Eurovision 2025 Grand Final in Basel, Switzerland, on May 17 marred by controversy as Israeli singer Yuval Raphael faced boos and a paint-throwing incident during her performance of “New Day Will Rise.” The 24-year-old a survivor of the October 7, 2023, Nova Music Festival attack targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters waving Palestinian flags opposing Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Security stopped two individuals attempting to rush the stage, with one throwing paint that hit a crew member and nearby journalists and spectators. No injuries were reported and three individuals were detained by police.
Raphael, who had anticipated backlash and practiced performing amid boos, remained shaken but completed her performance, earning second place with 357 points and winning the public vote. Austria’s Johannes Pietsch, performing as JJ won with his operatic ballad “Wasted Love,” scoring 436 points. Estonia’s Tommy Cash produced by Alina Pyazok took third with 356 points despite controversy over his song “Espresso Macchiato” stereotyping Italians.
The incident sparked debate over Eurovision’s broadcast, with some claiming the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) used “audio sweetening” to mute boos replacing them with cheers. EBU denied these claims stating the atmosphere remained positive. Protests also occurred outside the St. Jakobshalle arena with clashes between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups.
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Israel’s participation, represented by broadcaster Kan, has been contentious, with calls from broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia for its exclusion due to the Gaza conflict. Despite this, Raphael’s strong performance highlighted resilience amid adversity. Russia has not participated in Eurovision since 2022.
