All Eyes on Switzerland for Eurovision’s 69th Contest

The 69th Eurovision Song Contest kicks off in Basel, Switzerland, marking the first time the country has hosted since 1989. The worldwide audience of nearly 160 million viewers can expect two semifinals and a grand finale. Thirty-seven acts from across Europe—and beyond, including Australia, Israel, and Ukraine—will compete for the top spot. While it’s mainly a celebration of music, the event has not been free from controversy. Protests have again surfaced around Israel’s participation amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, with calls for heightened security. For fans, though, Eurovision remains a beloved tradition and a chance to see emerging artists.