The Eurovision Song Contest is again under pressure over Israel’s participation, but this year attention is also turning to changes in the competition’s public voting system.
Eurovision has long been known for passionate fan support, political tensions and neighbourly voting patterns. However, organisers said they wanted to prevent what they described as “disproportionate” promotional activity linked to entries.
Last year, Israel’s entry received most of its points from viewers rather than professional juries. The country finished second overall, with public support playing a major role in the result. Around the same time, social media posts linked to Israel’s foreign ministry encouraged supporters to vote multiple times for the Israeli singer.
Eurovision Director Martin Green said organisers felt some promotional efforts had crossed a line and did not reflect the spirit of the contest. While he did not directly name Israel, he confirmed new measures had been introduced in response to concerns raised after the event.
One of the main changes limits viewers to 10 votes per payment method, down from 20 previously. Organisers also say they are introducing extra safeguards to reduce the risk of abuse or manipulation.
The issue resurfaced this week after Israel’s broadcaster KAN received a formal warning over online videos connected to this year’s entrant, Noam Bettan. In the clips, viewers were encouraged to vote 10 times for Israel. The EBU said direct calls for multiple votes were not in line with the competition’s rules.
KAN said it complies with Eurovision regulations and described the videos as an independent initiative by people close to the artist rather than an official campaign.
Martin Green defended the broader practice of countries encouraging support from fans abroad, including diaspora communities. He compared Eurovision to an international sporting event, saying public backing is a normal part of the competition.
Even with the rule changes, viewers can still cast votes using different payment methods, online, by text message and by phone call, meaning one person could still submit 30 votes overall.
Experts say no voting system is completely immune from attempts to influence results.
The song contest begins 9pm (CET) 12 May until Saturday 16 May.
The U.S. imposed fresh Iran sanctions as President Donald Trump called Tehran’s peace response a “stupid proposal” and warned the...
The hantavirus-hit MV Hondius has departed Tenerife bound for the Netherlands after the final six passengers and some crew left the ship. In Spain,...
Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has passed a law establishing a special military tribunal to try hundre...
British pop star Dua Lipa has filed a lawsuit against South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics, seeking at least $...
Hopes for a peace deal on Iran faded on Tuesday after Donald Trump said a ceasefire with&nb...
The U.S. imposed fresh Iran sanctions as President Donald Trump called Tehran’s peace response a “stupid proposal” and warned the ceasefire was on “massive life support”. Meanwhile, the Wall Streeet Journal reported the United Arab Emirates carried out covert strikes on Iran in April.
The hantavirus-hit MV Hondius has departed Tenerife bound for the Netherlands after the final six passengers and some crew left the ship. In Spain, one passenger in Madrid has tested positive, while 13 others in quarantine tested negative, the Health Ministry said.
Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has passed a law establishing a special military tribunal to try hundreds of Palestinian's accused of taking part in the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, in a move lawmakers say is aimed at addressing national trauma.
British pop star Dua Lipa has filed a lawsuit against South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics, seeking at least $15 million in damages over allegations that her image was used without permission to promote television sets.
Australia confirmed it will repatriate citizens from the MV Hondius cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, with quarantine on arrival. Spain, France are evacuating nationals as three deaths are confirmed. In the U.S., two passengers have been isolated after testing positive for the virus.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed Iran’s response to a U.S. peace proposal as a “stupid proposal,” saying Tehran failed to commit to abandoning its pursuit of a nuclear weapon, while warning the fragile ceasefire was on “massive life support”.
The U.S. imposed fresh Iran sanctions as President Donald Trump called Tehran’s peace response a “stupid proposal” and warned the ceasefire was on “massive life support”. Meanwhile, the Wall Streeet Journal reported the United Arab Emirates carried out covert strikes on Iran in April.
Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku has been elected the 142nd head of the Georgian Orthodox Church at a meeting of clergy in Tbilisi following the death of longtime Patriarch Ilia II.
Afghanistan has signed a five-year gold mining contract with Afghan and Azerbaijani companies in a deal worth more than $20m, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has said.
British pop star Dua Lipa has filed a lawsuit against South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics, seeking at least $15 million in damages over allegations that her image was used without permission to promote television sets.
Netflix drama 'Adolescence' was the standout winner at the Bafta Television Awards in London on Sunday (10 May), breaking records with four wins and dominating the night alongside 'The Celebrity Traitors' and 'Last One Laughing', which each took home two prizes.
Ye will perform in Tbilisi on 12 June as part of a Georgian government-funded programme, despite being barred from entering the U.K. and facing mounting concert cancellations across Europe.
The Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026 will mark its 10th anniversary with a major entertainment programme in Baku, headlined by global pop star Katy Perry.
The 61st Venice Biennale has opened under grey skies and political tension, with disputes over Russia and Israel, resignations on the jury, and protests marking the start of one of the art world’s most high-profile events.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment