Essyla to Represent Belgium at Eurovision 2026

Belgium will be represented by Essyla at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, this May. The announcement comes after speculation surrounding potential candidates, including Loïc Nottet, but RTBF, the French-language Belgian public broadcaster, ultimately selected Essyla to compete.

Essyla’s Journey to Eurovision

Essyla, whose real name is Alice Van Eesbeeck, expressed her excitement about the opportunity, calling it a “dream” she’s pursued since childhood. She will perform “Dancing on the Ice” in the first semi-final on May 12, alongside Israel, whose participation has sparked controversy due to the ongoing violence in Gaza.

Prior to this, Essyla gained recognition in 2022 as a finalist on the ninth season of The Voice Belgique, where she competed against Jérémie Makiese, who went on to represent Belgium at Eurovision 2022 with “Miss You.” She has since worked as a background singer while developing her solo career.

About “Dancing on the Ice”

“Dancing on the Ice” is an electro-pop song created during a Sabam writing camp. The lyrics were co-written by singer-songwriter Benni, with Nicolas D’Avell serving as co-composer and artistic producer. Emil Stengele also contributed to the song’s creation. Essyla’s vocals feature prominently, including the backing vocals, which are recordings of her own voice.

A Unique Musical Style

Essyla’s music is described as quirky, colorful, and poppy, drawing inspiration from jazz, folk, rock, and funk. She sings in English, focusing on themes of feminine power and issues relevant to young women today.

Controversy Surrounding Israel’s Participation

The participation of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 continues to be a point of contention. Unions at VRT and RTBF have called for a boycott of the contest due to the ongoing situation in Gaza. EurovisionCentral reports that the draw placing Belgium in the same semi-final as Israel was anticipated to present challenges.

Belgium’s Eurovision History

Loïc Nottet previously represented Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015 with “Rythm Inside,” achieving a fourth-place finish – Belgium’s best result since 2003. Eurovoix notes that RTBF denied rumors of Nottet’s selection for the 2026 contest last year.