Switzerland’s Nemo, who performed the song “The Code”, celebrates after winning the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden on Saturday.
Martin Meissner/AP
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Martin Meissner/AP
Switzerland’s Nemo, who performed the song “The Code”, celebrates after winning the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden on Saturday.
Martin Meissner/AP
Switzerland has won this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Swiss rapper and singer Nemo’s song “The Code” impressed both the jury and the public at the popular annual event held Saturday in Malmö, Sweden.
“It’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened to me,” the 24-year-old singer said at a press conference after the incident.
“The Code” explores the artist’s non-binary identity in a heady mashup of opera, rap, drum-and-bass and electronic dance music.
Nemo was one of two non-binary singers to compete in the Eurovision Grand Final this year, along with Ireland’s Bambi Thug.
Switzerland defeated pre-contest favorites Croatia by a slim margin – earning 591 votes compared to the runner-up’s 547 – in an event that was not without controversy.
Security was tight for Eden Golan entering Israel. She received some boos during her performance and had to withdraw, but she remained high on the program and finished 5th with 375 votes.
Thousands of protesters protesting Israel’s war in Gaza rallied outside Malmö Arena in the days before the final and demanded Israel’s disqualification.
Meanwhile, Dutch contestant Joost Klein was disqualified hours before the start of the final over a complaint lodged by a female production team member. Police said they are investigating.
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Switzerland took first place in the first Eurovision Song Contest in 1956. So far, the country has won only once, in 1988. That year’s top entry, “Ne partez pas sans moi”, was performed by a younger artist at the time. -Famous (and non-Swiss) singer who went on to become one of the most successful singers of all time: Celine Dion.
