Graham Norton Addresses Controversy Surrounding Eurovision Song Contest 2026

Graham Norton has spoken out about the controversy that continues to surround the Eurovision Song Contest ahead of this year’s event.

For the last few years, Eurovision has been at the centre of much heated debate over Israel’s continued participation amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, prompting calls for a boycott from many critics.

Last month, after a discussion among competing national broadcasters took place, it was decided that Israel would remain part of Eurovision in 2026, prompting four countries to immediately withdraw from the competition, and an additional fifth to pull out weeks later.

During an interview on Thursday’s edition of Lorraine Kelly’s talk show, the host pointed out to Graham that ahead of Eurovision 2026, “we’ve had countries pulling out for all sorts of different reasons”.

“Can we not just make it a festival of happiness, joy and unification?” she asked the presenter, who has been a pivotal part of the BBC’s Eurovision coverage since 2009.

“That’s what it started as,” he responded, admitting he thought it was “sad that we’re in this situation”.

He continued: “The people you feel sorry for are contestants, who are usually very young and this is an extraordinary kind of shop window for them, and now it’s very difficult. And when you’re in the arena it’s very hard to see people being booed, it’s horrible.

“I think they’re working behind the scenes to try to make things better, and improve things, so we’ll see what happens.”

Among the countries to have withdrawn from the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 are Ireland, who currently hold the joint record for most wins, and Spain, which makes up part of the so-called “Big Five” nations who contribute the most financially to the competition each year, and are therefore guaranteed a place in the live final.

In May, the event will take place in Vienna once again following Austrian singer JJ’s win.

Since winning last year, JJ has spoken out against Israel’s involvement in Eurovision, as has his predecessor Nemo, who recently returned their winning trophy in protest.