Eurovision Winner JJ Urges Israel’s Exclusion in 2026 and Calls for Greater Voting Transparency

Fresh off his Eurovision 2025 victory, Austro-Filipino singer Johannes Pietsch, known as JJ, has voiced strong criticism over Israel’s participation in this year’s contest amid the ongoing military offensive in Gaza. In an interview with El País published Thursday, the 24-year-old artist expressed hope that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will exclude Israel from the 2026 edition.

“It’s deeply disappointing to see Israel continue to take part in the contest under these circumstances,” JJ told the Spanish newspaper. He added, “I’d like to see next year’s Eurovision in Vienna—without Israel.”

Public Voting Under Scrutiny and Political Repercussions

JJ also raised concerns about a lack of transparency in the public voting system, which propelled Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael to second place. Raphael is a survivor of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, during which over a thousand people were killed in Israel, mostly civilians. She survived by playing dead beneath bodies during the massacre at a music festival in southern Israel.

The singer’s comments have sparked controversy in Austria, a staunch ally of Israel. National broadcaster ORF distanced itself from the remarks, emphasizing they reflected a “personal opinion.” Meanwhile, JJ’s label Warner issued a statement expressing regret if his words had been misinterpreted.

Support from Spain and Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez echoed JJ’s stance earlier this week, calling for Israel’s exclusion “in solidarity with the Palestinian people suffering the absurdity of war and bombardments.” He emphasized that cultural institutions must avoid double standards, citing Russia’s ban from Eurovision following its invasion of Ukraine.

JJ also addressed broader social issues, denouncing what he described as a growing “conservative backlash” in Europe against LGBTQ+ rights. He criticized the ban on Pride flags during the competition and pledged to use his newfound platform to advocate for queer rights and greater equality.