TThe grand final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest took place on Saturday at the Malmo Arena in Sweden, with Swiss singer Nemo taking home the iconic microphone-shaped glass trophy. Nemo’s victory marks Switzerland’s first victory since 1988, when Canadian singer Celine Dion competed for the country.
Compared to Pop music olympics, the annual international songwriting competition is celebrated for its flashy and entertaining performances. Eurovision is watched by millions of fans around the world, but this year has been mired in controversy and protests.
Although Eurovision organizers insist the event is not political, the Israel-Hamas war has been at the forefront of this year’s event. Pro-Palestinian protesters marched through Malmo to protest against Israel’s participation in the contest on Thursday and Saturday. Last-minute changes to the event program on Saturday led to confusion, most notably the announcement that Dutchman Joost Klein had been disqualified from the competition following a reported incident with a woman on the production team. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, said that while Swedish police were investigating the report,“it wouldn’t be appropriate” for Klein to continue in the contest.
Although the build-up to the grand final was chaotic, the main event was relatively smooth. Here are some of the most memorable and noteworthy moments from the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.
A royal welcome
The final began with a message from Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. On a pre-recorded videoroyalty greeted the crowd and wished all the contestants luck.
“It is a great honor to welcome you all to Sweden,” she said. “I hope you enjoy the show and I wish all the contestants the best of luck.”
Eurovision meets Hollywood with Malin Akerman
Many viewers were surprised when they saw Hollywood actor Malin Akerman co-hosting the show with Swedish comedian Petra Mede. Swedish-American film star, Akerman is known for her roles in Watchmen, The Heartbreak Kid, 27 Dresses, The ProposalIt is Couples Retreatbetween others.
Viewers took to social media when they recognized Akerman on stage:
Ireland’s entry Bambie Thug ends the performance with a strong statement
Irish singer Bambie Thug competed with her song “Doomsday Blue” and ended the performance saying “Love will always triumph over hate.” The singer, who has defended his pro-Palestine views, was one of the This year’s favorites to win and ended up placing sixth overall.
Before the show, Bambie Thug missed the flag ceremony for the final rehearsal, generating concern that the singer might withdraw from the grand final. Bambie Thug later said in a statement on her Instagram Story that her absence was due to “a situation” that they said needed “urgent attention” from event organizers. In a subsequent statement on their Instagram story, they said that they had “raised multiple complaints” over the past few days to the EBU regarding some incidents they had experienced, adding that the EBU “confirmed” on Saturday that Kan commentator, the Israeli The Public Broadcasting Corporation “broke the rules of conduct” during the first semi-final on Tuesday.
“I have been patiently waiting to hear what actions will be taken by the EBU following this rule breaking,” Bambie Thug said in his statement. “I have since seen a statement from EBU Director General Noel Curran which contradicts this earlier confirmation. I’m still waiting for an official update from the EBU.” According to Irish times, Bambie Thug made more claims against Israeli broadcaster Kan when speaking to journalists after the final.
TIME has reached out to the EBU for comment and more information.
Nemo wins over live audiences and audiences at home with his performance
Nemo’s performance of the song “The Code” provoked strong reactions from the crowd. “The Code” is an operatic pop-rap song about Nemo’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance as a non-binary person. During the performance, the 24-year-old balanced on a metal disc that was spinning on stage.
Nemo finished the night with 591 points in total, 44 more than second place Croatia.
The musician accidentally broke the trophy at the end of the post-result victory presentation, injuring his thumb in the process, Variety reported. Afterwards, organizers gave them a replacement trophy, to which the singer joked, “Technically, I have two now.”
A behind-the-scenes Eurovision icon makes a public appearance
Fans were surprised once again when Akerman interviewed her mother-in-law during the show – who happens to be British choreographer and Eurovision legend Chrissy Wickham.
Wickham is perhaps best known for being the choreographer behind the winning performance at Eurovision Song Contest 1981, when British pop group Bucks Fizz ripped off their skirts on stage (and wore shorter skirts underneath). While Akerman interviewed her mother-in-law during Saturday’s show, Wickham jokingly ripped off Akerman’s skirt, referencing the iconic move. In true Eurovision fashion, Akerman was wearing a mini dress underneath.
The Israeli competitor’s performance was met with boos and applause
After Eden Golan performed, she was met with boos and applause from the audience. TV presenter Graham Norton, who provided commentary for the BBC One show’s production for viewers in the UK, said the crowd had a “mixed reaction” to the 20-year-old Israeli singer. After receiving a boost in public voting numbersGolan placed fifth overall.
Golan, who spent much of the week leading up to the show under security protection, sang the powerful ballad “Hurricane”. According to Reuters, the organizers had instructed Israel previously to change the lyrics of the song, initially called “October Rain,” due to its apparent reference to the October 7 Hamas attack that killed an estimated 1,200 Israelis.
Alcázar meets
Swedish group Alcazar came together at Saturday’s show to perform their famous hit “Crying at the Discoteque”, which conquered chart positions worldwide, including in the US, after its release in the early 2000s.
ABBA avatars and a tribute performance provoke a mixed response
Some viewers were disappointed that rumors that the pop supergroup would make a surprise appearance in honor of the 50th anniversary of their Eurovision win did not come to fruition. Instead, fans received a pre-recorded message from “ABBAtars” – virtual avatars of the singers. Music videos of ABBA singing “Waterloo”, with which the group won Eurovision in 1974, were accompanied by three former Eurovision winners – Carola, Charlotte Perrelli and Conchita Wurst – performing the song live on stage.
UK’s Olly Alexander wins zero points in public vote
Olly Alexandre I didn’t receive any points of the popular vote. The British singer performed his song “Dizzy” in the grand final, but came 18th overall. The United Kingdom was the only country that did not receive any points in the public vote, according to The Mercury.
Alexander, who previously fronted chart-topping pop band Years & Years, took the news in stride, laughing and joking with his dancers and crew when the public vote was announced.
Eurovision 2023 champion and fan favorite Loreen returns
Loreen, winner of Eurovision 2023 and first female artist to win the contest twice, returned to the stage in the final. As per tradition, Loreen introduced herself before officially passing the baton to the new pageant winner. The singer sang “Forever & Tattoo” while balancing on a small elevated seat.
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