In a remarkable showcase of resilience, Israeli singer Yuval Raphael's performance was briefly interrupted by protestors during dress rehearsals, yet she delivered her song "New Day Will Rise" without further disruptions.
Israel Advances to Eurovision Final Despite Protests
Israel Advances to Eurovision Final Despite Protests
Amid ongoing tensions, Israel has secured a spot in the highly anticipated Eurovision grand final set for Saturday.
Israel has qualified for Eurovision's grand final, taking place on Saturday, following disruptions during its dress rehearsal caused by protesters waving Palestinian flags. Yuval Raphael, the 24-year-old artist representing Israel, performed her entry while facing protests aimed at bringing attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
During the preview show on Thursday, a group of six demonstrators with whistles and oversized Palestine flags attempted to obstruct the act, but they were swiftly removed from the St Jakobshalle arena by event organizers. Under competition rules, participants are allowed to display flags with size restrictions, resulting in a contentious backdrop to the event as Israel's military actions continue to escalate.
In recent weeks, the public outcry has escalated, with broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia calling for discussions on Israel's participation, and small gatherings of protestors appearing in the host city of Basel, Switzerland.
Despite the disruptions, Raphael's performance proceeded smoothly, and she expressed her triumph with a hopeful gesture when she learned of her advancement to the grand final. Preparing for the possibility of distractions, Raphael shared with the BBC that she had practiced with audience noise simulations in the background. Bookmakers currently favor her song to win amid the controversy.
Alongside Israel, ten other acts from the second semi-final qualified, including renowned artists from Armenia, Austria, and Finland. Notably, Australia was eliminated, proving to be a significant upset after initial expectations. Ireland's failure to qualify extended its recent struggles, marking a challenging history for a nation synonymous with Eurovision success.
This year's competition also introduced the UK's act, Remember Monday, who showcased a visually captivating performance. They automatically qualified for the final due to their status as one of the Big Five countries contributing significantly to Eurovision funding.
Sweden’s entry is currently a favorite, reflecting typical Eurovision glitz with an array of performances featuring vibrant visuals and emotional themes. The anticipation for the grand final continues to build, setting the stage for unique artistry and spirited competition.
The Eurovision Song Contest grand final will be held at St Jackobshalle in Basel, starting at 20:00 BST, broadcast live on various platforms, engaging audiences worldwide.
During the preview show on Thursday, a group of six demonstrators with whistles and oversized Palestine flags attempted to obstruct the act, but they were swiftly removed from the St Jakobshalle arena by event organizers. Under competition rules, participants are allowed to display flags with size restrictions, resulting in a contentious backdrop to the event as Israel's military actions continue to escalate.
In recent weeks, the public outcry has escalated, with broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia calling for discussions on Israel's participation, and small gatherings of protestors appearing in the host city of Basel, Switzerland.
Despite the disruptions, Raphael's performance proceeded smoothly, and she expressed her triumph with a hopeful gesture when she learned of her advancement to the grand final. Preparing for the possibility of distractions, Raphael shared with the BBC that she had practiced with audience noise simulations in the background. Bookmakers currently favor her song to win amid the controversy.
Alongside Israel, ten other acts from the second semi-final qualified, including renowned artists from Armenia, Austria, and Finland. Notably, Australia was eliminated, proving to be a significant upset after initial expectations. Ireland's failure to qualify extended its recent struggles, marking a challenging history for a nation synonymous with Eurovision success.
This year's competition also introduced the UK's act, Remember Monday, who showcased a visually captivating performance. They automatically qualified for the final due to their status as one of the Big Five countries contributing significantly to Eurovision funding.
Sweden’s entry is currently a favorite, reflecting typical Eurovision glitz with an array of performances featuring vibrant visuals and emotional themes. The anticipation for the grand final continues to build, setting the stage for unique artistry and spirited competition.
The Eurovision Song Contest grand final will be held at St Jackobshalle in Basel, starting at 20:00 BST, broadcast live on various platforms, engaging audiences worldwide.
