Even choosing the location for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest has been a source of uproar. Now, former participants and industry professionals are calling for Israel’s exclusion from the 2025 competition. This request is being made after a wild year for the competition. Israel’s incendiary influence has fueled the combustible state of affairs in the tortured Middle East.
Israel, for example, was allowed to participate in the most recent Eurovision Song Contest, even considering threats to leave the competition altogether. Yuval Raphael’s submission, including the music video “New Day Will Rise,” was challenged. This intensified when the contestant was pressured to change lyrics in her second song, “October Rain,” for allegedly mentioning the October 7 attacks. The tension surrounding Israel’s participation escalated, leading to significant public outcry and a petition amassing over 56,000 signatures calling for a ban on Israel from future contests.
The controversy intensified as Iceland’s Association of Composers and Lyricists, along with 1,400 professionals from across Europe, urged the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to suspend Israel’s Eurovision entry. A letter circulated among artists highlighted the need for action, describing Eurovision 2023 as “the most politicised, chaotic and unpleasant in the competition’s history.”
The letter has gathered support from influential figures, including former Eurovision winners such as Charlie McGettigan, Salvador Sobral, and Fernando Tordo. It includes support from British singer Mae Muller, French singer La Zarra, and former Turkish representative Hadise Açıkgöz. Fellow competitors from Eurovision 2023, Ásdís María and GÅTE, participated in Ukrainian solidarity.
“As singers, songwriters, musicians and others who have had the privilege of participating in Eurovision, we urge the EBU and all its member broadcasters to act now and prevent further discredit and disruption to the festival: Israel must be excluded from Eurovision.” – Letter from Artists For Palestine UK
Together, the changes to the letter highlight concerns about the normalization of Israel’s actions through its participation in the international music contest. The EBU still actively defends the continued representation of the Israeli apartheid state. This move erases all accountability and whitewashes its criminal actions.
In response to this challenging and unexpected dissent, an EBU spokesperson admitted the difficulties of balancing global events with the aims of the contest. They noted in particular that the EBU is an association of PSB. Each member can look forward to the chance to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest every spring. We know that global events impact us all, and we recognize that we have a critical role to play here. Join us in making the Contest a worldwide, unifying event that brings people, cultures, and music together!
At issue is the 2025 final, which is currently scheduled to be held this year in Basel, Switzerland, on May 17. As the event approaches, the argument around Israel’s inclusion still rings loudly through the music world and beyond.
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