Nemo, the Swiss Eurovision winner, broke their thumb moments after winning the contest in Malmö, Sweden. The 24-year-old non-binary artist stunned viewers by smashing their trophy and sustaining a broken thumb during the celebrations. Despite the mishap, Nemo’s performance of their song “The Code” earned them a total of 591 points to secure the victory. The unique trophy, designed by Kjell Engman of Kosta Boda, was broken in half by Nemo as they attempted to stand up after their win.
Before breaking the trophy, Nemo excitedly took to the stage for their final performance, combining rap, rock, drum ‘n bass, and classical opera elements. Balancing on a spinning disc and delivering an emotional performance, Nemo’s talent shone through, leading them to victory. After being announced as the winner, a tearful Nemo expressed gratitude and hope for peace and dignity in the world. Croatia finished in second place and Ukraine in third, making for an intense competition at Eurovision.
Nemo, whose real name is Nemo Mettler, used their childhood opera experience to craft a unique and unforgettable performance at Eurovision. The song “The Code” resonated with their journey of realizing their non-binary identity, aiming to represent and stand up for the LGBTQIA+ community through their music. As an artist who feels their gender transcends traditional binary categorizations, Nemo’s win marks a significant moment in Eurovision history.
Despite the broken trophy and thumb, Nemo’s win at Eurovision solidified their place as a groundbreaking artist and advocate for inclusivity and diversity. By pushing boundaries and embracing their true self, Nemo’s victory serves as a powerful symbol of representation for marginalized communities. Their performance, which showcased a blend of genres and styles, captured the hearts of viewers and jurors alike, securing their place as the first non-binary Eurovision winner.
The mishap with the trophy, reminiscent of a previous incident with Alexander Rybak in 2009, added a touch of drama to Nemo’s win. The handmade trophy, symbolizing a classic microphone, suffered a breakage as Nemo attempted to balance themselves on stage. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Nemo’s resilience and talent shone through, leaving a lasting impact on the Eurovision stage.
Nemo’s daring, innovative approach to their performance, along with their message of self-acceptance and inclusivity, resonated with audiences around the world. As a trailblazer in the music industry and a beacon of hope for the LGBTQIA+ community, Nemo’s Eurovision win marks a milestone in the competition’s history. By breaking barriers and challenging norms, Nemo’s victory transcends music and entertainment, inspiring others to embrace their true selves and stand up for equality and acceptance.
