Eurovision Winner Nemo Returns Trophy in Protest Against Israel’s 2026 Participation
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Swiss singer Nemo, winner of last year’s Eurovision Song Contest, announced on Thursday, December 11, that they will return their winner’s trophy in protest against Israel’s participation in the upcoming 2026 event. In an Instagram post, Nemo, who made history as the first openly non-binary champion with their operatic pop song “The Code,” expressed gratitude for the experience but felt compelled to send back the trophy.
Nemo elaborated on their decision in a video where they held the oversized glass microphone trophy. “Last year I won Eurovision and with it I was awarded the trophy. And even though I’m immensely grateful for the community around this contest and everything this experience has taught me both as a person and an artist, today I no longer feel this trophy belongs on my shelf,” they said.
The singer criticized the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for what they perceive as a contradiction between the contest’s proclaimed values of unity and inclusion and Israel’s participation amidst ongoing conflict. “Eurovision says it stands for unity, inclusion, and dignity for all. Those values made this contest meaningful to me. But Israel’s continued participation, during what the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry has concluded to be a genocide, shows a clear conflict between those ideals and the decisions made by the EBU,” Nemo asserted.
Following a December 4 vote, in which the EBU declined to expel Israel over its military actions in Gaza, five countries—Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain—have announced their boycott of next year’s contest. The event is scheduled for May in Vienna after Austrian singer JJ won the competition with “Wasted Love.”
In Portugal, 11 out of 16 entrants from the Festival da Canção have also indicated they will refuse to perform if selected, citing similar concerns about Israel’s involvement.
Nemo emphasized that their stance does not target individuals or artists but aims to address what they see as the contest being used to “soften the image of a state accused of severe wrongdoing.” They underscored the EBU’s longstanding claim that Eurovision is non-political, despite the history of political controversies surrounding the event.
The context has intensified since 2022 when Russia was banned from the competition due to its invasion of Ukraine. Calls for a ban on Israel have escalated amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, described by UN officials as a genocide—a claim Israel has consistently denied.
Nemo remarked that the withdrawal of multiple nations signals a significant issue, stating, “It should be clear that something is deeply wrong. That’s why I’ve decided that I’m sending my trophy back to the EBU headquarters in Geneva. With gratitude and a clear message: Live what you claim.”
In the comments of their post, Nemo expressed gratitude for the Eurovision community and the fans, emphasizing that their decision stems from a commitment to the values the contest espouses, not a rejection of its participants. “Music still connects us. That belief hasn’t changed,” they said.
Before Nemo’s announcement, Eurovision director Martin Green published an open letter addressing the controversy surrounding Israel’s inclusion. He acknowledged the strong emotions felt by fans and expressed empathy toward those impacted by current events in the Middle East. Green reiterated that Eurovision was founded as a unifying platform amid division in post-war Europe and remains committed to its core principles.
He assured fans that all participating broadcasters must adhere to competition rules, promising a strong response if any violations occur.
Nemo’s action, along with the withdrawals of additional countries, has created uncertainty for an event traditionally known for its celebratory spirit. The competition has faced protests related to Israel’s recent entries, particularly following the tragic events of the October 7, 2023, Nova Festival massacre, which left over 1,200 Israelis dead and 250 kidnapped.
The survivor of that attack secured second place this year with her anthem “New Day Will Rise.”
