According to Nemo, in this way he expresses his protest against the participation of Israeli representatives in Eurovision 2026. The artists announced that they were returning the trophy to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
“I will always be grateful to the Eurovision team, the fans who voted, the artists I've shared the stage with, and the experiences that have shaped me as a person and a musician. This decision is driven by a concern for the values that Eurovision promises, rather than a rejection of the people who make it special. Music still unites us. This belief has not changed,” the artists said.
Nemo said the competition, which describes itself as apolitical, “has been repeatedly used to soften the image of a state accused of serious wrongdoing.”
“And when entire countries pull out because of this controversy, it should be clear that something is wrong. That's why I decided to send my trophy back to the EBU headquarters in Geneva,” Nemo said. “If the values we celebrate on stage are not lived out behind the scenes, then even the most beautiful songs lose their meaning.”
He noted that he did not consider it necessary, given the scandal surrounding Israel, for the crystal microphone to stand on his shelf.
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