Switzerland's Nemo was crowned the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 winner following an eventful day in Malmö, Sweden, while Ireland's Bambie Thug finished sixth place.
The Swiss non-binary artist triumphed at this year’s contest with their track The Code, marking the third time Switzerland triumphed at the contest. The country won the very first edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in 1956 and in 1988 with Celine Dion's Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi.
Tearfully accepting the trophy, Nemo said: "I want to say thank you so much – I hope this contest can live up to its promise and continue to stand for peace and dignity for every person in this world."
Watch: The moment Switzerland's Nemo wins the Eurovision Song Contest 2024
Switzerland topped the competition with 591 points, while Croatia's Baby Lasagna with the catchy Rim Tim Tagi Dim was given 547 points and Ukraine’s Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil with the emotional Teresa & Maria landed on 453 points.
The winning Eurovision song The Code details Nemo's journey towards understanding and accepting their non-binary identity.
Their victory marks the first time a non-binary artist has won the song contest.
Ireland's Bambie Thug impressed during the Eurovision final with a mesmerising performance of their track Doomsday Blue.
Taoiseach Simon Harris congratulated Bambie Thug for "a stunning performance and tour de force at Eurovision 2024".
"They performed with passion, stopped us in our tracks and did us proud. The eruption of applause in the stadium at the end of Ireland's performance spoke for itself," he said.
Watch: Bambie Thug performs Doomsday Blue during the Eurovision Grand Final.
"Congratulations to Switzerland on the win and well done to Sweden for hosting another showstopper. Thank you to our closest musical ally in Europe – Australia – for our only douze points!
"It’s Bambie Thug’s night as far as we’re concerned.
"Well done Bambie."
Earlier this week, Nemo saluted Bambie Thug, saying that it is "so beautiful" that they have the opportunity to experience the song contest together as non-binary artists.
They said: "I feel like we have so much in common and we just 'get' each other and it's so nice to share that experience with another person. I'm really grateful."
The competition was mired in controversy surrounding the participation of Israel's Eden Golan, and a large group of demonstrators were outside the Malmö Arena as the acts performed.
Several protesters have also been detained and taken away by police, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Earlier in the day, the Netherlands' entry Joost Klein was disqualified by Eurovision organisers following an incident between the singer and a camerawoman.
This move was strongly criticised by the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, who called the penalty "very heavy and disproportionate".
Speaking at a press conference following the Grand Final Nemo said: "I have to say this whole experience was really intense, and not just pleasant all the way.
"There were a lot of things that didn't seem like it was all about love and unity. And that made me really sad and at the same time… there was so much love here as well.
"And there was so much coming together and there was so many different cultures meeting and, people that just are full of positivity, love for music and that really gives me hope.
"And I know these people exist, and they exist in the world, but … we need to work to create such an environment that we need to ask ourselves, what is such an environment? And what do we want to stand for?
"And I really hope that Eurovision continues, and can continue to stand for peace and love in the future. I think that needs a lot of work still."
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has come under fire over the course of the week, with Norway and Finland's points spokespeople, Eurovision stars Alessandra Mele and Kaarija, both refusing to announce the jury vote.
They were replaced by TV presenter Ingvild Helljesen and radio journalist Toni Laaksonen, for Norway and Finland, respectively.
Further controversy came when Bambie Thug accused the Israeli broadcaster of a rule break and said they are waiting on an official update from the EBU after raising "multiple complaints".
Martin Osterdahl, the EBU's executive supervisor for Eurovision, was booed as he announced that all of the results from the grand final had been verified.
The Eurovision jury spokesperson for Israel was booed before they announced the country had awarded its 12 points to Luxembourg, and a similar noise was heard as Golan performed.
Additional reporting: Press Association
