Eurovision Song Contest Opens in Vienna Amid Boycotts and Protests

The Eurovision Song Contest opened this week in Vienna under heightened security as police prepare for both authorized pro-Palestinian protests and unauthorized attempts to disrupt the event. Five countries withdrew from the contest over Israel's continued participation.

Spain, Slovenia, Iceland, Ireland and the Netherlands pulled out, reducing the number of participating countries to its lowest level since 2003. The winner of the 2024 contest, Swiss singer Nemo, returned their trophy in protest at Israel's inclusion.

Last year Israel placed second overall after finishing 15th in the jury vote but winning the public televote. Organizers said the contest reached 166 million viewers in 2024. Voting rules were changed this year so that viewers can cast a maximum of 10 votes instead of 20, and broadcasters were instructed not to encourage maximum voting.

A contest official said governments do not take part in Eurovision and that public broadcasters do. The official added that there was a feeling last year that some influence was being exerted amid the debate over activities in the Middle East. The official said they hoped the five countries that withdrew would return in future editions.

An academic who has written about the contest said it has weathered many controversies in its 70-year history and described the current situation as another chapter in that history.

Performers this year include a Moldovan rapper, a silver-painted Lithuanian singer, and '80s new wave star Boy George competing for San Marino. A contest official said the event appeals to different viewers for its spectacle, songs, silliness, emotional moments or as an occasion for friends and family to gather and debate.

Australian singer Delta Goodrem is competing with a power ballad. She said the contest offers an opportunity to reach millions of people with her music. Tickets for the event sold out quickly. Hundreds of fans attended a free concert at the Wien Museum on Tuesday to see Cyprus's Antigoni perform, part of a venue temporarily rebranded as the Eurofan House.

The contest continues this week with semifinals and the grand final despite the boycotts and planned protests. An academic who has studied the contest said its path out of the current controversy will be determined by broader international politics rather than changes to the event itself.