The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 touches down in Vienna this Sunday, highlighted by a vibrant "turquoise carpet" parade with entrants from all 35 participating nations.

This marks the competition's 70th anniversary, yet the festivities are marred by intense debate surrounding Israel's involvement.

With delegations assembling in Austria, five longtime participants are missing: Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain have all opted to boycott.

Israel's entry has fueled disputes ever since its government launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza starting in October 2023.

That action followed a Hamas-orchestrated assault on Israel that claimed around 1,200 lives and resulted in 251 hostages, according to Israeli officials. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry reports 72,628 deaths from Israel's campaign.

A ceasefire has held since October 10, 2025.

In the prior Eurovision events in Malmö (2024) and Basel (2025), streets teemed with anti-Israel demonstrators, and Israel's performers required armed protection.

Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7 attacks, shared with the BBC last year that she had rehearsed enduring boos. In the grand final, two activists tried to rush the stage during her performance of New Day Will Rise.

The drama peaked when her track led the public vote - securing second place overall after jury scores - prompting accusations that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and official government social media had swayed voters by urging support, an rare governmental intervention.

In a November gathering, multiple nations pushed for a ballot to exclude Israel, but it fell short, triggering pullouts from key players like major funder Spain and seven-time champion Ireland.

This dilemma has left enthusiasts conflicted.

'Never Felt More Divided'

Eurovision thrives on its devoted fanbase.

Fan-run websites and blogs enjoy parity with mainstream outlets like the BBC and New York Times in the press center, joining act press conferences.

These platforms deliver constant insights on acts, stagings, voting forecasts, and rehearsals from national selections to the finale.

"Fans drive Eurovision's commercial success," says Dean Vuletic, author of Postwar Europe and the Eurovision Song Contest.

"They power merchandising and ticket sales, reliably showing up even amid political storms."

Post-boycott, certain fan outlets have halted updates.

"The Eurovision that built this community and sparked our channel no longer exists," stated the Eurovision Hub team.

"We don't recognize the contest of our youth," echoed Ireland's Eirevision podcast. "A event rooted in unity, peace, and bonds feels profoundly split."

Some seek compromise.

"For many, Eurovision transcends music," one observer remarked.

"Its ties to LGBTQ+ identity are renowned, as are its subtler connections to neurodiversity."

Suggesting options from full boycott to partial engagement - tracking previews but skipping Vienna - he advised.

"No one faces this lightly," Dore observed. "Community members grapple with grief, frustration, and mourning; I won't judge choices."

'I Couldn't Miss It'

Still, social feeds brim with classic Eurovision snapshots, humor, and artist chats as the event nears.

Vienna's nine finale shows sold out swiftly, with grand final seats gone in 14 minutes.

"Such rapid sellouts underscore Eurovision's essence - joy, unity, and connection when needed most," noted director Martin Green.

Truth is more layered.

"It remains thrilling, unmissable, yet altered," reflects Rob Lilley-Jones of the UK Euro Trip podcast.

"Fun persists, but recent years bring anxiety into Eurovision week."

Eurovision 2026: Your guide to all 35 songs

Malmö's tight security and tensions made 2024 "the toughest yet," he recalls.

Austria's Eurovision fan club head Marcos Maximillian Tritremmel recalls the vibe sharply.

He gets the protests against Israel but adds, "Getting shouted at en route to the venue - 'Why support genocide?' - kills the humor," he told Der Spiegel.

Lilley-Jones has pondered ending his show but persists, believing it "spreads joy amid global strife, beyond the Middle East."

Dominating sentiment: Engage to bridge divides.

Vuletic, with broad contest perspective, predicts endurance.

"Is this the politest Eurovision? History shows many embroiled in disputes."

Sweden's 2012 victor Loreen engaged Azerbaijani activists: "Daily human rights abuses demand voice."

"Media amplifies now, but politics always loomed; fans always attended," Vuletic notes.

Viewership dips sans broadcasts from Spain, Slovenia, Ireland.

Israel's win could stir more: Noam Bettan's Michelle, a potent ballad from the 28-year-old.

Battle-hardened fans eye proceedings warily.