The winner of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, Nemo, has announced they will return their trophy in protest against Israel's continued participation in the competition.
Nemo, the 26-year-old Swiss artist who made history as the first non-binary performer to win Eurovision with their song The Code, expressed that Israel's inclusion in the event conflicts with the values of "unity, inclusion, and dignity" that the contest claims to uphold.
Their decision comes amid increasing tensions over Israel's participation, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the controversy surrounding this year's voting process.
In response to Nemo’s announcement, Martin Green, the director of Eurovision, stated that while the organization respects the artist’s decision, they are saddened by the return of the trophy, which was rightfully earned in 2024. He emphasized that Nemo would always remain a valued part of the Eurovision family.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Nemo explained that, although they were deeply grateful for the Eurovision community and the personal growth the experience brought them, they no longer felt that the trophy belonged to them.
They referred to a recent United Nations report, which described Israel's actions as genocidal, and criticized the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for allowing Israel to continue participating in Eurovision despite the report's findings.
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Nemo's return of the trophy has sparked a broader discussion about the political implications of the Eurovision Song Contest.
The artist clarified that their protest was not directed at individuals or performers, but at the use of Eurovision as a platform to "soften the image" of a state accused of severe human rights violations.
"When entire countries choose to withdraw, it should be clear that something is deeply wrong," Nemo said. "If the values we celebrate on stage are not reflected off stage, then even the most beautiful songs lose their significance."
Several countries have already announced their opposition to Israel's participation in Eurovision 2026. Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland have all confirmed they will boycott the event in protest against Israel's inclusion.
Eurovision, Europe’s largest music competition, has been held annually since 1956. The event, known as the second-largest TV spectacle in the world, attracts an audience of over 160 million viewers every year. Next year’s Eurovision is scheduled to take place in Vienna in May, marking the 70th anniversary of this iconic competition.
This marks the most significant crisis in Eurovision's history, with allegations of political interference and voting irregularities.
The EBU has responded by implementing stricter rules, with most members agreeing that no further votes on Israel's participation would be necessary for future contests, including Eurovision 2026.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised the decision to allow Israel to compete, calling it a "gesture of solidarity, brotherhood, and cooperation."
However, the ongoing boycotts and protests underscore the growing divide over Eurovision's political landscape, as the event’s traditionally celebrated values of diversity and unity are increasingly challenged.
As the debate over Israel's participation continues, Eurovision 2026 will undoubtedly remain at the center of a political and cultural storm.
