Kyle Alessandro announces a boycott and refuses to return to Eurovision as long as Israel participates. Alessandro, who competed in Eurovision 2025, sharply attacks Israel and the contest.
Kyle Alessandro, who represented Norway at Eurovision 2025, announced that he is boycotting Eurovision and will not return to participate in it as long as Israel is in the contest. Alessandro stated in an interview that he can no longer “stand behind the contest”, and clarified: “No, absolutely not” when asked if he would ever return to the stage.
Kyle Alessandro Attacks Eurovision
In an interview with the Norwegian channel TV 2, given in the context of announcing the Spellemann music prize nominations, Alessandro harshly criticised Eurovision:
“I just do not think I am able to stand behind the contest anymore, the way things are now. And that makes me sad, because originally it was a contest meant to unite Europe”.
He said. Alessandro’s comments also raise a fundamental question: what kind of “unity” is he talking about? If the Eurovision Song Contest was designed to unite Europe, is calling for a boycott of a participating country really the way to achieve that? Is a boycott a tool that brings countries together, or rather a step that deepens division within the contest?
Alessandro revealed that already last year, while he was taking part in Eurovision 2025, he experienced significant public pressure because he was competing alongside Israel at Eurovision. According to him, he understood in advance that the issue would spark criticism and tough questions.
“When you go into this, you know that these are the questions that will be asked. You have to expect that”.
He said. However, he stressed that this year, around Eurovision 2026, the pressure is much greater than what he experienced himself.
When asked whether he would return to compete in the future, he replied unequivocally: “No, absolutely not”. In response to the question what would have to happen for him to consider coming back, he limited himself to a short and controversial sentence:
“I think we all know what the answer to that is”.
Hinting at Israel’s participation in the contest. This is a clear and sharp statement from a former Norwegian representative who took part in Eurovision 2025 with the song “Lighter” in Basel.
Alessandro’s declaration joins a series of former artists who have publicly expressed opposition to Israel’s participation.
The Clash With Yuval Raphael: Backstage Accusations
His remarks take on additional meaning following the revelation from December 16th, when Yuval Raphael told in an interview about “disrespectful treatment”. She says she experienced backstage at Eurovision. According to her, one of the standout incidents involved Kyle Alessandro:
“I always made sure to say hello in the corridors… I would hug him, wish him good luck. After I came second, he walked past me, made a face, unfollowed me on Instagram and walked away”.
She recounted.
Israel at Eurovision at the Heart of the Storm
Kyle Alessandro’s boycott comes against the backdrop of the ongoing controversy surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision, an issue that has followed the contest since the war in Israel began.
The EBU has reiterated that Eurovision is a non‑political event, and that Israel complies with all participation rules. However, in several countries there have been calls to disqualify Israel, similar to the decision that was made regarding Russia in 2022.
Norway at Eurovision 2025
“Lighter” was the song performed by Kyle Alessandro, who represented Norway in the Eurovision 2025 grand final. Norway finished in 18th place overall with 89 points – 67 points from the audience and 22 points from the juries. In the televote, Norway ranked 12th, while in the jury vote, it reached 23rd place.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Norway’s 64th participation in Eurovision. Norway joined the competition in 1960 and has won three times over the years. Their last win was in Eurovision 2009 with the song “Fairytale” performed by Alexander Rybak.
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Ilay Gaist is a leading Israeli content creator and writer specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He is a well-known commentator with extensive expertise in the contest’s history, rules, and dynamics. His passion for Eurovision drives him to deliver rich, professional, and innovative content to his audience.
Ilay holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic and has a multilingual background. He also engages in cultural research, with a particular focus on global culinary traditions and the evolution of local cuisines around the world.
