Israel Advances to Eurovision Final Amid Protests in Vienna

Israeli singer Noam Bettan qualified for Saturday’s Eurovision grand final after performing “Michelle” — sung in French, Hebrew, and English — at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna on Tuesday night. Protesters inside the arena chanted “Stop the genocide” during the opening of his performance, audible on the live broadcast, though two individuals were removed by security. Anti-booing technology was not deployed.

Bettan, who had reportedly practiced to the sounds of booing in preparation, said audience support quickly lifted him. “It filled me up, it gave me strength,” he said afterward.

Ten countries advanced from Tuesday’s semifinal, including Greece, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, and Croatia. Saturday’s final will also feature the automatic qualifiers — France, Germany, Italy, and the UK — plus host nation Austria.

This year’s Eurovision has been marked by the largest boycott in the contest’s history, with five countries withdrawing over Israel’s participation. Bookmakers currently favor Finland to win, with Israel projected to finish sixth.