Editing Eurovision Song Contest (section)

== Criticism and controversy ==
The contest has been the subject of considerable criticism regarding both its musical content and what has been reported to be a political element to the event, and several controversial moments have been witnessed over the course of its history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Frances |date=3 May 2017 |title=13 times Eurovision got super political |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/13-times-eurovision-song-contest-got-political/ |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=[[Politico]]}}</ref> British historian [[Tony Judt]] wrote in 2006 that the contest in the 1970s and 1980s became "the most widely celebrated object of ridicule" on public television, because it "was so stunningly banal in conception and execution as to defy parody." Judt dismissed the artists who entered the contest as "a stream of inept performers" who would in most cases return to "the obscurity from whence they briefly emerged."<ref>{{cite book |last=Judt |first=Tony |author-link=Tony Judt |date=2006 |title=[[Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945]] |pages=482–483 |publisher=Penguin |isbn= 9780143037750}}</ref>

=== Musical style and presentation ===
Criticism has been levied against the musical quality of past competing entries, with a perception that certain music styles seen as being presented more often than others in an attempt to appeal to as many potential voters as possible among the international audience.<ref name="How to win">{{Cite news |date=16 May 2019 |title=How to win the Eurovision Song Contest |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |url=https://www.economist.com/europe/2019/05/16/how-to-win-the-eurovision-song-contest |access-date=8 July 2020}}</ref> [[Sentimental ballad#Power ballads|Power ballads]], [[Folk music#Europe|folk]] rhythms, and [[bubblegum pop]] have been considered staples of the contest in recent years,{{When|date=May 2025|reason=This is sourced to a 2007 and a 2018 source. When did critics start saying this? Are they still saying it? "Recent years" just is way too vague.}} leading to allegations that the event has become formulaic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carniel |first=Jess |date=10 May 2018 |title=The Six Types of Eurovision Contestant |url=https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/05/the-six-types-of-eurovision-contestant/ |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=lifehacker.com.au}}</ref><ref name="Fringe" /> Other traits in past competing entries which have regularly been mocked by media and viewers include an abundance of [[Modulation (music)|key changes]] and lyrics about love and/or peace, as well as the [[Non-native pronunciations of English|pronunciation of English by non-native users of the language]].<ref name="How to win" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 May 2018 |title=What makes the perfect Eurovision song? |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2018-05-11/what-makes-the-perfect-eurovision-song/ |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=[[Radio Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Picheta |first=Rob |date=29 June 2020 |title=Want to win Eurovision? Write a nice, slow song about love |url=https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/eurovision-winners-analysis-scli-intl-style/index.html |access-date=8 July 2020 |publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref> Given Eurovision is principally a television show, over the years competing performances have attempted to attract the viewers' attention through means other than music, and elaborate [[Stage lighting|lighting displays]], [[pyrotechnics]], and [[Extravaganza|extravagant]] on-stage theatrics and costumes having become a common sight at recent contests;{{When|date=May 2025|reason="recent contests" is way too vague. Starting when did this happen?}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Picheta |first=Rob |date=18 May 2019 |title=Eurovision: What is it and what time is it on? |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/05/18/europe/eurovision-explainer-2019-intl/index.html |access-date=8 July 2020 |publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref> criticism of these tactics have been levied as being a method of distracting the viewer from the weak musical quality of some of the competing entries.<ref name="Antes cursi">{{Cite journal |last=Allatson |first=Paul |year=2007 |title='Antes cursi que sencilla': Eurovision Song Contests and the Kitsch-Drive to Euro-Unity |journal=Culture, Theory and Critique |volume=48 |issue=1 |pages=87–98 |doi=10.1080/14735780701293540 |s2cid=146449408}}</ref>

While many of these traits are ridiculed in the media and elsewhere, for others these traits are celebrated and considered an integral part of what makes the contest appealing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Chuck |date=5 July 2020 |title='Eurovision' soundtrack kicks up the camp |url=https://eu.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/columnists/chuck-campbell/2020/07/05/eurovision-soundtrack-will-ferrell-rachel-mcadams-6-lack-jessie-ware-dream-wife-peter-manos-review/5378820002/ |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=knoxnews.com}}</ref> Although many of the competing acts each year will fall into some of the categories above, the contest has seen a diverse range of musical styles in its history, including rock, [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]], [[jazz]], [[Country music|country]], [[Electronic music|electronic]], [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]], [[Hip hop music|hip hop]], and [[Avant-garde music|avant-garde]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pattillo |first=Alice |date=14 May 2019 |title=The 10 Most Metal Moments in Eurovision |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-most-metal-moments-in-eurovision |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=loudersound.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Escudero |first=Victor M. |date=11 August 2017 |title=Eurovision and all that jazz! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/history-of-jazz-in-eurovision |access-date=8 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Osborn |first=Michael |date=16 May 2006 |title=Rapping for glory at Eurovision |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4900892.stm |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Holden |first=Steve |date=4 June 2021 |title=Måneskin: The Eurovision winners storming the UK charts |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-57331991 |access-date=22 November 2021 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Macdonald |first=Kyle |date=17 May 2022 |title=Serbia's viral Eurovision song featured Allegri's Miserere, and you might have missed it... |url=https://www.classicfm.com/composers/allegri/in-corpore-sano-konstrakta-eurovision-miserere-serbia/ |access-date=20 May 2022 |website=[[Classic FM (UK)|Classic FM]]}}</ref>

