open letter rejecting attempts to ban Israel from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.

Israel's Eurovision song to hearken back to European roots

Noam Batan's Eurovision song blends Hebrew, French, and English with a Mediterranean rhythm to invoke the deep historical connection between Europe and Israel.

Israel’s song for Eurovision 2026 unveiled

“Michelle," the song that will represent Israel at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, performed by Noam Bettan, officially unveiled.

Eurovision Song Contest to enforce strict security in Vienna

Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna will feature tight security, with 500 personnel deployed. Sniffer dogs will be used throughout the city for safety.

Name of Israel's Eurovision song revealed

The song itself, titled "Michelle," will be revealed for the first time next Thursday and was selected by a committee from around 200 submissions.

Israel selects its song for Eurovision

After listening to roughly 200 submissions, Kan’s selection committee chooses a song written by Yuval Raphael, Nadav Aharoni, and Tzlil Klifi. The selected entry will be performed by Noam Bettan.

Noam Bettan to represent Israel at Eurovision

Noam Bettan chosen to represent Israel at Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Vienna in May, after winning the finals of the show "HaKokhav HaBa" (Rising Star).

Israel to participate in first Eurovision semi-final on May 12

Israel will compete in Eurovision’s first semi-final to take place in Vienna in May, as the contest faces its largest-ever boycott over Israel’s participation.

Over Israel’s participation

Swiss Eurovision winner returns trophy

Swiss Eurovision winner Nemo returns trophy, protesting Israel’s participation in the contest amid the Gaza war.

Israel tops early betting odds for Eurovision 2026

Bookmaker Betfair's first Eurovision 2026 odds place Israel at the top, with Sweden, Finland, Ukraine, and Italy following closely behind.

Iceland pulls out of Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation

Iceland will not compete in Eurovision 2026 after Israel was cleared to participate, joining Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia.

Despite boycott calls

Belgium confirms Eurovision participation

Belgium’s RTBF confirms Eurovision participation in Vienna, a day after the EBU ruled that Israel would be allowed to participate.

4 countries quit:

Israel to participate in Eurovision 2026

After a heated EBU debate over Israel’s participation, members approved rule changes preventing a disqualification vote, prompting four countries to withdraw as Israel prepares to compete in Vienna.

EBU faces 'watershed moment' over Israel in Eurovision 2026

Eurovision faces a “watershed moment” as the EBU may vote on Israel’s 2026 participation this Thursday. Broadcasters from Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands threaten boycott, while Germany warns it could withdraw if Israel is banned.

Anti-Israel move?

Eurovision changes the rules of voting

The European Broadcasting Union announces new rules, including restrictions on audience voting and the addition of jury voting in the semifinals, following criticism over votes for Israel.

Amid Israel boycott threats

Austria pushes for Eurovision compromise

Austria seeks compromise on Israel’s Eurovision entry as Spain, Ireland and others threaten boycott over Gaza war.

Austria’s Chancellor:

'Excluding Israel from Eurovision would be a fatal mistake'

Austria’s Chancellor Christian Stocker rejects calls to ban Israel from Eurovision 2026, calling it a “fatal mistake” and citing Austria’s Holocaust legacy.

Citing Gaza ceasefire

Eurovision delays vote on Israel ban

Eurovision organizers postpone a vote on Israel’s 2026 participation, citing Gaza ceasefire developments. The issue will now be discussed in December.

Austria warns:

'No Eurovision hosting if Israel is boycotted'

Austria’s leaders say national broadcaster ORF should not host Eurovision 2026 if Israel is boycotted. Backing down from hosting risks a €40M penalty.

German Chancellor:

'Germany should quit Eurovision if Israel is barred'

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says Germany should quit Eurovision 2026 if Israel is excluded, calling the debate “a scandal.”

Danish broadcaster opposes ban on Israel in Eurovision

Denmark’s DR says it won’t vote to expel Israel from Eurovision 2026, citing rule compliance and support for an apolitical, secure, international music event.

EBU to vote in November on Israel’s Eurovision participation

The EBU will vote in November on Israel’s participation in Eurovision, as Kan warned that excluding one of the contest’s most successful entrants would undermine its cultural values.

Germany's culture minister blasts anti-Israel Eurovision boycotts

Germany's culture minister blasts threats by Spain, Ireland, and others to boycott Eurovision if Israel participates, calling it a politicization of a cultural event and a "tribunal" against diversity.

Spain joins Eurovision boycott against Israel

Spain becomes the first of Eurovision's "Big Five" to say it will withdraw from the 2026 contest if Israel participates, citing "genocide" in Gaza.

Eurovision officials propose Israel appear with 'neutral flag'

Eurovision officials unofficially propose a temporary withdrawal or a neutral flag for Israel to avoid "humiliating disqualification" ahead of a December vote amid growing boycott threats.

After Ireland

Dutch broadcaster joins Eurovision boycott against Israel

Dutch and Irish public broadcasters threaten to boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, citing “human suffering” and “erosion of press freedom” in Gaza.

Jamming in the jam

Watch: How does an Israeli Eurovision star survive traffic?

Caught in a late-night traffic jam, Israel’s Eurovision runner-up Yuval Raphael stepped out of her car to sing for fellow drivers, turning a frustrating standstill into a roadside show.

Austrian Eurovision winner backtracks on call to exclude Israel

Eurovision 2025 winner JJ walks back his controversial comments calling for Israel's suspension from the competition, claims his words were misunderstood.

Eurovision winner:

'Disappointing to see Israel still participating'

Austrian Eurovision 2025 champion JJ voices strong opinions regarding Israel's participation in the contest and the fairness of the voting system, expresses desire for Eurovision 2026 to be held "without Israel."

