Ireland joins Spain and Slovenia in refusing to compete or broadcast the competition, while the Netherlands and Iceland refused to send acts.

Bangkok in Thailand will be the final’s first host city with confirmed participants including Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal, South Korea and Vietnam.

As a solo artist, Mr Kennedy's 1996 album A Better Man went quadruple platinum

Ireland is among a number of countries that pulled out of the contest over Israel’s participation in 2026.

Groups and individuals have reacted to the broadcaster’s decision not to participate in or air Eurovision in 2026.

Ireland will not take part in Eurovision Song Contest over Israel participation, RTÉ says

Some moments defined the headlines, others defined generations. But can you remember what decade they actually happened in?

It comes as a string of broadcasters, including the Dutch Avrotros and RTÉ, have called for a boycott over Israel’s participation.

The 76-year-old Eurovision star spoke to the Times ahead of the release of her memoir If Only You Knew.

The American actor is basing the project on his Netflix movie, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga.

The incident took place as the October 7 survivor sang her entry New Day Will Rise, which was greeted with cheers and boos.

She is hoping to qualify Ireland on Thursday for the final in Switzerland.

Mr Bakhurst said RTÉ would not pull the Irish entry out of the song contest in May

How much do you know about Eurovision, Ireland's performances, and the competition's past winners? Take our quiz to find out!

While the situation was extremely serious, Bambie was amazed by the community spirit on display

It comes after the EBU said it would review the competition after some delegations ‘didn’t respect the spirit of the rules’ during the contest.

The competition was mired in controversies this year.

In a contest already full of controversy, the European Commission said it plans ‘a very lively discussion’ with the organisers over the ban

The first Irish act to reach the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest finished in sixth place on Saturday night.

The “ouji pop” star secured a sixth place finish in Ireland’s first Eurovision grand final since 2018.

Switzerland singer Nemo Mettler topped the Eurovision Song Contest jury vote

Graham Norton said their performance of Doomsday Blue, is ‘tipped to do extremely well’

On Saturday evening, Bambie walked across the stage after the singer missed their final rehearsals.

The singer said the European Broadcasting Union has taken the matter ‘seriously’.

Shine On Palestine: The Alternative Eurovision will be broadcast during the contest’s final on Saturday.

Eden Golan qualified with her song Hurricane on Thursday amid pro-Palestinian protests against Israel’s inclusion.

The Swedish environmental campaigner joined pro-Palestinian protesters

In the clip, Kaarija, who came second in Liverpool last year with the absurd and catchy Cha Cha Cha, and Eden Golan were seen dancing and laughing.

Eden Golan, 20, was congratulated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when she got through to Saturday’s grand final.

Graham Norton hosts on Saturday alongside Scott Mills and Rylan Clark for the BBC.

The Cork-born singer achieved the feat of making Ireland’s first final since 2018.

Bambie Thug has promised to ‘stand out’ from the crowd after Ireland’s last few entries have not made the Eurovision final.

Bambie Thug has promised to ‘stand out’ from the crowd after Ireland’s last few entries have not made the Eurovision final.

RTÉ said Eurovision is a non-political contest designed to unite audiences.

Former RTÉ presenter Fianna Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has been announced as a Fianna Fáil candidate for the European Parliament Ireland South Constituency.

The Taoiseach was responding to calls for a boycott over Israel’s participation.