Israel, Finland reach Eurovision final as five countries boycott music contest
Key takeaways
- Favourites Finland and Israel advanced from the first Eurovision semi-final on Tuesday, despite five countries boycotting the contest over Israel’s participation.
- With blasts of dry ice and jets of flame, the Eurovision party got started inside the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, where 11,200 revved-up fans saw 15 acts do battle for 10 places in Saturday's grand final.
- Belgium upset the odds to make it through, with Croatia, Greece, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Serbia and Sweden also progressing.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Favourites Finland and Israel advanced from the first Eurovision semi-final on Tuesday, despite five countries boycotting the contest over Israel’s participation. Belgium pulled off a surprise qualification, while Croatia, Greece, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Serbia and Sweden also secured spots in Saturday’s grand final in Vienna.
By: FRANCE 24 Violinist Linda Lampenius and singer Pete Parkkonen, representing Finland in the Eurovision semi-final, May 12, 2026 © Tobias SCHWARZ, AFP Favourites Finland made it through the first Eurovision semi-final on Tuesday alongside Israel, whose participation saw five countries boycott the world's biggest live televised music event.
With blasts of dry ice and jets of flame, the Eurovision party got started inside the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, where 11,200 revved-up fans saw 15 acts do battle for 10 places in Saturday's grand final.