Amid preparations for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, the anti-Israel organization BDS has urged French representative Monroe to withdraw from the competition in protest against Israel’s participation.
In exactly 50 days, the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will kick off in Vienna, Austria, and as the event draws nearer, tensions surrounding it seem only to intensify. This time, France finds itself at the center of controversy. The French branch of the anti-Israel BDS movement has sent an open letter to the country’s representative Monroe, calling on her to withdraw from the upcoming Eurovision contest as a protest against Israel’s inclusion.
Political pressure rises again
For the third year in a row, parts of Europe – including influential organizations and even some national broadcasters — appear more preoccupied with politics than with the music and values that the Eurovision Song Contest was built to celebrate. Once again, attention has turned heavily toward Israel.
Last December, following a meeting of the EBU, in which it was decided that Israel would be allowed to participate, five countries and their national broadcasters announced they would withdraw in protest: Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain. Notably, Spain had long been considered one of the “Big Five” financing countries alongside Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. Now, with BDS seeking to pressure yet another major financial contributor, critics fear the movement may further destabilize the competition.
France’s high expectations
With 50 days remaining until Eurovision and rehearsals yet to begin, France currently stands as one of the frontrunners for victory. Many believe Monroe could lift the trophy this May and bring Eurovision back to Paris. On the grand stage in Vienna, Monroe will perform the song “Regarde!” (in English: “Look!”) – a dramatic opera ballad about love that has already captivated a large fan base.
At present, France is ranked second in the betting odds with a 12% chance of winning, just behind Finland, which leads with 28%. Among professional juries – traditionally fond of French ballads – France is tied for first place with Australia, both holding a 20% chance of winning according to jury forecasts.
The updated table can be found on the betting page on the website!
Monroe – Who Are You?
Monroe is a 17‑year‑old opera singer, born to a French mother and an American father, who grew up in the Salt Lake City area in Utah, USA. She took her first steps in music as a child in her local church choir. Her major breakthrough with French audiences came only recently, when in January 2025 she won first place in the 11th season of “Prodiges,” the classical music talent show broadcast by the French national broadcaster.
Her musical style is characterised by a distinctive blend of classical music and pop. In November, she released her debut album under the major label Warner Music, featuring classical performances alongside cover versions of timeless pieces such as “L’hymne à l’amour“ by Édith Piaf and “Over the rainbow“. In December, she became a viral online sensation after her performance of the hit “Berghain“ by singer Rosalía, accompanied by a pianist under the glass roof of London’s King’s Cross railway station, captured widespread attention on social media. Despite her young age, Monroe already has impressive stage experience and is currently on a concert tour in churches and cathedrals that will run until October.
France at Eurovision 2026
“Regarde!” (in English: “Look!”) is the title of the song to be performed by Monroe, who will represent France at Eurovision 2026. The singer will present the song for the first time in the second semi-final on 14 May, but as she is representing one of the Big 5 countries, she will automatically qualify for the grand final on 16 May.
The song is a dramatic operatic ballad, which is exactly what we could expect based on our brief familiarity with the singer. It seems to be attempting to emulate last year’s Austrian victory. The track opens with a dramatic violin introduction, with strings that continue to accompany it throughout, and it clearly feels very French in character. The climactic part of the chorus consists solely of operatic vocal lines rather than actual words. The music video begins with a young Monroe pressing a button, then shifts to a building in Paris where Monroe is surrounded by dancers, with everything aiming for a very classical and meticulously crafted aesthetic. The overall atmosphere is very dark.
These days, France is ranked 2nd in the betting odds.
Eurovision 2026: This will be France’s 67th participation in Eurovision. France joined the competition in 1956 and has won it five times over the years. France’s last victory was in Eurovision 1977 with the song “L’Oiseau et l’Enfant” performed by singer Marie Myriam.
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Ido Na’aman is a journalist, content creator, and commentator specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. His extensive knowledge and in-depth familiarity with the Eurovision world are reflected in every article, ensuring reliable, professional, and up-to-date content.
