Eurovision considering 'wholly online audience voting'

The Eurovision Song Contest organizer is contemplating a shift to entirely online audience voting for the 2027 edition, as reported by BBC News. This change aims to curb voting campaigns that may sway the contest's outcome. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has reportedly sent a letter to participating broadcasters proposing that the audience vote be conducted entirely online, with participants selecting their top three acts.

The current voting system permits viewers to cast up to 10 votes per payment method via phone, text message, or online. Eurovision confirmed the investigation into moving to wholly online audience voting, with more details expected in the coming months. In 2025, concerns arose regarding Israeli government social media accounts encouraging voters to cast multiple votes, potentially affecting the contest's results.

Israel won the 2025 public vote but placed second overall. The incident prompted the EBU to reduce the maximum votes per payment method from 20 to 10 in 2026. Israel's Noam Bettan, singing Michelle, was the runner-up in 2026, with Israel placing third in the public vote. The EBU announced new rules for the 2027 contest, including an automatic disqualification of broadcasters from conflict-ridden states or sensitive geopolitical situations.

Additionally, the winning broadcaster will be ineligible to host the contest. The UK hosted the 2023 Eurovision, on behalf of Ukraine, which could not host due to the Russian invasion. Several European nations threatened to withdraw from the 2026 contest in Vienna over Israel's involvement in the Gaza war. The EBU also clarified that artists must be at least 18 years old on the day of their first rehearsal, and the lead singer(s) must perform the main melody live.

The 2027 Eurovision will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, following Israel's victory in Vienna with Bangaranga in 2025.