A viral claim that Israeli Eurovision winner Netta Barzilai is replacing Macklemore on Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour is not supported by any official announcement.
As of 16 September, neither Sheeran, his team nor tour promoter Messina Touring Group has named Barzilai as a replacement. The rumour surfaced online after Macklemore's pro-Palestinian remarks at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey led to his removal from the remaining US dates.
Netta Barzilai Rumour Has No Official Confirmation
The speculation appears to have originated with a satirical social media post claiming Sheeran had announced Barzilai as Macklemore's replacement. The post gained attention against the backdrop of the controversy surrounding Macklemore's removal.
🚨Ed Sheeran announces he will be replacing Macklemore as his headliner with Israeli pop star Netta Barzilai. pic.twitter.com/CYXV15inQ4
— Poo Crave (@Poo_Crave) September 15, 2026
However, no such announcement appears on Sheeran's official channels, and reports covering changes to the Loop Tour have not identified Barzilai as a replacement.
The Israeli singer's inclusion in the rumour is particularly notable because Macklemore's removal followed controversy over his pro-Palestinian statements. But there is currently no evidence connecting Barzilai to Sheeran's tour.
Who Is Netta Barzilai?
Netta Barzilai, 33, is an Israeli singer and looping artist best known for winning the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest with 'Toy.' Born in Hod HaSharon, Israel, she studied at the Rimon School of Music and previously served in the Israeli military, including with the Israeli Navy Band.
Barzilai reached Eurovision after winning the Israeli talent show HaKokhav HaBa before taking the contest's top prize with 529 points. 'Toy' later reached No. 1 on Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart.
Her Israeli nationality and military service have also made her a target of boycott campaigns by some pro-Palestinian activists. Barzilai has generally built her public image around music, body positivity and individuality rather than political activism.
Why Was Macklemore Dropped From the 'Loop' Tour?
Macklemore had been due to support Sheeran across eight remaining US stadium dates before Messina Touring Group removed him from the line-up.
The decision followed his 4 and 5 September performances at MetLife Stadium, where he said 'Free Palestine' and performed 'Hind's Hall,' a song critical of Israel's military campaign in Gaza. His appearances prompted criticism from groups including the Israeli American Council and StopAntisemitism.
Messina Touring Group later said venues scheduled to host upcoming concerts had informed the promoter they would not allow Macklemore to perform. According to the promoter, retaining him could therefore have resulted in cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of concertgoers.
Sheeran subsequently said removing Macklemore was not his decision. He said he had spoken with venues in an attempt to resolve the situation but was told their position was final.
Macklemore, meanwhile, said he and Sheeran had held a week of 'difficult conversations' that ultimately ended in a 'fundamental disagreement' over the issue.
Support Acts Withdraw After Macklemore Exit
The controversy subsequently widened when several other artists scheduled to support Sheeran withdrew.
Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Irish group Beoga announced they would no longer participate in scheduled appearances, with statements from the artists linking their decisions to Palestine or Macklemore's removal.
The withdrawals have left the Loop Tour facing questions over its supporting line-up, but they have not resulted in an official announcement naming Barzilai as a replacement.
For now, the answer to the viral question is straightforward: Netta Barzilai has not been announced for Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour. Unless Sheeran or Messina Touring Group confirms otherwise, the claim remains an online rumour rather than a genuine tour announcement.
