Olly Alexander came close to a “breakdown” amid pressure for him to withdraw from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
The former Years & Years star is representing the United Kingdom with his single Dizzy, but has been inundated with calls to pull out due to Israel’s involvement in the show amid conflict with Palestine.
Speaking to The Times at a recent Eurovision pre-party in London, the singer admitted: “Yes, I struggled that day. I was holed up in a room trying not to have a breakdown.
“Normally, you get on stage and turn it on, but I felt really unable to do that.
“It was tough… I just could not get it together and then I felt ashamed of myself and embarrassed.”
Reportedly fighting tears during the interview, he added: “Obviously there are a lot of things I wish were different.
“And this is so much bigger than me and Eurovision, it really is.
“Obviously, I wish there wasn’t a war or this insane humanitarian crisis. I wish for peace and I have found this experience, at times, extremely… I’ve just felt really sad and distressed.
“But I still believe it’s a good thing when people come together for entertainment. That’s why I wanted to do Eurovision.”
On the back of the backlash from hundreds of queer artists, individuals and organisations for this year’s performers, including Olly, to pull out of the competition, he and various acts have shared a response, insisting they “do not feel comfortable being silent”.
“It is important to us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and communicate our heartfelt wish for peace, an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and the safe return of all hostages,” said a joint statement signed by Denmark’s SABA, Finland’s Windows95Man, Ireland’s Bambie Thug, Lithuania’s Silvester Belt, Norway’s Gåte, Portugal’s Iolanda, San Marino’s Megara and Switzerland’s Nemo.
“We stand united against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and islamophobia.”
The letter continues: “We firmly believe in the unifying power of music, enabling people to transcend differences and foster meaningful conversations and connections,” it continues.
“We feel that it is our duty to create and uphold this space, with a strong hope that it will inspire greater compassion and empathy.”
