Over 1,000 Artists Urge 2026 Eurovision Boycott Over Israel

More than 1,000 artists and cultural workers, including Brian Eno, Massive Attack, Peter Gabriel and Kneecap, have signed an open letter urging a boycott of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest unless Israel's public broadcaster is excluded from the event. The letter, released by the No Music For Genocide campaign on April 21, calls on performers, broadcasters, crew and fans to refuse participation until the European Broadcasting Union enforces the same standards applied to Russia in 2022.

The 70th Eurovision, set for May 16 in Vienna, Austria, follows the European Broadcasting Union's December decision to allow Israel's participation despite protests over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The EBU, which organizes the contest broadcast in 56 countries, stated that a majority of members agreed no further vote was needed and the event would proceed with added voting safeguards. Last year, concerns arose over Israel's voting process after its entry received strong public support but limited jury votes, prompting rule changes that reduce fan voting influence and expand jury roles in semifinals.

Signatories to the letter, which has garnered support from over 1,100 individuals, argue that...