Iceland joins countries boycotting Eurovision, and non-binary winner Nemo sends trophy back over vote for Israel to compete next year.

Icelandic broadcaster RÚV has announced that Iceland will not be competing in Eurovision 2026.

The announcement comes following the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmation that Israel will be allowed to compete after a member’s vote.

Iceland joins the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia, which are boycotting the event.

Calls for Israel’s removal come over its genocide in Gaza.

‘It is clear there will be neither joy nor peace’

In a statement, Icelandic broadcaster RÚV said it has decided not to participate in Austria next year.

“The participation of the Israeli public broadcaster, KAN, in the contest has recently caused disagreement, both among the member stations of the Association of European Broadcasters, EBU, and the general public.” the statement read.

“KAN’s participation was discussed in detail at EBU meetings earlier this year, first in London this summer and in Geneva last week.”

“At the meeting in Geneva, a large majority of the EBU’s member stations agreed that various changes made to the rules and conduct of the competition were satisfactory, and therefore, there was no vote on KAN’s participation in the competition.

“At the meeting in Geneva, the broadcaster explained that although the changes were in line with many of the comments made by representatives of RÚV at various stages of the EBU cooperation in recent years, there were still doubts in RÚV’s view as to their effectiveness.

“It had repeatedly been stated that stakeholders in Iceland, such as artists’ associations, and the Icelandic public were opposed to participation in the competition.

“The board of RÚV had also requested that the EBU remove KAN from the competition on the basis of precedents.

“The case was complicated and had already damaged the reputation of the competition and the EBU. It was important to find a solution for all concerned.

“It is clear, based on the public debate in Iceland and the reaction to the EBU’s decision made last week, that there will be neither joy nor peace about RÚV’s participation in Eurovision.

“Therefore, the conclusion of RÚV to notify the EBU today that RÚV will not participate in Eurovision next year.”

Eurovision 2026 will not unite nations

 The statement continued to note that “Söngvakeppnin and Eurovision Song Contest have always had the goal of uniting the Icelandic nations.”

“But now it is clear that that goal will not be achieved, and on those agenda grounds this decision is made.”

“No decision has been made on whether Söngvakeppnin will be held by RÚV next year.

“The options available in the situation are being evaluated, and a decision on this will be announced when it is available.”

SBS has confirmed that Australia will be participating in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.

“Our position remains that,” their statement read.

“As a public broadcaster, making a decision to be involved based on the inclusion or exclusion of any country would undermine SBS’s editorial independence and impartiality.

“SBS recognises and respects the deeply held views and concerns about the war in the Middle East and its impact, both locally among our audiences and internationally, as reflected by other broadcasters.

“Our responsibility is to provide comprehensive, trusted and impartial coverage for Australians across our network, and we will continue to do so.”

Nemo sends back their trophy

24 hours after Iceland made its announcement, Eurovision 2024 winner, Nemo, made an announcement.

The competition’s first openly nonbinary winner said they would be returning their trophy to EBU headquarters.

Taking to Instagram, they said the values of unity have not been upheld with the recent vote.

“Last year I won Eurovision, and with it I was awarded the trophy,” they said.

“And even though I’m immensely grateful for the community around this contest and everything this experience has taught me both as a person and artist, today I no longer feel this trophy belongs on my shelf.

“Eurovision says it stands for unity, inclusion, and dignity for all. Those values made this contest meaningful to me.

“But Israel’s continued participation, during what the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry has concluded to be a genocide, shows a clear conflict between those ideals and the decisions made by the EBU.

“This is not about individuals or artists.

“The contest was repeatedly used to soften the image of a state accused of severe wrongdoing, all while the EBU insisted Eurovision is “non-political”.

“And when entire countries withdraw over this contradiction, it should be clear that something is clearly wrong.

“That’s why I’ve decided that I’m sending my trophy back to the EBU headquarters in Geneva. With gratitude and a clear message.

“Live what you claim.

“If the values we celebrate on stage aren’t lived offstage, then even the most beautiful songs lose their meaning.

“I’m waiting for the moment those words and actions align. Until then, this trophy is yours.”

Dana International calls out the boycott

The first publicly transgender winner of Eurovision, Israeli singer Dana International, called out the boycott of next year’s contest.

She took to Instagram, commenting on the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia’s decision.

“I have performed in your countries numerous times – on your stages and on television shows.” her post read.

“I was always welcomed with warmth and love, and you sang with me “Viva La Diva”, connecting to the message I brought with me: a message of equality, acceptance, human dignity, and the basic rights of every person.”

“You know, Israel is the only country in our region that is this liberal. Tel Aviv Pride parade is one of the largest in the world.

“We are also the Holy Land, the land of the Bible – whose capital, Jerusalem, holds the holiest sites of the three monotheistic religions, and draws people from all around the world to pray.

“But we are also the land of Tel Aviv, of beaches, of some of the biggest Pride parades in the world, and of epic parties.

“Beyond that, we’ve been part of the Eurovision Song Contest for many years. We try our best in the competition, and sometimes we even succeed.

So, explain to me how and why you have turned against us and announced your withdrawal?

“You no longer want us singing with you? Do you understand how violent and insulting that decision is? How much it adds only hatred and harm?”

These boycotts mark one of the biggest political fractures in Eurovision’s recent history.

The full list of competing countries at Eurovision in Vienna will be announced before Christmas.

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