=== Political controversies ===
{{main|Controversies of the Eurovision Song Contest}}
[[File:Calls for boycott Eurovision Song Contest 2019 (crop).jpg|thumb|right|alt=A painted mural on a wall on a street in Girona, Spain: the Eurovision trophy appears covered in barbed wire surrounded by tower blocks, with the words "#BoycottEurovision2019" above, and "Free Palestine" in English and Arabic to the top left|A mural in [[Girona]] promoting a boycott of the {{Escyr|2019||2019 contest}} in Israel]]
As artists and songs ultimately represent a country, the contest has seen several controversial moments where political tensions between competing countries as a result of [[frozen conflict]]s, and in some cases open warfare, are reflected in the performances and voting.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Robinson |first=Frances |date=3 May 2017 |title=13 times Eurovision got super political |work=[[Politico]] |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/13-times-eurovision-song-contest-got-political/ |access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref>

The [[Nagorno-Karabakh conflict|conflict]] between {{Esccnty|Armenia}} and {{Esccnty|Azerbaijan}} has affected the contest on numerous occasions. [[Armenia–Azerbaijan relations in the Eurovision Song Contest|Conflicts between the two countries at Eurovision]] escalated quickly since both countries began competing in the late 2000s, resulting in fines and disciplinary action for both countries' broadcasters over political stunts, and a forced change of title for one competing song due to allegations of political subtext.<ref name="ararat-diplomacy">{{Cite web |title=Can Eurovision Succeed Where Diplomacy Has Failed? |url=http://araratmagazine.org/2011/05/can-eurovision-succeed-where-diplomacy-has-failed/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606221748/http://araratmagazine.org/2011/05/can-eurovision-succeed-where-diplomacy-has-failed/ |archive-date=6 June 2014 |access-date=5 June 2014 |website=Ararat}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lomsadze |first=Giorgi |date=17 March 2015 |title=Armenia Dodges Eurovision Controversy |work=Eurasianet |url=https://eurasianet.org/armenia-dodges-eurovision-controversy |access-date=8 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Halpin |first=Chris |date=11 May 2016 |title=EBU sanctions Armenian broadcaster over Nagorno-Karabakh flag incident |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2016/05/11/ebu-sanctions-armenian-broadcaster-nagorno-karabakh-flag-incident/141783/ |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=wiwibloggs.co.uk}}</ref> Interactions between {{Esccnty|Russia}} and {{Esccnty|Ukraine}} in the contest had originally been positive, but as [[Russia–Ukraine relations|political relations]] soured between the two countries so, too, have [[Russia–Ukraine relations in the Eurovision Song Contest|relations at Eurovision]] become more complex. Complaints were levied against the winning song for {{Esccnty|Ukraine|y=2016|t=Ukraine in 2016}}, "[[1944 (song)|1944]]", whose lyrics referenced the [[Deportation of the Crimean Tatars|deportation]] of the [[Crimean Tatars]], but which the {{Esccnty|Russia|y=2016|t=Russian delegation}} claimed had a greater political meaning in light of [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|Russia's annexation]] of [[Crimea]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Savage |first=Mark |date=22 February 2016 |title=Eurovision: Ukraine's entry aimed at Russia |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35630395 |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Withnall |first=Adam |date=15 May 2016 |title=Russian officials threaten to boycott next Eurovision after victory for 'political' Ukraine entry |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/eurovision-song-contest-2016-winner-ukraine-jamala-russia-threat-boycott-next-year-a7030591.html |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> As {{Esccnty|Ukraine|y=2017}} prepared to host the {{Escyr|2017||following year's contest}}, {{Esccnty|Russia|y=2017}}'s selected representative, [[Yuliya Samoylova (singer)|Yuliya Samoylova]], was barred from entering the country due to having previously entered Crimea illegally according to Ukrainian law.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 March 2017 |title=Eurovision 2017: Ukraine bars Russian singer Samoilova from contest |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39354775 |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> [[Channel One Russia]] eventually pulled out of the contest after offers for Samoylova to perform remotely were refused by the broadcaster, resulting in the EBU reprimanding the [[Suspilne|Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine]] (UA:PBC).<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 April 2017 |title=EBU: 'Russia no longer able to take part in Eurovision 2017' |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/russia-unable-to-participate-2017-ebu-statement |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=Eurovision.tv |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] (EBU)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Eurovision threatens to ban Ukraine over Russian singer row |work=[[The Guardian]] |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/apr/01/eurovision-threatens-to-ban-ukraine-over-russian-singer-row |access-date=8 July 2020}}</ref> In the wake of the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] and subsequent protests from other participating countries, {{Esccnty|Russia|y=2022}} was barred from competing in the {{Escyr|2022|3=2022 contest}}, which {{Esccnty|Ukraine|y=2022}} went on to win.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 February 2022 |title=EBU statement regarding the participation of Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 |url=https://eurovision.tv/mediacentre/release/ebu-statement-russia-2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=Eurovision.tv |publisher=EBU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=25 February 2022 |title=Eurovision: Russia banned from competing at 2022 Song Contest |work=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-60530513 |access-date=26 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Belam |first1=Martin |last2=Cvorak |first2=Monika |date=14 May 2022 |title=Ukraine wins 2022 Eurovision song contest as UK finishes second in Turin |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/may/15/ukraine-wins-2022-eurovision-song-contest-as-uk-finishes-second-in-turin |access-date=15 May 2022 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>

