Key takeaways:
- Bulgaria won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with Dara's song "Bangaranga," marking the country's first victory.
- Israel's Noam Bettan placed second amid boos and protests related to the country's participation during the Gaza conflict.
- Five countries boycotted the contest in protest of Israel's involvement, citing political and ethical concerns.
Bulgaria claimed its first-ever victory at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night in Vienna, with singer Dara’s energetic dance-pop anthem “Bangaranga.” The song’s infectious beats and intense choreography captivated the audience at the Wiener Stadthalle, earning some of the loudest cheers of the night. Dara’s win came as an upset among 25 competing countries and secures Bulgaria the right to host next year’s contest.
Israel’s Noam Bettan finished second with “Michelle,” a rock ballad sung in Hebrew, French, and English that explores the theme of leaving a toxic relationship. Despite the song’s popularity, Bettan’s performance was met with boos and protests due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel’s participation in the contest. During the final, some audience members waved Palestinian flags and turned their backs during his performance. Bettan acknowledged the disruptions but said he focused on the Israeli supporters in the crowd, aiming to deliver a “good, positive message to the world.”
The contest, which marked its 70th anniversary, featured a medley of classic Eurovision songs performed by contemporary artists and showcased a diverse range of acts. Denmark opened the show with Søren Torpegaard Lund’s sultry “Før Vi Går Hjem,” while Australia’s Delta Goodrem impressed with her midtempo ballad “Eclipse,” highlighted by a dramatic stage lift above a glittering piano. Other notable performances included Moldova’s rapper Satoshi with the upbeat “Viva, Moldova!” and Finland’s fiery duet “Liekinheitin,” featuring violinist Linda Lampenius and vocalist Pete Parkkonen.
The event was overshadowed by political tensions surrounding Israel’s continued participation. Five countries—Ireland, Slovenia, Spain, the Netherlands, and Iceland—withdrew from the contest in protest, citing the war in Gaza and allegations of Israeli government efforts to encourage mass voting for its entry. Eurovision organizers issued a formal warning to Israeli broadcaster KAN over videos urging viewers to “vote 10 times” for Israel. Contest executive Martin Green defended Israel’s involvement, emphasizing KAN’s independence from the government and expressing respect for those boycotting the event.
Pro-Palestinian protests took place in Vienna, including a march near the arena and an outdoor concert under the banner “No stage for genocide.” Despite these disruptions, the contest proceeded largely without incident. Green described Eurovision as a show that aims to bring the world together through music, a mission rooted in its post-World War II origins.
The political controversy surrounding Israel’s participation has raised questions about the future of the contest, especially regarding the return of boycotting countries. The 2024 competition featured the smallest field of contestants since 2003, with 35 entries. Nonetheless, Eurovision plans to expand its reach with the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest Asia scheduled for November in Bangkok.
Eurovision historian Dean Vuletic noted that political disputes have long been part of the contest’s history, citing previous boycotts and controversies. He highlighted Eurovision’s enduring appeal as a platform for underdog artists and smaller countries to shine on an international stage. The contest was broadcast on national networks across participating countries, Peacock in the United States, and the Eurovision YouTube channel worldwide.
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