Over 1,000 artists including Björk and Lorde call for a major Eurovision boycott

Over 1,000 artists including Björk and Lorde call for a major Eurovision boycottA worldwide movement of over 1,000 artists including Björk and Lorde is demanding a total boycott of Eurovision 2026. With several countries already pulling out, the contest faces a huge crisis.3amLauren Gordon Emerging Audiences Editor14:06, 21 Apr 2026Updated 14:07, 21 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesNo Music For Genocide has issued an open letter calling for fans to boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song ContestNo Music For Genocide has issued an open letter calling for fans to boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest unless Israel is banned from participating.‌The open letter calls on for "public broadcasters, performers, screening party organisers, crew, and fans to boycott Eurovision until the EBU bans complicit Israeli broadcaster KAN."‌It has been signed by over 1,000 artists including Björk, Lorde, Hayley Williams, Wolf Alice, Fontaines D.C., Clairo, Kneecap, Massive Attack, Faye Webster, NTS and more.‌Signees write that they "reject Eurovision being used to whitewash and normalise Israel’s genocide, siege and brutal military occupation against Palestinians."As artists, we recognise our collective agency – and the power of refusal. We refuse to be silent. We refuse to be complicit. We call on others in our industry to join us. And we stand in solidarity with all principled efforts to end complicity in every industry," the letter continues.View 2 ImagesThe letter states: "Just as artists stood against oppression in South Africa, we stand together now."(Image: No Music For Genocide)‌READ MORE: Boy George defends Eurovision appearance following anti-Israel controversyREAD MORE: 'The BBC has done Claudia Winkleman dirty but chat show flop isn't the end'The boycott comes after it was announced in November that the Eurovision Song Contest was changing its rules around promotion and voting after a number of broadcasters raised concerns about Israel’s re...