The planned entry from {{Esccnty|Georgia|y=2009|t=Georgia in 2009}}, "We Don't Wanna Put In", caused controversy as the lyrics appeared to criticise [[Vladimir Putin]], in a move seen as opposition to the then-[[Prime Minister of Russia|Russian prime minister]] in the aftermath of the [[Russo-Georgian War]]. After requests by the EBU for changes to the lyrics were refused, the [[Georgian Public Broadcaster]] (GPB) subsequently withdrew from the event.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 March 2009 |title=Eurovision axes 'anti-Putin' song |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7935865.stm |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref>{{sfn|West|2020|pp=253–257}} The planned entry from {{Esccnty|Belarus|y=2021|t=Belarus in 2021}}, "[[Ya nauchu tebya (I'll Teach You)]]", also caused controversy in the wake of [[2020–2021 Belarusian protests|demonstrations]] against disputed [[2020 Belarusian presidential election|election]] results, resulting in the [[Belteleradio|Belarusian Television and Radio Company]] (BTRC) being disqualified when the aforementioned song and another potential song were deemed to breach the contest's rules on neutrality and politicisation.<ref name="Belarus 2021">{{Cite web |date=26 March 2021 |title=EBU statement on Belarusian participation |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/ebu-statement-on-belarusian-entry-2021 |access-date=5 April 2021 |website=Eurovision.tv |publisher=EBU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Agadellis |first=Stratos |date=11 March 2021 |title=Belarus: EBU releases statement on the country's entry for Eurovision 2021 |url=http://esctoday.com/182383/belarus-ebu-releases-statement-on-the-countrys-entry-for-eurovision-2021/ |access-date=5 April 2021 |website=esctoday.com}}</ref>

