At Eurovision 2024 in Malmö, Sweden, Switzerland’s Nemo won with "The Code". But the event was marred by the booing of Israel’s contestant and the removal of the Dutch singer. This article explores the highs and lows of the competition.
Hey there, music lovers and Eurovision enthusiasts! 🎶 The Eurovision Song Contest is always a highlight on the global music calendar, a time when countries across Europe (and a few beyond) come together to showcase their musical talent. But this year’s 68th edition, held in the charming city of Malmö, Sweden, was a real roller - coaster ride, filled with both triumphs and controversies. So, let’s unpack what went down!
The Shining Star: Switzerland’s Nemo Takes the Crown
Amidst all the drama, there was one shining moment that stole the show—Switzerland’s Nemo emerged victorious with their song "The Code". Now, who is this Nemo, you ask? Well, Nemo is a 24 - year - old non - binary artist who has been making waves in the music scene. Their win is not only a personal triumph but also a significant moment for representation. Nemo is the first non - binary artist to win the Eurovision Song Contest, and they’ve brought a fresh, unique sound to the table. 🎸
"The Code" is a musical masterpiece that blends elements of opera, bass drum, rap, and rock. It’s like a musical adventure that takes you on a journey through different genres. Nemo’s performance on stage was equally captivating. They jumped onto a spinning platform, adding an extra layer of visual excitement to their already powerful vocals. The lyrics of the song, which touch on themes of self - discovery, especially in relation to Nemo’s non - binary identity, resonated with audiences around the world. With a total of 591 points, Nemo outshone the competition, including the runner - up from Croatia with 547 points and the Ukrainian contestant who took the bronze. It’s been nearly 40 years since Switzerland last won the Eurovision Song Contest, and this victory is a huge deal for the country’s music scene. It’s like a long - awaited homecoming for Swiss music lovers! 🇨🇭
The Booing of Israel: A Cloud over the Competition
However, not all was rosy at the Eurovision Song Contest this year. One of the most talked - about controversies revolved around the Israeli contestant, Eden Golan. Golan was set to perform his song "Hurricane" (originally titled "October Rain", a reference that was changed due to its sensitive nature). As soon as he took the stage, he was met with a chorus of boos from the audience. 😔
The reasons behind this are complex and tied to the ongoing geopolitical situation. The Eurovision Song Contest is meant to be a non - political event, a celebration of music and unity. But in reality, it’s hard to separate the event from the world around us. The booing of Golan was seen by many as a reflection of the political tensions in the Middle East, particularly the Israel - Palestine conflict. Protests were held outside the venue in Malmö, with thousands of demonstrators carrying Palestinian flags and chanting slogans. Inside the venue, security was tight, and the atmosphere was charged. Golan managed to power through his performance and still managed to place fifth with 375 points, but the booing left a sour taste in the mouths of many. It raises questions about the role of politics in a musical event that aims to bring people together. Should such political statements, even in the form of booing, have a place at Eurovision? It’s a debate that’s been raging on social media and in living rooms around the world.
The Dutch Drama: A Controversial Removal
If the booing of the Israeli contestant wasn’t enough, there was another major controversy involving the Dutch entry. Joost Klein, the Dutch singer, was removed from the competition before his performance. The reason? He was wearing a tie with the word "Europapa" on it, which the organizers deemed to be a political statement. The Dutch delegation was furious, and so were many fans and fellow contestants. 🤬
Klein’s song "Europapa" was well - received in the Netherlands, and there was a lot of anticipation for his performance. The removal led to a wave of support for Klein. Finnish singer Käärijä, who was a runner - up in the previous Eurovision Song Contest and a friend of Klein, refused to participate in the score - giving process in protest. The BBC’s host, Graham Norton, even mentioned Klein and his song on air, saying it was a great song. People at the event showed their support in various ways, from chanting Klein’s song to using Dutch words during their performances. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the Eurovision Song Contest, faced a lot of criticism for its decision. It once again highlighted the blurred lines between what is considered political and what is artistic expression in the context of the competition. The incident left many wondering if the rules were being applied fairly and if the EBU was stifling creativity and freedom of expression.
The Future of Eurovision: Lessons Learned?
As we look back on Eurovision 2024, it’s clear that this year’s event will be remembered for more than just the music. The controversies have sparked important conversations about politics, representation, and the rules of the competition. Moving forward, the EBU will need to carefully consider how to handle similar situations in the future. Should there be more clear - cut rules about what constitutes a political statement? Or should the focus be more on the music, allowing artists more freedom to express themselves? 🤔
For fans, it’s a reminder that while Eurovision is a celebration of music, it’s also a reflection of the world we live in. We can hope that in the future, the contest will find a way to navigate these tricky waters and once again become a beacon of unity through music. After all, that’s what Eurovision is all about at its core. So, what do you think? How should Eurovision handle these issues in the future? Let’s start a conversation in the comments below! 🗨️
Until next time, keep listening to great music and stay tuned for more Eurovision drama! 🎵