Another year, another controversy for Eurovision - but fans are sticking by it

The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest officially lands in Vienna on Sunday, with a "turquoise carpet" parade featuring competitors from all 35 nations.It's the show's 70th anniversary, but the celebrations have been overshadowed by a ferocious row over Israel's participation.As the delegations gather in Austria, five competition regulars will be absent, with Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain all boycotting the event.Israel's presence has sparked controversy since its government began a massive military offensive in Gaza in October 2023.The incursion came in response to a Hamas-led attack on Israel, that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, Israeli authorities say. Israel's offensive has killed 72,628 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-led health authority.A ceasefire deal has been in effect since 10 October 2025.During the most recent Eurovision contests in Malmö (2024) and Basel (2025), anti-Israel protesters filled the streets and Israel's participants were given armed guards.Last year, Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the 7 October attacks, told the BBC she had "practised being booed" during rehearsals. During the final, two protesters attempted to storm the stage as she performed her song New Day Will Rise.