Swiss singer Nemo, the winner of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden, has spoken out about feeling unsupported by the event’s organizers amidst the controversy surrounding Israel’s participation. Nemo, who is non-binary, expressed feeling alone and hopes for better support for future contestants.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees Eurovision, has acknowledged the need for changes to provide more clarity and protection for artists in the future. This comes after calls for Israel to be banned from the competition and tensions between contestants over political issues.
Despite the challenges faced during Eurovision, Nemo remains focused on telling their story and believes in the contest’s core values of cultural exchange and unity. Their victory as the first non-binary artist to win Eurovision has sparked important discussions and provided hope for the LGBTQ community.
Nemo has since released a new single, Eurostar, inspired by their post-Eurovision experiences. They are now based in London and are focused on making music and enjoying the moment. While unsure of achieving lasting fame like past Eurovision winners, Nemo’s goal is to find their own voice in the music industry.
As for the UK’s Eurovision hopes, Nemo advises artists to participate if they feel they will enjoy the experience, regardless of the outcome. The Eurovision winner encourages artists to embrace the opportunity and make the most of the unique platform the contest provides.