“With words and with songs, we act within the possibility given to us. We do not condone the violation of Human Rights,” stated the 17 artists, bands, and performers in a joint statement, explaining their refusal to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.
Cristina Branco, the musicians of Bateu Matou, Rita Dias, and Djodje are among those who signed the statement, expressing disappointment over RTP’s decision to favor Israel’s participation in a recent vote at the European Broadcasting Union’s general assembly, the festival’s organizer.
“Despite the ban on Russia’s participation in the 2022 Eurovision for political reasons (due to the invasion of Ukraine), we were astonished to see that a similar decision was not applied to Israel, which, according to the UN, is committing acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza,” the artists wrote.
The statement was also signed by Beatriz Bronze (Evaya), Francisco Fontes, Gonçalo Gomes, Inês Sousa, Jorge Gonçalves (Jacaréu), Marquise, Nunca Mates o Mandarim, Pedro Fernandes, and Rita Dias.
The 60th edition of the Festival da Canção will take place in February and March 2026, featuring two semifinals on February 21 and 28 and a final on March 7.
The winning song of the Festival da Canção is set to represent Portugal at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Austria in May.
[News updated at 16:21]
