Johnny Logan called for Israel to be excluded from Eurovision

From the outside, it might have seemed that Johnny Logan’s statement was another remark from the archive of artists speaking “for” or “against” a country’s participation in Eurovision. But his words sounded harsher and sharper than usual. The interview on RTÉ in the program This Week quickly delved into not only Ireland’s decision but also the logic of broadcasting unions themselves. Logan, without any evasive maneuvers, said: Israel’s participation now seems wrong.

What Logan Supported

He explained his position very straightforwardly: he considers RTÉ’s decision not to submit an application to be reasonable. No emotions “for the performer,” no disputes about the song — just a conclusion that participating alongside Israel makes the contest “normal” on paper, although reality, according to him, is far from that. Logan emphasized that the Irish public mostly sees the situation similarly, and therefore RTÉ’s step seems timely to him.

Politics Still on Stage

The musician reminded that abstract contests in Europe have long ceased to exist. The exclusion of Russia due to the war in Ukraine is the first example Logan mentioned. And he clearly does not believe that the current situation around Gaza can be considered “unrelated to the contest.” His phrase about “real estate” — as he described attempts to portray Gaza as a neutral space — was spoken with evident irritation.

A Separate Complaint Towards EBU

Logan did not limit himself to assessing Ireland’s decision. He directly said that this step should have come from the European Broadcasting Union, not be spread across countries. Essentially, the EBU could have closed the issue with a unified position but preferred to pass the decision to national corporations. He called this a mistake. And added: at least it’s good that Ireland made the choice itself.

Not Against the Country — Against the State

He specifically clarified that he is not criticizing the people. In his wording, there was a reproach to the political leadership of Israel, not to the citizens or artists. At the same time, Logan emphasizes — sometimes the contest seems light, almost unserious, but its publicity turns participation into a symbol. And this symbol, in Logan’s opinion, is currently working incorrectly.

Call for Boycott

Concluding the interview, Logan effectively suggested that international broadcasters act more broadly and in a more coordinated manner. He called a boycott “a reasonable way to express a position” if the EBU is not ready to take on the decision. For him, this is not a dispute about music but a matter of public responsibility.

In the context of the ongoing discussion around Israel’s participation in Eurovision, Logan’s words add pressure on the organizers. We will monitor how events develop and what other broadcasters will respond, as the topic is already going beyond contest discussions. In the media space of Israel and around it, such statements are perceived especially acutely, making the situation even more politicized — and therefore it is closely monitored by the editorial team of NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency.