Eurovision Song Contest bosses break silence over Israel favouritism row

Fans of the were left stunned after Israel's controversial performance was met with a mixed response - but sounded like huge applause on television.

Before the show got underway, the was plagued by controversy over Israel's participation in the annual event. Many had called for them to be excluded.

However, after performing third, the country's contestant was met by a mixed response by the audience. Following her performance, UK commentator Graham Norton couldn't help at Switzerland and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

As Israel's hopeful Yuval Raphael thanked viewers, comedian Graham told UK viewers: "I'm not sure what you're hearing at home, but it was a mixed response."

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His comments came after the Eurovision Song Contest had been criticised after it reportedly covered the sounds of the audience booing the controversial entrant and adding fake applause. It has been said that the competition's bosses chose to drown out the sounds of booing when she performed New Day Will Rise for a rehearsal on Friday night.

Now, bosses have released a statement on their actions. They said: "For the Eurovision Song Contest, the host broadcaster SRG SSR is working with the 'audio sweetening' method, which is common practice for major international productions.

"This process helps to harmonise the sound of the transitions between moderations, video clips and the individual acts and to create a consistent soundscape for the TV audience. It is used exclusively for the technical rounding off of the programme.

"This process is used equally and identically for all acts. The competition and its results are not affected in any way." Those watching at home quickly took to social media to comment on the mixed response after it aired.

Taking to X, formerly known as , one fan wrote: "The fake clapping during Israel... like we don't know the majority of the crowd is booing. #eurovision2025."

A second questioned: "Is it just me or did Eurovision add canned screams and cheers during and after Israel's performance? Because the few times they brought out the audience, it didn't seem like they were the ones doing it. Plus, it was how the sound kept coming and going..."

Israel's performance came after demanding that the contest chiefs exclude them amid the country's ongoing bombardment of Palestine.

has continued to attack Palestine, with thousands of Palestinians starving as aid continues to be blocked. Israel announced plans this month to capture the entire Gaza Strip and drive hundreds of thousands into the South. Palestinians, meanwhile, are starving to death amid a two-month aid block.

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