The 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest concluded on a high note, with Switzerland’s Nemo emerging victorious with their powerful song “The Code.” However, the grand finale in Malmö, Sweden, was overshadowed by political tensions and controversies that threatened to undermine the event’s spirit of unity through music.
Nemo’s Historic Win
Nemo made history by becoming the first non-binary winner in Eurovision’s annals, securing 591 points with their operatic pop-rap ode to embracing one’s true self. Their theatrical performance and impeccable delivery captivated audiences and juries alike, propelling Switzerland to its third victory after previous wins in 1956 and 1988 (with Celine Dion). [1]
Israel’s Controversial Participation
The inclusion of Israel’s representative, Eden Golan, sparked widespread protests from Palestinians and their supporters, who called for a boycott and a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. Thousands rallied outside the Malmö Arena, with climate activist Greta Thunberg among the demonstrators. Despite facing boos during rehearsals, Golan’s powerful ballad “Hurricane” earned her a respectable fifth place, garnering praise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. [2][3]
Disqualification and Rule Violations
The Netherlands’ Joost Klein was disqualified from the final after an alleged incident involving a Eurovision employee, leading to the European Broadcasting Union’s investigation and his last-minute exclusion. [2] Meanwhile, French contestant Slimane and Irish singer Bambie Thug were accused of violating the “no politics” rule, with Slimane interrupting his performance to call for unity and love, and Thug accusing the Israeli broadcaster of inciting violence against them. [2][4]
A Divided Contest
The political tensions and controversies cast a shadow over the event, with competing musicians facing social media abuse and pressure to remain silent. Italian contestant Angelina Mango performed John Lennon’s “Imagine” as a statement for peace, while last year’s winner, Loreen, urged people not to let the “community of love” that is Eurovision be dismantled. [3]
A Night of Surprises
Despite the controversies, the grand finale delivered its fair share of surprises and memorable moments. The UK’s Olly Alexander finished a disappointing 18th, while Croatia’s Baby Lasagna and Italy’s Angelina Mango defied Eurovision’s reputation for bland eurodance with their rock and steelpan numbers, respectively. [4] Graham Norton’s witty commentary and Joanna Lumley’s impressive jury spokesperson performance added to the night’s highlights. [4]
As the dust settles on Eurovision 2024, Nemo’s victory stands as a beacon of hope for inclusivity and acceptance, even as the event grapples with the challenges of navigating political tensions on a global stage. [1][2][5]
Citations:
[1] https://www.euronews.com/culture/2024/05/12/eurovision-song-contest-2024-follow-live
[2] https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/story/eurovision-2024-winner
[3] https://apnews.com/article/eurovision-song-contest-final-israel-protests-09e31963ed7db607ea137c9333eabf87
[4] https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/may/12/eurovision-2024-everything-we-learned-from-to-the-uk-wild-unpopularity
[5] https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/may/12/switzerland-wins-eurovision-song-contest-after-controversial-grand-final
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