CHANTS OF ‘STOP the genocide’ could be heard as Israel’s Eurovision contestant took to the stage tonight at the first semi-final of the 70th song contest in Vienna, Austria.

Israel’s act, Noam Bettan, performed at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle amid heightened security and controversy as five nations, including Ireland, boycott the event over Israel’s participation.

Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland decided to drop out of Eurovision last year in protest over Israel’s war on Gaza and after revelations of unfair voting practices at the 2025 contest.

Austrian host broadcaster ORF confirmed before the semi-finals began that it would not ban use of the Palestinian flag within the venue and wouldn’t censor booing from the crowd.  

Many Israeli flags were waved by the audience during the live broadcast of Bettan’s performance. A Palestine flag was also visible. 

Bettan said this week that he had been preparing for Eurovision by having his team boo him during rehearsals.

Groups protest in Vienna against Israel's participation in the 70th Eurovision Song Contest. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Tonight’s performances comes as an investigation by the New York Times found that the Israeli government spent at least $1 million (€850,000) on promotional campaigns linked to Eurovision voting efforts over the past two years.

A small demonstration was held in Vienna against Israel’s participation in the contest tonight – one of several scheduled for the week. 

Authorities planned a heavy security presence in the city throughout the week, with counter-extremism officers, drones and bomb-detection dog units all being deployed and public order units placed on standby.

Airport-style security was in place for anyone entering the contest venue throughout the week.

Police in Vienna this evening. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

The show, hosted by Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski, opened with a performance from former Eurovision winner Vicky Leondros, followed by the 15 contestants.

For Moldova, Satoshi performed the song Viva, Moldova! While Sweden’s Felicia performed the song My System and Croatia’s Lelek sang Andromeda.

Greece’s Akylas then sang Ferto, followed by Portugal’s Bandidos do Cante performing the song Rosa. Georgia’s act Bzikebi then sang On Replay and Italy’s Sal Da Vinci performed the song Per Sempre Si.

Akylas representing Greece with the song Ferto. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

The contestant performing for Finland, Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen, sang Liekinheitin. Next up was Montenegro’s Tamara Živković singing Nova Zora, followed by Estonia’s Vanilla Ninja performing the song Too Epic to Be True.

Israel’s Noam Bettan then sang Michelle and Germany’s Sarah Engels sang the song Fire.

Belgium’s Essyla performed Dancing on the Ice and Lithuania’s Lion Ceccah sang Sólo quiero más.

San Marino was up next with SENHIT featuring Boy George performing the song Superstar, followed by Poland’s Alicja performing Pray.

Serbia was the final act of the evening, with contestant Lavina performing Kraj Mene.

Fifteen more acts will compete in Thursday’s second semi, with 10 going through.