Graham Norton sparks BBC Eurovision row with 'unnecessary' remark during Israel introduction: 'Was no need!'

Among the 25 representatives is Israel's entry, Noam Bettan, who performed following the withdrawal of five nations in protest at the country's inclusion.

Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands all refused to participate in this year's contest due to Israel's continued involvement amid the Gaza conflict.

Mr Bettan, 28, belted out his trilingual track Michelle as this year's third act at the Wiener Stadthalle, having successfully navigated Tuesday's semi-final despite vocal protests from audience members.

Before he could take to the stage to perform his hit during Saturday's finale, however, Mr Bettan took part in the flag parade.

And upon doing so, Mr Norton was quick to inform UK audiences why the five aforementioned countries weren't involved.

As Mr Bettan took to the stage waving the Israeli flag, Mr Norton informed viewers: "That reminds me, there are some flags missing from this flag parade."

After reeling off the five nations, Mr Norton concluded: "They've all officially withdrawn from the contest due to the continued participation of Israel.

"Interestingly, though, Iceland and the Netherlands are still going to show the contest."

Mr Norton's decision to address the boycott during Israel's part of the flag parade, and the manner in which he delivered the remark, prompted complaints from some at home.

"There was no need for Graham Norton to mention that certain countries weren’t participating due to Israel’s participation," one X user who felt the comment was unnecessary said. "Keep politics out of this @bbceurovision. Also, do NOT forget 7.10.23, and do NOT forget people like the Bibas family!"

Noam Bettan taking the stage at #Eurovision flags parade!

BBC host Graham Norton, who is Irish, reminding the viewers that several European countries boycotted the competition for allowing the Jewish state to participate. pic.twitter.com/bdfOgOfLDi

— Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) May 16, 2026

"@Eurovision @bbceurovision because of Israel's participation? Anti-Semitic A**holes more like. Just like the BBC," a second fumed, while a third suggested: "If Graham Norton is so gleeful and grateful about the countries boycotting Eurovision, why doesn’t he?"

Israeli political commentator Hen Mazzig also shared a clip of the moment with his 295.7k X followers, prompting further angry responses from viewers.

However, Mr Norton's decision was also applauded by some BBC viewers who praised him for addressing the controversy head-on.

"Love love love Graham pointing out why so many countries were missing #eurovision," one X user argued, and a second echoed: "Graham Norton calling out Israel let’s f***ing go #Eurovisión2026." (sic)

Meanwhile, a third praised: "Oh Graham Norton mentioning the ones we lost for Israel’s participation you absolute GOAT #Eurovisión #Eurovisión2026." (sic)

Mr Norton also didn't veer away from addressing the reception Mr Bettan received inside the arena before and after his performance.

"Slightly mixed response in the hall, I'm not quite sure what we're hearing," he told viewers, before changing his tune once the singer had performed.

"I would say that's a largely positive reception," Mr Norton said of the cheering crowd. "I imagine that will be the top three."

Israel's participation hasn't only led to boycotts, as tighter security measures had to be rolled out following demonstrations both inside and outside the Austrian venue throughout the week.

Mr Bettan described feeling "a little bit of shock" when protesters disrupted his semi-final performance, with chants of "stop the genocide" audible during his song and at least one audience member displaying "Free Palestine" across his chest.

"I heard there was booing and everything," he told the BBC. "I looked for the flags of the people who love me and want me to do my best, and that really carried me."

The Israeli singer acknowledged he had practiced being booed during preparations, but admitted nothing could replicate facing 13,000 people in a hostile atmosphere.

Despite the protests, Mr Bettan remained focused on the positive aspects of his Eurovision experience.

"There's a lot of hate outside. I'm not looking at it - I look at the bright side," he said. "I'm here to unite. I'm here to spread my light."