The Eurovision Song Contest will go on its first-ever tour to celebrate its 70th anniversary, its organiser said Thursday, as it reels from a boycott due to Israel's participation.
Five countries have pulled out of the contest over Israel's war in Gaza, with 35 now participating in the world's biggest live televised music event -- the fewest since entry was expanded in 2004.
The tour in June and July will bring together "iconic Eurovision Song Contest performers and 2026's artists", the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said on its website.
It hailed the tour as "a celebration of the contest's legacy, its global fan community, and seven decades of unforgettable music".
"Artists will perform their own Eurovision Song Contest entries plus cover versions of their favourite songs from the contest's 70-year history," the EBU added.
Ten European cities, including London and Paris, will host the tour from June 15 to July 2, following the contest finals in Vienna on May 16.
On Monday, a draw determined that Israel would take part in the first semi-final on May 12, starting at 9 pm.
Some nations have accused Israel of manipulating the public voting system during the 2025 contest held in Switzerland, where it finished second behind Austria, and of violating press freedom during the Gaza war.
Broadcasters from Spain, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands and Slovenia said they were pulling out, while 2024 winner Nemo returned his trophy in protest.
On Tuesday, bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst, one of the contest's most emblematic winners, announced that she would not participate in any future Eurovision events, citing a "personal decision".
Johannes Pietsch or JJ, the 2025 winner, last year called for an Austrian edition "without Israel", but then apologised for the uproar his proposal had caused in his country.
Only some 97,000 fans watched Monday's semi-final draw on YouTube, a slump from over 240,000 last year.
But the EBU rejoiced over a "record sell-out of tickets" for the upcoming edition, following the launch of online sales on Tuesday.
Earlier this month, the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association joined several other NGOs supporting Palestine to call on the government and PBS to withdraw Malta's participation.
Malta has refused to boycott the contest with culture minister Owen Bonnici insisting a boycott would do nothing to advance peace in the Middle East.
Malta will be selecting its representative on Saturday with the semi-finals kicking off later on Thursday evening.
Malta
