Watch: Beyond Eurovision's glitter - how geopolitics became the biggest act in Vienna

Added: 2026-05-22

[00:00:00][music] >> Have you ever wondered what makes a hit in 2026? According to Spotify, there is a literal formula for the [music] perfect entry.

[00:00:08]A tempo of 127 beats per minute, a 4/4 time signature, and a key of F major.

[00:00:15]But this year, the biggest hit is not a melody.

[00:00:17]>> [music] >> It is a politics. Vienna is hosting the 70th anniversary of Eurovision, but the united by music motto is under its heaviest strain [music] yet. So, let's look together what's behind the glitter.

[00:00:32]With only 35 participating countries, the lowest level since 2003, the competition is struggling to survive the grit of real-world geopolitics.

[00:00:42]And Europe is witnessing its largest boycott ever. With five nations, [music] so Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland, pulling out over Israel's inclusion. And in a move of a direct protest, [music] Slovenia has replaced the live broadcast with a documentary series titled Voices of Palestine.

[00:00:59]>> [music] >> And even inside the arena, Israel's Noa Kirel qualified amid a wall of both cheers and protests. [music] So, it seems like this edition has become a high-stakes revenue gamble for an event that organizers claim was watched by over 160 million [music] people around the world last year.

[00:01:16]And following the vote last December to confirm Israel's place in the contest, President Isaac Herzog argued that the country deserves to be represented on every stage. [music] He also described the move as a vital demonstration of solidarity, fellowship, and cooperation. And Israeli officials have accused their critics of wide-ranging campaign against Israel's participation in Eurovision. With the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs saying it has identified a sharp increase in anti-Semitic and anti-Israel tones surrounding the contest. [music] But one thing is certain, whether for boycotts or ballads, Eurovision remains the only stage where continent's tensions are performed in 3 minutes of pyrotechnics, [music] strobe lights, and perhaps even some music in the background, too.