Swiss Singer Nemo Wins 2024 Eurovision Song Contest: NPR

Swiss Nemo, who performed “The Code,” celebrates after winning the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, on Saturday.

Martin Messner/AP

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Martin Messner/AP

Swiss Nemo, who performed “The Code,” celebrates after winning the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, on Saturday.

Martin Messner/AP

Switzerland won this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Swiss rapper and singer Nemo’s song “The Code” impressed the judges and audience at the popular annual event held on Saturday in Malmö, Sweden.

“It’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened to me,” the 24-year-old singer said at the press conference following the event.

“The Code” explores the artist’s non-binary identity in a scintillating mix of opera, rap, drum & bass and electronic dance music.

Nemo was one of two non-binary singers to compete in this year’s Eurovision grand finals, alongside Irishman Bambi Thug.

Switzerland narrowly beat pre-competition favourites, Croatia, with 591 votes compared to the runner-up’s 547, in an event not without controversy.

Security measures were tight for the Israeli expatriate, Eden Golan. She received some boos and slumped during her performance but placed highly in the event, coming in fifth place with 375 votes.

Thousands of demonstrators opposing the Israeli war on Gaza gathered outside Malmö Stadium in the days before the finals, demanding Israel’s exclusion.

Meanwhile, Dutch contestant Joost Klein was disqualified just hours before the finals began due to a complaint made by a member of the production team. Police said they were investigating.

Switzerland took first place in the first Eurovision Song Contest in 1956. To date, the country has won only once – in 1988. The best entry that year, “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi”, was performed by a minor artist at the time . – A well-known (and non-Swiss) singer who became one of the most successful singers of all time: Celine Dion.