The Eurovision Song Contest heads into its 70th anniversary edition next year mired in its biggest-ever political boycott, with five countries staying away over Israel's participation.

Eurovision organisers announced Monday that 35 countries would take part in the world's biggest live televised music event in May -- the fewest since entry was expanded in 2004.

The number would have been even lower, but for Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova rejoining the glitzy annual extravaganza.

Once the lights go up in Vienna, Eurovision 2026 may look very much like a regular edition.

However, the boycott will cast a shadow over proceedings -- and may remain the biggest talking point.

For William Lee Adams, founder of the independent Eurovision website Wiwibloggs, the atmosphere will be very different, with many die-hard fans sensing bad vibes and sitting this one out.

"This is not going to be the festival of rainbows and kisses as it was in the past," he told AFP. "There's great unease colouring everything."

- 'Serious crisis' -

Eurovision is run by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the world's biggest alliance of public service media.

While countries have had........

© Al Monitor