Bulgaria Wins First Eurovision, Israel Second
Get the Culture newsletter
Daily culture — film, music, books, the trends and ideas worth your attention. Free.
- Bulgaria won Eurovision for the first time, securing the top spot.
- Israel placed second at Eurovision, finishing behind Bulgaria amid boycotts and protests.
- Protests over Israel's wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran accompanied the competition, reflecting backlash against the nation.
- Russia was banned from Eurovision for its invasion of Ukraine, sparking debate over a double standard.
Why it matters: Bulgaria’s historic win elevates its cultural profile and national pride, while Israel’s runner‑up finish is clouded by boycotts and protests over its wars, underscoring how political backlash can shape the perception of a music contest and prompting calls for consistent enforcement of Eurovision’s participation rules.
