Israel has secured a spot in Saturday’s Eurovision Song Contest final, with 28-year-old Noam Bettan performing his lovestruck pop track “Michelle” at Tuesday’s semi-final in Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle.

Bettan’s performance drew a mixed reception from the crowd. Some audience members booed and chanted anti-Israeli slogans, while others called out his name in support. Austrian host broadcaster ORF confirmed that one person near a microphone “loudly expressed their views” both before and during the Israeli entry, and was later removed by security along with three others for disruptive behaviour. Speaking to the Jerusalem Post ahead of the show, Bettan said he was treating any criticism as “background noise” and focusing on the music.

The controversy over Israel’s inclusion, tied to its military action in Gaza, has overshadowed the 70th anniversary edition of the contest. Five countries are boycotting this year’s event: Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland and the Netherlands. Spain and Slovenia will not air the show at all, with Slovenian broadcaster RTV running a “Voices of Palestine” programme instead, and Spain broadcasting its own musical special, “The House of Music.” Ireland’s RTE is taking perhaps the most Irish approach possible, airing a Eurovision-themed episode of “Father Ted” during Saturday’s final.

Ten countries qualified from Tuesday’s semi-final: Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Israel, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Serbia and Sweden. Eliminated were Estonia, Georgia, Montenegro, Portugal and San Marino, the latter featuring a guest appearance from Boy George that wasn’t enough to save the entry.

Finland’s Pete Parkkonen and Linda Lampenius are the current bookmakers’ favourites with their fiery love song “Liekinheitin” (Flamethrower), helped along by Lampenius playing a 19th century Gagliano violin live on stage, only the second time a live instrument has been permitted since 1998. Greek singer Akylas is also being tipped as a strong contender after a visually ambitious performance of “Ferto” that referenced ancient sculpture, knitting culture and the Greek financial crisis.

Voting rules have been tightened this year after irregularity accusations in 2025, when Israel finished second amid claims of vote manipulation. Viewers can now only vote 10 times instead of 20, and online voting requires credit card details to confirm the vote’s country of origin.

The second semi-final takes place Thursday, with Denmark, France and Australia’s Delta Goodrem among the names to watch, alongside UK entrant Look Mum No Computer. Austria, France, Germany, Italy and the UK are already through as automatic qualifiers. The grand final airs Saturday from Vienna.