Nemo, who won the 2024 contest in Malmö, Sweden, with the song “The Code”, announced their decision through an official statement posted on social media this week. The artist explained that returning the trophy was a symbolic act intended to draw attention to what they view as a moral inconsistency within the competition’s governing body. They expressed disappointment that, despite growing public pressure and widespread calls for the EBU to suspend Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the broadcaster group confirmed Israel’s eligibility for the 2026 event.

The EBU’s recent decision to include Israel has reignited debate around the political neutrality of Eurovision, which bills itself as an apolitical celebration of music and culture. Critics have accused the organisation of double standards, pointing to its decision to bar Russia from the competition in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine. Supporters of Nemo’s stance argue that continuing to allow Israel to compete undermines the contest’s credibility and social responsibility at a time of humanitarian crisis.

In their announcement, Nemo reiterated support for freedom, equality, and human rights for all people affected by war, emphasising that their protest was directed at institutions rather than individuals or fellow artists. The decision has sparked a wave of responses across the Eurovision community, with fans and past contestants divided on how politics should intersect with the music contest. Some have hailed the move as courageous and consistent with Nemo’s progressive advocacy, while others defended the EBU’s commitment to maintaining Eurovision as a politically neutral event.

The EBU, in a brief statement responding to Nemo’s decision, confirmed receipt of the trophy but maintained its longstanding policy that Eurovision is “not a platform for political statements.” The organisation noted that all participating broadcasters must adhere to its rules of impartiality and inclusion. Nonetheless, the decision to proceed with Israel’s participation in 2026, expected to be in Madrid, has continued to fuel debate over how the contest should handle political and humanitarian issues.

Nemo’s act adds to a growing wave of artistic protest surrounding Israel’s presence at major cultural events. Over the past year, petitions from European artists, activists and fan groups have called for the EBU to reconsider its stance, arguing that participation from a nation involved in an active military campaign contradicts the spirit of unity that Eurovision seeks to promote. Whether the EBU will alter its position remains uncertain, but the controversy has already ensured that next year’s contest will unfold under heightened scrutiny.

 Featured Image Credits: Arkland

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The Arthouse Tour comes alongside their debut album ‘Arthouse’ set to release in August. The singer has shared pop anthems from the upcoming album such as ‘Unexplainable’ which showcases their emotive, hypnotic vocals. ‘Casanova’ however demonstrates their versatility as this 2 May release shows a theatrical, peppy expression of queer joy. In sharing the music video, Nemo says “never had as much fun shooting a music video before.”

Nemo’s success following their Eurovision win last year has been astounding. The singer achieved an impressive 591 points for their opera/ hip hop fusion ‘The Code’, an addictive track showing their unique operatic vocals and expressing their journey in accepting themselves as non-binary.

They discussed the importance of performing the song in 2024 with Pink News, sharing “Knowing they like a song where I am unconditionally myself, and I talk about the journey of finding myself and being non-binary, and knowing that it touches them… [is] really beautiful”. Being the first non-binary Eurovision winner, the singer told the BBC, “Winning Eurovision turned my life around.” And they have indeed had a great rise to fame with an impressive set of tours and festivals lined up such as Summerstage Basel and Stars in Town in Switzerland. 

The singer recently posted about their last visit to the UK in September, sharing their astonishment at “how trans rights particularly in the UK and US have so quickly been eroded”. They continued the post with advice on how to help and support the trans community in the UK.  

 

 

 

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Nemo gave a moving performance at this year’s 2025 Eurovision Song Contest as they opened the show with their new track ‘Unexplainable’. The song had an expressive and poignant performance as the singer, filled with emotion, ripped off their wig while hitting soul-stirring operatic notes.

Some found the performance to be confusing for the Eurovision setting, with one viewer posting with the caption “what was this yesterday?” Still, many defended the performance as a captivating showcase of vulnerability.

@sillysigmafemale (IGNORE MY HAIR) forever biggest nemo fan @nemothingsss I love you don’t go bald #sillysigmafemale #fyppp #viral? #tiktokk #eurovision #2025 #eurovision2025 #europe #nemo ♬ original sound – Eurovision

Along with the release of their ‘Arthouse’ album, Nemo is releasing a line of merch including CDs, Vinyls and their signature fluffy hat. Merch, tour and festival tickets can be found on their website. 

The ultimate goal is to secure a Number 1 Single spot. Olly hopes to continue the tradition of successfully making the Official Singles Chart where other UK entries have been listed in previous years. Such as Sam Ryder, who reportedly just missed out when he was just beaten by Harry Styles’ ‘As It Was’ in 2022. According to Will Wilkin, who is the BBC’s Music Commissioning Executive, this is clearly the one and only goal:

“Our ambition is to win and for the single to go to Number 1, and for it to be another watershed moment for Eurovision for the UK.”