{{Esccnty|Israel}}'s participation in the contest has resulted in several controversial moments in the past, with the country's first appearance {{Esccnty|Israel|y=1973|t=in 1973}}, less than a year after the [[Munich massacre]], resulting in an increased security presence at the venue in [[Luxembourg City]].{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=52–55}}<ref name="Luxembourg 73" />{{sfn|West|2020|pp=83–86}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3396189,00.html|title=Debunking a Eurovision myth|work=Ynet|first=Josh|last=Hamerman|date=2007-05-08|access-date=2025-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070516171800/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3396189,00.html|archive-date=2007-05-16}}</ref> Their first win {{Esccnty|Israel|y=1978|t=in 1978}} proved controversial for [[Arab world|Arab states]] broadcasting the contest which would typically cut to [[Television advertisement|advertisements]] when Israel performed due to a lack of [[International recognition of Israel|recognition of the country]], and when it became apparent Israel would win, many of these broadcasters cut the feed before the end of the voting.<ref name="Paris 78">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Paris 1978 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/paris-1978 |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=72–75}}<ref name="Roxburgh 2">{{Cite book |last=Roxburgh |first=Gordon |title=Songs for Europe: The United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest |date=2014 |publisher=Telos Publishing |isbn=978-1-84583-093-9 |volume=Two: The 1970s |location=Prestatyn}}</ref> Broadcasters from Arab states which are eligible to compete have largely not participated, with {{Esccnty|Morocco}} the only Arab state to have entered Eurovision, competing for the first, and to date only time, in {{Escyr|1980}} when Israel was absent.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=80–83}}<ref name="The Hague 80">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: The Hague 1980 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/the-hague-1980 |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Israel's participation has been criticised by those who oppose current [[Cabinet of Israel|government]] policies in the state, with calls raised by various political groups for a boycott ahead of the {{Escyr|2019||2019 contest}} in [[Tel Aviv]], including proponents of the [[Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions]] movement in response to the country's policies towards [[Palestinians]] in the [[West Bank]] and [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]], as well as groups who take issue with perceived [[Pinkwashing (LGBTQ)|pinkwashing]] in Israel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Farrell |first=Stephen |date=10 May 2019 |title=Israel counters Eurovision boycott campaign with Google ads |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-music-eurovision-israel-preparations/israel-counters-eurovision-boycott-campaign-with-google-ads-idUSKCN1SG11L |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[Reuters]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Maikey |first1=Haneen |last2=Aked |first2=Hilary |date=4 March 2019 |title=L'Eurovision comme occasion de pinkwashing pour Israël – la communauté LGBT+ devrait le boycotter |trans-title=Eurovision as a pinkwashing opportunity for Israel – the LGBT+ community should boycott it |url=http://agencemediapalestine.fr/blog/2019/03/04/15797/ |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=agencemediapalestine.fr/ |publisher=Agence Médias Palestine |language=fr}}</ref> Others campaigned against a boycott, asserting that any cultural boycott would be antithetical to advancing peace in the region.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherwin |first=Adam |date=30 April 2019 |title=Eurovision 2019: Stephen Fry & Sharon Osbourne lead celebrities rejecting boycott of Israel Song Contest |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/stephen-fry-sharon-osbourne-lead-celebrities-rejecting-boycott-of-israel-eurovision-song-contest-285507 |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[i (British newspaper)|i]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Snapes |first=Laura |date=30 April 2019 |title=Celebrities denounce proposed boycott of Eurovision in Israel |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/apr/30/celebrities-denounce-proposed-boycott-of-eurovision-in-israel-stephen-fry |access-date=12 March 2021 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Israel's participation in the contest was again put into question following the outbreak of the [[Gaza war]] in October 2023, with [[Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024#Calls for exclusion|renewed calls for the nation's exclusion]] ahead of the {{escyr|2024||2024 event}}. <ref>{{cite news |last1=Savage |first1=Mark |date=8 February 2024 |title=Israel chooses Eurovision 2024 entrant amid calls for a boycott |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68238270 |access-date=11 April 2024 |work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> Belgian TV interrupted transmission of the Israeli performance showing a message condemning its violations of human rights and stating that Israel is destroying freedom of press. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Belgium's VRT television protests against Israel during Eurovision broadcast |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/belgiums-vrt-television-protests-against-israel-during-eurovision-broadcast/3215242 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}</ref> "[[Hurricane (Eden Golan song)|Hurricane]]", Israel's entry for that year's contest, was accepted by the EBU,<ref>{{cite web |title=FAQ: Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 - Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/mediacentre/frequently-asked-questions-israel-24 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=11 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409150921/https://eurovision.tv/mediacentre/frequently-asked-questions-israel-24 |archive-date=9 April 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=EBU Statement on abuse and harassment of ESC 2024 Artists |url=https://eurovision.tv/mediacentre/release/ebu-statement-esc-2024-artists |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=11 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409150742/https://eurovision.tv/mediacentre/release/ebu-statement-esc-2024-artists |archive-date=9 April 2024 |date=9 April 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> although it was required to undergo rewrites as the EBU objected to the political nature of the original lyrics, which made reference to the [[October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel|7 October Hamas-led attack on Israel]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Savage |first1=Mark |title=Israel reveals Eurovision song after weeks of wrangling |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68533031 |access-date=11 April 2024 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=11 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Israel: KAN Confirms Changes to Previously Rejected Eurovision Songs |url=https://eurovoix.com/2024/03/03/changes-to-previously-rejected-eurovision-songs/ |publisher=Eurovoix |access-date=11 April 2024 |date=3 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bryant |first=Miranda |date=2024-04-07 |title='We are not the arena to solve a Middle East conflict': Sweden braced for a politically charged Eurovision |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/apr/07/eurovision-sweden-middle-east-conflict-israel |access-date=2024-04-12 |work=The Observer |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712}}</ref> In 2025, calls for vetoing the country continued with 72 former eurovision contestants signing an open letter to ban the country, denouncing its war crimes in Gaza. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-18 |title=Israel’s Yuval Raphael performs to mixed response at Eurovision 2025 final |url=https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/eurovision/israel-eurovision-2025-final-performance-voting-odds-b2753035.html |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Canary |first=The |date=2025-05-18 |title=Israel's Eurovision appearance has turned into a PR disaster for the war criminals |url=https://www.thecanary.co/trending/2025/05/18/israel-eurovision/ |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Canary |language=en-GB}}</ref> The high televote score received by the country in 2024 and 2025 also caused controversy, with several voices denouncing influence operations by Israel and some European far-right affiliated media outlets. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://elpais.com/television/2025-05-18/como-se-reparten-los-puntos-del-publico-en-eurovision-por-que-israel-domina-el-televoto.html |title=¿Cómo se reparten los puntos del público en Eurovisión? ¿Por qué Israel domina el televoto |work=[[elpais.com]] |date=2025-05-18 |access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.lalibre.be/culture/musique/2025/05/19/les-resultats-de-leurovision-suscite-une-vive-polemique-il-est-evident-quisrael-a-tente-de-manipuler-le-televote-CS5WON2CBBATLBGRKR7TSPP2UI |title=Les résultats de l'Eurovision suscitent une vive polémique: "Il est évident qu'Israël a tenté de manipuler le télévote" |work=[[lalibre.be]] |date=2025-05-19 |access-date=2025-05-19}}</ref>

