The Eurovision Song Contest began on Tuesday in Vienna, marking its 70th edition and facing heightened tensions. Five countries, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland, decided not to compete this year following Israel's continued involvement, leaving only 35 acts competing for a place in the final.
During the first semifinal, Israeli singer Noam Bettan performed his song “Michelle” amidst booing from pro-Palestine supporters. This incident prompted Austria’s broadcaster ORF to remove several members of the audience by security measures.
Commentator Rylan Clark addressed the controversy directly on Tuesday's broadcast. He informed viewers that five countries had withdrawn due to Israel’s participation and emphasized, "As I'm sure you're aware, this year Eurovision has faced one of its most challenging years, five countries have withdrawn following the continued participation of Israel."
The contest was further marred by a boycott from five nations, significantly altering the festive atmosphere. Despite the challenges, Israel qualified for the grand final alongside Finland and Sweden.
Israeli singer Noam Bettan will perform in the Grand Final on Saturday night, marking his presence despite the ongoing controversy surrounding Israel's military actions in Gaza.
This article was produced by AVALW News on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 based on reporting from 5 verified news sources across 2 countries. Our editorial process cross-references facts from multiple independent outlets to deliver accurate, comprehensive coverage. All original sources are linked below.