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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.

Related: Olly Alexander Asked to Withdraw from Eurovision

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.

Related: Olly Alexander and Graham Norton Dish on Eurovision’s High Stakes

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