The Eurovision Song Contest begins in Vienna on Tuesday, with divisions over Israel’s participation overshadowing the 70th edition of the annual pop music competition.

The host city has been decorated with hearts and the contest’s “United by Music” slogan as performers from 35 countries prepare to compete for the title.

However, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland are boycotting the event in protest against Israel’s inclusion.

Several pro-Palestinian demonstrations are expected during Eurovision week, while security has been stepped up across Vienna.

Police officers from across Austria have been deployed, with additional support from Germany.

Authorities have also highlighted ongoing security concerns following a 2024 terror plot linked to an attack plan at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna.

Austria’s intelligence chief has warned that threats from Islamist groups and Iran-linked networks remain high.

Israeli singer Noam Bettan is among the 15 acts competing in Tuesday’s semifinal at the Wiener Stadthalle.

The top 10 will advance to Saturday’s final, joining qualifiers from Thursday’s second semifinal.

The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy automatically qualify as major financial contributors, while host nation Austria also goes straight to the final.

Bettan is performing the ballad “Michelle” and is aiming to secure Israel a place in the final after the country finished second in 2025. Finland is among the bookmakers’ favourites this year with “Liekinheitin” (“Flamethrower”).

Other semifinal acts include Greece’s Akylas with “Ferto” (“Bring It”), Portugal’s Bandidos do Cante with “Rosa,” and San Marino’s Senhit with “Superstar,” featuring Boy George.

Eurovision has long mixed music with politics. Russia was expelled in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine.

More recently, the 2024 and 2025 editions saw protests over Israel’s participation and its conduct in Gaza, as well as allegations of voting irregularities.

In response, organisers have tightened voting rules and reduced the number of votes per viewer in an effort to prevent coordinated manipulation.

Despite tensions, Eurovision historians say the contest continues to survive political crises while maintaining its core identity as a pan-European cultural event.