Reigning Eurovision champion Netta has responded to the controversy surrounding this year’s competition, which has led many to call for it to be boycotted.
Netta won the competition last year with her all-singing, all-clucking beatboxing tune Toy, marking the fourth time that Israel have won Eurovision.
However, with this year’s celebratory event scheduled to take place in Israel next month, many have voiced their disapproval, suggesting it’s inappropriate to hold the show there due to the ongoing conflict in the country.
Speaking to journalists from the Foreign Press Association about the backlash, Netta suggested those calling for a boycott were “spreading darkness” at what is supposed to be a joyous occasion.
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Netta
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She said: “Being on the same stage, no matter what your religion or ethnicity or colour, from all these countries, from all these cultures, this is a festival of light.
“For people to boycott light is spreading darkness. It’s the exact opposite thing.”
The singer continued: “I personally think it is bullying to artists. If you have a demonstration, go and make it where it should be. My business isn’t representing. My business is music, and my business is spreading light and love.”
Netta did add that she does not consider herself a “political person”, stating: “I represent Netta. Netta loves Israel. Netta loves her people but when I will say my political opinion, I will bring hearts apart instead of bringing them together.
“Yes, I am Israeli, and I will let politicians do their work.”
“Honestly I’m a singer, I can’t get wrapped up in hundreds of years of history,” he explained. “Do you know what I mean?
“It’s a difficult one, isn’t it? But I’m literally coming just to sing. I’m a musician. And I’m only 21, I’m not a history expert, I’m just here to sing and do my country proud.”
He also pointed out that at its heart, Eurovision is about “unity”, adding: “That’s what I’m going there to do.”
This year’s Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Tel Aviv on May 18.
Most Memorable Eurovision Costumes Ever
Bucks Fizz from Britain, 1981(01 of15)
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All the (primary) colours of the rainbow. (credit:Photoshot via Getty Images)
Verka Serduchka from Ukranie, 2007(02 of15)
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Disco ball-meets-WW2 garrison caps. We'll be in the bunker. (credit:SVEN NACKSTRAND via Getty Images)
D'Nash from Spain, 2007(03 of15)
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This is 10 years too late to even be acceptable, guys. (credit:SVEN NACKSTRAND via Getty Images)
Jedward from Ireland, 2011(04 of15)
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That hair. (credit:Sean Gallup via Getty Images)
Jedward again, 2012(05 of15)
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Back again, in silver armour. (credit:Pablo Blazquez Dominguez via Getty Images)
Ruslana from Ukraine, 2004(06 of15)
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Ruslana: "So there's this TV show called "Xena: Warrior Princess'..."
Costumer: "Say no more." (credit:Christopher Furlong via Getty Images)
Scooch from Britain, 2007(07 of15)
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Britney's Toxic costume went to Butlin's and it didn't quite come back the same person. (credit:HEIKKI SAUKKOMAA via Getty Images)
Is this some kind of metaphor? The Austrian singer rising like a sequined phoenix out of the flaming ashes of dead dancers? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? (credit:Johannes Simon via Getty Images)
Naviband from Belarus, 2017.(10 of15)
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Just a lot of lace. (credit:NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Yohanna from Iceland, 2009(11 of15)
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Frozen before Frozen was even Frozen. (credit:Oleg Nikishin via Getty Images)
Jordan from Britain, 2005(12 of15)
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Ok so technically she didn't make it through to the actual show, but Jordan - aka Katie Price's bid for Eurovision glory in a latex catsuit with sparkly corset while heavily pregnant is TV history. (credit:REX)
Joci Papai from Hungary, 2017.(13 of15)
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Is a red bull near? (credit:Michael Campanella via Getty Images)
Nina Kraljic from Croatia, 2016(14 of15)
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So metallic. So futuristic. (credit:Vyacheslav Prokofyev via Getty Images)
Sakis Rouvas from Greece, 2004(15 of15)
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Simon Cowell prepares his imaginary friends for attack. (credit:AP)