Eurovision 2024: Highlights and Surprises
In an electrifying night at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, many firsts and surprises captivated the audience. Held in Malmö, Sweden, this year’s contest was a blend of traditional performances and unexpected moments.
Nemo’s Historic Win
The night’s big winner was Nemo from Switzerland, who captivated the jury with their unique blend of opera and hip-hop, earning an impressive 591 points. Nemo’s song, “The Code,” was a personal narrative about their journey to accepting their non-binary identity. This victory marks the first time a non-binary artist has won Eurovision, a significant milestone for the LGBTQ community. In their victory speech, Nemo expressed hope that Eurovision would continue to promote peace and dignity for all.
Top Contenders and Performances
- Croatia’s Baby Lasagna took second place with “Rim Tim Tagi Dim,” a lively party anthem that led the public vote.
- Ukraine’s Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil secured third place with their powerful song “Teresa and Maria.”
- France’s Slimane finished fourth with his heartfelt “Mon Amour.”
- Israel’s Eden Golan rounded out the top five with “Hurricane,” despite the mixed reactions due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
UK’s Olly Alexander
Olly Alexander, representing the UK, unfortunately, placed 18th out of 25. His song “Dizzy” received zero points from the public but was awarded 46 points by the jury. Despite the low score, Alexander’s performance was visually striking, featuring scantily-clad dancers in a dystopian shower room setting.
Protests and Controversies
The event wasn’t without its controversies. Protests erupted over Israel’s participation, reflecting the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Eden Golan faced a mix of boos and cheers during her performance. This led to former contestants like Alessandra Mele and Käärijä withdrawing from announcing their countries’ jury scores in protest.
Dutch Disqualification
Drama unfolded as Dutch contestant Joost Klein was disqualified for allegedly making threats to a female production crew member. The incident, reported to the police, led to Klein’s exclusion from the contest, demonstrating Eurovision’s zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behavior.
Memorable Moments
- Bambie Thug from Ireland delivered one of the night’s most unforgettable performances, appearing in a circle of candles and summoning a demon before ending their song with a scream. They finished sixth, Ireland’s best result in 25 years.
- Abba’s 50th Anniversary: Despite rumors, Abba did not perform live but appeared in a video reminiscing about their 1974 win with “Waterloo.”
- Loreen’s Interval Performance: The two-time Eurovision winner wowed the audience with her new single “Forever” in a futuristic set.
Nemo’s Final Performance
Nemo’s final performance was a highlight, showcasing their athleticism and operatic falsetto while balancing on a spinning turntable. The song’s lyrics, “Somewhere between the zeroes and the ones / That’s where I found my kingdom come,” resonated with many viewers. Bambie Thug, also non-binary, celebrated Nemo’s win by presenting them with a hand-crafted crown.
Eurovision 2024 Top Five Contestants
- Switzerland: Nemo – The Code
- Croatia: Baby Lasagna – Rim Tim Tagi Dim
- Ukraine: Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil – Teresa and Maria
- France: Slimane – Mon Amour
- Israel: Eden Golan – Hurricane
The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 was a night of groundbreaking performances and significant moments, celebrating diversity and creativity on one of the world’s biggest musical stages.
