The annual pop song contest is a competition like no other, with countries from Europe — and beyond — vying for fan votes amid a sea of flags. The maple leaf has been largely absent from that sea despite Canadians singing for other countries.

Acts from more than two dozen countries will take the stage in Basel, Switzerland, to compete in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest.

BASEL, Switzerland — There has already been triumph and tears, singing onstage and in the streets, and a touch of political division, as the 69th Eurovision Song Contest approaches its grand final in the Swiss city of Basel .