Netherlands wins 2019 Eurovision contest in Israel after Madonna dancers spark flag controversy
- Dutch singer-songwriter Duncan Laurence beat 25 other contestants in the grand final in Tel Aviv to win the glass microphone trophy
- Two backing dancers for Madonna briefly appear on stage wearing the Israeli and Palestinian flags on the back of their costumes
The Netherlands won the 2019 Eurovision song contest at a show in the seaside Israeli city of Tel Aviv that featured a performance from Madonna, plenty of glitz and some controversy.
The famously kitschy finale gave Israel a chance to showcase its credentials as a culturally progressive nation, but politics lurked in the background as pro-Palestinian activists called for a boycott.
The extravaganza passed off largely politics-free, though two incidents drew attention away from the songs and toward Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians.
Local media showed images of two of Madonna’s dancers side-by-side with Israeli and Palestinian flags on their backs during her performance in an apparent call for unity.
Icelandic group Hatari meanwhile displayed scarfs with Palestinian flags when results were being announced.
Eurovision organisers take care to note that the event viewed by millions across the world is meant to be non-political.