Ylvis Brothers Pull Out of Melodi Grand Prix After Israel Row

Photo credit : TVNorge 2013 / HBO Max

Ylvis pulls out of Melodi Grand Prix 2026 after refusing to share the stage with Israel, citing ongoing violations of international law. The duo says they had no choice but to withdraw despite plans for a major comeback.

Norway’s most mischievous musical duo has pulled the plug on their Melodi Grand Prix (MGP) (Norwegian selection for Eurovision) comeback — and they’re not mincing their words. Bård Ylvisåker  and Vegard Ylvisåker have walked away from the competition after refusing to share a stage with Israel, sending shockwaves through fans who were gearing up for a full‑blown Ylvis spectacle, Norwegian newspaper VG reports.

The brothers revealed their decision in a blunt Instagram post, saying they told NRK early on that they wouldn’t participate if Israel remained in the lineup. They pointed directly to «war crimes and violations of international law» as the reason they couldn’t, in good conscience, take part.

According to the duo, they had hoped the EBU would bar Israel from Eurovision this year. But when December rolled around and nothing changed, the brothers say they were left with «no other option» but to withdraw entirely.

It’s a dramatic U‑turn for the pair, who admit they were buzzing at the thought of returning to the MGP stage — and maybe even flying the Norwegian flag at Eurovision. But with the political situation unchanged, they say they simply «cannot guarantee» their participation.

Ylvis, of course, are no strangers to global attention. Their viral megahit «The Fox» has racked up a staggering 1.1 billion views on YouTube — but this time, it’s their silence on the MGP stage that’s making the noise.