An international song competition run by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) since 1956.
The Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 has confirmed artists from at least 10 Asian countries, with more expected before the final in November. The event, hosted in Bangkok, aims to showcase regional culture and talent, marking a new chapter for the contest's 70th anniversary. The main Eurovision contest remains scheduled for Vienna in May, with some countries boycotting due to political tensions.
Eurovision 2026 is set to unfold in Vienna with 35 countries competing. Several broadcasters have pulled out in protest of Israel's inclusion amid the Gaza war. Slovenia will not broadcast the contest, opting to show films about Palestine; other countries have made similar decisions or limited coverage. The event maintains a governance framework intended to keep politics off the stage, but tensions remain evident around the competition’s political neutrality.
Bulgaria has won the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with Dara's 'Bangaranga' on 17 May; Israel's Noam Bettan has finished second with 'Michelle', taking 343 points to Bulgaria's 516. The final has followed weeks of protests, five broadcaster boycotts and tightened voting rules after concerns about disproportionate promotion.
Eurovision organizers have warned that Israel’s entrant faced a formal reprimand after videos urging fans to vote multiple times were circulated. The incident follows tightened rules aimed at preventing third‑party government campaigns from swaying televote results. Officials say the videos did not alter the final outcome, but it has renewed debate about the contest’s neutrality in light of Israel’s participation.
Five countries have withdrawn from Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation in the Gaza war, leaving 35 participating nations. Ireland has sparked controversy by showing a Father Ted episode during the final; the Eurovision voting process faces scrutiny after a NYT report alleging a state-backed campaign to boost Israel. Eurovision chief Green says efforts are ongoing to bring back missing broadcasters; new limits on voting have been introduced.
Finalists including Poland, Greece and Australia have progressed to the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final in Vienna. Hosts and the Eurovision “Big Four” are automatically through, while other countries compete in semi-finals. UK entry Look Mum No Computer will perform in the semi-finals, with full broadcast options available.
Bulgaria has won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with Dara's Bangaranga, finishing on 516 points. Israel's Noam Bettan has finished second on 343 points amid protests and a five-country boycott over Israel's war in Gaza. Organisers have tightened voting rules after allegations of organised voting for Israel.
Nicholas Kristof’s opinion piece alleging sexual violence by Israeli forces has elicited strong responses from Israeli officials and readers. The Times defends the column, while critics question sourcing and timing ahead of a forthcoming Israeli report on Hamas sexual violence.