The Eurovision 2026 Grand Final captivated audiences with details on voting mechanisms, a celebration of its 70th anniversary, and various country performances from Italy's disco anthem to Finland's 'revenge' bid, while also grappling with lyrics controversies, boycotts over Israel's participation, and predictions from markets and favorites.

• Here’s how the voting works. — New York Times Arts -
• As the votes are cast, it’s a celebration of Eurovision’s 70th anniversary. — New York Times Arts -
• Romania’s song gave us this year’s lyrics controversy. — New York Times Arts -

• Israel’s Noam Bettan Brings French Flair to Eurovision Amid Controversy — New York Times Arts -
• From Italy, a disco anthem about the joys of marriage. — New York Times Arts -
• Can Felicia overcome the odds for Sweden? — New York Times Arts -
• Finland, the Eurovision Favorite, Is Here for Revenge — New York Times Arts -
• France’s Eurovision act is just as much America’s. — New York Times Arts -
• Who Is JJ? The 2025 Eurovision Winner Kicks Off This Year’s Show — New York Times Arts -
• Australia’s strategy: Go big. On everything. — New York Times Arts -
• Greece’s Akylas wants it all. — New York Times Arts -
• Israel’s Noam Bettan brings some French flair. — New York Times Arts -
• A Danish theater kid thinks the omens are good for him. — New York Times Arts -
• Who is JJ? Last year’s winner starts the show with a pop/opera mix. — New York Times Arts -
• A Times investigation tracked Israel’s efforts to gain soft power from Eurovision. — New York Times Arts -
• Vienna has a rich pop music scene, and it isn’t just ‘Rock Me Amadeus.’ — New York Times Arts -
• Why are five countries skipping Eurovision, and does it matter? — New York Times Arts -
• Who Will Win Eurovision? Prediction Markets Have Their Guess. — New York Times Arts -
• How a few hundred voters could have swayed Eurovision results. — New York Times Arts -
• The Favorites for Eurovision 2026: Finland, Australia, Greece and Others — New York Times Arts -

The music industry mourns the passing of renowned producer Jack Douglas and soprano Rainelle Krause, while new music from Shakira and Gracie Abrams generates buzz, and Luna Lab continues its mission to foster future female composers.

• Jack Douglas, Producer for Aerosmith and Lennon, Dies at 80 — New York Times Arts -
• The Soprano Rainelle Krause's Death is a Loss of More Than Just a Role — New York Times Arts -
• Shakira, Gracie Abrams: 9 Songs We’re Talking About This Week — New York Times Arts -

• Luna Lab Is Building a Future for Female Composers — New York Times Music -

The literary world offers insights into Steven Rowley's new novel 'Take Me With You', critiques Neil deGrasse Tyson's 'Take Me to Your Leader', and delves into Aea Varfis-van Warmelo's 'Attention-Seeking Behavior', providing diverse perspectives on current book releases.

• Book Review: ‘Take Me With You,’ by Steven Rowley — New York Times Books -
• Book Review: ‘Take Me to Your Leader,’ by Neil deGrasse Tyson — New York Times Books -
• Book Review: ‘Attention-Seeking Behavior,’ by Aea Varfis-van Warmelo — New York Times Books -

From the screen, playwright Aleshea Harris transitions to film directing with 'Is God Is,' Sarah Sherman reveals her unique screaming lessons, 'Faces of Death' prompts reflection on viewing habits, and Lisa Ann Walter discusses her career renaissance on 'Abbott Elementary'.

• How the ‘Is God Is’ Playwright Aleshea Harris Became a Director — New York Times Arts -
• Sarah Sherman Took Lessons on Screaming — New York Times Arts -
• ‘Faces of Death’ Confronts Our Viewing Habits — New York Times Arts -

• Lisa Ann Walter of ‘Abbott Elementary’ Dishes It Out — New York Times Arts -

The art scene highlights a retrospective on Frida Kahlo's iconic style and explores the high-stakes world of billionaires acquiring art at events like the European Fine Art Foundation exhibition in Manhattan.

• Frida Kahlo Photos: What Made the Painter a ‘Living Work of Art’ — New York Times Arts -
• Oysters, Champagne and Billionaires Buying Art — New York Times Arts -