Felicia from Sweden performs the song "My System" during the first semifinal of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, Tuesday, May 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Event overview

Why is Israel allowed to take part in the Eurovision song contest?

Updated 14 hours ago
Al Jazeera
Associated Press
2 articles2 sources
Summary

Five countries are boycotting the 70th edition of Eurovision on May 16 in protest over Israel's genocidal war on Gaza. This cluster currently includes 2 articles from 2 sources.

What this means

This cluster currently includes 2 articles from 2 sources. Sources in this event include Associated Press, Al Jazeera.

Original reporting (2)
Why is Israel allowed to take part in the Eurovision song contest?
Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
Leaning left
5/12/2026

Why is Israel allowed to take part in the Eurovision song contest?

Eurovision, the annual international music pageant watched and adored by millions of viewers around the world, begins this week despite boycotts over Israel’s participation. The televised final round of the music contest is scheduled to take place on May 16 in Austria’s capital, Vienna, this year and will mark.

Felicia from Sweden performs the song "My System" during the first semifinal of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, Tuesday, May 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Associated Press5/12/2026

Eurovision song competition starts with the first semifinal after boycott over Israel

Artists from 35 countries are competing to win the Eurovision Song Contest, which culminates with a Grand Final in Vienna on Saturday. (May 11) Felicia from Sweden performs the song “My System” during the first semifinal of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, Tuesday, May 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin.