The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna hasn’t even started yet – and yet it’s been at the center of heated debate for months. The issue is not the brilliant pop show itself, but the political tensions that are becoming difficult to ignore despite the competition’s long-standing claims to be apolitical.
The last time the Austrian capital hosted the Eurovision Song Contest was in 2015. This year, to mark its 70th anniversary, the competition will return from May 12-16 to a city known for culture and diversity. Expectations are high, as the aim of the competition is to bring people together and send a message of openness. The motto is “United by Music – (in) the Heart of Europe”.
But this is what is becoming a tougher challenge with each passing year, as political crises are also increasing in some of the participating countries.
Israel is the target of the protests
As in previous years, Israel is once again the center of attention. Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, activists and some members of the creative community are once again calling for a boycott or boycott of the country.
Recently, over 1,100 artists signed an open letter with a clear message: there will be no Eurovision Song Contest as long as Israel is participating. Supporters of the “No Music for Genocide” initiative include international stars such as Peter Gabriel, Massive Attack, Roger Waters, Macklemore and Brian Eno.
Vienna police expect disruptive protests and attempts to stop the event, especially on the last day. He announced that a demonstration with approximately 3,000 potential participants from pro-Palestinian groups had been registered for 16 May. However, further action can be expected. There is a possibility of protesters coming from abroad also.
However, Israel, which is sending singer Noam Betton to Vienna with the simple heartbreak pop song “Michelle”, will not be barred from taking part in the judging, in line with the long-standing position of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU): the contest is an association of broadcasters, not governments. As a result, Israel remains a part of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Even a ‘Big Five’ country is boycotting the Eurovision Song Contest
This has led to a strong reaction from some countries: Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland – all Eurovision giants – boycotting the contest. Spain has also joined the boycott, meaning that one of the so-called “Big Five” countries (those who are the contest’s biggest financial supporters) will not participate this year. This has never happened before.
Some countries will not broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest on TV. The world’s biggest music event, which recently attracted some 170 million spectators worldwide, will have fewer spectators this year.
Criticism of Romania’s entry
Apart from geopolitical issues, the song performed by Romania has also sparked debate. A law professor is quoted Guardian As stated, Alexandra Capitanescu’s song “Choke Me” shows “an alarming disregard for the health and well-being of young women”. One of the lines sung by Capitanescu is: “I just need your love, I want it to strangle me.” Following accusations that the song glorifies violence towards women, the singer explained on Reddit that “Choke Me” is a metaphor for the pressure and internal fear that one imposes upon oneself; The title and chorus should not be taken literally.
The controversy over the song has now subsided to some extent – the first rehearsals have ended and the show will start in a few days. But these reactions are a reminder of how delicate the situation has become. What was once dismissed as a mere spectacle is now being examined and interpreted in detail.
German connection of Ukraine
Ukrainian singer Victoria Leleka is competing with a song written in Berlin, hoping to win over Eurovision fans with her mix of ethno-pop and musical theatre. In an interview with German broadcaster ARD, she explained how much she loves Germany and the language, and how important it is for her to give voice to her homeland and its diverse culture at a time of Russian aggression against her country.
Ukraine is one of the most successful countries in the contest and is almost always one of the finalists. Recently, Kalush Orchestra won the 2022 contest with “Stefania”.
Amidst the political tension, Leleka’s entry “Ridnim” is being watched with particular interest. The song describes inner transformation, dealing with fear, and the power of finding hope even in hopeless situations.
Favorites and Trends
Musically, it’s shaping up to be a typical ESC year: big emotions, dramatic stage design and lots of danceable, upbeat electro-pop.
Greece’s entry is rapidly climbing the betting odds – whether it can hold its own will be revealed during the first semi-final on Tuesday, May 12, when Achilles performs the song live.
Finland will also face pop-classical duo Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen in the first semi-final, who also have a good chance of winning.
For host nation Austria and Big Five member Germany, however, the prospects are not so good – both are traditionally guaranteed a spot in the final and do not get the opportunity to perform in the semi-final showdown. For both countries, it is all or nothing in the grand final on Saturday, May 16.
Eurovision Song Contest Asia – a new spin-off
While Europe’s focus is on Vienna, attention is also turning to the Asian continent. The first Eurovision Song Contest Asia is scheduled to take place in the Thai capital Bangkok on 14 November. Ten countries, including the Philippines, South Korea and Vietnam, have already confirmed their participation.
Efforts to establish competition in America have failed. The American Song Contest 2022 is a one-time event.
This article was originally written in German.