=== Political and geographical voting ===
{{multiple image
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| footer            = Produced using the methods presented by Mantzaris, Rein, and Hopkins:{{sfn| Mantzaris | Rein | Hopkins | 2018a }}{{sfn| Mantzaris | Rein | Hopkins | 2018b }} a network of the significant score deviations can be viewed over a time period of interest.<br />
{{legend inline|#ff6a6a}}Southwest {{space|en}} {{legend inline|#bdeeee}}Northwest {{space|en}} {{legend inline|#1e90ff}}North {{space|en}} {{legend inline|#ccc}}Central {{space|en}} {{legend inline|#ffb90f}}Southeast {{space|en}} {{legend inline|#9acd32}}East
| image1            = The collusion between countries in Eurovision 1997 to 2017.png
| alt1              = Voting preferences in Eurovision 1997 to 2017
| caption1          = Voting preferences between countries in Eurovision between 1997 and 2017
| image2            = Mutual neglect of score allocations in the Eurovision 2010 to 2015.png
| alt2              = Neglect in Eurovision 2010 to 2015
| caption2          = Mutual neglect of score allocations in Eurovision between 2010 and 2015
}}

The contest has been described as containing political elements in its voting process, a perception that countries will give votes more frequently and in higher quantities to other countries based on political relationships, rather than the musical merits of the songs themselves.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 May 2004 |title=Eurovision votes 'farce' attack |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/3719157.stm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040603125500/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/3719157.stm |archive-date=3 June 2004 |access-date=6 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=14 May 2007 |title=Malta slates Eurovision's voting |work=[[BBC News]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6654719.stm |url-status=live |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070709104543/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6654719.stm |archive-date=9 July 2007}}</ref> Numerous studies and academic papers have been written on this subject, which have corroborated that certain countries form "clusters" or "cliques" by frequently voting in the same way; one study concludes that [[voting bloc]]s can play a crucial role in deciding the winner of the contest, with evidence that on at least two occasions bloc voting was a pivotal factor in the vote for the winning song.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Fenn |first1=Daniel |last2=Suleman |first2=Omer |last3=Efstathiou |first3=Janet |last4=Johnson |first4=Niel F. |date=1 February 2006 |title=How does Europe Make Its Mind Up? Connections, cliques, and compatibility between countries in the Eurovision Song Contest |journal=Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and Its Applications |volume=360 |issue=2 |pages=576–598 |arxiv=physics/0505071 |bibcode=2006PhyA..360..576F |doi=10.1016/j.physa.2005.06.051 |s2cid=119406544}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gatherer |first=Derek |date=31 March 2006 |title=Comparison of Eurovision Song Contest Simulation with Actual Results Reveals Shifting Patterns of Collusive Voting Alliances |url=http://jasss.soc.surrey.ac.uk/9/2/1.html |journal=Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation |volume=9 |issue=2 |issn=1460-7425 |access-date=6 July 2020}}</ref> Other views on these "blocs" argue that certain countries will allocate high points to others based on similar musical tastes, shared cultural links and a high degree of similarity and [[mutual intelligibility]] between languages, and are therefore more likely to appreciate and vote for the competing songs from these countries based on these factors, rather than political relationships specifically.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ginsburgh |first1=Victor |last2=Noury |first2=Abdul |date=October 2006 |title=The Eurovision Song Contest: Is Voting Political or Cultural? |url=http://w.ecares.org/ecare/personal/ginsburgh/papers/153.eurovision.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903222919/http://w.ecares.org/ecare/personal/ginsburgh/papers/153.eurovision.pdf |archive-date=3 September 2015 |access-date=6 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="Spierdijk/Vellekoop">{{Cite journal |last1=Spierdijk |first1=L |last2=Vellekoop |first2=M.H. |year=2006 |title=Geography, culture, and religion: Explaining the bias in Eurovision song contest voting |url=https://research.utwente.nl/en/publications/geography-culture-and-religion-explaining-the-bias-in-eurovision- |journal=Applied Mathematics Memoranda |volume=1794 |access-date=6 July 2020}}</ref> Analysis on other voting patterns have revealed examples which indicate voting preferences among countries based on shared religion, as well as "patriotic voting", particularly since the introduction of televoting in {{Escyr|1997}}, where [[Expatriate|foreign nationals]] vote for their country of origin.<ref name="Spierdijk/Vellekoop" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 May 2016 |title=Is there a Eurovision migrant effect? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-36305838 |access-date=6 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref>

