Switzerland's Nemo was crowned the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 following an eventful day in Malmö, Sweden, while Ireland's Bambie Thug finished sixth in the competition.
The Swiss non-binary artist triumphed at this year’s contest with their track The Code, marking the third time Switzerland has won the contest. The country won the very first edition of the Eurovision in 1956 and in 1988 with Celine Dion.
Tearfully accepting the trophy, Nemo said: "I want to say thank you so much – I hope this contest can live up to its promise and continue to stand for peace and dignity for every person in this world."
Watch: The moment Switzerland's Nemo wins the Eurovision Song Contest 2024
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Switzerland topped the competition with 591 points, while Croatia's Baby Lasagna with the catchy Rim Tim Tagi Dim was given 547 points and Ukraine’s Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil with the emotional Teresa & Maria landed on 453 points.
The winning Eurovision song The Code details Nemo's journey towards understanding and accepting their non-binary identity.
Their victory marks the first time a non-binary artist has won the song contest.
Taoiseach Simon Harris congratulated Bambie Thug for "a stunning performance and tour de force at Eurovision 2024".
"They performed with passion, stopped us in our tracks and did us proud. The eruption of applause in the stadium at the end of Ireland's performance spoke for itself," he said.
Watch: Bambie Thug performs Doomsday Blue during the Eurovision Grand Final.
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"Congratulations to Switzerland on the win and well done to Sweden for hosting another showstopper. Thank you to our closest musical ally in Europe – Australia – for our only douze points!
"It’s Bambie Thug’s night as far as we’re concerned.
"Well done Bambie."
Earlier this week, Nemo saluted Bambie Thug, saying that it is "so beautiful" that they have the opportunity to experience the song contest together as non-binary artists.
They said: "I feel like we have so much in common and we just 'get' each other and it's so nice to share that experience with another person. I'm really grateful."
The competition has been mired in controversy surrounding the participation of Israel's Eden Golan, and a large group of demonstrators were outside the Malmö Arena as the acts performed.
Several protesters have also been detained and taken away by police, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Earlier in the day, the Netherlands' entry Joost Klein was disqualified by Eurovision organisers following an incident between the singer and a camerawoman.
This move was strongly criticised by the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, who called the penalty "very heavy and disproportionate".
More to follow...
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