international-boycotts
3 stories related to this topic, newest first.
BBC NewsNoam Bettan Qualifies for Eurovision Final
The 28-year-old Israeli contestant performed 'Michelle' in Tuesday's semi-final at Vienna's Wiener Stadthalle, where audience members chanted 'stop the genocide' and four were removed. Bettan said he heard booing but received a wave of support and looked for Israeli flags for str…
BBC NewsIsrael Qualifies for Eurovision Final as Noam Bettan Advances From First Semi-Final
Israel advanced from the first semi-final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Austria with its entry performed by Noam Bettan. Five countries boycotted the event over Israel's military action in Gaza. Finland also qualified while British performer Boy George was eliminated.
Al JazeeraEurovision 2026 First Semifinal Begins in Vienna
The first semifinal of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest opens Tuesday in Vienna with artists from 35 countries competing. Five nations are boycotting over Israel's participation. Noam Bettan advanced through a dress rehearsal on May 11 after walking the turquoise carpet the previ…