Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael faced significant backlash on Saturday during her performance at the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final in Switzerland, with emerging footage showing the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) censored booing during broadcasts and added artificial cheers to mask negative audience reactions.

Israeli singer Yuval Raphael representing Israel with the song “New Day Will Rise” parades during the flag ceremony prior to the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, at the St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel on May 17, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Eurovision 2025 broadcast manipulation spark controversy

Social media erupted with claims that the EBU had manipulated the broadcast audio during Raphael’s performances to minimize booing. Viewers comparing footage from inside the arena with the official broadcast noted discrepancies in audience reactions.

Two months of preparation for anticipated hostility

Anticipating a negative reception similar to Israel’s 2024 contestant Eden Golan, Raphael underwent extensive preparation to maintain focus despite potential disruptions. Her team, led by Yoav Tzafir, employed unusual training methods, including playing booing sounds during rehearsals for two months.

The preparation extended to Raphael’s daily life, with booing sounds reportedly played in her car to desensitize her to distractions. Despite this psychological preparation, the hostility was evident during her dress rehearsal on May 15 and the semi-final performance the same day.

Social media footage from attendees suggested significant booing during these performances, with some claiming it was louder than what was audible on official broadcasts. Posts on X also reported booing and Palestinian flags during the final rehearsal on May 16.

Eurovision’s neutrality questioned as political tensions persist

Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2025 has been contentious due to the ongoing Gaza conflict, which began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Gaza’s health ministry has reported over 52,800 Palestinian deaths since then, fueling global outrage and calls for Israel’s exclusion from the contest.

More than 70 former Eurovision contestants, including Britain’s Mae Muller and Ireland’s Charlie McGettigan, signed a letter demanding Israel’s exclusion. Last year’s winner, Switzerland’s Nemo, also supported calls for Israel’s removal, arguing it contradicted Eurovision’s values of peace and human rights.

Broadcasters from Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, and Iceland requested discussions on Israel’s participation, citing concerns about the Gaza conflict. However, the EBU rejected exclusion demands, maintaining that Eurovision is a competition between broadcasters, not nations, and that Kan’s relationship with the Israeli government differs from Russia’s state-controlled media, which was banned in 2022.

The controversy surrounding Raphael’s participation echoes Israel’s experience in the 2024 contest, where Eden Golan faced intense booing amid similar allegations of broadcast manipulation. Despite the hostility, Raphael remained focused on her performance, blowing kisses to the crowd after qualifying for the final and emphasizing her goal of spreading love and pride for Israel.

May 17, 2025 11:28 PM GMT+03:00