Non-binary winner ‘really sad’ about protests at Eurovision... as public gives UK ‘nul points’
WINNER Nemo yesterday branded chaotic scenes and protests at the Eurovision final as “really sad” – insisting the song contest should have been about “love and unity”.
The Swiss singer, the first non-binary winner, wrote the song The Code as a hybrid of opera and hip-hop to explain coming to terms with their identity. The UK’s Olly Alexander flopped on the night receiving “nul points” from the public.
But the winner, 24, said: “This whole experience was really intense, and not just pleasant all the way. There were a lot of things that didn’t seem like it was all about love and unity.And that made me really sad.”
But Nemo added: “There was so much coming together and there were so many different cultures meeting and people that just are full of positivity, love for music – that really gives me hope.
“We need to work to create such an environment. I hope Eurovision continues to stand for peace and love. I think that needs a lot of work.”
This year’s competition was mired in controversy surrounding the participation of Israel’s Eden
Golan – and a large group of demonstrators were outside Malmo Arena in Sweden during the performances.
Several protesters were taken away by police, including Swedish climate activist
Greta Thunberg.
The Eurovision jury spokesperson for Israel was booed before announcing the country awarded its 12 points to Luxembourg and a similar noise was heard as Golan, 20, performed. Earlier, Holland’s entry Joost Klein was disqualified by the organisers after an incident between the singer and a camerawoman.
For the UK, it was a familiar story as Alexander, 33, failed to win over the other countries. The Years & Years singer received the dreaded “nul points” from the public but was saved from last place by the jury vote. His song Dizzy received 46 points to put him in 18th place.
He posted: “Nemo! You did it! I’m so proud of you. It’s been such an honour to be on this journey. You broke the code.” Switzerland were top with 591 points, Croatia got 547 points for second and Ukraine were third with 453 points. The BBC1 show was watched by 7.6 million viewers, down 23% on last year.