Switzerland won the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, Sweden, on Saturday, beating runner-up Croatia. Swiss rapper and singer Nemo, 24, clinched victory with “The Code,” a drum-and-bass, opera, rap, and rock song about his journey of self-discovery as a non-binary person.
“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 said after receiving the Eurovision trophy.
This win marks Switzerland’s third Eurovision victory and the first since Celine Dion’s triumph in 1988 with “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi.” Celebrations erupted across Switzerland, with fans singing along as Nemo performed a victory rendition of “The Code.”
Croatia’s Baby Lasagna, real name Marko Purisic, came second with “Rim Tim Tagi Dim,” a song about aspiring to a better life. Despite calls for a boycott, Israel’s Eden Golan finished fifth, amidst mixed reactions from the audience.
Protests were held in Malmö against Israel’s participation, with demonstrators highlighting perceived double standards after Russia’s ban from the contest in 2022 due to its invasion of Ukraine. Police intervened to manage the protests.
Viewer votes and juries of music professionals each contributed half to the final result. Nemo humorously noted breaking the fragile trophy shortly after receiving it but was promptly given a replacement.
