Scandal at the ESC: JJ demands Israel's exclusion and causes excitement
Scandal at the ESC: JJ demands Israel's exclusion and causes excitement
The Austrian singer JJ, who won the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) with his song "Wasted Love", currently causes controversy. In an interview, he expressed the wish that Israel should be excluded from the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026. These statements were criticized by various political actors, while the Austrian radio (ORF) is cautious and emphasizes that JJS only represent his private opinion. The ORF also made it clear that the EBU, as the organizer of the ESC, has the sole power of decision on the participation or exclusion of countries, and that the focus is on music and artistic performances, not on political views.
In his conversation with the Spanish newspaper El País, JJ Israel compared to Russia, both countries that appear in his eyes as aggressors. He was disappointed that Israel continues to take part in the competition while Russia was excluded. The lawyer Ralf Höcker then called for the subsequent disqualification of JJS, since he believes that ESC participants should not use the competition for political propaganda. The background of these emotions is a serious conflict in the Gaza Strip that started after a massacre against Israel in October 2023 and has since led to more than 50,000 deaths.
criticism and demands
The EBU has made it clear in its answer that the ESC organizes a song contest based on the values of cohesion, diversity and inclusion. Nevertheless, increasing tensions arise, since escalations are also observed in the public discussions about the participation of Israel in the ESC. Last year's winner NEMO from Switzerland and 70 former ESC participants have also requested the exclusion of Israel.
Martina Rupp, an experienced moderator of ORF, noted that JJ may have disqualified himself through his statements as the future moderator of the ESC. It predicts far-reaching consequences from JJ's statements and speculates about a possible revision of the ESC format, which could trigger further debates.
The larger picture
The social backgrounds in which this discussion takes place are complex. Experts warn of alienation of the Jewish communities in many countries, while Israel is increasingly perceived as an aggressor and not as a refuge. The ESC, which is celebrated as a festival of cultural diversity and queer visibility, thus contradicts the emerging tensions and the selective moral engagement in the political landscape. A paradigm shift in the perception of Israel is noticeable, since it is increasingly confronted with terms such as "apartheid" and "colonialism" in western civil societies.
It remains to be seen how the EBU and ESC will deal with this newly sparked debate. The final decision to regulate the participation or exclusion of countries lies solely by the EBU, which is establishing the regulations for the competition. Dealing with political statements by artists may have a significant impact on the future orientation of the ESC.
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| Ort | Wien, Österreich |
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