Swiss singer Nemo has clinched victory at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with their genre-defying anthem, “The Code.” The 24-year-old artist’s fusion of opera and hip-hop resonated with both the jury and the audience, propelling them to an impressive score of 591 points. But that’s not all—Nemo’s win marks a historic moment as the first non-binary artist to claim the Eurovision crown.
“Somewhere between the zeroes and the ones, that’s where I found my kingdom come,” Nemo sang in their deeply personal and introspective lyrics. The struggle to accept their non-binary identity was laid bare on the Eurovision stage, captivating viewers worldwide.
While Nemo soared to victory, Croatia’s Baby Lasagna brought the party with their raucous anthem, “Rim Tim Tagi Dim,” securing second place. Greece surprised everyone by landing in 11th place with 126 points, while Cyprus followed closely in 15th place with 78 points.
However, this year’s contest wasn’t without controversy. Protests erupted over Israel’s participation, given the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Eden Golan, Israel’s 20-year-old entrant, faced a mix of boos and cheers during her performance in Malmö, ultimately securing fifth place.
In their victory speech, Nemo emphasized the contest’s role in promoting peace and dignity for all. *”I hope this contest can live up to its promise,”* they declared, waving the infamous crystal microphone trophy. But in a moment of exuberance, the trophy slipped from their grasp, crashing to the stage—an unintended metaphor for the fragility of fame.
Beyond the spotlight, drama unfolded backstage. Dutch contestant Joost Klein faced disqualification after allegedly making “unlawful threats” to a female crew member. The incident led organizers to enforce a “zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behavior.” Dutch broadcaster Avrotros defended the decision, despite Klein’s protests.
Nemo’s win resonated deeply with the LGBTQ community, which has long regarded Eurovision as a safe haven. Last year’s winner, Loreen, who handed Nemo the crystal trophy, praised the contest’s acceptance of diversity and different ways of being. *”It’s a very accepting and loving space,”* she shared with the BBC.
As the confetti settled, fellow non-binary artist Bambie Thug rushed to Nemo’s side, presenting a hand-crafted crown—a symbol of solidarity and celebration. The Eurovision stage had witnessed more than just music; it had become a canvas for self-expression and acceptance.
