Eurovision winner Nemo ‘sad’ over furore
THE 2024 Eurovision Song Contest winner Nemo Mettler has said that they were “really sad” during the competition following the chaotic scenes and protests.
The non-binary singer, 24, in a pink skirt and fluffy jumper, balanced on a tipping metal disc as they sang their opera-dance blend track The Code on Saturday evening in Malmo, Sweden.
The competition has been mired in controversy surrounding the participation of Israel’s
Eden Golan, and a large group of demonstrators were outside Malmo Arena as the acts performed.
Several protesters have also been detained and taken away by police, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Nemo told the press conference: “I have to say 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 and at the same time... there was so much love here as well.
“And there was so much coming together and there was so many different cultures meeting and, people that just are full of positivity, love for music and that really gives me hope.
“And I know these people exist, and they exist in the world, but ... we need to work to create such an environment that we need to ask ourselves, what is such an environment? And what do we want to stand for?
“And I really hope that Eurovision continues, and can continue to stand for peace and love in the future. I think that needs a lot of work still.”
They also revealed that they broke their trophy and thumb.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has come under fire over the course of the week, with
Norway and Finland’s points spokespeople, Eurovision stars Alessandra Mele and Kaarija, both refused to announce the jury vote and had to be replaced.
Further controversy came when Irish entrant Bambie Thug accused the Israeli broadcaster of a rule break and said they are waiting on an official update from the EBU after raising “multiple complaints”.
Martin Osterdahl, the EBU’s executive supervisor for Eurovision, was booed as he announced that all of the results from the grand final had been verified.
The Eurovision jury spokesperson for Israel was booed before they announced the country had awarded its 12 points to Luxembourg, and a similar noise was heard as Golan performed.
Earlier in the day, the Netherlands’ entry Joost Klein was disqualified by Eurovision organisers following an incident between the singer and a camerawoman. UK entrant Olly Alexander placed 18th with dance pop track Dizzy, but did receive the dreaded “nul points” from the audience vote.