Does music bring people together? As the Eurovision Song Contest final nears, the BBC has banned political comments. But some think politics is what the event is all about.
BBC tells Eurovision stars to avoid politics
Does music bring people together? As the Eurovision Song Contest final nears, the BBC has banned political comments. But some think politics is what the event is all about.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">What's happening?</h2>
This week, Europe's biggest party is coming to LiverpoolA port city in northwest England, close to the border with Wales.. The semi-finals and final of the Eurovision Song ContestA yearly international song competition between European countries, and recently Australia. are taking place in the city.
The UK hopes the competition will show that all the countries in Europe can work together.
The BBCThe British Broadcasting Corporation is the UK's national broadcaster. , which is showing the competition in the UK, has said that politics should not be part of the event. It says the contest should be all about music.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">Find out more </h2>
But this year's UK contestant, Mae Muller, is known for her politics.
Some think it is silly to try to keep politics out of Eurovision. Last year, countries across Europe worked together to vote for Ukraine and help them win - as a show of support for Ukraine in the war.
And the competition has been used to make statements in favour of LGBT+ rights.
<h5 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper" id="question">Does music bring people together?</h5>
Yes! Music speaks to people's hearts. People around the world love music. It is the perfect way to bring people together.
No! Music has always been about politics. Singers use songs to tell the world how they are feeling. It is silly to try to stop this.
Liverpool - A port city in northwest England, close to the border with Wales.
Eurovision Song Contest - A yearly international song competition between European countries, and recently Australia.
BBC - The British Broadcasting Corporation is the UK's national broadcaster.
LGBT+ - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and other.
BBC tells Eurovision stars to avoid politics

Glossary
Liverpool - A port city in northwest England, close to the border with Wales.
Eurovision Song Contest - A yearly international song competition between European countries, and recently Australia.
BBC - The British Broadcasting Corporation is the UK's national broadcaster.
LGBT+ - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and other.