“It made me cry”... Emotional scenes in Liverpool as Eurovisioncast watches the first rehearsal for the Eurovision semi-finals

As war continues in Gaza, a cultural row is flaring on the other side of the world over Israel’s involvement in the 2024 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. The country’s act was initially blocked from entering the world's largest music competition as its proposed lyrics were deemed too political, but they have since been cleared to compete. This has outraged many on social media, with some fans calling for other countries to boycott the event.Eurovision's organisers, the European Broadcasting Union, insist the contest is apolitical, but they have invited scrutiny in recent years particularly over the decision to ban Russia from competing due to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. On this episode James Reynolds discusses the fallout with BBC News Eurovision Reporter Daniel Rosney, and they consider whether it’s ever possible for Eurovision to stay out of politics.If you like this episode then you can hear more episodes from The Global Story by subscribing to the podcast.

Thanks for joining us Eurovisioncasters. See you soon! Hej dåToday's Eurovisioncast was hosted by Eurovision winner Måns Zelmerlöw, BBC Breakfast’s Nina Warhurst, BBC News Eurovision Reporter Daniel Rosney, and BBC Radio Merseyside's Ngunan Adamu.The podcast was produced by Emma Forde and Alex Collins. Sound design was by Nicky Edwards. The social media producer is Melanie Stewart-Smith. The podcast commissioning producer was Caroline McEvoy. The commissioning executive was Louise Kattenhorn. The senior news editors were Jonathan Aspinwall and Sam Bonham

The best preview of the final from Eurovision with Mans, Nina. Daniel and Ngunan. The Eurovision crew are joined by Radio 2’s Owain Wyn Evans at our studio in Liverpool. Also, remember Jen & Sereen? They didn't know Eurovision was on in Liverpool but are now big fans of the contest.Eurovisioncast want to hear from fans in Liverpool. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments and send us a message (or a voice note) on WhatsApp, to 03301239480.Follow us on social media. We'll be using the hashtag #Eurovisioncast. Plus, send us your Eurovision fancy dress photos.Today's Eurovisioncast was hosted by Eurovision winner Måns Zelmerlöw, BBC Breakfast’s Nina Warhurst, BBC News Eurovision Reporter Daniel Rosney, and BBC Radio Merseyside's Ngunan Adamu.The podcast was produced by Emma Forde and Alex Collins. Sound design was by Nicky Edwards. The social media producer is Melanie Stewart-Smith. The podcast commissioning producer was Caroline McEvoy. The commissioning executive was Louise Kattenhorn. The senior news editors were Jonathan Aspinwall and Sam Bonham

Director-General, Tim Davie, talks about hosting this years contest.Eurovisioncast want to hear from fans in Liverpool. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments and send us a message (or a voice note) on WhatsApp, to 03301239480.Follow us on social media. We'll be using the hashtag #Eurovisioncast. Plus, send us your Eurovision fancy dress photos. Today's Eurovisioncast was hosted by Eurovision winner Måns Zelmerlöw, BBC Breakfast’s Nina Warhurst, BBC News Eurovision Reporter Daniel Rosney, and BBC Radio Merseyside's Ngunan Adamu.The podcast was produced by Emma Forde and Alex Collins. Sound design was by Nicky Edwards. The social media producer is Melanie Stewart-Smith. The podcast commissioning producer was Caroline McEvoy. The commissioning executive was Louise Kattenhorn. The senior news editors were Jonathan Aspinwall and Sam Bonham

Eurovisioncast want to hear from fans in Liverpool. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments and send us a message (or a voice note) on WhatsApp, to 03301239480.Follow us on social media. We'll be using the hashtag #Eurovisioncast.Today's Eurovisioncast was hosted by Eurovision winner Måns Zelmerlöw, BBC Breakfast’s Nina Warhurst, BBC News Eurovision Reporter Daniel Rosney, and BBC Radio Merseyside's Ngunan Adamu.The podcast was produced by Emma Forde and Alex Collins. Sound design was by Nicky Edwards. The social media producer is Melanie Stewart-Smith. The podcast commissioning producer was Caroline McEvoy. The commissioning executive was Louise Kattenhorn. The senior news editors were Jonathan Aspinwall and Sam Bonham.

