The Eurovision Song Contest's final round in Malmo, Sweden, was marked by significant controversy and protests due to Israel's participation during the ongoing Gaza war. The event, which saw heightened security and a chaotic atmosphere, also featured the disqualification of a favorite contestant just hours before the start. Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched in Malmo, expressing their opposition to Israel's involvement. Despite the tensions and offstage drama, the contest proceeded with Israel being one of the bookmakers' favorites.
Eurovision, the widely popular song competition, was held this year in the Swedish city of Malmo and was marked by controversy, with protests against Israel's participation. Here are some of the sights from Saturday's final. https://t.co/knVm5YPlLe
The final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest took the stage Saturday in Malmo after days of protests and offstage drama that have tipped the feelgood musical celebration into a chaotic pressure cooker overshadowed by the war in Gaza. Read the full story: https://t.co/i1PJr32weg https://t.co/VMN3jyjozL
Eurovision Song Contest final kicks off after protests, backstage chaos and a contestant's expulsion #Eurovision2024 https://t.co/i3CtMonApv
The final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest took the stage Saturday in the Swedish city of Malmo after days of protests and offstage drama that have tipped the feelgood musical celebration into a chaotic pressure cooker overshadowed by the war in Gaza. https://t.co/KR2zUsnpTK
Eurovision Song Contest final begins in Malmo following chaotic run-up https://t.co/o7b3yO8OpZ
The Eurovision grand final is starting now, hours after a favorite to win was disqualified. Before the event, pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched in the host city of Malmo, Sweden, to protest Israel’s involvement. Follow live updates here. https://t.co/Lu5wtZquKp
The Eurovision Song Contest is set to hold its final round in Sweden and thousands have taken to the streets to protest Israel's participation in the contest. https://t.co/G8uAYMiUm9
The Eurovision Song Contest final gets underway in Sweden's Malmo on Saturday, with thousands of protesters expected because of Israel's participation during the Gaza war. Israel ranks as one of the bookmakers' favourites to succeed. https://t.co/1nGnSau2yD
Swedish host city Malmo geared up for the Eurovision grand final on Saturday as excitement mingled with the tension of heightened security threats and political protests over Israel's participation. https://t.co/QK3gVx5YLz
At the glittery Eurovision spectacle, controversy and protests about Israel's inclusion overshadow the music. Can the contest ever be apolitical? Our report from Malmö, Sweden ahead of the contest's final round: https://t.co/PoCFvucUuX https://t.co/rBLcqjQVQ8