Eurovision Song Contest gets off to a tense start, overshadowed by Gaza

May 13, 2026 11:12 AM

Eurovision Song Contest gets off to a tense start, overshadowed by Gaza

The Eurovision Song Contest got off to a tense start in Vienna on Tuesday as Israel competed in the first semifinal amid a boycott by five countries over the Gaza war. The contest, traditionally a good-natured celebration of pop music and high camp now in its 70th year, has become mired in crisis over Israel's military offensive in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023. The public broadcasters of five countries - Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia - are...

Switzerland wins Eurovision Song Contest amid Gaza protests

May 12, 2024 3:54 PM

Switzerland wins Eurovision Song Contest amid Gaza protests

Switzerland on Saturday won the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Swedish host city Malmo, beating runner-up Croatia, after having been among bookmakers' top-three to win the competition. Billed as a feel-good celebration of European diversity, this year's contest has been thrust into the political spotlight with calls for Israel to be excluded over its military campaign in Gaza, triggered by Hamas' deadly attack on Oct. 7 in Israel. Swiss rapper and singer Nemo, 24, won the contest with "The ...