Dinis Mota is the latest artist to announce that he will not compete in Eurovision 2026 should he win Festival da Canção 2026.
Dinis Mota, who is one of the 16 songwriters competing in Festival da Canção 2026, announced today that he will not go to Eurovision if he wins the Portuguese selection. His full statement reads as follows:
“It is unequivocal that as a citizen, musician, human being, being aware of the inequalities and humanitarian injustices that exist, I could never be on the side of an aggressor. I am completely against those who subjugate, mistreat, humiliate or assault another human being.
I thank RTP for the opportunity to participate in Festival da Canção and for the respect and affection with which I have been accompanied along this journey. Having said that, I make it clear that, if I am selected and if Israel’s participation continues to be a reality, I will not participate in Eurovision.
Like many Portuguese musicians (I believe) I always dreamed of representing Portugal at this contest. But never in these circumstances, neither as a winner, nor as a second choice, nor a third.
I did not sign the joint declaration in time not because I disagree with its principles — I am in solidarity with my colleagues — but because I believe that music can be thought of as an active instrument of peace, dialogue and action, needing time to take a position that I considered to be in line with my principles.
However, the music cannot stop. Let’s rewrite the song.
In this regard, I address my colleagues from Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Ireland and Iceland, as well as all those who want to be part of this movement. I propose to organise in Austria, at the time of Eurovision or soon, an international concert, a moment where we gain a voice, donating all profits to humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. The world needs music, we need to be reborn in these complex moments, we have the time and opportunity to mark history by the strength of what is so much greater than our individual. Even with everything that is pointed out as difficult, I believe that this is our chance.
Let us mark our passage in this world by giving voice to those who do not have one.
Thank you all. Forever with you, Dinis.”
Dinis Mota’s statement brings the number of Festival da Canção 2026 acts that will not go to Eurovision if selected up to 12. Last week, 11 acts issued a joint statement stating that they will not participate in Eurovision 2026, citing an opposition to Israel’s participation in the contest.
Festival da Canção 2026 will consist of two semi-finals on February 21 and February 28 and a final on March 7.
NAPA represented Portugal at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 with the song “Deslocado”. They finished in 21st place with 50 points.
Image source: DR/Comunidade Cultura e Arte | Source: Comunidade Cultura e Arte
Portugal debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1964 represented by António Calvário. The country finished last, scoring nul points. Before 2017, Portugal’s best result was 6th place, which came in 1996 when Lúcia Moniz performed “O meu coração não tem cor” in Oslo. In 2017, Salvador Sobral took home the crystal microphone with his song “Amar pelos dois”, ending a 53-year wait for a Portuguese win. The 2018 contest was held in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon for the first time.