Sweden qualifies but Ireland is out of the final. Eurovisioncast want to hear from fans in Liverpool. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments and send us a message (or a voice note) on WhatsApp, to 03301239480.Follow us on social media. We'll be using the hashtag #Eurovisioncast.Today's Eurovisioncast was hosted by Eurovision winner Måns Zelmerlöw, BBC Breakfast’s Nina Warhurst, BBC News Eurovision Reporter Daniel Rosney, and BBC Radio Merseyside's Ngunan Adamu.The podcast was produced by Emma Forde and Alex Collins. Sound design was by Nicky Edwards. The social media producer is Melanie Stewart-Smith. The podcast commissioning producer was Caroline McEvoy. The commissioning executive was Louise Kattenhorn. The senior news editors were Jonathan Aspinwall and Sam Bonham.

The team decamp to Måns Zelmerlöw’s bedroom to chat through their first thoughts... Who was the most impressive artist to perform? Eurovisioncast want to hear from fans in Liverpool. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments and send us a message (or a voice note) on WhatsApp, to 03301239480. Follow us on social media. We'll be using the hashtag #Eurovisioncast. Today's Eurovisioncast was hosted by Eurovision winner Måns Zelmerlöw, BBC Breakfast’s Nina Warhurst, BBC News Eurovision Reporter Daniel Rosney, and BBC Radio Merseyside's Ngunan Adamu.The podcast producer is Emma Forde. Sound design was by Nicky Edwards. The social media producer is Melanie Stewart-Smith. The podcast commissioning producer was Caroline McEvoy. The commissioning executive was Louise Kattenhorn. The senior news editors were Jonathan Aspinwall and Sam Bonham.

Who "werked" it and who walked it? Let us know what you think of the podcast. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments and send us a message (or a voice note) on WhatsApp, to 03301239480.Follow us on social media... We'll be using the hashtag #Eurovisioncast.Today's Eurovisioncast was hosted by Eurovision winner Måns Zelmerlöw, BBC News Eurovision Reporter Daniel Rosney, and BBC Radio Merseyside's Ngunan Adamu.The podcast producer is Emma Forde. Sound design was by Nicky Edwards. The social media producer is Melanie Stewart-Smith. The podcast commissioning producer was Caroline McEvoy. The commissioning executive was Louise Kattenhorn. The senior news editors were Jonathan Aspinwall and Sam Bonham.

Let us know what you think of the podcast. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments and send us a message (or a voice note) on WhatsApp, to 03301239480. Follow us on social media... We'll be using the hashtag #Eurovisioncast.Today's Eurovisioncast was hosted by Eurovision winner Måns Zelmerlöw, BBC Breakfast’s Nina Warhurst, BBC News Eurovision Reporter Daniel Rosney, and BBC Radio Merseyside's Ngunan Adamu.The podcast producers were Keiligh Baker and Emma Forde. Sound design was by Gareth Jones, Joe Trinder and Dave O'Neill. The podcast commissioning producer was Caroline McEvoy. The commissioning executive was Louise Kattenhorn. The senior news editors were Jonathan Aspinwall and Sam Bonham.

Let us know what you think of the podcast. Email [email protected] with your questions and comments and send us a message (or a voice note) on WhatsApp, to 03301239480.Follow us on social media... We'll be using the hashtag #Eurovisioncast. Today's Eurovisioncast was hosted by BBC Breakfast’s Nina Warhurst, BBC News Eurovision Reporter Daniel Rosney, BBC Radio Merseyside's Ngunan Adamu and BBC Radio 2's Richie Anderson.The podcast producer was Emma Forde. Sound design was by Nicky Edwards and Dave O'Neill. The podcast commissioning producer was Caroline McEvoy. The commissioning executive was Louise Kattenhorn. The senior news editors were Sam Bonham and Jonathan Aspinwall