Switzerland's Nemo wins 2024 Eurovision song contest
MALMO, Sweden — Switzerland’s Nemo has won the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden.
The non-binary singer, 24, in a pink skirt and fluffy jumper, balanced on a tipping metal disc as they sang their opera-dance blend track "The Code" on Saturday evening.
Tearfully accepting the trophy, Nemo said: “I want to say thank you so much – I hope this contest can live up to its promise and continue to stand for peace and dignity for every person in this world.”
The final results were Switzerland with 591 points, while Croatia’s Baby Lasagna with catchy and outrageous "Rim Tim Tagi Dim" was given 547 points and Ukraine’s Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil with the emotional and religious song "Teresa & Maria" landed on 453 points.
The competition has been mired in controversy surrounding the participation of Israel’s Eden Golan, and a large group of demonstrators were outside Malmö Arena as the acts performed.
Several protesters have also been detained and taken away by police, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Earlier in the day, the Netherlands’ entry Joost Klein was disqualified by Eurovision organisers following an incident between the singer and a camerawoman.
This move was strongly criticized by the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, who called the penalty “very heavy and disproportionate”.
Ireland’s Bambie Thug, who entered with the gothic "Doomsday Blue" received 136 points and finished sixth place.
U.K. entrant Olly Alexander did not finish dead last with dance pop track "Dizzy," but did receive the dreaded “nul points” from the audience vote.
He ended up landing in 18th place.
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