Olly Alexander confronts dilemma amid calls to withdraw from Eurovision

Virgin Radio

4 May 2024, 14:05

The former Years and Years singer, Olly Alexander, struggles with decision as calls for withdrawal intensify.

Olly Alexander, former Years and Years singer, is set to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmo, Sweden with his track Dizzy.

However, leading up to the competition, Olly has faced intense pressure to withdraw due to Israel's involvement, particularly during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The Israeli representative, Eden Golan, faced backlash and was compelled to change the lyrics of her song from October Rain to Hurricane following an attack by Hamas on October 7.

The controversy surrounding Israel's participation in Eurovision has sparked calls for Olly Alexander to reconsider his involvement.

Recently, Olly was seen looking downcast leaving a Eurovision event, revealing that he struggled emotionally.

"I was holed up in a room trying not to have a breakdown," he confessed to The Times.

"Normally, you get on stage and turn it on, but I felt really unable to do that. It was tough… I just could not get it together, and then I felt ashamed of myself and embarrassed."

The pressure to withdraw from Eurovision weighed heavily on Olly, with the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza deeply affecting him.

"I wish for peace, and I have found this experience, at times, extremely… I've just felt really sad and distressed," he expressed.

The news outlet noted that Olly was in tears during the interview, stressing that he wished the war wasn’t happening.

Despite the emotional turmoil, Olly remains committed to the idea of bringing people together through music, stated at the end of the interview that: "I still believe it’s a good thing when people come together for entertainment. That’s why I wanted to do Eurovision."

Queers For Palestine, a collective of over 450 queer artists and creatives, penned an open letter to Olly, urging him to pull out of Eurovision as a form of protest against Israel's participation.

In response, Olly emphasised the importance of standing in solidarity with the oppressed while advocating for peace and a ceasefire.

"It is important to us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and communicate our heartfelt wish for peace, an immediate lasting ceasefire, and the safe return of all hostages," Olly stated.

"We stand united against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and islamophobia.

"We firmly believe in the unifying power of music, enabling people to transcend differences and foster meaningful conversations and connections. We feel it is our duty to create and uphold this space, with a strong hope that it will inspire greater compassion and empathy."

Despite the pressure and calls for withdrawal, Olly remains steadfast in his commitment to the unifying power of music.

As of now, no act has withdrawn from the contest, and the European Broadcasting Union has condemned the abuse and harassment directed at Eurovision entries, emphasising that the artists themselves have no role in the decision-making regarding Israel's involvement.

The Eurovision Song Contest grand final airs at 8pm on BBC One.