Israel has qualified for the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, while Boy George and San Marino crashed out of the competition during a politically charged first semi-final in Vienna.
Israeli singer Noam Bettan secured a place in Saturday’s final with his song Michelle, despite a divided reaction inside the arena as tensions surrounding Israel’s participation continued to overshadow the contest’s 70th anniversary.
The semi-final at Wiener Stadthalle saw some audience members boo and shout anti-Israel slogans during the performance, while others loudly chanted Noam’s name in support. Despite the heightened security, a few Palestinan flags were spotted in the crowd during Noam Bettan's performance. Austrian broadcaster ORF had already confirmed it would not censor protests or negative crowd reactions during the live broadcast.
Eurovision has faced mounting controversy in recent years over Israel’s military action in Gaza, with five countries boycotting this year’s competition, including seven-time winner Ireland.
RTÉ announced last December that Ireland would neither compete in nor broadcast the 2026 contest, marking the country’s first absence from Eurovision in 61 years. The broadcaster cited the “appalling loss of lives in Gaza” and concerns over the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Instead of airing Saturday night’s Eurovision final, RTÉ will broadcast the iconic Father Ted episode A Song For Europe. The beloved 1996 episode sees priests Ted and Dougal enter a parody version of Eurovision with their famously disastrous song My Lovely Horse, before ultimately receiving “nul points” after attempting to stop Ireland from winning and hosting the competition the following year.
The first semi-final also brought disappointment for Boy George. The Culture Club frontman appeared as a guest performer during San Marino’s entry, but the country failed to make it through Tuesday night’s public vote.
Ten countries secured places in Saturday’s grand final, including current favourites Finland, represented by duo Pete Parkkonen and Linda Lampenius with their dramatic love song Liekinheitin (Flamethrower).
The acts progressing to the final are:
Meanwhile, Estonia, Georgia, Montenegro, Portugal and San Marino were eliminated from the competition.
The Big Five, made up of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, automatically qualify for the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final due to being the largest financial contributors to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). They bypass the semi-finals, securing a spot directly in the Saturday night final alongside the host country. This year, Spain is among the 5 countries boycotting the contest and will not participate.
This year’s Eurovision, being hosted in Austria after Austrian singer JJ won the 2025 contest with Wasted Love, has unfolded under heightened security measures amid fears of protests and political demonstrations linked to Israel’s inclusion.
Police in Vienna introduced airport-style security screening around Eurovision venues, while authorities also imposed drone restrictions across parts of the city during the contest.
The controversy intensified earlier this week after Israeli broadcaster KAN received a formal warning over promotional videos encouraging viewers to use all ten of their available votes for Israel’s entry.
Despite the tensions, Eurovision organisers have insisted the contest remains “United by Music”, with Saturday’s grand final now set to proceed in front of millions of viewers across Europe.
Irish Eurovision fans will still be able to watch this year’s contest despite RTÉ deciding not to participate in or broadcast the event following controversy surrounding Israel’s inclusion in the competition.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 begins with the first semi-final on Tuesday, 12 May at 8pm Irish time, followed by the second semi-final on Thursday, 14 May at 8pm, before the competition concludes with the grand final on Saturday, 16 May at 8pm.
For mroe information on how to watch Eurovision from Ireland, click here.
