In a dramatic turn of events, Yuval Raphael, the 24-year-old artist representing Israel, performed her entry "New Day Will Rise" at a dress rehearsal in Basel when demonstrators wielding "oversized" Palestinian flags attempted to interrupt her performance. Their actions were met with a swift response from the Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR, who quickly removed the protesters from St Jakobshalle arena.
The atmosphere surrounding Israel's participation is charged, with numerous broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia recently advocating for a dialogue about Israel's role in the contest as the military action in Gaza escalates. This year’s event has also seen small protests in the streets of Basel, highlighting the increasing tensions surrounding the performance.
Despite the protests, Raphael’s rehearsal reportedly proceeded without incident, and she celebrated her qualification for the final by blowing a kiss to the sky upon the announcement. Her song is tipped by bookmakers as a likely contender for victory.
From the second semi-final, ten acts have also made it through, including performers from Armenia, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Malta. Notably, Australia's failure to qualify was a surprise, as their entry had been well-received leading up to the contest.
The final on Saturday, taking place at St Jackobshalle, will also showcase the UK's entry, "What The Hell Just Happened?" performed by the girl band Remember Monday, alongside the anticipated performances from various countries, including Sweden’s song "Bara Bada Bastu," which is currently a betting favorite.
As the competition elevates, the grand final is anticipated to draw significant viewership, airing live on BBC One and BBC Radio 2, with real-time updates available on the BBC News website.
The atmosphere surrounding Israel's participation is charged, with numerous broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia recently advocating for a dialogue about Israel's role in the contest as the military action in Gaza escalates. This year’s event has also seen small protests in the streets of Basel, highlighting the increasing tensions surrounding the performance.
Despite the protests, Raphael’s rehearsal reportedly proceeded without incident, and she celebrated her qualification for the final by blowing a kiss to the sky upon the announcement. Her song is tipped by bookmakers as a likely contender for victory.
From the second semi-final, ten acts have also made it through, including performers from Armenia, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Malta. Notably, Australia's failure to qualify was a surprise, as their entry had been well-received leading up to the contest.
The final on Saturday, taking place at St Jackobshalle, will also showcase the UK's entry, "What The Hell Just Happened?" performed by the girl band Remember Monday, alongside the anticipated performances from various countries, including Sweden’s song "Bara Bada Bastu," which is currently a betting favorite.
As the competition elevates, the grand final is anticipated to draw significant viewership, airing live on BBC One and BBC Radio 2, with real-time updates available on the BBC News website.
