Problems with the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest

May 3, 2026, 18:35
EuropePolitics

Introduction

The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest is in Vienna in May. Five countries will not join the contest because Israel is in the show.

Main Body

The EBU lets Israel join the contest. Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands are angry. They say many people are dying in Gaza. They do not want to be in the show. Iceland also wants Israel to leave. They say the EBU stopped Russia in 2022, so it must stop Israel now. Slovenia is very angry. They will not show the contest on TV. They will show movies about Palestine instead. The EBU says the show will continue. They have new rules for voting. They want to stop people from cheating to help Israel win.

Conclusion

The show has semi-finals on May 12 and 14. The final is on May 16. Many countries are still angry.

Learning

🗓️ Talking About Dates

When we talk about dates in English, we use the word 'on'.

  • Wrong: The final is in May 16.
  • Right: The final is on May 16.

The Rule: on → specific day/date (May 12, Monday, my birthday) in → month or year (May, 2026)

Examples from the text:

  • in May (Month only)
  • on May 12 (Specific date)
  • on May 14 (Specific date)
  • on May 16 (Specific date)

🚫 Saying 'No' (Negative Sentences)

To make a sentence negative for most verbs, we use do not or will not.

TimeNegative WordExample
Now/Generaldo notThey do not want to be in the show.
Futurewill notFive countries will not join.

Vocabulary Learning

contest
A competition where people or teams try to win.
Example:The school held a singing contest for all students.
countries
Nations or states that have their own government.
Example:Many countries travel to the world fair every year.
join
To become a member or participant in something.
Example:She decided to join the local soccer club.
show
An event where performers display their talents.
Example:The circus show was full of acrobats and clowns.
angry
Feeling upset or mad about something.
Example:He was angry when he heard the bad news.
people
Human beings in general.
Example:The park was crowded with people enjoying the sunshine.
rules
Guidelines that tell people how to act.
Example:The teacher explained the rules before the game started.
voting
The act of choosing by giving a vote.
Example:Voting will decide who wins the election.
win
To be the first or best in a competition.
Example:She will win the prize if she finishes first.
final
The last part of a competition or event.
Example:The final match will be played on Sunday.