Eurovision: Olly Alexander in tears over difficult performance decision

Virgin Radio

7 May 2024, 15:07

UK Eurovision star Olly Alexander opens up emotionally about performance dilemma amid backlash.

Olly Alexander, the UK's entrant for this year's Eurovision Song Contest, has become emotional as he addressed the controversy surrounding his participation in the event.

In a new BBC documentary titled Olly Alexander’s Road To Eurovision ’24, the acclaimed singer shared his heartfelt thoughts about the political tensions surrounding the contest, particularly due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Since the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed Israel's participation in the competition, there has been a call for a boycott from certain quarters. Notably, more than 100 queer artists and allies penned an open letter urging Olly to withdraw from Eurovision in solidarity with Palestine.

The Palestine-led BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement has also publicly urged Olly to back out of the contest.

Speaking candidly about the backlash he and other participants have faced, As part of a new BBC documentary titled Olly Alexander’s Road To Eurovision ’24, Olly revealed: "A lot of the contestants and myself have been [receiving] a lot of comments [saying] 'you are complicit in a genocide by taking part in Eurovision', which is quite extreme. It’s very extreme.

"I understand where that sentiment is coming from, but I think it’s not correct.”

Acknowledging the complexity of the situation, The It's a Sin star emphasised the humanitarian crisis at hand, expressing his empathy for those affected by the conflict.

"It’s an incredibly complicated political situation [and] one that I’m not qualified to speak on. The backdrop to this is actual immense suffering. It’s a humanitarian crisis – a war," he said tearfully.

He continued: “You know, and it just so happens there’s a song contest at the same time, that I’m a part of. People are like in despair and want to do something.”

Despite the pressure and controversy, Olly affirmed his stance, stating: "People should do what’s right for them, if they want to boycott Eurovision, if they don’t feel comfortable watching, that’s their choice, and I respect that, you know?

"Eurovision is, you know, it’s meant to be, like, an apolitical contest, but that’s, like, a fantasy.”

Olly's decision to participate in Eurovision comes with a commitment to use his platform for peace.

In response to calls for withdrawal, he emphasised his support for immediate action to end the violence and suffering in Gaza, stating that he believes participating in the contest allows him and fellow contestants to advocate for peace collectively.

Olly's response to calls, in his own words, read as such: “I wholeheartedly support action being taken to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the return of all hostages and the safety and security of all civilians in Palestine and Israel.

“I know some people will choose to boycott this year’s Eurovision and I understand and respect their decision. As a participant I’ve taken a lot of time to deliberate over what to do and the options available to me. It is my current belief that removing myself from the contest wouldn’t bring us any closer to our shared goal.

“Instead, I’ve been speaking with some of the other [Eurovision] contestants and we’ve decided that by taking part we can use our platform to come together and call for peace.

“I hope and pray that our calls are answered and there is an end to the atrocities we are seeing taking place in Gaza.

“I’d like to thank the many signatories of this letter whose work I deeply admire and respect and hope that we can continue to work together in creating a better world for all of us.”

The Eurovision Song Contest, historically hailed as apolitical, finds itself embroiled in controversy once again.

Before his selection as the UK's Eurovision representative, Olly Alexander joined a coalition of more than 1,400 signatories in endorsing an open letter expressing solidarity with Palestine.

The letter characterised Israel as an 'apartheid state' and accused it of 'genocide.'

Earlier in the year, reports emerged indicating that Eurovision organisers had raised objections to Israel's entry song due to its purportedly 'political' lyrics.

Israel's national broadcaster Kan indicated a preference for withdrawal from the competition rather than altering the song.

However, the Israeli delegation had a change of heart.

Last month, it was confirmed that Eden Golan would represent Israel in Sweden, performing a revised version of her original song, now titled 'Hurricane,' having been altered from 'October Rain.'

With Olly Alexander at the forefront, the competition is not merely about music but also a platform for global dialogue and activism.

As the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest unfolds in Malmö, Sweden, Olly's emotional journey and unwavering commitment to peace serve as a poignant reminder of the world's interconnectedness and the power of individuals to effect change.

The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest will be taking place in Malmö, Sweden all this week, following Loreen’s historic victory last year.

Olly Alexander's Road to Eurovision 2024 is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

The Grand Final of Eurovision is at 8pm on Saturday 11 May 2024 on BBC One and iPlayer.