Eurovision

Public broadcasters and security experts concluded it's not feasible for the war-torn country to host, organize and produce the event. They're now turning to the U.K., which placed second this year.

A roundup of key developments and the latest in-depth coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Kalush Orchestra's Oleh Psiuk tells NPR that representing Ukraine on the world stage is a huge responsibility. He hopes people will continue to support his country even after Eurovision ends.

Ukrainian folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra will compete in the final round of the competition on Saturday. Their song "Stefania" is about the singer's mom, but has taken on new meaning during the war.

Organizers cited concerns that "the inclusion of a Russian entry in this year's Contest would bring the competition into disrepute" in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 say they will allow Russia to participate in this year's competition, despite the invasion of Ukraine, but that they will "monitor the situation."

NBC's American Song Contest will feature live performances representing all U.S. states, territories and Washington, D.C., with viewers voting for the best original song.

For the first time in its six-decade history, the international singing competition has been called off. Singers and groups from 41 countries had been set to compete.

The Eurovision Song Contest starts next week in Tel Aviv. A cultural collective in Gaza is calling for a boycott of the competition; Israel has responded with PR videos and a "BDS" website of its own.

Israel's Netta, crowned for the song, "Toy," marked a return to the competition's hallmarks. Although she played into the over-the-top style, the singer thanked the audience "for choosing different."