Olly Alexander Close to Breakdown Over Eurovision Feud

Zayn Williams

May 6, 2024

Olly Alexander Close to Breakdown Over Eurovision Feud

As the vibrant Eurovision Song Contest draws near, Olly Alexander, the charismatic voice behind the former Years & Years, finds himself in a tempest of emotion and controversy. Representing the United Kingdom with his spirited single “Dizzy,” Alexander has been ensnared in a challenging situation, as the event faces intense scrutiny over its location in Israel amidst ongoing conflicts with Palestine.

In an emotionally charged interview with The Times at a Eurovision pre-party in London, Alexander opened up about his struggles. “Yes, I struggled that day. I was holed up in a room trying not to have a breakdown,” he confessed. The pressure of the situation weighed heavily on him, making it difficult to maintain his usual stage-ready composure. “Normally, you get on stage and turn it on, but I felt really unable to do that,” he added, his voice tinged with distress.

The calls for Alexander to withdraw from Eurovision stemmed from concerns about Israel’s involvement in the show during such tumultuous times. The singer expressed his deep empathy for the broader humanitarian issues at play. “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,” he revealed.

Despite these challenges, Alexander holds onto the belief that bringing people together through entertainment can be a force for good. “That’s why I wanted to do Eurovision,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of unity and communication in times of crisis.

The backlash has not only affected Alexander but also resonated throughout the Eurovision community. In response to the mounting pressure, several performers from different countries, including Denmark’s SABA, Finland’s Windows95Man, and Ireland’s Bambie Thug, released a joint statement. They expressed their solidarity with the oppressed and their commitment to fostering an environment of peace and understanding. “We stand united against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and islamophobia,” the statement read, underlining the transformative power of music to bridge divides.

For Olly Alexander, this year’s Eurovision is more than a competition; it’s a profound journey through personal and political landscapes, reminding us all of the resilience required to navigate the complex realities of our world. As he steps onto the Eurovision stage, he carries not just the hopes of his fans but also a heartfelt desire to contribute to a world that cherishes peace over conflict and unity over division.

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Silvester Belt: A Lithuanian LGBTQ+ Trailblazer at Eurovision

Zayn Williams

May 5, 2024

Silvester Belt: A Lithuanian LGBTQ+ Trailblazer at Eurovision

Silvester Belt is buzzing through the Eurovision Song Contest circles this year, not just for his hypnotic eurobanger “Luktelk,” but for making history as the first openly LGBTQ+ artist to represent Lithuania in the competition. With over five million Spotify streams worldwide and dominating the Lithuanian charts, Belt’s musical influence is undeniable. But it’s his outspoken nature and advocacy for LGBTQ+ visibility that’s capturing hearts beyond the music.

Belt’s journey to Eurovision is as much about talent as it is about bravery. From his early days as a 12-year-old finalist in Lithuania’s preselection for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest to winning the music show Aš – superhitas in 2017, Belt has consistently risen above challenges. Yet, despite his success, he has confronted significant resistance and homophobia within Lithuania—a country where being out and proud carries substantial risks.

Discussing the sparse LGBTQ+ representation in Lithuania’s music scene with PinkNews, Belt expressed frustration, highlighting the prevalent culture of fear among artists. He noted, “Everyone is pretending to be what they’re not, and it p***es me off so much.” This culture stems partly from legal and societal pressures; same-sex marriage remains illegal in Lithuania, and a 2020 survey revealed that 60% of LGBTQ+ Lithuanians never disclose their identity publicly.

Despite these challenges, Belt’s appearance at Eurovision as an out bisexual man is a significant step towards change. His candidness about his identity is a refreshing departure from the norm. He likens being open about one’s sexuality to stating a simple fact, like having blue eyes, and insists it shouldn’t be relegated to the realm of the private or taboo.

At Eurovision, Belt has found solidarity with other LGBTQ+ artists, forging what he calls his “LGBTQ+ gang,” which includes notables like the UK’s Olly Alexander and Ireland’s Bambie Thug. This support network has turned the competition into a safer and more welcoming space for him, illustrating the power of community.

Belt doesn’t aim to be a poster child for LGBTQ+ representation, but he recognizes the impact of his visibility. “As much as I’m probably gonna trigger a lot of people with just my being, I feel like at the same time, it is a big thing for the rest of us,” he shared. For many young LGBTQ+ individuals in Lithuania and beyond, seeing Belt on such a prominent platform offers hope and encouragement—a sentiment that can spark much-needed conversations and, ideally, foster acceptance.

As Eurovision 2024 approaches, with Belt set to perform in the first semi-final on May 7, all eyes will be on him—not just for his musical performance but for his role in advancing LGBTQ+ visibility on an international stage. His journey is a vivid illustration of the challenges and triumphs faced by LGBTQ+ artists globally, and a reminder of the transformative power of representation in popular culture.

B-GayIt\'s So You!

B-GayIt\'s So You!

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