Austria’s 2025 Eurovision champion, JJ, has publicly called for Israel to be excluded from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, expected to be held in Vienna. The 24-year-old artist voiced his concern during a recent interview, sparking debate across Europe and within the global Eurovision community.
JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, rose to fame after winning this year’s contest with his powerful pop-opera ballad “Wasted Love.” He edged out Yuval Raphael of Israel, who came in second despite strong public support. The win has thrust JJ into the center of a growing political and cultural controversy.
“Artists Must Speak Out,” Says JJ
Speaking to the press, JJ said he was “disappointed” by Israel’s continued participation in Eurovision amid the ongoing war in Gaza. He emphasized that artists have a responsibility to speak up, even if the final call lies with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the annual music event.
“We can only raise our voices. The decision is not ours, but we must not remain silent,” JJ stated.
The singer also pointed to Russia’s exclusion in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine as a precedent, suggesting that Eurovision should apply the same standard to all participating countries involved in conflict.
Political Pressure Builds on Eurovision Organizers
The call for Israel’s exclusion has been echoed by political leaders, including Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Sánchez recently cited Eurovision’s removal of Russia as a justification for banning Israel, arguing that cultural platforms should not apply double standards.
In his remarks, Sánchez said, “If we excluded one country for starting a war, we should apply the same rule universally. Culture must stand for peace and human rights.”
The demand for consistency has put the EBU under growing pressure, though the organization has not issued any public response. Eurovision traditionally maintains a strict apolitical stance, insisting that it is a non-political event.
Voting Concerns Raise Further Questions
In addition to political controversy, questions have been raised over the integrity of this year’s voting process. Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE has called for an independent audit, suggesting possible foreign influence after Spain awarded its maximum 12 points to Israel.
Broadcasters in Ireland, Belgium, and Finland have also expressed concerns and joined the call for more transparency.
JJ himself criticized the results, saying:
“This year, it was all very strange. We need more clarity and fairness in how results are decided.”
He supported similar calls made by Switzerland’s 2024 winner, Nemo, who previously demanded changes in the voting process and participation rules. JJ now joins a growing group of artists pushing for Eurovision reforms.
Raphael’s Performance and Reaction
Despite the political debate, Yuval Raphael celebrated her second-place finish on social media. Raphael, who survived the Hamas attack on Israel’s Nova music festival in 2023, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram thanking her supporters. Her song, “New Day Will Rise,” earned points from 34 of 38 participating countries, a sign of widespread public appeal.
Raphael has not responded to JJ’s comments about Israel’s participation or the voting concerns.
What’s Next for Eurovision 2026?
The 2026 edition of Eurovision is scheduled to take place in Vienna, following JJ’s win on home soil. But the growing controversy may challenge the event’s planning and participation rules. The European Broadcasting Union has yet to comment on calls for Israel’s exclusion or on the audit requested by several national broadcasters.
As public and political pressure mounts, the question remains: Will Eurovision adapt its rules for a world where music and politics are increasingly intertwined?
Austria’s Eurovision 2025 winner JJ has called for Israel to be banned from the 2026 contest in Vienna, citing ethical concerns over the war in Gaza and comparing the situation to Russia’s 2022 ban. The EBU has not yet responded to JJ’s remarks or to growing demands for voting reform and transparency.