Eurovision winner hands back trophy in protest at Israel's participation in 2026 contest
Swiss singer Nemo, who took home the coveted Eurovision Song Contest trophy last year, has made it clear that she won't be keeping her prize. In a surprising move, Nemo announced that they are handing back their trophy due to her disagreement with the decision to allow Israel to participate in next year's event.
According to Nemo, there is an "unequivocal conflict" between the Eurovision ideals of unity, inclusion, and dignity for all, and the EBU's decision to include Israel. The singer expressed their discomfort with the fact that Israel would be competing despite being accused of severe wrongdoing during its war in Gaza.
Nemo stated that the contest was previously used as a platform to soften the image of a state facing criticism, contradicting the EBU's claim that Eurovision is non-political. As countries began withdrawing from the contest due to this contradiction, Nemo felt compelled to take action and send back her trophy.
The EBU has welcomed Israel's participation in the 2026 contest, with its president saying that Israel "deserves to be represented on every stage around the world." However, not everyone is pleased with the decision. Countries such as Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have announced they will boycott the event due to Israel's involvement.
As the Eurovision 2026 deadline approaches, it remains to be seen whether other countries will follow suit and withdraw from the contest. With six months left until the competition, several countries are still uncertain about their participation.
Swiss singer Nemo, who took home the coveted Eurovision Song Contest trophy last year, has made it clear that she won't be keeping her prize. In a surprising move, Nemo announced that they are handing back their trophy due to her disagreement with the decision to allow Israel to participate in next year's event.
According to Nemo, there is an "unequivocal conflict" between the Eurovision ideals of unity, inclusion, and dignity for all, and the EBU's decision to include Israel. The singer expressed their discomfort with the fact that Israel would be competing despite being accused of severe wrongdoing during its war in Gaza.
Nemo stated that the contest was previously used as a platform to soften the image of a state facing criticism, contradicting the EBU's claim that Eurovision is non-political. As countries began withdrawing from the contest due to this contradiction, Nemo felt compelled to take action and send back her trophy.
The EBU has welcomed Israel's participation in the 2026 contest, with its president saying that Israel "deserves to be represented on every stage around the world." However, not everyone is pleased with the decision. Countries such as Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have announced they will boycott the event due to Israel's involvement.
As the Eurovision 2026 deadline approaches, it remains to be seen whether other countries will follow suit and withdraw from the contest. With six months left until the competition, several countries are still uncertain about their participation.
, but at the same time I think this could be a really powerful moment for change! Eurovision has always been about celebrating music and unity, and if that means taking a stand on some tough issues then so be it 
. I love how Nemo's message of inclusion and dignity for all is shining through, even in the face of disagreement from others 
. It's not going to be easy, but maybe this will inspire more people to speak out and demand that our values are respected. 
Let's hope that other countries will follow suit and make a difference too! 
I'm kinda split on this one... I think Nemo's got a legit point, you know? Eurovision is all about spreading unity and love for music, but if that means ignoring some serious human rights issues, then what's the point? 
And yeah, EBU's been saying it's non-political, but come on, we can't just turn a blind eye to Israel's actions in Gaza. That's not inclusive, that's exclusionary! 
It's a slippery slope, for sure.
I guess we'll just have to wait and see how this all plays out... will Israel stick with Eurovision or boycott it too? 
This is what's happening to Eurovision? It used to be all about unity and love, you know? Now it's all about politics and controversy. I remember watching Eurovision back in '05 with my family and we'd always have so much fun cheering for our favorite country. But now it feels like they're just going through the motions, trying to fit everyone into this little box of "we're inclusive" but really it's just a bunch of countries being selective about who gets to participate.
I mean, Eurovision is all about unity and promoting music & art, but at what cost? 
It's a shame that politics has to get in the way. Can't we just focus on spreading love & positivity through our songs? 
. now its lik, countries r startin 2 pull out & its causin a big stir. i hope other countries dont follow suit tho, cuz that would just be sad 
. eurovision is supposed to be about spreading love and unity not about whitewashing someones atrocities 
I'm literally SHOOK by this move! I get why Nemo would feel strongly about it, but handing back the trophy feels like a huge waste of an opportunity to spark a real conversation about Israel's actions. 
I don't know, man... I think we're losing sight of what Eurovision is all about if countries are gonna use it to whitewash each other's misdeeds.
anyway like have you guys ever noticed how some of those anime shows always depict these huge battles with no one getting hurt except for the hero or whatever? like what even is that supposed to be? also, i was thinking maybe we should get a eurovision boycott going on and not just stick to spain, ireland, etc... it's kinda funny how everyone's all bent outta shape over israel, btw.
The EBU's trying to say it's all about giving everyone a platform, but if that means ignoring human rights concerns, then I'm not sure it's working out.
I'm just wondering how this whole thing will play out - will more countries follow suit? Will the EBU really reconsider their decision about Israel's participation? Only time'll tell! 
Can you even? I mean, I get it, Nemo's got a point... or at least, she thinks so 
. Like, doesn't everyone want to promote unity and inclusion except Israel, apparently? 
And yeah, it's weird that the EBU is all "it's non-political" when really it's not 
. I guess some people are just really passionate about this Eurovision thing... or maybe they're just trying to get attention? 
Either way, I'm kinda glad Nemo spoke up (no pun intended 
) and handed back the trophy. It's like, someone needs to shake things up around there 
Nemo is totally right tho... 
. I mean, can't they just make a different category for countries that have been accused of war crimes? 
Draw a simple Venn diagram:
. And what's up with the EBU saying it's non-political, but then letting countries like Israel participate? It's just not adding up 
. I guess I'm surprised Nemo is taking a stand like this, though - they're basically giving back a trophy that some people might see as a symbol of validation or something 
. I don't know if it'll have any real impact on things, but at least someone's speaking out about it 
. Maybe the EBU should reevaluate their policies and really make sure Eurovision is all about unity and love? 
