+34
The Eurovision Song Contest features divisions and controversies over Israel's participation. Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland have decided to boycott the competition, while some fans have decided to axe their coverage due to online conversation stemming from forums, podcasts, and blogs.
It may boast the tagline United by Music, but as the Eurovision Song Contest prepares to celebrate its 70th year, the event couldn't be more fractured.
The glitzy music contest will host its live final in Vienna, Austria on Saturday, but divisions over Israel's participation are hanging over the event. Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland have decided to boycott the competition over Israel's inclusion, with Noam Bettan set to perform in the final after making it through the semi-final on Tuesday.
Already Israel's national broadcaster KAN has received a formal warning from organisers over videos posted online by Noam Bettan, where he urges viewers to 'vote 10 times for Israel.
' The boycotts have also been a financial blow to Eurovision, which is funded largely by participating broadcasters, and to public broadcasters at a time when many are under financial pressure from government funding cuts and competition from social media. However, fans are now rallying to stand by the contest, insisting that despite the controversy they're ready to celebrate the contest's seven-decades on screens
Scratch the next story
Eurovision Song Contest Israel's Participation Boycotts Political Controversies Israel Eurovision Political Controversies National Broadcaster KAN Video Posted Online Voting For Same Country Multiple Times Financial Blow
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Israel's Eurovision Song Contest entrant faces boos as he goes onstageNoam Bettan faced boos from several members of the audience as he took the stage for the Eurovision semi-final in Vienna.
Read more »
Eurovision Viewers Joke About UK's Eurovision EntryEurovision viewers joked about the UK's Eurovision entry, Look Mum No Computer, after the performance for the first time. The act was met with mixed reactions, with some praising Delta Goodrem's performance and others criticizing the UK's entry.
Read more »
Finland's hotly tipped Eurovision performance features flames, a valuable violin and a safety planAt the Eurovision Song Contest, performers get just three minutes to impress.
Read more »
Finland's hotly tipped Eurovision performance features flames, a valuable violin and a safety planAt the Eurovision Song Contest, performers get just three minutes to impress.
Read more »