Switzerland wins Eurovision after politically charged song contest overshadowed by Israeli controversy

CNN
—

Switzerland’s Nemo won a chaotic and politically tense Eurovision contest, triumphing in a contest in Sweden that was overshadowed by controversy and boos over Israel’s presence.

The typically jovial event – ​​one of the most watched on the global cultural calendar – has plunged into turmoil in recent days, as organizers tried, unsuccessfully, to contain anger directed at the Israeli delegation.

But Nemo, a favorite throughout, won over the crowds with a stunning rendition of “The Code,” a groundbreaking anthem about their journey toward accepting their non-binary identity.

“I hope this competition can keep its promises and continue to defend peace and dignity for every person,” Nemo said after accepting the trophy.

Their victory – the first for a non-binary person at Eurovision – was Switzerland’s first triumph since Celine Dion won in 1988.

Malmö hosted the competition on the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s Eurovision breakthrough, but the event quickly found itself in the political spotlight and tensions reached fever pitch in the hours leading up to the competition. final.

Protesters called the event an “artistic wash” of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, which has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians since it was waged following the militant group’s attacks on Israel on July 7. october.

But the organizers, the EBU (European Broadcasting Union), strongly defended Israel’s presence and insisted that the competition was apolitical – a line that has become increasingly untenable as artists , broadcasters and fans clashed over the presence of Israeli singer Eden Golan.

Golan was booed by some members of the crowd during her performance, while a few turned their backs or left the arena, but more spectators cheered the Israeli performance.

And outside the arena, police surrounded a small group of pro-Palestinian protesters, keeping them away from the crowds arriving for the event as they chanted “Free Palestine, free!” » and “Boycott Eurovision”.

But the EBU will be relieved that the final – one of the most tense events in Eurovision history – went off without incident.

Nemo told CNN before the final that Eurovision was “even bigger and crazier than I expected.” There is so much depth to Eurovision that I didn’t know about before.

“If I win, I will organize a big party at the lake in my hometown, Biel,” they told CNN.

Hours before the event, one competitor was disqualified: Dutchman Joost Klein, who was kicked out of the final after an “incident” backstage. The EBU provided few details about the incident, but furious fans made their anger at the decision clear during the final by booing EBU representatives when they appeared on screen.

Irishman Bambie Thug told CNN on the eve of the event that it was “a bad decision” not to exclude Israel, as Russia did two years ago.

The headline event on Saturday evening included celebrations of ABBA and other Swedish music stars, as well as performances from 26 finalists spanning all genres, languages ​​and styles.

Next year’s event will take place in Switzerland, after Nemo’s victory. The date and city hosting the competition will be announced in the coming months.