As Vienna prepares to host the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, optimism surrounding the event is tempered by political boycotts and challenges within public broadcasting. The contest, which begins with semi-finals this week and culminates in Saturday’s grand final, faces an unprecedented moment as five countries—Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland—have chosen not to participate, primarily due to political objections related to Israel’s inclusion.

This year's boycott marks a significant departure from Eurovision’s history and raises concerns about the contest’s future financing and viewership. Spain and the Netherlands, typically among Eurovision’s largest financial contributors, are absent, along with Ireland, a country tied for the most Eurovision wins. Their withdrawal follows a decision by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to allow Israel to compete without a vote from participating broadcasters, a move that intensified tensions stemming from the ongoing conflict following the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 and the subsequent Gaza hostilities. Critics have highlighted perceived inconsistencies in the EBU’s policies, noting Russia’s exclusion since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Television viewership is expected to decline this year amid media blackouts and programming substitutions in the boycotting countries. Ireland, Slovenia, and Spain are not broadcasting the contest’s live shows, opting instead for alternative programming such as musical specials and documentaries about Palestine. The Netherlands and Iceland, although broadcasting the event, have decided against submitting contestants, which analysts predict will contribute to lower viewer engagement. The contest’s recent expansions to include returning countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova have yet to offset these impacts.

Eurovision organizers continue to emphasize the event’s unifying cultural appeal. Eurovision director Martin Green has committed to delivering a “spectacular show” celebrating the contest’s legacy of bringing people together across borders and generations. As part of the 70th-anniversary celebrations, a new app feature will provide fans with access to archival materials spanning seven decades. The EBU is also moving to expand Eurovision’s reach with plans for the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia, set to take place in Bangkok this November.

However, the political undercurrents are visible not only in boycotts but also in public demonstrations. Vienna is hosting protests both supporting and opposing Israel’s presence in the contest, with thousands expected to gather for rallies marking the Palestinian Nakba and expressing solidarity, while a smaller counter-demonstration backs Israel’s participation. Public opinion within Austria reflects ambivalence, with a recent survey indicating a majority view the event as too costly and a minority believing it brings Europe closer together.

In this charged atmosphere, Israel will be represented by Noam Bettan, a 28-year-old singer performing the multilingual song “Michelle.” Though bookmakers list Israel’s entry among the favorites, Finland, Greece, and Denmark also lead the field with strong contenders. The British act, Look Mum No Computer, is seen as a long shot to win.

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest embodies both the enduring appeal of a cultural phenomenon and the complex geopolitical realities now surrounding it, making Vienna’s hosting of the milestone event a uniquely challenging moment in the contest’s history.