The Eurovision Song Contest is known for pulling out all the stops with its surprises each year, and it came as quite the shock to UK fans when it was revealed Boy George had a link to this year’s competition – but for a different nation.
Ever since it was revealed that Boy George had an uncredited role in San Marino’s entry song Superstar, speculation has been rife as to whether he would represent San Marino and perform during the competition.
San Marino has been represented at Eurovision 15 times, but has never quite found the recipe for success. The nation is being represented by SENHIT, who has previously taken part in Eurovision three times but has never quite reached heights on the leaderboard.
But could Boy George be their secret to triumph? As we wait to find out, here’s everything you need to know about Boy George’s link to San Marino and Eurovision.
Who is Boy George representing at Eurovision 2026?
Technically, Boy George isn’t representing a nation at Eurovision, but has been confirmed as part of San Marino’s entry for the song contest.
As artists don’t need to be a national of the country they represent, so it isn’t an issue for Boy George to join Senhit – but will he be doing so on stage?
Is Boy George performing at Eurovision 2026?
At the time of reporting, Boy George is expected to join Senhit on stage for her performance of Superstar.
In an interview with Eurovision Fun ahead of the competition, Senhit said that Boy George was “absolutely” performing with her.
“This is something that was discussed with Boy George, I will go to him next week [as he’s been touring America] just to start to talk about staging and all the things,” she said.
“And he knew that the possibility to go to Vienna. He said absolutely I will be involved with you, and I will be on stage with you. So yeah absolutely you will see him for sure. For sure.”
What has Boy George said about Eurovision 2026?
Last month, Boy George responded to those who had criticised his taking part in Eurovision, saying: “I have many, many Jewish friends that I’ve had since I was 15 or 16 years old.
“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.
“From the beginning of my career I wore a Jewish star. Go back and look at pictures of Culture Club. I am so affiliated with Jewish people. I am not necessarily affiliated with Israel. I don’t really have an opinion on that. But the job of music is to unite people.“
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The Eurovision Song Contest has faced significant criticism over its decision to allow Israel to take part in the event due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
This year, a number of countries will boycott the contest following the European Broadcasting Union’s decision not to expel Israel from the competition.
At the EBU general assembly in December 2025, a vote was held to introduce new rules that would stop governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to influence voters. No vote was held on Israel’s participation.
The EBU said in a statement: “A large majority of members agreed that there was no need for a further vote on participation and that the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 should proceed as planned, with the additional safeguards in place.”
Following this, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland confirmed they would not participate in this year’s Eurovision.
Irish broadcaster RTÉ said: “RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there, which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk.”
The BBC, which broadcasts the competition in the UK, has said it supports the decision made by the EBU. “This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive,” it said in a statement.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 final will take place on Saturday 16 May 2026.
You can also check out the full list of Eurovision winners and how many times the UK has won Eurovision.
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