The Eurovision Song Contest’s final takes place in Vienna on Saturday, with the organizers hoping the annual show of glitz and Europop will be a success despite five countries’ withdrawal over Israel taking part.

The ‌run-up to the event – a kitsch and usually good-natured competition between pop acts from countries across Europe and beyond, now in its 70th year – has been overshadowed by a boycott of the event by the public broadcasters of heavyweights Spain, the Netherlands and Ireland, as well as Iceland and Slovenia.

Those countries are protesting Israel’s participation in the wake of the country’s military offensive in Gaza, a response to the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023.

Israel has alleged a global smear campaign against it.

Both Greece and Cyprus have secured a spot in the finals, with Akylas to perform his “Ferto” or Bring It – a playful take on conspicuous consumption – in sixth place in the running order and Antigone to perform “Jalla” in 17th place.

The final begins at 10 p.m. Greek time and will be broadcast live on ERT1 with commentary by Maria Kozakou and Giorgos Kapoutzidis.

Finland’s entry, “Liekinheitin,” or Flamethrower, featuring violinist Linda Lampenius and pop singer Pete Parkkonen on a burning set, is the favorite this year, followed by Australia’s “Eclipse,” sung by Delta Goodrem.

The boycotts cut the number of contest entries to 35, the smallest since 2003, which will almost ‌certainly reduce ⁠the global television viewership of an event that last year was estimated at 166 million people, more than the Super Bowl’s roughly 128 million. There will be 25 countries, including Israel, taking part in Saturday’s final.

The mood in the Austrian capital has been tense and subdued, with protests during the week over Israel’s participation drawing small crowds. Police are still bracing for protests on Saturday and anticipate possible “blockades and disruption attempts.”

A protest is due to ⁠pass the contest venue several hours before the event begins. [Reuters, Kathimerini]

Source: Ekathimerini.com