Another year, another controversy for Eurovision - but fans are sticking by it

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Another year, another controversy for Eurovision - but fans are sticking by it27 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleMark SavageMusic correspondentShutterstockFans are a huge part of the Eurovision experience - but the controversy over Israel has caused concerns amongst the communityThe 2026 Eurovision Song Contest officially lands in Vienna on Sunday, with a "turquoise carpet" parade featuring competitors from all 35 nations. It's the show's 70th anniversary, but the celebrations have been overshadowed by a ferocious row over Israel's participation. As the delegations gather in Austria, five competition regulars will be absent, with Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain all boycotting the event.

Israel's presence has sparked controversy since its government began a massive military offensive in Gaza in October 2023. The incursion came in response to a Hamas-led attack on Israel, that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, Israeli authorities say. Israel's offensive has killed 72,628 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-led health authority.

The Details

A ceasefire deal has been in effect since 10 October 2025. During the most recent Eurovision contests in Malmö (2024) and Basel (2025), anti-Israel protesters filled the streets and Israel's participants were given armed guards. Last year, Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the 7 October attacks, told the she had "practised being booed" during rehearsals.

During the final, two protesters attempted to storm the stage as she performed her song New Day Will Rise. ReutersYuval Raphael came second in the 2025 Eurovision Song ContestThings came to a head when Yuval's song unexpectedly topped the public vote (she ultimately took second place, due to a lower score from the contest's songwriting juries). Some countries claimed the public tally had been influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government's official social media channels, who had repeatedly urged followers to vote for New Day Will Rise - an unusual step for a government.

At a meeting last November, several countries tried to force a vote on Israel's presence at the contest. When the proposal failed, the withdrawals included Spain, one of the contest's biggest financial supporters, and seven-time winners Ireland. It has left fans in a quandary.

What Experts Say

'Never felt more divided'Eurovision is uniquely intertwined with its fan community. Fan websites and blogs are given equal billing to traditional media during the contest itself, sitting alongside organisations like the and the New York Times in the press centre and attending press conferences with the acts. Such sites post year-round updates and analysis of contestants, stagings, voting predictions and rehearsals from selection shows right up to the grand final.

"The fan base is very important for the commercial dimension of Eurovision," explains Dean Vuletic, author of the book Postwar Europe and the Eurovision Song Contest.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.