The recent winner of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, Austrian singer JJ, has sparked controversy by calling for Israel to be banned from next year’s competition. In an interview with the Spanish newspaper El País, JJ expressed his strong disappointment with Israel’s continued participation in the contest while the war in Gaza continues to rage.
JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, won this year’s contest with his heartfelt song Wasted Love. He narrowly beat Israel’s representative, Yuval Raphael, who finished second with her song New Day Will Rise. Yuval, a survivor of the 2023 Nova music festival attack, earned widespread public support for her emotionally charged performance. Despite the tense political backdrop, she thanked fans for their votes and described her experience as “abnormal” and deeply emotional.
JJ’s Call for Israel’s Exclusion
In the interview, JJ was clear about his position. “I want Eurovision in Vienna next year, but without Israel,” he said. He acknowledged that the final decision lies with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organization responsible for running Eurovision. However, JJ’s call adds to growing pressure on the EBU regarding Israel’s role in the contest during ongoing violence in Gaza.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has intensified since early 2024, leading to international condemnation and calls for cultural boycotts in some circles. JJ’s comments reflect a sentiment shared by some viewers and officials who believe that Israel’s presence in Eurovision sends the wrong message during a humanitarian crisis.
Political Tensions at Eurovision
Israel’s participation in this year’s Eurovision has drawn widespread criticism. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly compared Israel’s inclusion to Russia’s ban from Eurovision in 2022, which was enforced due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Sánchez warned the EBU about applying double standards in how they handle countries involved in conflict.
Several European public broadcasters have voiced concerns about the contest’s fairness and transparency. Spain’s RTVE, Ireland’s RTÉ, Belgium’s VRT, and Finland’s Yle have all raised questions about possible irregularities in this year’s voting system. A notable example is Spain awarding Israel the maximum 12 points, which led RTVE to request an official audit of the results.
Contest Voting Under Scrutiny
JJ also criticized the voting system, calling the process “very strange.” He said more transparency and reforms are needed to maintain trust in Eurovision’s integrity. His views echoed those of Switzerland’s last year’s winner, Nemo, who had similarly called on the EBU to review who should be allowed to compete.
Voting irregularities and allegations of biased voting are not new to Eurovision, but this year’s concerns have been particularly vocal. Some broadcasters fear that political influences and bloc voting could undermine the spirit of the contest as a friendly, apolitical music competition.
EBU’s Position on Political Neutrality
The European Broadcasting Union has maintained a firm stance on keeping Eurovision politically neutral. The EBU’s official position is that the contest should remain a cultural event focused on music and artistic expression, free from political disputes and boycotts.
So far, the EBU has not issued a public response to JJ’s comments or to the calls for Israel’s exclusion. The organization faces a difficult balancing act—on one hand, it must uphold its rules and the participation of its member broadcasters; on the other hand, it must navigate the intense political climate surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Yuval Raphael’s Journey
Israel’s representative, Yuval Raphael, is notable not only for her musical talent but also for her personal story. As a survivor of the tragic 2023 Nova music festival attack, she has become a symbol of resilience and hope. Her song New Day Will Rise resonated with many fans worldwide, earning her strong public votes and ultimately second place.
Despite the pressure and criticism, Yuval remained gracious and thanked her supporters. She described the entire Eurovision experience as emotionally intense and unlike anything she had faced before. Her position as a representative of Israel during such a contentious time has put her under a global spotlight.
Broader Impact on Eurovision
This year’s contest has revealed how deeply political issues can affect even a cultural and musical event like Eurovision. The debate over Israel’s participation highlights the challenges faced by international competitions in times of conflict. Questions about fairness, transparency, and neutrality are being asked not only by fans but also by governments and broadcasters.
The controversy also raises a broader discussion about the role of culture and music in political conflicts. Some argue that events like Eurovision should provide a neutral space for unity and artistic celebration. Others believe that allowing participation from countries involved in conflicts sends a political message by default.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With Vienna set to host next year’s Eurovision, JJ’s call for excluding Israel has stirred a new debate. While the final decisions rest with the EBU, pressure from artists, governments, and broadcasters may influence the contest’s rules and participation criteria.
Fans and observers will be watching closely to see how the EBU handles these challenges. Transparency in voting, clear guidelines on political neutrality, and how the contest navigates ongoing international conflicts will be key issues in the coming months.
The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest was marked not only by great music but also by deep political tensions. Austrian winner JJ’s call to exclude Israel from next year’s contest has added fuel to an ongoing debate about the role of politics in cultural events. With voting irregularities under scrutiny and questions about fairness and neutrality rising, the future of Eurovision faces important decisions.
