Alternative Concerts Held Across Europe During Eurovision Song Contest
Alternative music events took place in multiple European cities this week as five countries boycotted the Eurovision Song Contest over Israel's participation. The contest, marking its 70th anniversary, features performers from 35 countries and drew 166 million viewers in 2025. Organizers of the alternative events said they aimed to highlight concerns about the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Abc NewsAlternative concerts took place across Europe this week during the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. The events responded to calls for a boycott over Israel's participation in the competition. Five countries including Spain and Ireland chose not to take part.
A concert billed as "United for Palestine" occurred Tuesday evening in a Brussels concert hall. European musicians performed alongside Palestinian artists at the gathering organized by the activist group SOS Gaza and the rights group 11.11.11. One performer delivered a version of Nina Simone’s “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” in English and Arabic.
Ten countries including Israel and favorite Finland advanced to the final of the contest on Tuesday. ” The competition marks its 70th anniversary this year.
In response, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland announced their boycott. The union had tightened voting rules this year after allegations of vote-rigging in support of Israel's contestant in prior editions. Similar alternative events are scheduled in Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Italy and Spain.
Spanish public television, which previously broadcast the contest, plans to air an alternative program titled “La Casa de la Música” on Saturday evening. The broadcast will feature performances by 20 musicians including winners of the Benidorm Fest who would normally have competed in Eurovision.
The 2024 contest in Malmo, Sweden, and last year’s event in Basel, Switzerland, saw pro-Palestinian protests that called for Israel's expulsion.
One musician who performed in Brussels said the alternative events seek to highlight what the competition claims to represent. The musician added that many people feel the contest has lost its meaning.
Organizers stated they created the events because Israel's participation is problematic. The Eurovision Song Contest drew 166 million viewers in 2025 and continues to attract large audiences this year. Israel's participation in the event has drawn protests in cities from Rome to Madrid amid the conflict in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Iran.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- 2026-05-12
Alternative United for Palestine concert held in Brussels.
1 sourceAbc News - 2026-05-13
Ten countries including Israel advanced to Eurovision final.
1 sourceAbc News - 2026-05-17
Spanish public television to air alternative music program.
1 sourceAbc News
Potential Impact
- 01
Five participating nations withdrew from the Eurovision Song Contest.
- 02
Spanish public broadcaster will air its own music program instead of Eurovision.
- 03
Alternative music events drew audiences in multiple European cities.
- 04
Eurovision voting rules were tightened in response to prior allegations.
Transparency Panel
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