The final of the Eurovision Song Contest got underway Saturday with tight security and rainy weather failing to dent the enthusiasm of the fans - or that of the critics who think Israel shouldn't have been invited to the party.
After a week's buildup, acts from 25 countries took the stage at the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Vienna to battle for the continent's pop crown.
Millions of viewers around the world will cast judgment on a fiery Finnish violinist, a Moldovan folk rapper, a Serbian metal band and many more at Eurovision's 70th anniversary event.