Eurovision:

Israel's victory among public sparks calls for voting review

European broadcasters challenging the Eurovision Song Contest's voting system after Israel's entry overwhelmingly won the public vote but lost the overall competition.

PM to Yuval Raphael:

You lifted Israel’s profile among nations

Netanyahu praises Israeli Eurovision finalist for emotional tribute and global impact.

'Expulsion of Jews again?'

Spanish PM calls for Israel to be ousted from Eurovision

Pedro Sánchez accuses Eurovision of hypocrisy for allowing Israel to compete while barring Russia, drawing sharp rebuke from former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Eurovision takeaways

Eurovision came to an end and the protestors went home with no success. Israel showed that the haters are more than matched. Israel can build on this. Opinion.

Impressive achievement:

Israel finishes second in Eurovision

Israel’s representative, Yuval Raphael, secures second place in the Eurovision final with her song “New Day Will Rise,” earning 297 points from the public.

Yuval Raphael advances to Eurovision grand final

Israel’s Eurovision representative qualifies for the final, which will take place on Saturday night in Switzerland. Boos heard at the start of her semi-final performance, but they did not affect her singing.

Former Eurovision artists demand Israel’s suspension

Dozens of past Eurovision participants urge organizers to ban Israel from the upcoming contest, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. European Broadcasting Union reaffirms its commitment to keeping the competition inclusive and non-political.

Israeli singer to Eurovision: 'I am proud of my country'

Israeli flag is on its way to the Eurovision Song Contest. Singer Yuval Rafael could not hide her excitement: 'I will do everything I can to represent us with honor.'

'We’re coming to win'

President Herzog meets with Israel's Eurovision contestant

Moments before departing to represent Israel at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland, Israel’s Eurovision representative, Yuval Rafael, met with President and First Lady Herzog.

European Broadcasting Union:

PLO flag permitted at this year’s Eurovision

A flag bearing the symbol of the hostages complies with the rules, but it was clarified that any symbol inciting hatred or violence violates the law.

Eurovision director dismisses calls to boycott Israel

Martin Green, head of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, firmly opposes calls to exclude Israel, emphasizing the apolitical nature of the event.

Spanish broadcaster urges debate on Israel’s Eurovision entry

Spain’s national broadcaster RTVE asks the European Broadcasting Union to open a discussion on Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, citing growing concerns over the ongoing war in Gaza and its impact on public sentiment.

‘New Day Will Rise’

Israel's song for Eurovision revealed

The song “New Day Will Rise”, written by Keren Peles and musically arranged and produced by Tomer Biran, presented for the first time. "It symbolizes healing and optimism."

Israel chooses Eurovision 2025 song entry

The selection committee has finalized their choice for the song representing Israel at Eurovision 2025. The song has not yet been published.

Survivor of Nova massacre to represent Israel at Eurovision

Yuval Raphael, who survived the massacre at the Nova Festival in Re'im on October 7, 2023, wins the finals of "Hakokhav Haba" television show and will represent Israel at Eurovision in May.

Leading Eurovision candidate?

Meet Valerie, the Arab Christian who wants to represent Israel

Valerie Hamaty, a young and talented Arab Christian from Jaffa, joined the March of the Living, performed at Memorial Day ceremonies, and regularly visits hospitalized IDF soldiers who were wounded in Gaza.

Slovenia calls to disqualify Israel from Eurovision 2025

Slovenia broadcasting corporation pens official letter asking that Israel be disqualified from the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest.

Watch:

Shulem sings 'October Rain'

Haredi singer Shulem performed Eden Golan's October Rain, the title and lyrics of which were barred from the Eurovision for being 'too political.'

Watch:

Eden Golan sings 'October Rain,' the song banned from Eurovision

For the first time in public, 20-year-old Israeli singer who placed fifth in the Eurovision Song Contest sings the original version of her song that was considered too 'political' for the contest.

The role that Foreign Minister Katz will offer to Eden Golan

Foreign Minister Israel Katz expected to offer Israel's Eurovision representative, Eden Golan, an important role in the fight against antisemitism around the world.

President to Eurovision contestant

'You stood bravely in the face of Israel's haters'

President Isaac Herzog congratulated the Israeli Eurovision contestant Eden Golan and thanked her for proudly representing Israel.

Eurovision 2024:

Switzerland wins, Israel finishes fifth

Israel finishes fifth out of 25 countries in the Eurovision 2024 final, winning 375 points. Eden Golan after the final: Proud of our achievement, I dedicate the participation to the hostages.

Sweden:

Greta Thunberg arrested protesting Eurovision

Police in Malmo, Sweden, arrest Greta Thunberg as she protests near the Eurovision alongside pro-Hamas activists.

After stunning performance:

Eden Golan bursts into tears as she exits the stage

Israeli singer Eden Golan is fifth in line to perform at the finals of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. As she takes the stage, boos and applause rise from the audience.

Contestant who criticized Israel booted from Eurovision

Dutch singer Joost Klein has been removed from the finals hours before his scheduled performance following complaints from the production staff.

'We're all here for one reason'

Israeli contestant's answer to a journalist's shameful question

A Polish journalist asked Israeli Eurovision entry Eden Golan if she thought that her participation in the contest endangered other participants.

Eden Golan qualifies for Eurovision final

Israeli representative unfazed by boos, advances to final, which will take place on Saturday night in Malmo, Sweden.

Malmo, Sweden

Thousands of anti-Israel protesters gather outside Eurovision

Hundreds of people gather in Sweden's Malmö to protest against Israel's participation in the Eurovision competition.

During rehearsal:

Israel's Eurovision representative booed

Eden Golan booed during a dress rehearsal ahead of Thursday’s semi-final in Malmo. She was unfazed and finished singing.