Israel secured its place in Eurovision’s grand final on Saturday, following a protest attempt during the country’s dress rehearsal.

During Thursday’s preview, six individuals disrupted Israeli singer Yuval Raphael’s performance of “New Day Will Rise” using whistles and oversized Palestinian flags. While flags were permitted, size restrictions were violated.

Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR, the event organizer, promptly removed the protestors from the St Jakobshalle arena.

Israel’s participation has sparked controversy amid the ongoing military conflict in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis.

Broadcasters from Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia recently called for a discussion regarding Israel’s involvement, and small protests occurred in Basel, Switzerland.

The dress rehearsal interruption did not affect Raphael’s performance, and the televised semi-final proceeded without further incident.

In a BBC interview earlier this week, Raphael stated her team incorporated background noise during rehearsals to prepare for potential distractions.

Upon learning of her advancement to the final, the singer expressed her joy. Despite the tensions, her song remains a bookmaker’s favorite to win.

Ten acts advanced from Thursday’s semi-final, leaving Australia, Czechia, Georgia, Ireland, Montenegro, and Serbia eliminated.

Australia’s elimination was a significant surprise, given the positive reception of their song, “Milkshake Man.” Ireland’s failure to qualify marks their eighth non-qualification in the last ten attempts—a disappointing outcome for a country with seven Eurovision victories.

The UK’s entry, “Remember Monday,” performed well, avoiding the public vote due to the UK’s automatic qualification as a “Big Five” nation.

Sweden’s KAJ currently leads the betting odds with their song “Bara Bada Bastu,” while Austria’s JJ is a close second.

The semi-final featured various Eurovision staples: sequins, elaborate staging, and multiple costume changes. Novelties included a “sand tornado” for France and a medicine ball routine from Malta’s Miriana Conte. Latvia’s Tautumeitas delivered a unique folk performance, unexpectedly qualifying for the final.

Finland’s Erika Vikman concluded the show with a powerful performance of her song “Ich Komme,” securing her place in the grand final.

The Eurovision Song Contest grand final will be held at Basel’s St Jakobshalle on Saturday at 20:00 BST / 21:00 CEST, broadcast live on BBC One, BBC Radio 2 and BBC News.

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Israel secured its place in the Eurovision grand final on Saturday, following a protest attempt during the country’s dress rehearsal.

During Thursday’s preview, six individuals disrupted Israeli singer Yuval Raphael’s performance of “New Day Will Rise,” using whistles and oversized Palestinian flags. While flags are permitted, size restrictions are in place.

Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR, the event organizer, promptly removed the protestors from the St Jakobshalle arena.

Israel’s participation has faced criticism amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia calling for a discussion on its involvement. Small protests have also occurred in Basel, Switzerland.

Raphael’s performance was unaffected, and she advanced to the semi-final without further incident. As she told the BBC earlier this week, her team incorporated audience noise into rehearsals to prepare for potential distractions.

Upon learning of her advancement, Raphael expressed visible relief, and her song remains a bookmakers’ favorite to win.

Ten acts progressed from Thursday’s semi-final, eliminating Australia, Czechia, Georgia, Ireland, Montenegro, and Serbia. Australia’s elimination was a surprise, given the positive reception to “Milkshake Man.” Ireland’s failure to qualify marks their eighth non-qualification in their last ten attempts, a disappointing outcome for a nation with seven Eurovision victories.

The UK’s entry, Remember Monday, also performed, automatically qualifying for the final as a “Big Five” nation. Their performance was positively received, contrasting with past UK entries.

Sweden’s KAJ are currently favored to win with “Bara Bada Bastu,” while Austria’s JJ, whose performance included a dramatic boat prop, is a strong contender.

The semi-final showcased various performances featuring elaborate staging and costumes. Notable acts included France’s “sand tornado” and Malta’s Miriana Conte’s energetic performance. Latvia’s Tautumeitas offered a more ethereal performance, and Finland’s Erika Vikman delivered a powerful closing number.

The grand final will be held on Saturday at 20:00 BST / 21:00 CEST at Basel’s St Jakobshalle, broadcast live on BBC One and BBC Radio 2.

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Austria’s JJ ultimately won the Eurovision Song Contest, while the UK’s entry received zero points from the public vote.

Israel secured its place in the Eurovision grand final on Saturday, following a protest attempt during the country’s dress rehearsal.

During Thursday’s preview show, six individuals disrupted Israeli singer Yuval Raphael’s performance of “New Day Will Rise,” using whistles and oversized Palestinian flags. While flags are permitted, size restrictions are in place.

Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR, the event organizer, promptly removed the protestors from the St. Jakobshalle arena.

Israel’s participation has sparked controversy amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with intensified military actions and humanitarian aid blockades.

Recently, broadcasters from Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia called for discussions regarding Israel’s involvement. Minor protests have also occurred in Basel, Switzerland, the host city.

The dress rehearsal disruption didn’t affect Raphael’s performance, and her semi-final appearance proceeded without further incidents.

In a BBC interview earlier this week, Raphael stated her team incorporated background noise during rehearsals to prepare for potential distractions.

Upon learning of her advancement to the final, the singer expressed her joy.

Despite the ongoing tension, her song remains a bookmaker’s favorite to win.

Ten acts progressed from Thursday’s semi-final, leaving Australia, Czechia, Georgia, Ireland, Montenegro, and Serbia eliminated.

Australia’s elimination, particularly surprising given the positive pre-contest reception to “Milkshake Man,” highlighted the unpredictable nature of viewer preferences.

Ireland’s failure to qualify marks their eighth non-qualification in the last ten attempts, a setback for a nation tied with Sweden for the most Eurovision victories (seven).

The second semi-final also showcased the UK’s entry, “Remember Monday,” by a girl group. Their performance, featuring a whimsical stage design and Bridgerton-inspired costumes, marked a departure from previous UK entries’ vocal issues.

The UK automatically advances to the final as a “Big Five” country.

Sweden’s KAJ, with their sauna-themed anthem “Bara Bada Bastu,” are currently the favorites to win. Austrian singer JJ, whose song “Wasted Love” is second favorite, also advanced to the final.

His performance involved a theatrical sailing boat, symbolizing emotional turbulence. The contest showcased typical Eurovision elements: sequins, elaborate staging, and numerous costume changes.

Unique elements included France’s “sand tornado” and Malta’s Miriana Conte’s performance with a medicine ball. Latvia’s Tautumeitas offered an ethereal folk performance, unexpectedly advancing to the final.

Finland’s Erika Vikman concluded the show with a powerful performance atop a giant microphone, securing her place in the final.

The grand final will be held at Basel’s St. Jakobshalle on Saturday at 20:00 BST/21:00 Swiss time, broadcast live on BBC One and BBC Radio 2.

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