Eurovision 2024 Concludes With Controversial Grand Finale

Simply hours after Eurovision 2024 kicked out one among its most promising opponents, the music contest topped a brand new winner: Swiss singer Nemo, with a story work on their embrace of their nonbinary identification entitled “The Code.”

Even earlier than Nemo and their competitors from 24 different nations hit the stage, Eurovision 2024 was rocked by controversy. The competition, which was held this 12 months in Malmö, Sweden, confronted protests from its first day over the choice to incorporate a participant from Israel, given rising dismay over the toll its struggle in opposition to Hamas has taken on civilians in Gaza.

Eden Golan, a 20-year-old who—per the Related Press—practiced for her Eurovision slot by singing her music “Hurricane,” whereas being booed, took fifth place. Her music was initially entitled “October Rain” as a reference to the October 7 assault on Israel, till Eurovision organizers ordered a reputation change.

As Golan and her fellow singers carried out, 1000’s of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outdoors to exhibit in opposition to each the struggle and Golan’s Eurovision inclusion. Amongst them was local weather activist Greta Thunberg, The Wrap reviews. Thunberg had tweeted, “Malmö says NO to genocide! Folks from throughout Sweden are gathering in Malmö this week, the place Eurovision is going down, to protest in opposition to Israel’s participation within the competitors,” the day earlier than the finale, and had been noticed at protests in opposition to the competition earlier within the week.

In the meantime, French contestant Slimane broke with Eurovision’s “no politics” rule from contained in the competitors, the BBC reviews. Through the ultimate, audience-attended gown rehearsal on Saturday afternoon, he stopped mid-song to say, “Everyone, I simply have to say one thing. Each artist right here need[s] to sing about love and sing about peace. We have to be united by music, sure, however with love for peace.”

“United by music, sure, however with love for peace. Thanks a lot. Thanks, Europe.” The singer was awarded fourth place within the contest for his music “Mon Amour.”