The Eurovision Song Contest began its first semifinal Tuesday in Malmö, Sweden, with 16 countries performing for 10 spots in the grand final later this week.
The annual competition opened under controversy, facing widespread calls for a boycott due to Israel's participation. Swedish authorities and event organizers implemented heightened security protocols around the Malmö Arena, with police presence increased throughout the city to manage potential disruptions.
Pro-Palestinian activist groups led large demonstrations outside the venue, drawing thousands of participants. More than 100,000 individuals signed online petitions demanding the European Broadcasting Union ban Israel from the competition. Artists and public figures from several countries, including Iceland, Norway and Finland, voiced concerns about Israel's inclusion.
The EBU, the event's organizer, maintained that Eurovision is a non-political event. It affirmed Israel's eligibility to compete, citing its public broadcaster's adherence to competition rules.
Israel's representative, Eden Golan, is scheduled to perform her entry "Hurricane" in the second semifinal on Thursday. The song's lyrics underwent revisions after the EBU deemed an earlier version politically charged, referencing the Oct. 7 attacks.
Security measures in Malmö included police patrols, drone surveillance and vehicle checks. Swedish police confirmed receiving support from law enforcement agencies in Denmark and Norway to manage potential unrest. The city's authorities designated specific protest zones to minimize disruption.
The 10 qualifying countries from Tuesday's first semifinal will join the "Big Five"—France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom—and host Sweden in Saturday's grand final. A second semifinal is scheduled for Thursday, where 16 more nations, including Israel, will compete for the remaining 10 grand final slots.
Malmö anticipates drawing up to 100,000 visitors throughout the week-long event. Protest organizers have announced plans for additional large-scale demonstrations leading up to and during the grand final. The EBU said it will not tolerate any political statements from performers during the live shows.
