Austria’s Eurovision winner JJ says it’s “disappointing” that Israel continues to participate in the song contest.

“I would like Eurovision to be held in Vienna next year and without Israel. But the ball is in the EBU’s court. We, the artists, can only raise our voices on the matter,” the 24-year-old singer told Spanish daily El Pais.

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In the El Pais interview, JJ agreed there should be “greater transparency on the issue of televoting.”

“This year it was all very strange”, the classically trained opera singer said. He also backed comments made by last year’s winner, Switzerland’s Nemo, who has repeatedly called for Israel’s expulsion.

“Especially, [Eurovision] needs to make changes in terms of the voting system and who participates in the festival,” JJ told El Pais.