Protests Erupt at Eurovision 2025 Rehearsal: Israeli Singer Faces Audience Backlash

Protests and Whistles Greet Israeli Singer at Eurovision 2025 Rehearsal in Basel The second semi-final rehearsal of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, was marked by an unusual display of audience dissent. During the performance of the Israeli contestant, a significant portion of the audience responded with loud whistles and protests, creating a noticeable disruption to the event. A video circulating online, taken by a spectator, shows the artist on stage while the sounds of disapproval are clearly audible. The video, which has quickly gained traction on social media, highlights the emotional intensity surrounding the performance and raises questions about the nature and reasons behind the audience's reaction. While the exact causes remain unclear, the incident underscores the diverse and sometimes conflicting sentiments that can accompany such a high-profile international event. One spectator, whose comments were included in the video's description, stated, "It was shocking to witness such a strong reaction from the audience. The atmosphere was tense, and it felt like a very divided crowd." This sentiment reflects the apparent polarisation of opinion within the audience. Despite the controversy, the Eurovision Song Contest continues, and organizers are likely to address the incident in due course. The event's organizers will need to consider how to manage such incidents effectively in the future, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for both performers and spectators.