The Eurovision Song Contest final in Malmo, Sweden was filled with tension and controversy leading up to the event. Protests erupted over Israel’s involvement in the competition, a contestant was suspended just before the show began, and clashes between police and pro-Palestinian demonstrators occurred outside the arena. However, once the final began, the focus shifted to the high-camp spectacle typically associated with Eurovision. Performances included singers emoting about lost loves, near-naked dancers, and a performer climbing out of a giant egg. In the end, Nemo representing Switzerland won with their catchy track “The Code,” becoming the country’s first Eurovision winner since Celine Dion in 1988.
Nemo, a nonbinary performer who rapped and sang operatically about their journey to self-realization, received 591 points from music industry juries and viewers at home, beating out Baby Lasagna from Croatia. Israeli singer Eden Golan, who was at the center of pre-contest protests, finished fifth with 375 points. Despite some audience members booing as Golan performed her song “Hurricane,” others cheered to drown out the dissent. The controversy around Israel’s participation stemmed from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with pro-Palestinian groups and Eurovision fans urging organizers to ban Israel from the competition.
The European Broadcasting Union, which oversees Eurovision, dismissed calls to exclude Israel, citing the contest as a singing competition rather than a political forum. Israel has been a participant in Eurovision since 1973, despite not being part of Europe. The final in Malmo saw continued controversy surrounding Israel’s involvement, with organizers banning the display of certain symbols or slogans that might incite dissent. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the final included subtle gestures such as a singer from Portugal wearing fake nails with a checkered pattern resembling the Palestinian scarf.
In addition to the Israel controversy, another crisis emerged just hours before the final when the Netherlands’ entry, Joost Klein, was banned from participating. Klein was suspected of making unlawful threats toward a Eurovision employee, leading to his disqualification from the competition. Although some fans protested Klein’s absence by singing his song in the arena, the event ultimately concluded on an optimistic note with Nemo being crowned the winner. After accepting the trophy, Nemo expressed hope that the contest would continue to stand for peace and dignity for people around the world.
