Eurovision 2026: glitter, controversy and strict controls

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is preparing to celebrate its 70th anniversary in an atmosphere that combines the traditional spectacle with geopolitical tensions, strict rules and security measures worthy of an international summit. If in the past the scandals were limited to extravagant outfits and "strategically” awarded notes between neighbors, this year's edition comes with protests, boycotts and controversies that go beyond the music scene. However, the organizers promise a grand show at the Wiener Stadthalle, where dozens of European delegations will try to demonstrate, once again, that nothing unites the continent better than a dramatic ballad followed by a techno chorus with fireworks, informs AFP.

• Romania returns to the contest and is already causing discussion

Romania is returning to the competition after an absence in recent years, and the country's representative, Alexandra Căpitănescu, quickly came to the attention of the international press with the song Choke Me. AFP notes that some voices have accused the song of containing problematic references to sexual violence, in a controversy that seems almost obligatory at Eurovision, where scandal is sometimes treated as a separate artistic category. Researcher Galina Miazhevich describes the spirit of the competition as a "challenge to good taste", a definition that, for many fans, is exactly the charm of the event. This year, Eastern European folk influences are less present, and the scene is dominated by pop productions adapted to the age of TikTok and streaming. In other words, songs designed to last three minutes on the Eurovision stage and another 15 seconds in vertical clips on social networks.

Among the favorites are representatives from Australia, Finland, Greece, Denmark and France. Australia attracted attention after sending Delta Goodrem, an already established star, to the contest. The Austrian hosts have chosen to emphasize elegance and local tradition. The short presentation clips of the contestants are inspired by the famous postcard invented in Austria, and one of the presenters will be Victoria Swarovski, heiress of the famous Swarovski family. Basically, if Eurovision was not shining enough, the Austrians have decided to solve this problem as well. The semi-finals will take place on Tuesday and Thursday, and the grand final is scheduled for Saturday, May 16.

• Boycotts and protests related to Israel's participation

Beyond the music, this year's edition is marked by controversies regarding Israel's participation. Several countries - including Spain, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands and Slovenia - have decided to boycott the competition. More than 1,000 artists and bands, including Peter Gabriel and Massive Attack, have called for a boycott of the contest.

The European Broadcasting Union has tightened rules on political neutrality, and artists risk sanctions if they use the stage for political messages.

• Maximum security, Eurovision, guarded like an international airport

Austrian authorities are taking the event very seriously. Some 95,000 tickets have been sold to fans from 75 countries, and the level of security is compared to that of an international airport. Vienna Police Deputy Chief Dieter Csefan explained that intelligence services have checked the profiles of the approximately 16,000 people involved in the organization, and the 3,500 tons of equipment have been thoroughly scanned. Austria is also receiving international support, including from the FBI, amid fears of cyberattacks or terrorist threats. Organizers are hoping to avoid a scenario similar to the cancellation of Taylor Swift's concerts in Vienna in 2024 after threats of possible attacks. Despite the tensions, Eurovision remains one of the most watched television events in the world. Last year, the competition attracted an estimated 166 million viewers.