A Historic Winner Takes a Stand

Nemo, the Swiss artist who made history in 2024 as the first non-binary performer to win the Eurovision Song Contest, has announced they are returning their trophy in protest against Israel’s continued involvement in the competition.

The 26-year-old musician said the decision was driven by what they described as a fundamental contradiction between Israel’s participation and Eurovision’s stated values of unity, inclusion, and dignity.

“This Trophy No Longer Belongs With Me”

In a statement shared on Instagram, Nemo said the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) had made a choice that no longer aligned with the contest’s ethical foundation.

Referencing a report released in September by the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry, Nemo said Israel’s ongoing participation during what the commission described as a genocide represented a “clear conflict” with Eurovision’s ideals.

Although expressing gratitude for the Eurovision community and the personal growth the experience brought, Nemo said they no longer felt comfortable displaying the award. A video accompanied the post, showing the trophy being placed into a cardboard box to be returned to the EBU’s headquarters in Geneva.

Eurovision Responds to the Protest

Martin Green, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, responded by acknowledging Nemo’s decision and expressing regret over the situation.

“We are saddened that Nemo wishes to return the trophy they rightfully earned in 2024,” Green said in a statement. “We respect the views they have shared and consider them a valued member of the Eurovision family.”

Israel’s Participation Sparks Widespread Boycotts

Israel’s presence at Eurovision has become increasingly controversial due to the ongoing war in Gaza and disputes surrounding voting during the 2025 contest.

Five countries—Iceland, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands—have confirmed they will boycott the 2026 competition because Israel remains eligible to compete.

Israeli officials have previously described the decision to retain Israel in the contest as a victory against critics, with President Isaac Herzog calling it a gesture of solidarity and cooperation.

Pressure Builds on Eurovision Organisers

The controversy surrounding Israel has been described by organisers as the biggest crisis in Eurovision’s history. In addition to boycotts, the contest faced allegations this year that Israel’s government attempted to influence public voting.

These claims led the EBU to revise and tighten voting rules. Following internal discussions, the organisation said a “large majority” of members agreed that no further vote on participation was necessary and that Eurovision 2026 could move forward as planned.

Nemo Speaks on Mental Health and Values

Following their 2024 win with the song The Code—which reflects their journey to understanding their non-binary identity—Nemo previously spoke about feeling isolated during the controversy surrounding Israel’s inclusion.

“I felt very alone,” they told the BBC at the time, urging organisers to better support artists caught in political disputes. Their comments contributed to new mental health protections being introduced for Eurovision performers and staff.

“If Values Aren’t Lived Off Stage”

Addressing the broader implications of the protest, Nemo stressed that their decision was not aimed at individual artists.

Instead, they argued that Eurovision risked being used to “soften the image of a state accused of severe wrongdoing.” They added that when entire countries withdraw from the contest, it signals a deeper issue.

“If the values we celebrate on stage aren’t lived off stage,” Nemo said, “then even the most beautiful songs lose their meaning.”

Looking Ahead to Eurovision 2026

The next edition of Eurovision is scheduled to take place in Vienna and is expected to mark the competition’s 70th anniversary. However, ongoing boycotts and protests cast uncertainty over what is meant to be a celebratory milestone.

As tensions continue, Nemo’s decision has added another powerful voice to the debate over whether Eurovision can remain apolitical—or whether its values must now be tested beyond the stage.