Eurovision fans divided as controversial act secures place in final

As the second semi-final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest got underway on Thursday evening, one act that divided opinion was Israel’s entry Eden Golan, with their song Hurricane.

In the run up to the performance, many fans had already condemned Eurovision for allowing Israel to compete while the country was still in conflict with Palestine, as they battled Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Fans at home felt that Israel should have been temporarily banned from the competition, just like contestants Russia, who have been excluded from competing since launching an invasion on Ukraine in 2022.

However, while many viewers condemned the war and felt Israel should be banned, several also felt that Eurovision should extend beyond politics with an open door policy to allow all competitors to band together and compete in a show of unity. With such polarised opinions and such an emotionally charged topic at stake, prior to Eden’s performance fans at home were anxious that the 20 year old singer may be interrupted on stage, as had previously happened during the rehearsals for her performance.

In a dress-rehearsal just hours before taking to the stage, Eden was booed as members of the audience chanted “Free Palestine.” However, the singer’s live semi-final performance did manage to go off without a hitch as the crowds applauded and cheered her on.

Later in the show, following a public vote, it was soon revealed that Israel had managed to qualify for Saturday’s grand final, leading many viewers to race to social media to share their thoughts about the result.

One fan wrote: "I'm sorry, what? Israel? Are you f*****g insane?"

A second fan then added: "Honestly did not expect Israel to qualify"

Meanwhile a third fan commented: "Everyone is going to be absolutely livid that Israel got through to the final"

While a fourth viewer said: "Is Israel using bots to vote? They hardly go through on public vote"

However, not everyone was so unhappy, with several fans also praising Eden for her performance.

One fan wrote: "Congratulations #Israel through to the #Eurovision2024 finals."

A second then added: "Well done Eden! Brilliant song."

Speaking ahead of her performance earlier this week, Eden responded to her critics as she revealed that she hoped her performance would help to unite rather than divide viewers. "It's a super important moment for us, especially this year," she said earlier this week.

"I feel honoured to have the opportunity to be the voice of my country.”

The Eurovision Grand Final airs Saturday May 11 at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer