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.
Oh, smart. He waited until after he won, unlike last years favourite…
Aand he’s already getting flak from Austrian politicians, causing his label to put out a statement saying
“I am sorry if my words have been misunderstood. Although I criticize the Israeli government, I condemn any form of violence against civilians anywhere in the world - be it against Israelis or Palestinians.”
Uh oh. Incoming sanction for him from the EBU.
Good for him.
Nice.
I just dont get why they were in it in the first place. israel is in Asia, not Europe. Let the whole mena region participate if Israel stays
It’s an industry event, an EBU one not an EU one. Anyone can join if they ask. Australia is in the competition as well.
The problem with Israel is not that they are in Asia.
I just assumed it was an EU thing I’ve never watched it, I didn’t know Australia was in it too lol
I agree the reason for their being removed from competition should not be their geographic location but I was trying to provide some kind of “non-confrontational” excuse to kick them out without people screaming antisemitism.
I personally feel like genocide should be an instant disqualification but I’m sure eurovision 1939 was the same shit
It’s fine to not know, I didn’t downvote you and gave you an up to compensate.
I do invite you to watch it, it’s fun and multicultural in a way that a lot of things aren’t. You get an insight into what is cool and hip and counterculture all across more than 30 different language bubbles.
To be honest, my problem with Israel’s participation, even on top of the genocide, is that they are shamelessly trying to use it as a propaganda tool and are making it about them instead of the shared public of the participants. For the past few years at least, they brought in productions clearly catering to a bland “international” audience, and make it a political issue that they win.
I don’t watch Eurovision for the umpteenth cookie cutter ballad, I watch it for the Dutch guy doing hakken while coming to tears on how much he loves to live in the heart of Europe (and his dad), or the Nordics/Baltics doing something that redefines weird every year, or the enby spinning top opera singer, or whatever this was.
So to be honest, IMO they should be banned FOR the genocide in the first place, and not because the EBU is the new ICC, but you shouldn’t stand on the same stage as a political instrument of Nazis, lest you become a Nazi bar. And they also should be banned for blatantly making it a political issue instead of participating in the actual song contest. And yes, Ukraine was different.
Eurovision started 1956
The same reason Australia can take part - they’re members of the European Broadcasting Union.
The requirements for which are an editorially independent state broadcaster that pays membership fees to the EBU.
Thank you, I was unaware of what the qualifications were. I’ve never watched I just get the sub on my feed frequently and finally took the bait lol
If there are any other countries in the Middle East or North Africa that have the will and an independent state broadcaster, I would love for them to join (and to allow more anti-genocide protests and flag waving).
Morocco or Qatar maybe?
Let the whole mena region participate if Israel stays
At least Morocco and Egypt are in fact allowed to participate, since they’re also EBU members
