Woe Vienna? Boycotts and blackouts mar buildup as Eurovision 2026 begins

The Guardian The Guardian —

Usually joyous song contest ‘a little bit sad’ this year, says one expert, with rows over Israel and costs to the fore

It was meant to be the crowning moment of a seemingly never-ending success story: the 70th anniversary of the world’s biggest and ever-expanding live music event, held in a city steeped in history both dramatic and musical.

But as Vienna gears up to host this year’s Eurovision song contest, which starts on Tuesday and culminates in Saturday’s grand final, euphoria will be hard to come by outside the power ballads performed onstage.

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