Johnny Logan turns down Eurovision 2026 role in support of Ireland's boycott
- aussievision
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Australian-born Eurovision legend Johnny Logan has revealed he turned down multiple offers to be part of Eurovision 2026 in Vienna.
The three-time winner said he had been approached several times to appear at this year’s 70th anniversary Contest but declined in support of Ireland’s boycott.
Speaking on Ireland AM, Johnny said: "I’ve been asked three times, four times to be involved with the Eurovision Song Contest, the actual show this year, and I’ve had to say no because of my support."
He confirmed that decision was tied directly to backing Ireland’s stance.
He said: “I just… I was asked to make my decision. My decision is to support the Irish Government and the Irish television position on this.”
Johnny has been outspoken on the issue more broadly since Ireland chose to boycott Eurovision 2026.
He said: “I really think that what Ireland, what RTÉ, have done is exactly the right thing to do. I support them 100%.”
He also said: “I really feel that in this case, RTÉ definitely made the right decision.”
Addressing criticism of his position, Johnny said: “I’m not antisemitic, and I’m not pro-Hamas or anything like that. Quite the opposite.”
A Eurovision icon with Australian ties
Johnny remains one of Eurovision’s most iconic figures, often dubbed “Mr Eurovision” after winning the contest twice as a performer and once as a songwriter.
He has also appeared at the Contest since, most recently in 2024 as an interval act.
Born in Frankston, Victoria, his Australian connection runs throughout his life and career, with his parents later living in Australia.
He first won in 1980 with What’s Another Year before returning in 1987 to win again with Hold Me Now, which became a major hit in Australia, reaching no.4 and spending 35 weeks in the Top 100.
He later completed a unique hat-trick by writing Linda Martin’s 1992 winning entry Why Me?
After that victory, Johnny sent a message from the stage to his parents watching from Australia, saying: “To my mother and father, who are going to see this in Australia on Monday, I love you.”
Eurovision 2026 controversy continues
Ireland is among five countries to take a stand over Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026.
Johnny’s decision adds further weight to the ongoing debate about the nation's participation.
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