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Eurovision fans fume over 'robbed' entry as first finalists confirmed

Fans blasted the result after only 10 countries advanced and Montenegro and San Marino were left out of the Eurovision final.

  • On Tuesday, May 12, the first Eurovision Song Contest semi-final in Vienna concluded with ten countries advancing to the final, though favorites Montenegro and San Marino failed to qualify.
  • Europe's biggest music celebration returns for its 70th year, with electronic artist Look Mum No Computer representing the UK and performing Eins, Zwei, Drei on Saturday May 16.
  • Many viewers expressed outrage on social media, with one person insisting that Montenegro had been "robbed" and another joking, "Cancel the contest," after the shock eliminations.
  • Following the European Broadcasting Union's decision to allow Israel to participate, nations including Ireland confirmed they would not compete, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
  • The BBC, which broadcasts the competition in the UK, supports the European Broadcasting Union's decision, stating, "This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive.
Insights by Ground AI

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·Munich, Germany
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·Zürich, Switzerland
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The first ESC semi-final is over - and as expected Finland and Greece have made their way into the final. Germany's candidate Sarah Engels was already certain: she started out of competition. [more]]>

·Hamburg, Germany
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Lean Right

The votes have been counted. After a show of about 2.5 hours, we know which ten candidates advance to the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest. Against all expectations, our entry Essyla managed to secure a spot in the final. But which nine other countries are also guaranteed a ticket?

·Kobbegem, Belgium
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rtl.lu broke the news in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
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