Voting patterns in the contest have been reported by news publishers, including ''[[The Economist]]'', ''[[The Times]]'', and ''[[BBC News]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Ruth |date=19 May 2008 |title=The maths of Eurovision voting |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7408216.stm |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Davies |first=Matilda |date=13 May 2022 |title=Data holds the key to Eurovision success or failure |url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/music/article/eurovision-2022-songs-analysis-p5d6gndsp |access-date=8 May 2023 |website=[[The Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=12 May 2018 |title=Neighbourly voting in the Eurovision Song Contest |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |url=https://www.economist.com/europe/2018/05/12/neighbourly-voting-in-the-eurovision-song-contest |access-date=7 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=11 May 2018 |title=Partisanship at Eurovision is becoming more blatant |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2018/05/11/partisanship-at-eurovision-is-becoming-more-blatant |access-date=7 July 2020}}</ref> Criticism of the voting system was at its highest in the mid-2000s, resulting in a number of calls for countries to boycott the contest over reported voting biases, particularly following the {{Escyr|2007||2007 contest}} where Eastern European countries occupied the top 15 places in the final and dominated the qualifying spaces.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=188–191}}{{sfn|West|2020|pp=241–245}} The poor performance of the entries from more traditional Eurovision countries had subsequently been discussed in European national parliaments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2007 |title=MP demands Eurovision vote change |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6657207.stm |access-date=6 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref>{{efn|The developments in the voting was cited as among the reasons for the resignation of [[Terry Wogan]] as commentator for the BBC, a role he had performed at every contest from {{Escyr|1980}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 August 2008 |title=Terry Wogan 'very doubtful' about presenting Eurovision again |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/eurovision-12-1323243 |access-date=6 July 2020 |website=NME}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 December 2008 |title=Norton is Eurovision's new Wogan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7766310.stm |access-date=6 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref>}} In response to this criticism, the EBU introduced a second semi-final in 2008, with countries split based on geographic proximity and voting history, and juries of music professionals were reintroduced in 2009, in an effort to reduce the impacts of bloc voting.<ref name="2010 jury semis" /><ref name="Jury 09 final" /><ref name="Revamp">{{Cite web |date=9 January 2008 |title=Revamp for Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/revamp-for-eurovision-song-contest |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

=== LGBTQ visibility ===
{{main|LGBTQ visibility in the Eurovision Song Contest}}
[[File:Dana International op Het Grote Songfestivalfeest 2019.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Photograph of Dana International during a performance|[[Dana International]], the contest's first [[Transgender|trans]] participant, and winner of the 1998 contest for Israel]]
Eurovision has had a long-held fan base in the [[LGBTQ community]], and contest organisers have actively worked to include these fans in the event since the 1990s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 May 2015 |title=How Eurovision became a gay-friendly contest |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20150522-eurovision-gay-friendly-song-contest-lgbt-conchita-wurst |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=[[France 24]]}}</ref> [[Paul Oscar]] became the contest's first openly [[Gay men|gay]] artist to compete when he represented {{esccnty|Iceland|y=1997|t=Iceland in 1997}}. [[Dana International]], representing {{esccnty|Israel|y=1998|t=Israel in 1998}}, was the contest's first [[Transgender|trans]] performer, and became the first LGBTQ artist to win the contest.{{sfn|West|2020|pp=191–195}}<ref name="Birmingham 98">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Birmingham 1998 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/birmingham-1998 |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> In {{Escyr|2021}}, [[Nikkie de Jager]] became the first trans person to host the contest.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roessink |first=Paulien |date=17 May 2021 |title='Eurovision' gets first transgender host in YouTube star Nikkie de Jager |work=SBS Your Language |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/eurovision-gets-first-transgender-host-in-youtube-star-nikkie-de-jager_1 |url-status=live |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523115659/https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/eurovision-gets-first-transgender-host-in-youtube-star-nikkie-de-jager_1 |archive-date=23 May 2021}}</ref>

Several open members of the LGBTQ community have since gone on to compete and win: [[Conchita Wurst]], the [[Drag (clothing)|drag]] persona of openly gay Thomas Neuwirth, won for {{esccnty|Austria|y=2014|t=Austria in 2014}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bromwich |first=Kathryn |date=6 July 2014 |title=Conchita Wurst: 'Most artists are sensitive and insecure people. I am too' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jul/06/conchita-interview-sensitive-insecure-eurovision-gay-pin-up-austrian |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> [[Marija Šerifović]], who won for {{esccnty|Serbia|y=2007|t=Serbia in 2007}}, subsequently came out publicly as a lesbian in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 November 2013 |title=I Am A Lesbian! – Marija Serifovic Opens Up in Her Film 'Confession' |url=http://inserbia.info/today/2013/11/i-am-a-lesbian-marija-serifovic-opens-herself-completely-in-her-film-confession/ |access-date=7 August 2015 |publisher=InSerbia News}}</ref> Openly [[bisexual]] performer [[Duncan Laurence]] was the winner for the {{esccnty|Netherlands|y=2019|t=Netherlands in 2019}};<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Matt |date=18 May 2019 |title=Dutch Eurovision contestant Duncan Laurence comes out as bisexual |url=https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/community/122298/dutch-eurovision-contestant-duncan-laurence-comes-out-as-bisexual/ |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[Gay Times]]}}</ref> and rock band [[Måneskin]], which won for {{esccnty|Italy|y=2021|t=Italy in 2021}}, features openly lesbian [[Victoria De Angelis]] as its bassist, who at the time of the contest identified as bisexual.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Boni |first=Federico |date=12 February 2021 |title=Sanremo 2021, i Maneskin a nudo tra bisessualità e "libertà sessuale" – la gallery social |language=italian |work=Gay.it |url=https://www.gay.it/sanremo-2021-maneskin-nudo-bisessualita-gallery-social |access-date=1 February 2022}}</ref> [[Nemo (singer)|Nemo]], who represented {{esccnty|Switzerland|y=2024|t=Switzerland in 2024}}, was the first [[Non-binary gender|non-binary]] winner.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-11 |title=Nemo offre à la Suisse un triomphe à l'Eurovision avec son titre 'The Code' |url=https://www.rts.ch/info/culture/dossiers/2024/eurovision/2024/article/nemo-offre-a-la-suisse-un-triomphe-a-l-eurovision-avec-son-titre-the-code-28499524.html |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=rts.ch |language=fr}}</ref>

