Eurovision Song Contest begins in Vienna amid boycott row over Israel

15 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 9

The 70th anniversary contest opens Sunday with a turquoise-carpet parade for competitors from 35 nations, while Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain are absent.
The boycott stems from opposition to Israel's Gaza offensive; organisers expect lower viewing figures because Spain, Slovenia and Ireland will not broadcast the event.
Despite fan divisions and heightened security concerns after recent protests, Vienna's nine final shows sold out quickly, and Austria's broadcaster says Palestinian flags and audience booing will not be banned.

After banning Russia, can the EBU justify its decision on Israel's participation amid boycotts and war allegations?

With five nations boycotting, could an Israeli victory trigger the contest's biggest crisis yet?

Has political controversy permanently broken Eurovision's promise to be 'united by music'?