Eurovision Final Draws Fans Despite Rain, Protests and Israel Boycott

The Eurovision Song Contest reached its final on Saturday in Vienna, where rain and tight security did not dampen the mood of fans or the protests of critics who oppose Israel's participation.

After a week of buildup, acts from 25 countries took the stage at the Wiener Stadthalle arena to compete for the continent's pop crown. Millions of viewers around the world will judge a Finnish violinist, a Moldovan rapper, a Serbian metal band and others at the contest's 70th anniversary.

The colorful event has often become entangled in politics. For a third year, calls to exclude Israel over its conflicts in Gaza and elsewhere have clouded the show. Five longtime participants — Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia — are boycotting in protest.

The show opened with a performance by last year's winner, Austrian singer JJ, and an Olympics-style flag parade of the 25 finalists. The musicians then had three minutes each to win over viewers and national juries of music professionals.

Denmark's Søren Torpegaard Lund performed the sultry "Før Vi Går Hjem," followed by Germany's Sarah Engels with the power ballad "Fire." Israeli competitor Noam Bettan sang the rock ballad "Michelle" in Hebrew, French and English. Four people were ejected earlier in the week for trying to disrupt his semifinal performance. Belgium's Essyla followed with the techno-ballad "Dancing on the Ice."

Ukrainian singer Leléka offered the ethereal "Ridnym," and Australian star Delta Goodrem performed the midtempo ballad "Eclipse," rising above a glittery piano. A European country would likely host next year if she wins. Serbian metal band Lavina delivered the angsty "Kraj Mene."

Rapper Satoshi's bouncy "Viva, Moldova" and Greek artist Akylas' playful "Ferto" emerged as fan favorites during the week. Both are expected to score well with viewers, though national juries may favor technical excellence. Winners are chosen by a mix of viewer and jury votes, with the top act hosting the contest next year.

Finland is the betting favorite with "Liekinheitin," a fiery duet between pop star Pete Parkkonen and classical violinist Linda Lampenius.

"Eurovision has never really been a contest for big stars. It's largely been a contest for underdogs," said Eurovision historian Dean Vuletic. "People like to see the underdog on stage."

Street protests opposing Israel's inclusion have been smaller in Vienna than at recent contests in Malmo and Basel. Hundreds marched near the arena before the final, some holding "Block Eurovision" placards. Pro-Palestinian groups staged an outdoor concert on Friday under the banner "No stage for genocide."

"Inviting Israel on such a beautiful stage as the Eurovision Song Contest stage is an affront to all the people who believe in humanity, who believe in love and togetherness," said Congolese-Austrian artist Patrick Bongola, one of the organizers.

The five-nation boycott is a blow to an event that organizers say drew 166 million viewers last year. This year's field of 35 contestants is the smallest since 2003. Still, Eurovision is expanding with a spinoff contest in Bangkok in November.

Eurovision director Martin Green urged viewers to set politics aside and enjoy the final. Vuletic noted that political controversy is not new, citing boycotts and disputes in 1969, 2009, 2012 and 2024. "All of them were very much mired in political controversy, yet Eurovision continues," he said.

The contest airs on national broadcasters in participating countries, on Peacock in the United States and on the Eurovision YouTube channel in many territories. Viewers in participating countries can vote up to 10 times by phone or text, but cannot vote for their own country's act. Viewers in the U.S. and other nonparticipating countries can vote online at www.esc.vote.