Eurovision’s motto is “United by Music,” but national rifts and political divisions often cloud the contest despite organizers’ efforts to keep politics out.
MALMÖ, Sweden — Competition in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest kicked off Tuesday in Sweden, with the war in Gaza casting a shadow over the sequin-spangled pop extravaganza.
Performers representing countries across Europe and beyond took the stage in the first of two semifinals in the Swedish city of Malmo. It and a second semifinal on Thursday will winnow a field of 37 nations to 26 who will compete in Saturday’s final against a backdrop of both parties and protests.
Ten of the 15 acts performing Tuesday were voted through to the final by viewers, including Croatian singer-songwriter Baby Lasagna, whose infectious electro number “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” is the current favorite to win, and Ukrainian duo alyona alyona and Jerry Heil, flying the flag for their war-battered nation with the anthemic “Teresa & Maria.”
Also making the cut were goth-style Irish singer …
![Taylor Swift appears to have a HICKEY on her neck during Stockholm concert after enjoying romantic getaway with boyfriend Travis Kelce [Video]](https://europenewsvideo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mp_1044642_0_850803390imagem531716164971129jpg.jpg)
![Why NATO’s Largest Mobilization TERRIFIES Russia [Video]](https://europenewsvideo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mp_1042468_0_0jpg.jpg)
![UK’s Olly Alexander gets 0 points in Eurovision public vote [Video]](https://europenewsvideo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mp_1030159_0_SEI2036718363a501715471034jpg.jpg)
![Rose Zhang ends Nelly Korda’s winning streak in LPGA tournament [Video]](https://europenewsvideo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mp_1039089_0_rosezhang168901201715890552500jpg.jpg)