• Swiss singer Nemo announced returning their 2024 Eurovision trophy over Israel's participation.
• Five countries, including Spain and the Netherlands, plan to boycott the 2026 contest.
• Irish singer Charlie McGettigan also announced plans to return his 1994 trophy to support Nemo.

Swiss singer Nemo, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024, stated they will return their trophy due to the decision to allow Israel to compete in the upcoming editions of the competition. This action follows a walkout by five countries - Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland - after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed Israel's participation despite ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a heartfelt Instagram video, Nemo emphasized that Eurovision should represent "unity, inclusion, and dignity for all people," adding that Israel's participation conflicts with these ideals amidst its conduct in the conflict with Hamas in Gaza, where reports indicate over 70,369 Palestinians have died, according to health authorities in the territory. This sentiment resonates with the recent wave of protests and boycotts against Eurovision, raising questions about the event's political implications and values. This information is supported by sources including Al Jazeera and Los Angeles Times.

In solidarity with Nemo, Charlie McGettigan, who won Eurovision in 1994, announced he will also return his trophy in protest of Israel's inclusion in the competition. McGettigan described his support for Nemo as stemming from their sincere and articulate stance on the matter. He indicated that even though he cannot find his original trophy, he would return it if he discovers it, further emphasizing the symbolic nature of these actions against Israel’s participation. This growing trend highlights the impact of political tensions on international events and cultural platforms. The broader context reveals a controversial history for Eurovision when it comes to political matters, previously evidenced by Russia's expulsion after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. McGettigan's stance reflects significant sentiment among various artists and countries regarding the issue, as cited by AA.

The decision to return the trophies coincides with a turbulent moment in the Eurovision timeline, as broadcasters from implicated countries signal that the contest is straying from its intended mission of unity and positivity. Each withdrawal—from both artists and countries—adds pressure to the EBU ahead of the 2026 edition in Vienna. Statements from organizers indicate a commitment to maintaining the contest's integrity while also grappling with the complexities presented by its political implications. The ongoing discourse around Eurovision illustrates how intertwined culture and politics can become, particularly in times of conflict, as seen in this situation surrounding Los Angeles Times and Al Jazeera.