5 resultsfor “countries boycotting Eurovision 2023”
Eurovision has been contentious since the start of the war in Gaza in 2023. The public broadcasters of five countries - Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia - are boycotting
Eurovision Song Contest is now facing its biggest boycott in its 70-year history. While 35 countries are participating in the 2026 contest, broadcasters from Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland and Slovenia have withdrawn from
boycotting the event.](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjwy9n786n0o) Israel's presence has sparked controversy since its government began a massive military offensive in Gaza in October 2023. The incursion came in response to a Hamas-led attack
countries](/news/2026/5/12/why-is-israel-allowed-to-take-part-in-the-eurovision-song-contest) and [protests](/news/2026/5/16/thousands-protest-at-eurovision-final-as-five-countries-boycott-over-israel) over its genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza, came in second. Bulgarian pop singer Darina Yotova, known as Dara, won on Saturday with her catchy floor-filler Bangaranga, winning
2023. Heading into the competition as an [early favourite](https://eurovisionworld.com/odds/eurovision) behind Eurovision heavy-hitters Denmark and Finland, Goodrem delivered a note-perfect rendition of her power-ballad entry, Eclipse. The track is impressive