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Damiano David, lead singer of Italian rock band Måneskin, which won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021, spoke out about Israel's participation in this year’s competition, calling to make a distinction between a performer and the country they represent.
“I think music and culture are affected by what’s happening in the world, and it would be crazy to think no change should happen or that there shouldn’t be any discussion about it,” David said in an interview with Europa Press.
“But at the same time, it really depends on the individual. If the artist is deeply involved in what’s happening—that’s one thing. But if the artist is just a guy or girl who was born in Israel and wants to sing at Eurovision, I don’t see why they should be prevented from doing that.”
David’s remarks come amid ongoing controversy surrounding Israel’s participation in the contest. Calls to ban Israel have intensified both this year and last, with many urging the European Broadcasting Union to disqualify the country over the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
That anger has spilled onto the Eurovision stage itself: last year's Israeli contestant Eden Golan was met with loud boos, received no points from some juries and faced vocal opposition from fellow contestants.
“It’s a very complex conversation,” David added. “To give a real answer, you’d have to know everyone involved and understand what each person thinks. There have been much darker times in human history, and music has always flourished. I believe it’s an entirely independent movement that’s influenced by culture, yes—but it has its own fuel.”
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This year’s contest will take place in Basel, Switzerland, during the second week of May, with the grand final set for May 17. Israel will be represented by Yuval Raphael with the song New Day Will Rise, written by singer-songwriter Keren Peles.
Last month, Israel received support from another past Eurovision winner—Anne-Marie David, who won the contest for Luxembourg in 1973. In an interview with Yedioth Ahronoth, she said: “What a wonderful song, and what an amazing singer. These are exactly the kinds of songs I love at Eurovision. I got chills when I heard it. It sounds like a French chanson, and I’m sure people in France will love it.”