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The Explainer
The Explainer
13 May 2026
How will Eurovision boycotts impact the song contest?
00:00
The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is playing out this week, in the shadow of unprecedented controversy. Five traditionally participating countries, including Ireland, are boycotting this year's competition in Vienna over Israel's inclusion in protest over the country’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon. The Journal’s News Editor and resident Eurovision expert Daragh Brophy joins us to examine the impact on the song contest.