San Marino’s Eurovision 2026 representatives once again draw attentions. This time, after Boy George backing Israel with a new post on X.
Eurovision 2026 is fast approaching, and while most artists are focused on rehearsals and preparations for the upcoming contest, San Marino’s representatives appear to be at the center of continuous headlines. Since Senhit won the national selection with the song “Superstar”, the representatives has barely had a moment of quiet. Once again, the spotlight falls on Boy George, whose absence from the national final initially sparked speculation, followed by further controversy regarding his potential appearance in Vienna and after engaging in heated exchanges with fans on social media, a new chapter has now emerged, this time involving a public statement of support for Israel.
The ongoing attention surrounding San Marino’s Eurovision 2026 entry has long extended beyond the contest itself. Since Senhit’s victory with “Superstar”, a performance in which Boy George did not appear live, the small nation has generated a steady stream of headlines, speculation, and online discussion.
At the center of it all remains Boy George, an iconic figure who rose to global fame in the 1980s and continues to command attention far beyond music alone.
Initially, fans questioned his absence from the national final despite his involvement in the song. This was followed by sarcastic responses directed at fans who argued that his presence on stage was unnecessary, further fueling the discourse. A widely discussed meeting with Senhit in the United States later suggested that a joint performance in Vienna is indeed planned, raising expectations for one of the most talked-about acts of the season.
However, the latest development takes the story in a different direction, one that moves away from Vienna and back to the 1980s.
A recent post shared by Boy George on X, in which he expressed support for Israel, quickly generated strong reactions. Revealing a deeper story rooted in culture, identity, and artistic expression developed more than four decades ago.
It’s very trendy to hate Isreal but I have always said ‘fashion for the fragile, style for the brave’. pic.twitter.com/tDPOig40Oe
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) April 7, 2026
“It’s Very Trendy to Hate Israel”
In the image shared by Boy George, taken during his time with Culture Club, the band members are seen wearing distinctive outfits featuring Hebrew text and a Star of David.
Alongside the image, he wrote:
“It’s very trendy to hate Israel but I have always said ‘fashion for the fragile, style for the brave'”
As expected, the statement sparked significant debate online. Many responses were highly critical, with some users expressing strong opposition to his stance.
At the same time, a notable number of comments showed support for both the artist and his message, highlighting the polarized nature of the discussion.
Fashion, Identity, and Cultural Influence
To fully understand the significance of the image, it is necessary to revisit the early years of Culture Club in 1980s London, where the band developed a unique visual identity that became one of the most recognizable aesthetics of the era.
The distinctive style was largely shaped by fashion and textile designer Sue Clowes, who worked closely with the band and was given broad creative freedom. Her designs incorporated elements from various cultures, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of the band members. For example, the Star of David featured in some designs was influenced by drummer Jon Moss’s Jewish heritage, while other elements drew inspiration from Caribbean culture. The name “Culture Club” itself was chosen to reflect this blend of identities and influences.
These designs were not limited to fashion statements alone. They became an integral part of the band’s identity and appeared prominently in the music video for “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?” (1982), where Boy George wears the now-iconic outfit featuring Hebrew lettering.
Senhit – Who Are You?
Senhit Zadik Zadik is a 46-year-old Italian singer born in Bologna to Eritrean parents.
At the beginning of her career, she performed in numerous musicals such as “Fame”, “The Lion King”, and “Hair” in Switzerland and Germany. In 2002, she returned to Italy, seeking recognition in the Italian music industry. She released her debut album in 2006, followed by another in 2007. In 2009, she released her third album in English.
Senhit was chosen to represent San Marino, a small enclave within Italy, at Eurovision 2011 with the song “Stand By“, which placed 16th in the semi-final. Following Eurovision, she released several English-language singles and became a regular guest on an Italian television show.
In 2014, she changed the spelling of her stage name from Senit to Senhit to mark a fresh new chapter in her life. In 2020, she was selected once again to represent San Marino with the song “Freaky!“, but her participation was cancelled due to the Covis-19 pandemic. A year later, in 2021, she returned to the Eurovision stage alongside American rapper Flo Rida, finishing 22nd in the final with 50 points.
San Marino at Eurovision 2026
“Superstar” is the title of the song that will be performed by Senhit and Boy George, who will represent San Marino at the Eurovision 2026 competition, set to take place in Vienna, Austria on May 12th, 14th, and 16th. San Marino will compete in the second half of the first semi-final on May 12th.
This marks the third time Senhit will compete in Eurovision, following her previous representations for San Marino in 2011 and 2021. In 2020, she was also selected to perform for San Marino, but her participation was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, San Marino is ranked 26th in the betting tables ahead of Eurovision 2026.
Eurovision 2026: This will be San Marino’s 16th participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. San Marino joined the competition in 2008 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2019 when the singer Serhat finished in 19th place with the song “Say Na Na Na”.
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