Eurovision 2024 winner announces he is giving up trophy due to Israel's presence in 2026 edition
Nemo, the representative of Switzerland, with the Eurovision 2024 trophy. Photo: Andreas Hillergren/TT/Shuttersto / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia
Swiss singer Nemo, winner of the 2024 Eurovision music contest, announced on Thursday that he was relinquishing the trophy in protest over Israel's participation in the 2026 edition.
The representative of Switzerland stated on Instagram that Eurovision defends unity, inclusion and dignity for all and that the presence of Israel next year “shows a clear conflict between these ideals and the decisions made by the EBU”, the European Broadcasting Union, write the EFE and Agerpres agencies.
“This is not about individuals or artists. The contest has been repeatedly used to soften the image of a state accused of wrongdoing, while the EBU insists that Eurovision is 'not political',” added the artist, who won the Crystal Microphone in 2024 with his song “The Code”.
Nemo stated that this is why he decided to return the award. “If the values we celebrate on stage are not also lived off it, even the most beautiful songs lose their meaning,” he said.
In his statement, the artist stated that he is returning the trophy to the EBU headquarters in Geneva because he feels that it no longer has a place on his shelf.
“I will always be grateful to the Eurovision community, the fans who voted, the artists with whom I shared the stage and the experience that formed me as a person and as an artist. This decision comes from a concern for the values that Eurovision promises, not from a rejection of those who make it special. Music continues to connect us. This conviction has not changed,” said Nemo.
Five countries have announced their boycott of Eurovision 2026
At the last general meeting of the EBU, which took place last week, it was decided that Israel will participate in the next edition of Eurovision, which will be held in Austria.
Following this vote, five countries have so far announced that they will not be present at the contest: Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Iceland.
The EBU, which brings together public broadcasters from 56 countries and organizes the Eurovision Song Contest, expressed hope on Thursday that countries not participating in the 2026 edition “will return as soon as possible”.
