Boy George: Why is British singer representing San Marino at Eurovision Song Contest 2026?

This marks the 64-year-old's debut appearance at the song contest, whilst Senhit returns for her third outing representing the microstate.

Superstar was selected through San Marino’s national selection process earlier this year, with Boy George joining the project after collaborating closely with Senhit on the disco-inspired entry.

The Culture Club icon previously described the Eurovision offer as a “bonkers request" but admitted he was drawn to the performance because it felt “camp” and suited the more unconventional projects he now enjoys pursuing.

San Marino’s broadcaster SMRTV has increasingly looked to recruit internationally recognised stars to boost the microstate’s visibility on the Eurovision stage, with officials previously speaking of a strategy to attract major British names to promote tourism and raise the country’s profile.

Senhit herself is no stranger to such collaborations, having previously represented San Marino alongside American rapper Flo Rida in 2021.

Although Boy George only appeared via LED visuals during the San Marino Song Contest final in March, the pair secured victory and later reunited for live rehearsals in Vienna ahead of this week’s semi-final.

San Marino faces the challenge of securing a place among the top ten acts from the semi-final to progress to Saturday's grand final on May 16th.

The competition, taking place in Vienna this year, features 35 participating nations, the smallest field since 2003 following a partial boycott over Israel's involvement.

The Karma Chameleon singer has faced mounting pressure from members of the public urging him to withdraw from Eurovision in protest at Israel's participation.

Speaking to Sky News, Boy George firmly rejected such calls, framing the issue in personal terms.

"Are people asking me as a principled human being to turn my back on my Jewish friends? It's not going to happen, it's never going to happen," he said.

The musician pointed to friendships stretching back to his teenage years as evidence of his deep connection to the Jewish community.

"I have many, many Jewish friends that I've had since I was 15 or 16 years old," he explained, noting that he wore a Star of David from the earliest days of Culture Club.

However, he drew a clear distinction between his personal relationships and geopolitics, adding: "I am not necessarily affiliated with Israel. I don't really have an opinion on that."

Israel's continued presence at Eurovision has proved deeply divisive, with Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland and Ireland all pulling out of this year's contest in protest.

The withdrawal of Ireland, a seven-time winner of the competition, carries particular significance for Boy George given his family heritage.

"Ireland is my mother's home country. I hope they're not too angry. But if they are, that's out of my control," he told Sky News.

The singer has also added his name to an open letter backing Israel's inclusion, alongside figures including Dame Helen Mirren, Mila Kunis and Kiss star Gene Simmons.

The letter expressed support for Israel's participation, with signatories stating they were "shocked and disappointed" by calls to exclude the country from the contest.

Footage from the first dress rehearsal in Vienna has drawn a mixed response from Eurovision fans online.

A clip shared on social media platform X prompted criticism, with one viewer writing: "Boy George is giving absolutely nothing."

Another commenter suggested the performer appeared disoriented, whilst a third declared: "Oh they are so not qualifying."

However, one person commented: "I actually really like it."

"It's catchy!" another added.