Ireland will not be performing at the Eurovision Grand Final, after the country's entry Emmy failed to make it past the semi-final on Thursday with her song 'Laika Party'.

Making it through to the final was on Saturday was Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, despite one of her rehearsals being disrupted, according to the Swiss broadcaster.

SRG SSR said that six people obstructed Raphael's performance with "oversized flags and whistles", before being escorted from the arena.

For the second year running, Israel's involvement has been cause for scrutiny and debate. Earlier this week, a 'silent' Pro-Palestinian took place in the host city of Basel. Ahead of the event, Ireland, Spain and Iceland called for a discussion on Israel's participation. Furthermore, over 70 former Eurovision contestants, including Ireland's 1994 winner Charlie McGettigan, signed an open letter urging the event's organisers to ban Israel and its national broadcaster, Kan.

Emmy's failure to make the final means that Ireland's Eurovision drought extends to 29 years, after Eimear Quinn was crowned the overall winner in 1996.

“There are so many emotions," said the Norwegian-born singer. "This was a childhood dream coming true so first of all I am grateful. Of course I am a bit sad if I have disappointed Ireland. But at the same time they have been so nice and supportive and we have received so many beautiful messages."

Among the favourites this year are JJ from Austria, with his track 'Wasted Love'; Danish singer Sissal, Armenia's PARG and Luxembourg's representative Laura Thorn.