The Eurovision Song Contest reaches its grand final with pop and protests

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Europe The Eurovision Song Contest reaches its grand final with pop and protests May 16, 20261:44 AM ET By The Associated Press Delta Goodrem from Australia performs the song "Eclipse" during the dress rehearsal for the Grand Final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, Friday, May 15, 2026. Martin Meissner/AP hide caption toggle caption Martin Meissner/AP VIENNA — The final of the Eurovision Song Contest arrives Saturday, with tight security and rainy weather failing to dent the enthusiasm of fans, or the opposition of critics who think Israel shouldn't be invited to the party. Pop Culture Happy Hour The 10 best songs competing at (a very contentious) Eurovision After a week's buildup, acts from 25 countries will take to the stage at the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Vienna to battle for the continent's pop crown.

Millions of viewers around the world will cast judgment on a fiery Finnish violinist, a Moldovan folk rapper, a Serbian metal band and many more at Eurovision's 70th anniversary event. The campy, colorful contest has been likened to the World Cup with songs instead of soccer. And like global sports, it often becomes entangled in politics.

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The contest has been clouded for a third year by calls for Israel to be excluded over its conflicts in Gaza and elsewhere, with five longtime participants — Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia — boycotting in protest. Sponsor Message Finnish favorites fan the flames Newcomers looking to grasp the essence of Eurovision and its interplay of pop and politics should look no further than two of the fan favorites to emerge during a week that saw two semifinals ahead of the grand finale. Rapper Satoshi's "Viva, Moldova" combines "a stunning high energy performance with a subtle pro-European political message," from a country moving toward the European Union after decades in Moscow's orbit, said Eurovision historian Dean Vuletic.

Greek artist Akylas' song "Ferto," or "Bring It," provides a playful take on conspicuous consumption in a country still scarred by the economic wounds of the 2008 financial crisis. Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen from Finland perform the song "Liekinheitin" during the first semifinal of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Martin Meissner/AP hide caption toggle caption Martin Meissner/AP Both are likely to score highly with viewers, though national juries, which tend to be more impressed by technical excellence, may be less impressed.

Winners are chosen by a mix of votes from the two, translated into points by a system confusing even to Eurovision fans. The act with the most points wins, and their country gets to host the competition next year. Finland is the favorite in betting odds with "Liekinheitin," or "Flamethrower," a fiery duet between the singing of pop star Pete Parkkonen and the fiddling of classical violinist Linda Lampenius.

But Eurovision often produces surprises.

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