The Eurovision Song Contest is famous for celebrating everything from cross-dressing ballad singers to heavy metal bands in monster masks, but geopolitics is threatening its 70th anniversary edition.
More than 1,000 artists this week urged a boycott, and several countries have already said they are staying away in protest over Israel’s participation.
Just eight years ago in Lisbon, the competition managed by Europe’s public broadcasters featured artists from 43 countries, but only 35 will be vying for the top prize on May 16 this year in Vienna, marking the smallest edition in recent years.
While Israel’s presence poses a challenge this year, the
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