The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest officially begins shortly with the fun and festivities expected to be more camp and controversial than ever before as it once again becomes a stage for pomp, pageantry and politics.
What was born as a festival to unite Europe after the World War II has become a battleground for countries using its spotlight to make a stand on political agendas.
The 70th edition of the song contest being held in Vienna will already go down in history as perhaps the most divisive competition after months of protest over Israel's participation and its war on Gaza led to five countries choosing to boycott the proceedings.
There was tight security around the venue and across the Austrian capital with pre-show demonstrations erupting. Israel was among one of the strong favourites along with Finland’s fiery fiddler Linda Lampenius and singer Pete Parkkonen.
Spain was the major nation to have stepped aside as it makes one of the biggest contribution to Eurovision. As a member of the 'Big 5', Spain guarantees the economic viability of the contest, so its absence generates a financial and audience hole difficult for the EBU to fill.
