international
Eurovision hopes 70th anniversary celebration outshines Israel controversy
Key takeaways
- The Eurovision song contest turns 70 this year, but the celebration threatens to be overshadowed by the competition’s biggest ever boycott over the continued inclusion of Israel.
- Issued on: 08/05/2026 - 07:27Modified: 08/05/2026 - 07:28
- By: Joanna YORK A light show at the official opening of the stage at the Wiener Stadthalle prior to the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna, Austria on April 28, 2026.
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The Eurovision song contest turns 70 this year, but the celebration threatens to be overshadowed by the competition’s biggest ever boycott over the continued inclusion of Israel.
Issued on: 08/05/2026 - 07:27Modified: 08/05/2026 - 07:28
By: Joanna YORK A light show at the official opening of the stage at the Wiener Stadthalle prior to the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna, Austria on April 28, 2026. © Joe Klamath, AFP The 2026 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is celebrating two notable milestones – not only is it the event’s 70th birthday, but it also features the lowest number of competing countries in two decades.
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