Boy George might not have made it through to the Eurovision final with San Marino, but still had a “fabulous” time making his somewhat surreal appearance on one of the world’s biggest stages.
The Culture Club star joined the country’s 2026 entry SENHIT onstage in Vienna, Austria, during the first semi-final, where they performed her song “Superstar” together.
Fans might have been surprised to see the “Karma Chameleon” singer onstage at Eurovision on Tuesday night (12 May), however, he was confirmed as part of San Marino’s entry months earlier.
Technically, he was not representing the country, but as the Eurovision rules state, artists are not required to be a national of the country they perform on behalf of.
Unfortunately, San Marino failed to make it to the final, as just 10 countries were able to be voted through.
Posting to X, Boy George admitted he was “sad” not to be competing in the final on Saturday (16 May), but had still enjoyed his time in the contest.
“If you voted for us, thank you so much, I was sad we didn't get through to the final but my [Eurovision] experience has been fabulous,” he wrote.
“I wouldn't take a minute of it back. Thanks to SENHIT and the entire San Marino delegation. What a fun bunch.”
If you voted for us, thank you so much, I was sad we didn't get through to the final but my @eurovision experience has been fabulous. I wouldn't take a minute of it back. Thanlks to @senhitofficial and the entire San Marino delegation. What a fun bunch. We will perform together…
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) May 12, 2026
Boy George also revealed that he and SENHIT would be performing together again in Milan, in July, as part of his Culture Club show.
SENHIT has previously brought in big names for San Marino, most recently with US rapper Flo Rida, who joined her in 2021 for her entry “Adrenalina”.
Boy George, 64, made his appearance towards the end of the song, where he delivers the lyrics: “All the boys at the bar sipping cool champagne/ All the girls on the dance floor freaking insane/ You’re a superstar.”
The pop singer wore a version of his signature high-crowned bowler hats with a mirror mosaic design, matched with glittering blue eyeshadow.
Speaking to Eurovisionfun in April, SENHIT confirmed that Boy George would be joining her onstage: “This is something that was discussed with Boy George,” she said. “He’s in America touring right now. I will go to him next week to start talking about staging and all the things.
“He said absolutely I will be involved with you, and I will be on stage with you. So yeah, you will see him for sure.”
Most of Eurovision’s first semi-final in Vienna went ahead without incident, with the exception of Israel’s entry, Noam Bettan.
As the 28-year-old singer began his performance of “Michelle”, an audience member could be heard repeatedly shouting “stop the genocide”.
Significant controversy has loomed over this year’s song contest due to the continued participation of Israel over its war on Gaza.
Five countries, including Spain, Italy, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands, withdrew from the 2026 event in protest.
Despite the interruption, however, Israel was voted through and will compete in the final on Saturday.
Other countries to make it through include Finland with Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen, who are the current favourites to win this year, and Greece’s popular entry Akylas with his energetic song “Ferto”.
Thursday’s semi-final will see countries such as Romania, Cyprus, Ukraine and Bulgaria competing, along with performances from the UK, France and host country Austria.
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