In its 70th anniversary year, the Eurovision Song Contest returns to Vienna, a city that is a symbol of culture and diversity. This is the third time Vienna has hosted the contest: the first time was in 1967 and the last time was in 2015, when the 60th anniversary Eurovision Song Contest was held.
Expectations are high: Eurovision should unite and send a message of openness. The slogan is "United By Music - (In) The Heart Of Europe".
Yet this is precisely what is becoming a challenge that is growing year by year – in parallel with the political crises affecting some of the participating countries. The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna has been at the center of heated debates for months. These are political tensions that are increasingly difficult to ignore, despite the fact that this contest has been repeatedly declared apolitical for years.
Israel in the focus of protests
As in previous years, Israel is in particular the focus. In the context of the war in Gaza, activists and parts of the cultural scene have again called for the exclusion or boycott of the country. Recently, more than 1.000 artists signed an open letter with a clear message: No Eurovision Song Contest as long as Israel participates. Supporters of the "No Music for Genocide" initiative include international stars such as Peter Gabriel, Massive Attack, Roger Waters, Macklemore and Brian Eno.
In protest, more than 1.000 members of the entertainment industry, including Helen Mirren, Amy Schumer and Gene Simmons, signed an open letter in late April from the pro-Israel initiative Creative Communities for Peace, calling for Israel to participate. “We are shocked and disappointed that some members of the entertainment industry are calling for Israel to be excluded from the competition for its response to the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust,” the letter said. Some leave – some return
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) stands by its line that Israel should not be excluded: the contest is an association of public service broadcasters, not a government. This means Israel remains part of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Viennese police expect actions of obstruction and blockade, especially on the day of the final. Demonstrations with around 3.000 expected participants from the pro-Palestinian environment have so far been reported for May 16, but it is assumed that there will be other actions as well. The arrival of demonstrators from abroad is also expected.
Some countries are boycotting the Eurovision Song Contest because of Israel's participation - they will not send participants and will not broadcast it. These are Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland - and Spain, which is one of the "big five" or the largest financiers of the competition. This has never happened before.
However, Moldova, Bulgaria, Romania and Montenegro are returning to Eurovision this year.
Criticism of the Romanian song
In addition to geopolitical issues, a Romanian song has also sparked discussions. The song "Choke Me" by singer Alexandra Capisanescu shows "an alarming disregard for the health and well-being of young women," a law professor told The Guardian.
Capisanescu sings, among other things, “All I need is your love, I want it to choke me.” After being accused of glorifying violence, the singer explained on Reddit that “Choke Me” is a metaphor for the pressure and internal fears that a person imposes on themselves; the title and chorus should not be taken literally.
The reactions show how sensitive the environment has become. What would have previously passed as an eccentric production is now being analyzed and interpreted in detail. However, the dust surrounding the song has since settled – the first rehearsals are over, and the spectacle begins in a few days.
Ukraine: Connection with Germany
Ukrainian singer Viktoriya Leleka performs with a song that was written in Berlin and that aims to win the hearts of fans with a mix of ethno-pop and musical.
Ukraine is one of the most successful countries in the competition and is almost always considered a favorite, and it last won in 2022 with the group Kalush Orchestra and the song "Stefanija".
In times of political tension, Leleka's contribution titled "Ridnym" is being followed with particular attention. The song describes inner transformation, facing fear, and the strength to find hope even in hopeless situations.
Favorites and trends
Musically, a typical Eurovision year is looming: great emotions, strong set design, and ever-present, danceable and explosive electropop.
In addition to the usual favorites such as Sweden, Italy or France, a new favorite has emerged in recent days: Greece sends the artist Akilas with the song "Ferto" ("Give it here!"). It is an energetic techno track that speaks of endless consumerism. This song is getting better and better at the bookmakers, and whether it will be successful will be shown in the first semi-final on Tuesday (May 12), when Akilas will perform the song live.
Finland, with the pop-classical duo Linda Lampenijus and Pete Parkonen, is also performing in the first semi-final and the two can also count on a good chance of winning.
How are Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro doing?
Serbia is represented in Vienna by the hard-rock band Lavina with the song "Kraj mene", Croatia by the ethno-pop group Lelek with the song "Andromeda", and Montenegro by Tamara Živković with the song "Nova zora".
DON'T MISS IT
All three countries will compete in the first, very strong semi-final on May 12th, with a total of 15 participants, of which 10 will advance. According to the bookmakers, all three countries have a chance of reaching the final, however, when it comes to overall standings, only Croatia could find itself in the top half of the table.
Austria, as the host, and Germany, as a member of the "big five", are traditionally direct finalists and do not have the opportunity to perform in the semi-finals. For both countries, everything will be decided in the grand final, on Saturday, May 16th.
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
