Swedish pop icon Zara Larsson has revealed that she turned down an invitation to perform at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, citing ethical concerns over the participation of Israel.
Speaking on the Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio’s P4 Extra – Gästen, the singer confirmed she “said no to Eurovision,” explaining that her decision stemmed from discomfort with performing amid Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza.
“It’s a super big stage, over 100 million people watching, but I didn’t feel like I could go on that stage and stand for those who competed, Israel. It didn’t feel right there and then,” Larsson said.
She added that she had no regrets about her decision.
“I didn’t want to do it. It didn’t feel right… I’m not sad I declined, and I would do it 100 times over.”
Larsson’s stance echoed a growing movement among Swedish artists criticizing the European Broadcasting Union’s handling of the conflict. Earlier this year, more than 1,000 Swedish musicians, including internationally acclaimed singer Robyn, signed an open letter published in Aftonbladet, demanding Israel’s exclusion from the competition.
The letter accused the EBU of a “remarkable double standard” — permitting Israel to compete while banning Russia from the 2022 contest, arguing that Israel’s inclusion “would bring the competition into disrepute.”
In response, the EBU maintained that Eurovision remains “a non-political event” and that entries represent public service broadcasters, not governments.
Larsson’s decision carries symbolic weight, as she had previously expressed excitement about joining Eurovision’s interval act following Sweden’s 2023 victory. According to her management, the artist had once said she “would love to be part of the interval act next year.”
Her reversal now reflects a broader trend in Europe’s cultural sphere — where artists are increasingly taking political and ethical stands in response to global conflicts.
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