"Instead, it's descended into pure clusterfuck, with organizers' insistence that Israel remain in the competition causing the biggest walkout since 1970. Indeed, the 2026 event will be missing five countries with Iceland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia joining one of the big five (Spain) and the joint most-decorated winners (Ireland) on the boycott list. Thirty-five nations, however, are committing to all the madness, including previous absentees Moldova, Bulgaria, and Romania, across the usual two semis (May 12 and 14) and grand final (May 16) staged at Vienna's Wiener Stadthalle."
"From Croatian folk and Czech power ballads to Serbian prog-metal and Swedish techno, here's a look at the runners and riders from worst to best. After causing controversy last year with a loud-and-proud bop originally titled "Serving Kant," Malta has played it disappointingly safe with an old-fashioned love song you can envisage being crooned - with a rose stem between the teeth - on a discount-price gondola ride. You have to admire Aidan's perseverance: He's previously tried to represent his country on three occasions, getting disqualified for his 2023"
The 70th Eurovision event is marked by controversy and walkouts tied to Israel’s continued participation, leading to the absence of five countries in 2026. Iceland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia join Spain and Ireland on the boycott list. Despite the turmoil, 35 nations are committed to competing in two semi-finals on May 12 and 14 and a grand final on May 16 at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle. Entries span a wide range of styles, including Croatian folk, Czech power ballads, Serbian prog-metal, and Swedish techno. Azerbaijan aims to improve results with a traditional-style melodramatic power ballad, while Malta presents a conventional love song after a more controversial previous entry.
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