Overview
- In an Instagram video on Dec. 11, the Swiss singer boxed the 2024 glass-microphone prize to send back to EBU headquarters in Geneva, saying the contest no longer reflects its stated values.
- Nemo argued that allowing Israel to compete conflicts with Eurovision’s ideals and cited a UN inquiry that labeled Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide, a characterization Israel disputes.
- Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland have announced they will not participate in the 2026 contest in protest of Israel’s inclusion.
- EBU contest director Martin Green defended a rules-first approach in an open letter to fans and said organizers were saddened by Nemo’s move while affirming the artist remains part of the Eurovision family.
- The 2026 contest is scheduled for Vienna after Austria’s JJ won in 2025, with organizers rolling out stricter limits on campaigning and pledging to enforce competition rules.