MALMO, Sweden (AP) — Competition in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest kicks off Tuesday in Sweden, with the war in Gaza casting a shadow over the sequin-spangled pop extravaganza.
Performers representing countries across Europe and beyond will take the stage in the first of two semifinals in the Swedish city of Malmo. It and a second semifinal on Thursday will winnow a field of 37 nations to 26 who will compete in Saturday’s final against a backdrop of both parties and protests.
Among the 15 acts performing Tuesday are Croatian singer-songwriter Baby Lasagna, whose infectious electro number “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” is the current favorite to win, and Ukrainian duo alyona alyona and Jerry Heil, flying the flag for their war-battered nation with the anthemic “Teresa & Maria.”
Other bookmakers’ favorites include nonbinary Swiss singer Nemo, goth-style Irish singer Bambie Thug, Italian TikTok star Angelina Mango and the Netherlands’ Joost Klein with the playful pop-rap song “Europapa.”
3 Indian nationals charged with killing Canadian Sikh separatist leader make first court appearance
Inside Vicky Pattison and Ercan Ramadan's 'Sten': 'Mrs Patti
AP Was There: Ohio National Guard killed protesters at Kent State University
UFL at midseason: League took best of USFL and XFL, but has a familiar team at top of standings
Medicare and Social Security go
Who is Britney Spears' 'boyfriend' Paul Soliz? Inside the singer's turbulent relationship with ex
Who is Britney Spears' 'boyfriend' Paul Soliz? Inside the singer's turbulent relationship with ex
Jill Biden recognizes fellow teachers at White House dinner
Poland's Tusk calls secret services meeting after defection of judge to Belarus
Improvised explosive kills three and wounds seven in Pakistan’s southwest Baluchistan province
Lok Sabha elections 2024: Why Modi and BJP face strong resistance in south India
A suspected Islamic State group attack on pro