Past competing songs and performances have included references and allusions to [[same-sex relationships]]; "[[Nous les amoureux]]", the winning song for {{esccnty|Luxembourg|y=1961|t=Luxembourg in 1961}}, contained references to the difficulties faced by a homosexual relationship;<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 May 2019 |title='Nous les amoureux' de Jean-Claude Pascal, une chanson qui annonce la révolution du mouvement gay... |url=https://www.rtbf.be/lapremiere/article/detail_nous-les-amoureux-de-jean-claude-pascal-une-chanson-qui-annonce-la-revolution-du-mouvement-gay?id=10221083 |access-date=3 May 2020 |website=La Première |language=fr}}</ref> [[Krista Siegfrids]]' performance of "[[Marry Me (Krista Siegfrids song)|Marry Me]]" for {{esccnty|Finland|y=2013|t=Finland in 2013}} included a same-sex kiss with one of her female backing dancers;<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 May 2013 |title=Eurovision 2013 final underway amid lesbian kiss controversy |url=https://www.dw.com/en/eurovision-2013-final-underway-amid-lesbian-kiss-controversy/a-16822230 |access-date=28 February 2021 |publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]]}}</ref> and the stage show of "[[Together (Ryan O'Shaughnessy song)|Together]]" by [[Ryan O'Shaughnessy]] for {{esccnty|Ireland|y=2018|t=Ireland in 2018}} had two male dancers portraying a same-sex relationship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Daniel |date=9 May 2018 |title=Ireland's Gay Dance on Eurovision Shows World That 'Love Is Love' |url=https://www.advocate.com/world/2018/5/09/irelands-gay-dance-eurovision-shows-world-love-love |access-date=28 February 2021 |website=advocate.com |publisher=[[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]]}}</ref> [[Drag queen|Drag performers]], such as [[Verka Serduchka]] for {{Esccnty|Ukraine|y=2007|t=Ukraine in 2007}}, [[DQ (artist)|DQ]] for {{Esccnty|Denmark|y=2007|t=Denmark in 2007}}, [[Sestre (drag act)|Sestre]] for {{Esccnty|Slovenia|y=2002|t=Slovenia in 2002}}, have appeared, including Wurst winning in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jordan |first=Paul |date=24 October 2016 |title=Life's a drag! Eurovision queens past and present |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/life-s-a-drag-eurovision-queens-past-and-present |access-date=28 February 2021 |website=eurovision.tv |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 March 2002 |title=Transvestite Sisters stir Eurovision storm |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/monitoring/media_reports/1855726.stm |access-date=28 February 2021 |website=bbc.co.uk |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Banks |first=Martin |date=6 March 2002 |title=Transvestite Eurosong win sparks Slovenia accession doubts |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/transvestite-eurosong-win-sparks-slovenia-accession-doubts/ |access-date=28 February 2021 |website=politico.eu |publisher=[[Politico]]}}</ref>

