Austria’s 2025 Eurovision winner, JJ (Johannes Pietsch), has publicly called for Israel to be excluded from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In an interview with Spanish newspaper El País, the 24-year-old singer expressed disappointment over Israel’s continued participation amid the war in Gaza. “I would like Eurovision to be held in Vienna next year and without Israel,” said JJ. “But the ball is in the EBU’s court. We, the artists, can only raise our voices.” El País
Controversy Surrounding Israel’s Participation
JJ’s victory came with his pop-opera ballad “Wasted Love” in a closely contested final against Israeli entrant Yuval Raphael, who finished second after a strong public vote. The controversy around Israel’s involvement intensified in recent months, with growing criticism over its military campaign in Gaza. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also called for Israel’s exclusion, citing Eurovision’s prior decision to bar Russia after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. “We cannot allow double standards in culture,” Sánchez stated.
Calls for Voting System Audit
The debate has expanded to include the contest’s voting system. Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE has demanded an audit to investigate potential irregularities after Israel received Spain’s top 12 points. Ireland’s RTÉ, Belgium’s VRT, and Finland’s Yle also voiced concerns. JJ backed the push for transparency: “This year it was all very strange,” he said, supporting last year’s Swiss winner Nemo, who also urged Israel’s expulsion.
EBU’s Stance on Political Neutrality
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which insists Eurovision must remain politically neutral, has yet to respond to the latest criticism. However, the organization has previously stated that the voting system is independently verified and that they take any concerns seriously. BBC
JJ’s Advocacy for Artistic Integrity
JJ, who works at the Vienna Opera, attempted to display an LGBTQ+ flag during his performance but was stopped by organizers. He expressed his discontent with the restrictions imposed by the organization that prohibited the display of Palestinian and LGBTQ+ flags both on stage and on camera. JJ emphasized his disagreement with Israel’s participation in the contest, given the controversy over its stance toward Gaza, and wished that the next edition of Eurovision be held in Vienna without the presence of the country. El País
As the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest approaches, the EBU faces mounting pressure to address these concerns. The organization will need to balance its commitment to political neutrality with the growing calls for accountability and transparency from artists, broadcasters, and political leaders.