Israel’s Noam Bettan prepares to take the stage at partly boycotted Eurovision final

Key Points:

• Noam Bettan represented Israel at Eurovision 2024 in Vienna with the multilingual song “Michelle,” advancing to the final despite protests and loud booing during rehearsals and performances due to Israel’s participation.
• The contest faced an unprecedented boycott from five countries, including Spain, over Israel’s involvement, alongside a call from over 1,000 artists to avoid watching Eurovision, amid pro-Palestinian activism and alternative concerts in Vienna.
• Eurovision introduced reforms this year, reinstating professional jury votes in semifinals, limiting votes per person to 10, and cracking down on disproportionate promotion campaigns, following concerns after Israel’s televote win in 2025.
• Favorites for the 25-country final include Finland’s Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen, Australia’s Delta Goodrem, and Romania’s Alexandra Capitanescu, with the final event held before 11,200 spectators and millions watching worldwide.
• Israel has a strong Eurovision history with four wins since 1973, and despite political tensions, its delegation remains optimistic about topping the viewers’ vote again this year.