DayofPal—The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest recorded a sharp decline in viewership, attracting 131 million viewers worldwide, 35 million fewer than the previous year, following a boycott campaign.
The boycott led by five countries protesting Israel’s participation amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.
Organizers announced the figures on Friday, highlighting one of the most significant audience drops in the competition’s recent history.
The boycott saw Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands withdraw from the event and refuse to broadcast the contest.
Hosted in Vienna, Austria, the 70th edition of Eurovision culminated in Bulgaria securing its first-ever victory, with singer Dara winning the competition with her song “Bangaranga.” Israel finished in second place, while the United Kingdom placed last.
The contest was overshadowed by political controversy and demonstrations related to Israel’s inclusion.
Protests took place throughout Vienna, and chants calling for an end to the war in Gaza were heard during Israel’s semi-final performance.
Data released by organizers showed notable declines in television audiences across Europe, including losses of 3.8 million viewers in Poland, 3.7 million in the United Kingdom, and 3.3 million in France compared with the 2025 contest.
The withdrawal of several participating countries also contributed to the event recording its lowest number of participating nations since 2004.
Despite the decline, Eurovision maintained strong audience engagement in Nordic countries, with viewing shares reaching 93 percent in Finland, 86 percent in Sweden, 83 percent in Norway, and 79 percent in Denmark.
Across 35 measured television markets, the grand final achieved an average viewing share of 42.6 percent, rising to 54.8 percent among viewers aged 15 to 24.
Israel’s participation has triggered intensified backlash in recent years, with critics questioning the European Broadcasting Union’s decision to allow Israel to compete while facing growing international scrutiny over its genocide in the Gaza Strip.
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