Isabell Otrebus releases “Nightmare”, an entry originally prepared for RTÉ’s Irish Eurovision 2026 selection before the nation chose to boycott the contest.
Singer Isabell Otrebus and Greek composer Nikos Sofis have revealed the song “Nightmare”. The original track was written to compete in the Irish national selection for Eurovision 2026. However, the project was ultimately shelved following Ireland’s dramatic decision to withdraw from the competition this year. Now, the song’s release offers fans an intriguing glimpse into what could have represented the country
Ireland is one of five nations that decided to boycott the contest this year due to Israel’s participation. Despite the official stance from the Irish national broadcaster, it has emerged that several artists had already begun practical preparations for the season. Otrebus is well known to contest fans primarily for competing in the Polish national selection in 2017 and 2018. This year, she hoped to try her luck on the Irish stage instead, armed with a song prepared well in advance.
Her creative partner, Nikos Sofis, is a Germany-based songwriter. Over recent years, he has built extensive and varied experience within national selection shows. Sofis has been involved in song selection competitions across multiple European nations, including Moldova, Poland, Iceland, Switzerland, and Romania. Their collaboration resulted in an intriguing musical project that is now available to stream online, even though it never received a chance to compete officially.
At this stage, an official decision regarding Irish participation in Eurovision 2027, which is slated to take place in the city of Burgas, has yet to be finalized. The Irish national broadcaster (RTÉ) clarified that it is thoroughly reviewing recent amendments to the contest rules announced by the European Broadcasting Union. A final verdict regarding the nation’s return to the Eurovision stage will be made later in the season.
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Growing Calls to Continue the Boycott Against Israel
SIPTU, the largest trade union in Ireland (equivalent to the Israeli Histadrut), sent a letter to the Irish national broadcaster, RTÉ, demanding that the organization continue boycotting Israel and refrain from broadcasting upcoming football matches involving Israel scheduled for this autumn.
Conversely, the national broadcaster stated that despite these demands, it is unable to boycott the planned matches. A spokesperson for the station explained that as a public service broadcaster, RTÉ is bound by strict impartiality guidelines and contractual obligations regarding sports broadcasting rights. He further added that decisions regarding participation in or coverage of international events are governed strictly by the station’s public service charter and regulatory framework.
Thus, while the organization did not directly address future plans for Eurovision 2027, it remains clear that pressure to continue boycotting Israel will only build as the contest approaches.
Background: RTÉs Decision To Boycott Eurovision 2026
Irish national broadcaster RTÉ, which had previously threatened to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participated, officially announces its withdrawal in December 2025 following the confirmation of Israel’s participation in the contest.
Ireland is known for its particularly strained Eurovision relations with Israel. The Irish national broadcaster, RTÉ, firmly opposed Israel’s participation along with several other countries and previously declared: “Our position is that Ireland will not participate in Eurovision 2026 as long as Israel continues to compete. The final decision on Ireland’s participation will be made after the EBU’s decision.” Following today’s general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union, where the new regulations were decisively approved and no separate vote to exclude Israel was held, Israel’s participation was confirmed and Ireland’s withdrawal officially declared.
“Following today’s EBU Winter General Assembly in Geneva at which Israel’s participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest was confirmed, RTÉ’s position remains unchanged. RTÉ will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, nor will RTÉ broadcast the competition.”
“RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk. RTÉ remains deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza during the conflict and the continued denial of access to international journalists to the territory.”
