Eurovision security forced to step in and stop stage invader during performance

During the Eurovision 2025 final, security was on high alert during Israel's performance. The hit music competition - taking place in Basel, Switzerland - reached it’s much-anticipated

final on Saturday (May 17). Hosted by comedian Hazel Brugger, model Michelle Hunziker and former Eurovision Song Contest participant Sandra Studer, the epic night saw the likes of the

Greece, Norway and France battle it out to be crowned the winner. However, Israel's contestant Yuval Raphael was in the midst of her performance when two individuals attempted to rush

the stage. Reports emerged of one person yelling "Free Palestine" as they tried to disrupt Raphael's rendition of New Day Will Rise, but Eurovision security swiftly

intervened. An incident involving a protestor who allegedly sprayed paint at security guards also occurred, although no one succeeded in breaching the stage area. Eyewitness Liav Illoz

claimed that the duo "began to shout and even climb over the railing" while "spraying red paint on everyone around them," yet they were "immediately stopped by

security". A spokesman for Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR said: “At the end of the Israeli performance a man and a woman tried to get over a barrier on to the stage. “They were stopped. One

of the two agitators threw paint and a crew member was hit. The crew member is fine and nobody was injured. The man and the woman were taken out of the venue and handed over to the police.”

A spokesman for Basel police said: “The organiser handed the two people over to the police. The police checked the two people and then released them. It is now up to the organiser to decide

whether to press charges.” Despite not being geographically located in Europe, Israel participated in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, with their national broadcaster having been

established with the help of European specialists, including the BBC's Stuart Hood, reports the Daily Star. Israel holds membership in the European Broadcasting Union. In another

highlight from the Eurovision final on 17 May, viewers did a double-take, mistaking Spain's performer for a global music icon. Spain's Melody took the stage with her track Esa

Diva, donning a large black hat, a crystal-studded black bodysuit with spiky shoulder pads, and flowing brunette curls, prompting comparisons to Shania Twain. Fans flocked to social media to

share their astonishment, humorously noting Melody's resemblance to the famed country artist. One individual remarked: "Shania Twain singing for #Spain #Eurovision," and

another quipped: "Spain: Is that a seductive Spanish Shania Twain?". A social media user dubbed her "Shania Spain" and another commented: "Spain is giving me Latina

Shania Twain." EUROVISION SONG CONTENT IS AVAILABLE TO WATCH ON BBC IPLAYER