Olly Alexander, representative of the United Kingdom, rejects boycotting because of Israel

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Eurovision 2024 is just over a month away, yet the controversy continues, now with the United Kingdom’s representative.

After Loreen’s victory with “Tattoo” last year in Liverpool, where our representative Mimicat came 23rd, Sweden will host the next edition of Eurovision (at a perfect time).

This is because it does 50 years since the Nordic country’s first victory, with the beautiful song “Waterloo” by ABBA. In the more than 60 years of the event, ABBA, composed of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, were the group that had more success internationally after winning Eurovision.

One of the biggest international musical showcases showcased several talented artists, with emphasis on the Italians Måneskin, who became very popular for many months after their victory at Eurovision.

Portugal is also on the list of winners with a victory in 2017. Salvador Sobral enchanted everyone and everything with “Amar dos Dois” and achieved what is still today the highest score ever for a winning song.

NEW EDITION AT RISK?

Loreen was the big winner of Eurovision 2023 © Charli Ljung

In the next edition, which takes place in Malmo, our representative Iolanda is in 33rd place among bookmakers. Very far from first place, but There is always the possibility of surprises. Despite being a musical event, there are the inevitable political issues associated.

With the Israel-Hamas War at its height, many tried to boycott the event due to Israel’s participation. In fact, Israel had to change the lyrics of your song by making references to the Hamas. In the midst of so much uncertainty, UK representative Olly Alexander gives his opinion on the possible boycott.

OLLY ALEXANDER’S OPINION

In a post shared on the social network X (formerly Twitter) and on his official Instagram, the musician writes: “As a participant, I dedicated a lot of time to reflecting on what to do and the options available. It is my current belief that withdrawing from the contest would not bring us any closer to our common goal“.

Despite not joining the boycott, Olly Alexander, the United Kingdom representative, calls for peace: “I hope and pray that our appeals will be answered and that put an end to the atrocities we are seeing happening in Gaza“.

It is worth remembering that so far, the potential big winner is the song “Rim Tim Tagi Dim”, by Croatian singer Baby Lasagna, with a 20% chance of winning.