Israel qualifies but Boy George is out of Eurovision

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Israel qualifies but Boy George is out of EurovisionJust now Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleMark SavageMusic correspondentReutersNoam Bettan is representing Israel at the 2026 contest, which is taking place in AustriaIsrael have sailed through to the final of the Eurovision Song Contest, with the lovestruck pop song Michelle, performed by 28-year-old Noam Bettan. The contest's festive atmosphere has been upended in recent years by a controversy over Israel's military action in Gaza. Five countries have boycotted the 2026 event, including seven-time winners Ireland.

Bettan faced a mixed reception at Tuesday's semi-final. A few audience members booed and shouted anti-Israeli slogans, while others chanted his name in support. Before the show, the singer told the Jerusalem Post he was determined to concentrate on the music and relegate any criticisms to "background noise".

The Details

The negative reaction to Bettan's performance was audible on the TV broadcast, after Australian broadcaster ORF, which is hosting the show, said it would not censor protests or negative reactions to any of the contestants. In a statement after the show, ORF and Eurovision organisers the EBU said the audience member had been "close to a microphone" and "loudly expressed their views" - both as Israel prepared to take the stage and during their song. "They were later removed by security for continuing to disturb the audience," the statement said.

"Three other people were also removed from the arena by security for disruptive behaviour. "Getty ImagesBettan thanked the audience after it was revealed he had progressed to Saturday's finalThe semi-final, held at Vienna's Wiener Stadhalle, saw 10 countries qualify for Saturday's grand finale. Among them were Finnish duo Pete Parkonnen and Linda Lampenius, whose tempestuous love song Liekinheitin (Flamethrower) is currently the favourite to win.

But there was disappointment for British star Boy George. The Culture Club singer appeared as a guest performer on San Marino's entry, which failed to survive Tuesday's vote. Here are the acts we will see again at Saturday's grand finale.

What Experts Say

Belgium: Essyla - Dancing on the IceCroatia: Lelek - AndromedaFinland: Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen - LiekinheitinGreece: Akylas - FertoIsrael: Noam Bettan - MichelleLithuania: Lion Ceccah - Sólo quiero másMoldova: Satoshi - Viva, Moldova! Poland: Alicja - PraySerbia: Lavina - Kraj MeneSweden: Felicia - My SystemThat means Estonia, Georgia, Montenegro, Portugal and San Marino have all been eliminated. They included three returning Eurovision acts - Estonia's Vanilla Ninja, San Marino's Senhit and Georgian trio Bzikebi, who won Junior Eurovision in 2008.

Loyalty, it would seem, means nothing in the gladiatorial arena of the annual song contest. Getty ImagesMoldovan singer Satoshi wore a football shirt with the numbers 373 - his country's dialling codeTuesday's semi-final opened with a sweet film marking Eurovision's 70th birthday.

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