Loïc Nottet has withdrawn from representing Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, with Essyla, a former finalist on The Voice, taking his place following controversy surrounding Israel’s participation.
Summary
Loïc Nottet almost made a comeback. But he said no! According to reports confirmed by various Belgian media outlets on Saturday, February 14, 2026, the winner of Dancing with the Stars had given the green light to represent Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 once again. The song was reportedly ready for months, and the singer and dancer was set to return to Bern, Switzerland, eleven years after his previous appearance. He shone in 2015 with his song Rhythm Inside, which earned him fourth place in the competition.
However, things shifted in December when the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), led by Delphine Ernotte-Cunci, approved Israel’s participation in the contest. Following this decision, numerous countries announced their withdrawal in protest. Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland announced their immediate withdrawal. Belgium and France, however, maintained their participation. The issue? Loïc Nottet ultimately declined, fearing controversy and potential clashes related to Israel’s participation in the contest. The Eurovision Song Contest has increasingly become a platform for political statements alongside musical competition.
Loïc Nottet replaced by the one he took the spot from
the Belgian delegation needed to find a new candidate, turning to the finalist who had previously been sidelined following Nottet’s acceptance. According to Clément Garin and Belgian media, young singer Essyla, who was a finalist on The Voice Belgique, has agreed to represent Belgium at the 2026 contest. She will succeed Red Sebastian and Mustii, who were unable to qualify Belgium for the finals in the past two years. In 2023, Gustaph achieved a respectable 7th place. The song is expected to be in English, continuing a trend that began with Nuno Resende’s participation in 2005.
In France, the mystery lasts a little too long
The Belgian delegation has not yet officially announced Essyla’s selection or Nottet’s withdrawal. However, things are expected to move quickly in the coming hours. In France, the mystery also continues. The French delegation, headed by Alexandra Redde-Amiel, has been unusually slow to officially announce a candidate. Last year, Louane was officially announced at the end of January. Two years prior, they announced Slimane in November. For this edition, the name of Linh is consistently surfacing. Whether that’s accurate remains to be seen.
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