Switzerland’s Nemo Takes Home Victory with ‘The Code,’ Accidentally Breaks Trophy

In a dazzling display of musical prowess and unexpected twists, the 68th Eurovision Song Contest crowned its champion on a night filled with memorable performances and historic moments. Switzerland’s Nemo emerged victorious with their captivating song “The Code,” marking a significant milestone not only for Swiss music but also for the Eurovision stage.

Nemo’s victory was not without its share of drama. During their triumphant performance, the singer accidentally dropped the iconic glass microphone-shaped trophy, adding an unexpected twist to their win.

Despite this mishap, Nemo’s resounding success was undeniable, earning a remarkable 591 points from a combination of jury and public votes.

What sets Nemo apart is not just their musical talent but also their personal journey and the message embedded within their song.

Born in 1999 in Biel, Switzerland, Nemo has been honing their musical skills since childhood, mastering the violin, piano, and drums. In 2016, Nemo gained overnight fame with an appearance on SRF Virus (#Cypher), which went viral on social media. Since then, they have released two EPs, with several songs charting on the official Swiss Singles Chart.

However, 2020 marked a turning point for Nemo, as they began writing and producing music for other artists while also delving into English-language releases. Their music often explores themes of gender identity, mental health, and the search for one’s place in the world, reflecting Nemo’s own journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

“The Code” is more than just a song; it’s an anthem of empowerment and resilience. With lyrics like “Somewhere between the zeroes and the ones / That’s where I found my kingdom come,” Nemo encapsulates the struggle and triumph of embracing one’s true self in a world of binaries.

Nemo’s victory was achieved with an impressive lead on the scoreboard, garnering 365 points from the jury vote alone. Of the 36 sets of top ‘douze points’ available, Nemo received an impressive 22, solidifying their dominance in the competition. The public vote further reinforced Nemo’s position, awarding them an additional 226 points, ultimately securing their place as the 68th winner of the Eurovision Song Contest.

But Nemo’s triumph wasn’t the only highlight of the evening. Croatia’s Baby Lasagna delivered a raucous performance with “Rim Tim Tagi Dim,” securing a well-deserved second place, while Ukraine’s Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil captured hearts with their emotive performance of “Teresa & Maria,” earning them third place.

Meanwhile, the UK’s representative, Olly Alexander, delivered a spectacular show with his song “Dizzy,” though he faced disappointment with zero points from the public vote. Nevertheless, his presence added a unique flair to the competition, showcasing the diversity of talent on the Eurovision stage.

Beyond the music, this year’s contest was marked by both celebration and controversy. The 50th anniversary of ABBA’s iconic Eurovision win was commemorated, albeit with a surprise absence from the legendary group. Additionally, the event was not immune to real-world tensions, as protests over Israel’s participation underscored the contest’s broader significance in promoting peace and unity.

Amidst the glitz and glamour, the Eurovision Song Contest remains a platform for artists to express themselves freely and authentically. Nemo’s victory is a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries, challenge norms, and unite people from all walks of life. As they stood on the Eurovision stage, broken trophy in hand, Nemo embodied resilience, authenticity, and the spirit of Eurovision itself.