Bulgaria won the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest for the first time with singer Dara and her upbeat dance track “Bangaranga.” The final, held in Vienna, was overshadowed by controversy surrounding Israel’s participation during the Gaza conflict. Five countries — Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia — boycotted the competition in protest, reducing the contest
Several European broadcasters are refusing to air the 2026 Eurovision final in protest against Israel’s participation amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Broadcasters in Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Iceland have either withdrawn from the contest or introduced alternative programming ranging from comedy shows and music specials to documentaries focused on Gaza
Swiss singer Nemo, the first non-binary performer to win Eurovision in 2024, has announced they are returning their trophy in protest against Israel’s continued participation in the contest. Nemo cited a “clear conflict” between Israel’s involvement and Eurovision’s stated values of “unity, inclusion and dignity,” referencing a UN


