Boy George Defends Israel at Eurovision

0:00It's April 19th. This is Entertainment and Celebrity News today, your AI-powered source for all things entertainment. Boy George is clapping back at folks mad about his Eurovision gig. He's linking up with Italian singer Senhid to Rep Samirino in the Big Show next month. The drama? Organizers let Israel compete, despite heavy pushback to boot them out. That call back in December sparked chaos. Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia all pulled out and some nations are scrambling to even find performers. Eurovision's always been about unity through tunes, but this year's got real tension. Boy George ain't back and down. He points to his lifelong Jewish pals from his teen days and how he rocked a Jewish star early in his culture club run. He says music's job is to bring people together, not divide them over politics. Over a thousand artists, including Boy George, signed an open letter backing Israel spot. Big names like Helen Mirren, Meal Akunis and Amy Schumer jumped on it too.

1:01They call boycotts a shock, stressing shared love for music over divides. The 70th Eurovision hits Vienna, Austria, after last year's win by JJ from Switzerland with wasted love. Boy George is standing firm, letting the music do the talking as the spotlight heats up.