Irish singer Charlie McGettigan, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994, said he will return his trophy in protest over Israel’s continued participation in the competition, joining Swiss singer Nemo, the 2024 winner, in the symbolic move.
McGettigan said he plans to send the trophy to the European Broadcasting Union, which organises Eurovision, after being contacted by Nemo to explain their decision in returning the 2024 award. McGettigan won the contest alongside fellow Irish singer Paul Harrington.
The protest comes amid growing controversy over Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision. Following confirmation that Israel will remain in the competition, broadcasters in Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain announced they would withdraw from the 2026 contest.
Israeli singer Noa Kirel, who represented Israel at the 2023 Eurovision and finished third, criticised countries withdrawing from the contest, calling the boycott of Israel anti-Semitic.
TRT World
Irish singer Charlie McGettigan, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994, said he will return his trophy in protest over Israel’s continued participation in the competition, joining Swiss singer Nemo, the 2024 winner, in the symbolic move.
McGettigan said he plans to send the trophy to the European Broadcasting Union, which organises Eurovision, after being contacted by Nemo to explain their decision in returning the 2024 award. McGettigan won the contest alongside fellow Irish singer Paul Harrington.
The protest comes amid growing controversy over Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision. Following confirmation that Israel will remain in the competition, broadcasters in Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain announced they would withdraw from the 2026 contest.
Israeli singer Noa Kirel, who represented Israel at the 2023 Eurovision and finished third, criticised countries withdrawing from the contest, calling the boycott of Israel anti-Semitic.
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