Belgium will be represented at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest by singer Essyla and the song “Dancing on the Ice”. She was selected by Francophone broadcaster RTBF. This year’s Song Contest takes place in Vienna. in May The fact that Israel is allowed to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest has caused considerable controversy.
Eurovision Song Contest: ‘You don’t ask footballers if they lose sleep over it either’
Colin Clapson
Published:
Belgian singer Essyla has responded to criticism about Belgium’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest despite Israel’s presence. Essyla says ‘You don’t ask footballers if they lose any sleep over it either’
‘I understand the views surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest and Israel’s participation, but for me it’s still one big musical family united by the universal language of music.’
Essyla is representing Belgium in Vienna this year at the 70th edition of the song contest.
‘I think everyone hesitated a little about taking part this year because of the context,’ she admits. ‘Nobody wants war and a death toll that keeps rising; we’re all aware of that.’
‘But ultimately, the contest is a gathering of different countries and artists who don’t always have the chance to do something like this. It’s a musical family based on music. You don’t ask footballers whether they’re involved in the war either’ she told VRT.
