Noam Bettan 'shocked' by Eurovision protests

Noam Bettan said on May 13 that he was “shocked” by protests that interrupted Israel’s performance during the first Eurovision semi-final in Vienna a day earlier, adding a fresh flashpoint to a contest already overshadowed by arguments over Israel’s participation. The Israeli singer still advanced to Saturday’s grand final after performing “Michelle” at the Wiener Stadthalle on May 12. Organisers said four people were removed from the arena after attempts to disrupt the performance. Bettan told Reuters that he heard boos from a small number of protesters as he took the stage, even if many in the venue could not. ### What exactly happened during Bettan’s performance? Tuesday’s live broadcast captured chants of “stop the genocide” as Bettan began singing for Israel in the first semi-final in Vienna, according to BBC and Variety reports. Variety reported that the start of his performance was briefly delayed by anti-Israel demonstrations in the crowd. Reuters reported that Bettan heard boos as he went onstage, while other audience members applauded. (usnews.com) RTÉ reported on May 13 that four people were removed after attempts to disrupt Israel’s performance. AFP, citing a joint statement from Austrian host broadcaster ORF and the European Broadcasting Union, also reported that four people were ejected from the venue after the incident. ### What did Bettan say afterward? (variety.com) Bettan told Reuters on May 13 that he heard the boos of a small number of pro-Palestinian protesters as he took the stage. BBC, as cited in syndicated coverage, reported that Bettan said he was “shocked” by the protests during the semi-final show. The Times of Israel reported that Bettan said the boos were quickly drowned out by support and that he felt he was “just singing to Israel.” (rte.ie) The 28-year-old singer was performing “Michelle,” Israel’s 2026 entry, at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. Coverage from AFP and Reuters identified him as Israel’s contestant in a year when the event has drawn protests linked to the war in Gaza. ### Did Israel still qualify for the final? Israel was one of 10 countries to advance from the first semi-final on May 12, despite the disruption in the arena. (usnews.com) Reports from RTÉ, Variety and other outlets said Bettan secured a place in Saturday’s grand final alongside Finland, Sweden, Greece, Belgium, Moldova, Serbia, Croatia, Lithuania and Poland. (yahoo.com) Eurovision’s 2026 contest is being held in Vienna, with the official schedule listing shows on May 12, May 14 and May 16. The grand final is set for Saturday, May 16, following the second semi-final on Thursday. ### Why has Israel’s participation become a flashpoint this year? Reuters reported on May 13 that the contest, now in its 70th year, has been plunged into crisis over Gaza. (rte.ie) AFP reported that Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 prompted opposition from some broadcasters and protesters, and that several countries — including Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia — had pulled out of the event. (eurovision.tv) The European Broadcasting Union runs Eurovision, and Austrian broadcaster ORF is hosting this year’s event in Vienna. Organisers have responded to the arena disruption by saying four people were removed after attempts to interfere with the live show. ### Who else is through, and what comes next? Fifteen countries had qualified for the grand final after the first semi-final, including the 10 winners from Tuesday’s public vote and the five automatic finalists. (usnews.com) Betting sites tracked in media coverage showed Finland still among the leading contenders after Semi-Final 1, though odds varied by provider. (yahoo.com) Thursday’s second semi-final on May 14 will decide the final 10 places in the May 16 grand final in Vienna. Eurovision’s official schedule lists the grand final for Saturday, when Bettan and the other qualifiers will return to the Wiener Stadthalle stage. (eurovision.tv) (ejpress.org)