Nemo, representing Switzerland with the tune “The Code,” wins the last of the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest at the Malmo Arena, in Malmo, Sweden, on Saturday. Photo by Jessica Gow/EPA-EFE
May 11 (UPI) — Swiss pop star Nemo won the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday inthemiddleof debate surrounding Israel’s participation in the competitors.
Nemo won with the tune “The Code,” which they composed along with Benjamin Alasu, Linda Dale and Lasse Midtsian Nymann. The tune integrates components of opera, rap and pop, and focuses on Nemo’s recognition as non-binary.
“I hope this contest can continue to live up to its pledge to stand for self-respect and peace allover,” Nemo stated upon accepting the prize, according to The Guardian.
This was the 3rd time Switzerland has won the Eurovision contest, the last time coming in 1988 with Celine Dion’s “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi.”
Earlier Saturday, contest organizers disqualified Dutch candidate Joost Klein ahead of the grand finals.
“Swedish authorities haveactually examined a problem made by a woman member of the production team after an event following his efficiency in Thursday night’s semi- last. While the legal procedure takes its course, it would not be suitable for him to continue in the contest,” the competitors’s site stated