Sander Silva & Victorjus Quit MGP Norway: Call Israel’s Participation in Eurovision «Tragic»

Sander Silva and Victorjus withdraw from Norway’s MGP, calling Israel’s Eurovision participation «Tragic»; reports TV 2 Norway. Their exit follows the Ylvis brothers’ shock withdrawal as controversy grows around Eurovision 2026.

Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix is losing artists at record speed — and now Sander Silva and Victorjus have dramatically pulled out of the competition, citing Israel’s continued place in Eurovision as the breaking point.

According to TV 2 Norway (Norwegian Pay TV channel), the duo announced their withdrawal on Instagram, where they delivered a blunt message about why they refuse to take the MGP stage this year.

«Tragic that Israel is allowed to participate»

In their statement, the artists wrote that they found it «tragic that Israel was allowed to participate in Eurovision at the same time as serious war crimes have been committed against Palestinians in Gaza».

The pair were among the eight acts scheduled to battle for the final ticket to the MGP grand final — a slot that now stands empty. They added that they cannot in good conscience compete in a contest that leads directly to Eurovision, given the current political climate and the European Broadcasting Union’s decision to keep Israel in the line‑up.

Another blow to MGP Norway

Their exit follows the high‑profile withdrawal of Bård and Vegard Ylvisåker, who also stepped away from MGP just days earlier. The growing list of artists backing out has sparked intense debate among fans and commentators.

Host broadcaster NRK are still cowards and them are joined by other cowards like DR in Denmark and SVT in Sweden and YLE in Finland!