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Switzerland's Nemo, who sings 'The Code', celebrates after winning the Eurovision Song Contest final in Malmö, Sweden on Saturday.
Martin Meissner/AP
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Martin Meissner/AP
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Switzerland's Nemo, who sings 'The Code', celebrates after winning the Eurovision Song Contest final in Malmö, Sweden on Saturday.
Martin Meissner/AP
Switzerland won this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Swiss rapper and singer Nemo's song “The Code” impressed both the judges and the public at the popular annual event held Saturday in Malmö, Sweden.
“This is the craziest thing that has ever happened to me,” the 24-year-old vocalist said at a press conference following the event.
“The Code” explores the artist’s non-binary identity through a brilliant mashup of opera, rap, drum & bass, and electronic dance music.
Nemo was one of two non-binary singers to compete in this year's Eurovision Grand Final, along with Ireland's Bambie Thug.
Switzerland narrowly beat pre-tournament favorite Croatia (591 votes to the runner-up's 547) in the undisputed competition.
Security was tight for contestant Eden Golan from Israel. Although she was booed and turned away during her performance, she ranked highly at the event, taking 5th place with 375 votes.
Thousands of protesters opposing Israel's war in Gaza rallied outside Malmo Stadium ahead of the final, demanding Israel be disqualified.
Meanwhile, Dutch contestant Joost Klein was disqualified just hours before the final was due to begin due to protests from female production staff. Police said they were investigating.
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Switzerland took first place in the first Eurovision Song Contest in 1956. So far, Switzerland has only won once, in 1988. The top entry that year, “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi,” was performed by a then-young singer. – A singer (non-Swiss) who would go on to become one of the most successful vocalists of all time: Céline Dion.