Global Edition
Global Edition
UK Edition
EU Edition
US Edition

Understand the story, not the spin.

Markets

Boy George and Senhit Eliminated in Eurovision First Semifinal

Published 17 May 2026

Veteran British pop star Boy George and his San Marino entry have been eliminated from the Eurovision Song Contest, failing to qualify for the Grand Final during the first semifinal in Vienna on Tuesday night. The Culture Club singer performed as a guest artist alongside Italian singer Senhit, performing the song "Superstar," which he co-wrote.

The pair were among five acts eliminated by the public vote, alongside Portugal, Georgia, Montenegro, and Estonia. Ten countries advanced to Saturday's final: Israel, Moldova, Sweden, Croatia, Greece, Finland, Belgium, Lithuania, Poland, and Serbia.

Following the result, Boy George expressed his feelings on social media, stating he was sad not to advance but called his overall experience fabulous. He thanked fans who voted and the San Marino delegation, adding that he and Senhit plan to perform together again in Milan in July.

The singer's cameo appearance, which saw him emerge on a silver throne during the performance, drew mixed reactions from viewers online. Some social media users criticized his involvement as pointless or detrimental to the song, while other fans expressed support and disappointment at the elimination.

Now playing
0:00 / 0:00