In recent years,{{When|date=May 2025|reason="recent years" is vague}} various political ideologies across Europe have clashed in the Eurovision setting, particularly on [[LGBTQ rights in Europe|LGBTQ rights]]. Dana International's selection for the 1998 contest was marked by objections and death threats from orthodox [[Religion in Israel|religious sections of Israeli society]], and at the contest her accommodation was reportedly in the only hotel in [[Birmingham]] with bulletproof windows.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=152–155}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 May 1998 |title=Transsexual singer stirs up passions |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/special_report/1998/05/98/eurovision/90279.stm |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> {{lang|tr|[[Turkish Radio and Television Corporation|Türkiye Radyo ve Televizyon Kurumu]]|i=no}} (TRT) from {{esccnty|Turkey}}, once a regular participant in the contest and a one-time winner, first pulled out of the contest in 2013, citing dissatisfaction in the voting rules; more recently when asked about returning to the contest it has cited LGBTQ performances as another reason for its continued boycott, refusing to broadcast the 2013 event over Finland's same sex kiss.<ref name="Turkey LGBT" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Alex |date=18 March 2020 |title=Eurovision Song Contest Is Canceled Over Coronavirus Concerns |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/arts/music/eurovision-canceled-coronavirus.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318141020/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/arts/music/eurovision-canceled-coronavirus.html |archive-date=18 March 2020 |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[The New York Times]] |quote="In 2018, the head of Turkey's public broadcaster said the boycott was also partly because some past winners, including the drag queen Conchita Wurst, had gone against Turkey's social values."}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Joe |date=16 May 2013 |title=Turkey cancels Eurovision Song Contest over lesbian kiss |url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/turkey-cancels-eurovision-song-contest-over-lesbian-kiss160513/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528122038/https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/turkey-cancels-eurovision-song-contest-over-lesbian-kiss160513/ |archive-date=28 May 2022 |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=[[Gay Star News]]}}</ref> LGBTQ visibility in the contest has been cited as a deciding factor for the non-participation of {{lang|hu|[[MTVA (Hungary)|Médiaszolgáltatás-támogató és Vagyonkezelő Alap]]|i=unset}} (MTVA) from {{esccnty|Hungary}} since 2020, although no official reason was given.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Shaun |last2=Garamvolgyi |first2=Flora |date=27 November 2019 |title=Hungary pulls out of Eurovision amid rise in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/nov/27/hungary-pulls-out-of-eurovision-amid-rise-in-anti-lgbt-rhetoric |access-date=16 July 2020 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kozlov |first=Vladimir |date=29 November 2019 |title=Hungary Exits 2020 Eurovision Over Contest's LGBT-Friendly Policies: Report |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8545072/hungary-exits-2020-eurovision-song-contest-over-lgbt-friendly-policies-report |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=16 July 2020}}</ref> The rise of [[anti-LGBTQ sentiment]] in Europe has{{When|date=May 2025|reason=the rise of such sentiment during what period? This is vague}} led to a marked increase in [[booing]] from contest audiences, particularly since the introduction of a [[Russian gay propaganda law|"gay propaganda" law in Russia]] in 2013.{{sfn|West|2020|pp=283–286}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Fraser |date=11 May 2014 |title=Eurovision 2014: the booing of Russia was a disgrace |url=http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/culturehousedaily/2014/05/eurovision-2014-the-booing-of-russia-was-a-disgrace/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504080615/http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/culturehousedaily/2014/05/eurovision-2014-the-booing-of-russia-was-a-disgrace/ |archive-date=4 May 2015 |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[The Spectator]]}}</ref> Conchita Wurst's win was [[Conchita Wurst#International response|met with criticism]] on the [[Politics of Russia|Russian political]] stage, with several [[Conservatism in Russia|conservative]] politicians voicing displeasure in the result.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davies |first=Caroline |date=11 May 2014 |title=Conchita Wurst pledges to promote tolerance after jubilant welcome home |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2014/may/11/conchita-wurst-pledges-to-promote-tolerance |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Clashes on LGBTQ visibility in the contest have occurred in countries which do not compete, such as in {{Esccnty|China}}, where broadcasting rights were terminated during the 2018 contest due to [[Censorship in China|censorship]] of "abnormal sexual relationships and behaviours" that went against Chinese broadcasting guidelines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Royston |first=Benny |date=10 May 2018 |title=China banned from broadcasting Eurovision after cutting same-sex dance and tattooed singer |url=https://metro.co.uk/2018/05/10/china-banned-from-broadcasting-eurovision-after-cutting-same-sex-dance-and-tattooed-singer-7536787/ |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bakker |first=Sietse |date=10 May 2018 |title=EBU terminates this year's partnership with Mango TV |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/ebu-terminates-this-year-s-partnership-with-mango-tv |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

=== Voting manipulation ===
In 2025, Eurovision critics and fans have raised suspicions over Israel's strong performance in public votes, suggesting possible irregularities in the voting process. Given the big gap between jury and televote, some argue that political bias or external influence may have played a role, given ongoing geopolitical tensions. In addition, the fact that the country was advertising for votes on social media raised suspicions. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Canary |first=The |date=2025-05-18 |title=Israel's Eurovision appearance has turned into a PR disaster for the war criminals |url=https://www.thecanary.co/trending/2025/05/18/israel-eurovision/ |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Canary |language=en-GB}}</ref> Organizers have denied any wrongdoing, but the debate continues, with calls for greater transparency in Eurovision's voting system to ensure fairness. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurovision 2025: Israel's success sparks backlash and suspicion of voting manipulation |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/trending/eurovision-2025-israel-success-sparks-backlash-and-suspicion-voting-manipulation |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref> The situation has fueled discussions about the intersection of politics and entertainment in international competitions.