Israel Reaches Eurovision Final as Boy George's San Marino Entry Falls in 10-country Semi
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 12
Israel Reaches Eurovision Final as Boy George's San Marino Entry Falls in 10-country Semi
14 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 12
Ten acts advanced from Tuesday's Vienna semi-final, with Israel's Noam Bettan securing a place in Saturday's Eurovision final while San Marino's entry featuring Boy George was voted out.
Bettan's performance of "Michelle" drew both cheers and audible boos over Israel's Gaza war, and organisers said security removed four audience members for disruptive behaviour after one shouted near a microphone.
The qualifiers were chosen by public and jury votes under tightened 2026 rules after 2025 irregularity claims, including a 10-vote cap per viewer and online credit-card checks tied to the submitting country.
Finland's Pete Parkkonen and Linda Lampenius, now bookmakers' favourites with a 34% win chance, also advanced as five countries boycotted this year's contest, including Ireland.
Will Europe's political divisions over Gaza ultimately decide the winner of its biggest song contest?
As boycotts grow over alleged 'double standards,' can the Eurovision brand survive its own political crisis?