Non-binary singer and rapper Nemo wins Eurovision
May 13, 2024Switzerland clinched the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 title on Saturday in the Swedish city of Malmo, outperforming runner-up Croatia.
As ‘USA Today’ reports, Swiss rapper and singer Nemo, 24, secured the victory with ‘The Code,’ a unique blend of drum-and-bass, opera, rap, and rock lyrics reflecting Nemo’s journey as a non-binary individual.
Image Credit: Canva
“I hope this contest can live up to its promise and continue to stand for peace and dignity for every person in this world,” Nemo stated upon accepting the Eurovision trophy onstage.
“To know that a song that has changed my life and a song where I just speak about my story has touched so many people and maybe inspired other people to stay true to their story is the most insane thing that has ever happened to me,” Nemo remarked during a press conference. This win marks Switzerland’s third in Eurovision history, their first since Celine Dion's 1988 victory with ‘Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi.’
In Zurich, celebrations erupted in bars when the winner was announced, with Swiss fans singing along as Nemo performed a victory version of ‘The Code.’
“I think it's just great, Nemo is fantastic,” exclaimed Maha Nater, a 24-year-old kindergarten worker revealing in the victory downtown after the lengthy contest.
Shortly after, one karaoke bar played Queen’s ‘We Are the Champions,’ with patrons singing along.
Nater highlighted that Nemo's win paves the way for greater acceptance and visibility for non-binary individuals, stating, “It sets an example to follow.”
Croatia’s Baby Lasagna, real-life Marko Purisic, 28, secured the second place with ‘Rim Tim Tagi Dim,’ a track about a young man’s desire to transform into a “city boy” with broader horizons.
In the final, 25 countries competed after Dutch performer Joost Klein was disqualified following a complaint from a production crew member, an issue still under scrutiny by the European Broadcasting Union.
Votes from viewers comprised half of the scores on Saturday’s final, with the other half determined by juries consisting of five music professionals from each country.
The Eurovision trophy, a classic microphone-shaped glass ornament with sandblasted and painted details, is awarded to the winner, who also earns the right to host the next year’s contest.
The trophy was accidentally broken by Nemo shortly after receipt, but it was promptly replaced.
“I didn't just break the code, I also broke the trophy,” Nemo quipped, laughing during the post-victory news conference.
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