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BBC Eurovision Viewers Divided Minutes in as some Fume 'This Is Awful'
Viewers criticized BBC sound mixing and a results graphic change as 15 nations competed for 10 spots in the grand final.
- On Tuesday, May 12, presenters Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski launched Eurovision 2026 live from Vienna's Wiener Stadthalle arena. Fifteen nations performed, competing for a spot in Saturday's grand final alongside the Big Four and host Austria.
- The competition opened with a nostalgic journey celebrating '70 Years of Love' across the contest's seven-decade legacy. A 70-strong choir performed L'amour Est Bleu, a classic track famously sung by Vicky Leandros during Vienna's 1967 hosting.
- Viewers voiced frustration on X regarding sound issues with BBC commentary by Rylan Clark and Angela Scanlon. One fan complained, "Why is the mixing so weird and making the backing music louder than the hosts."
- Eurovision organizers issued a formal warning to Israel's broadcaster, Kan, after it encouraged viewers to 'vote 10 times' for its 2026 entry, Noam Bettan. The endorsement broke new rules designed to limit third-party campaigns.
- While Finland and Greece remain favorites to triumph in the semi-final, five nations are noticeably absent this year. Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia are boycotting the 70th iteration of the competition, citing the ongoing war in Gaza.
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Everything we know about first Eurovision semi-final as Israel set to compete
The first Eurovision 2026 semi-final takes place tonight in Vienna, with 15 countries performing as Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia boycott the contest over Israel's participation
·London, United Kingdom
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The first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest kicked off in Vienna on Tuesday evening. As is well known, the Netherlands is not participating, but this semi-final features the much-discussed Israel and top favorites Finland and Greece. Belgium is also hoping for a spot in the final. Our reporter Mark den Blanken will keep you updated throughout the evening.
·Amersfoort, Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
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The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)Eurovision 2026 live: Israel, Greece and Finland among countries through to the final
Eurovision 2026 live: Results and updates after first semi-final
·London, United Kingdom
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Total News Sources10
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Left
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
57% Left
L 57%
C 43%
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