{"id":630717,"date":"2026-06-10T07:31:14","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T07:31:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/630717\/"},"modified":"2026-06-10T07:31:14","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T07:31:14","slug":"eurovision-confirms-huge-ratings-drop-as-2026-contest-loses-35-million-viewers-amid-boycotts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/630717\/","title":{"rendered":"Eurovision confirms huge ratings drop as 2026 contest loses 35 million viewers amid boycotts"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest has confirmed a huge ratings drop<\/a> in just one year. This year’s singing competition<\/a> was watched by 131 million viewers, down by 35 million since the 2025 edition.<\/p>\n

It comes after five countries boycotted<\/a> the 70th Eurovision Song Contest over Israel’s participation \u2013 namely The Netherlands, Iceland, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia, with the latter three countries not broadcasting the competition at all<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Speaking about the drop in views, Eurovision director Martin Green said: “While some of our figures are naturally lower without those of our five members who chose not to participate this year, we remain committed to doing everything possible to find pathways back for them in 2027.”<\/p>\n

\"dara<\/p>\n

EBU\/Corinne Cumming<\/p>\n

Related: Best streaming services UK 2026 \u2013 including Disney Plus, Netflix, iPlayer and Apple TV<\/a><\/p>\n

In Britain alone, viewing figures for Eurovision were down 3.7 million from 2025.<\/p>\n

Israel finished in second place this year with Noam Bettan representing the country with his single ‘Michelle’.<\/p>\n

Bulgaria won the 2026 edition<\/a> with Dara’s ‘Bangaranga’, with the 2027 contest set to be held there as per tradition with the previous year’s winner.<\/p>\n

The European Broadcasting Union (EBI), which organises the contest, has allowed Israel to compete despite several calls for a ban, saying that Eurovision is an apolitical contest.<\/p>\n

\"eurovision<\/p>\n

Alma Bengstonn (EBU)<\/p>\n

Related: How did the UK fare in Eurovision Song Contest 2026? Here’s where Look Mum No Computer ranked<\/a><\/p>\n

However, in 2022, the EBU banned Russia from taking part following its invasion of Ukraine, with fans questioning why Israel has not faced the same ban<\/a> amid the country’s conflict with Palestine. <\/p>\n

Before the outbreak of the war in Gaza in 2023, the 2019 contest also saw several groups call for a boycott of the event due to Israel’s involvement.<\/p>\n

The Eurovision Song Contest airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.<\/p>\n

Visit our Streaming Guide<\/a> now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.<\/p>\n

The new edition of Living Legends, a collector’s edition exploring the royal family, is here! Buy The Royals in newsagents or online<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Lettermark\"<\/p>\n

Freelance Reporter, Digital Spy
\nRebecca is a freelance journalist who specializes in TV and film. After beginning her career as a digital entertainment journalist for the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, she embarked on a freelance career in 2021 contributing to the likes of Metro UK, The Sun, WhatCulture, Screen Rant, FilmHounds Magazine and more.
\nHer particular field of interest is horror cinema and she has written for genre publications such as Ghouls Magazine and Moving Pictures Film Club.
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