Its objective is to spark debates and conversations. Nemo, a non-binary artist who won Eurovision on May 11, spoke with BFMTV about his message, but also about this 2024 edition.
“If people talk about me and bring up the topic of being non-binary, and there is some discussion, then it’s exciting, because it can lead to a potentially interesting conversation.”
It was especially important for Nemo to participate in the Eurovision contest, watched this year by 163 million viewers around the world.
“I think the reason for this competition, the reason why Eurovision exists and was created, is to be part of society and culture, and to connect people rather than divide them. I really believe that Eurovision can play this role in the future, but we need to discuss things to improve and this is something that will take time,” believes the Swiss artist.
Many tensions
This edition was marked by numerous tensions, particularly between the candidates, and the EBU regretted that some delegations had not respected “the spirit of the competition rules.”
Israel’s participation, in the context of the war that the Jewish State has been waging against Hamas since October 7, has provoked calls for a boycott and hostile reactions against the Israeli candidate. Which shows that, despite the EBU’s efforts to stay away from politics, politics has caught up with musical competition.
Without wanting to comment on these tensions, Nemo confirmed to BFMTV that the EBU could not avoid discussions to improve the next edition. So that “Eurovision continues to be what it represents.” The Swiss artist also says that he would like to be part of these debates and be able to propose ideas.
“A place of exchange for artists”
“What I would like is for there to be a place where artists could meet each other, it would be good. Because we have a lot to share. As humans, we have quite a few similar experiences. It is an intense experience for everyone.
After this Swiss victory, Eurovision 2025 will be held throughout the Jura. Nemo would like it to be in Zurich, although Geneva is also a candidate to host the contest. The last time Switzerland organized it was in 1989, in Lausanne.
“What would be great would be to have the opening ceremony in my hometown, Biel. It’s a big city, we speak German and French, we have a big lake. We could have a ceremony in the water… I don’t know what to say, but maybe we’ll talk about it during the interviews…” Nemo smiles.
Source: BFM TV
