Bulgaria Wins Its First Eurovision Title; Five Countries Skip Final

2026-05-17

Boycott and Security Alerts

The final of Eurovision, the Europe-centered song contest between countries, was held in Vienna on the 16th, and Bulgaria won for the first time. At this 70th edition milestone, five European countries that protested Israel's participation announced an unusual boycott, and demonstrations also broke out around the venue. With strict anti-terror security in place, it was a turbulent competition.

Criticism of Double Standards

The five countries that chose not to participate were Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland. Last December, they had said they were considering skipping the contest because of Israel's large-scale attacks on Gaza in the Palestinian territories and other reasons. While the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has not allowed Russia, which invaded Ukraine, to participate since 2022, it has permitted Israel to compete, prompting criticism of a "double standard."

A Stage for Diversity

The contest emphasizes diversity, and singers from each country performed pop songs in more than 20 languages, including English and their native languages. According to local media, 14 people taking part in protests were arrested, but there was no major disruption. Bulgaria's winning representative was Dara, and second place went to Israeli singer Noam Bettan.

One of the World's Biggest Live Broadcasts

According to the organizers, Eurovision is the world's largest live music event, held almost every year since 1956. It is televised in countries around the world, and about 170 million people watched last year. This year, 35 countries took part, including Ukraine and Australia, and the final was contested by 25 countries. Next year's contest is scheduled to be held in Bulgaria, this year's winner.

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