When interviewed on The Euro Trip podcast back in January, Wilkin said that they must prepare for the worst case scenario, however “we are going there to win it with a single that is an incredibly commercially successful single.”

Although, this does not seem to be the philosophy adopted by Olly, as when interviewed with Graham Norton, the U.K’s Eurovision commentator on March 1st, 2024, he shared that his love for Eurovision trumps the concept of whether he ‘wins’ or ‘looses’. He communicated his sincere excitement and pure admiration for the contest by stating that “even if you come last, it’s iconic.”

Upon hearing that his song got confirmed he immediately called his mom, his boyfriend, and talked to his cats about the good news! “I’ve always loved Eurovision. There’s just nothing else like Eurovision…  a chaotic mix of fun and all these different musical styles, all these amazing performances.” Graham asked Olly’s favourite Eurovision performances in the past, and they have been Loreen’s “Euphoria,” Chanel’s “SloMo,’ and his top favourite is Pastora Soler with “Quédate conmigo.” 

What was Olly’s path that led him to the prestigious Eurovision event? Olly achieved 10 UK Top 40 singles and as a member of Years & Years (a British pop band that formed in 2010) he earnt three Top 10 albums. So, it can be gathered that to have the opportunity to represent his country is more than a dream come true. 

According to Official Charts, his passion is unparalleled, as during his interview on the BRIT’s red carpet on March 2nd, he couldn’t contain his excitement: “I’m really happy it’s out, I’m excited to perform the song!” For the show he has something ‘unexpected, memorable, and enchanting’ planned. He wants his performance to leave a remarkable impression and to leave people surprised. The ingredients he believes will drive this effect are drama and emotion, which aided Olly to title the song as it is.

Eurovision is the competition known world over for bringing the harmonies, melodies, and symphonies of Europe together in one place. An opportunity to gravitate people together through the oasis of song, and one of these songs will be ‘Dizzy’ by Olly Alexander.

In addition to his music career, he is also a Bafta-nominated actor, having played the lead role in Channel 4’s impactful Aids drama, It’s A Sin. Surprisingly, the announcement of his participation was made during the final of Strictly Come Dancing, months ahead of the usual confirmation of the BBC’s Eurovision plans.

Expressing his excitement, Alexander shared, “I love Eurovision so much, it’s a dream come true. I’m just so, so excited.” He further“I really can’t believe I’m going to be a part of such a special legacy and represent the UK in the most vibrant way possible. I’m determined to give it my all and deliver an outstanding and unforgettable performance for everyone!”

The song that he will perform in Malmö next May is still a secret, but it was co-written by Alexander and Danny L Harle, who has produced successful tracks for Dua Lipa, Chic, and Charli XCX. Alexander told the BBC, “It will have an electronic sound, something that you can groove to. “Unfortunately, I can’t reveal much more than that.”I am just so excited to go out there and meet the fans and everyone else involved,” he added. “It will definitely be the most exhilarating experience of my life.”

As a seasoned performer with a dedicated fanbase, Alexander has achieved great success in the past decade with Years and Years, including five UK top ten singles and two number one albums. The band has also enjoyed popularity in Eurovision countries such as Belgium, Ireland, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

Interestingly, Harrogate, Alexander’s hometown, previously hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 1982, following the UK’s victory the year before with Bucks Fizz.

Sweden has been chosen as the host country for Eurovision 2024 following the victory of Swedish icon Loreen, who won this year’s competition with her catchy pop anthem “Tattoo.” This marks Loreen’s second Eurovision win, as she previously triumphed in 2012 with her song “Euphoria.” With this latest victory, Sweden is now tied with Ireland for the most Eurovision victories, with both countries having won the competition seven times. In contrast, the United Kingdom’s performance in Eurovision has been lackluster, with their last win dating back to 1997.

In recent years, Michael Rice and James Newman finished last in 2019 and 2021 respectively, while Mae Muller narrowly avoided the same fate this year thanks to German rock band Lord of the Lost. However, there was a glimmer of hope for the UK when Sam Ryder secured second place in Turin in 2022 with his pop-rock anthem “Spaceman.” Ryder, who is currently vying for the Christmas number one spot with his festive song “You’re Christmas To Me,” sent Alexander, the representative for Sweden, a message of good luck.

While the UK tends to send newer and lesser-known singers to Eurovision, other countries often send their biggest stars to the competition. For example, Italy was represented this year by Marco Mengoni, a highly successful balladeer with 70 platinum records to his name. In 2003, Russia put forward the globally successful pop duo Tatu, and Sweden’s Måns Zelmerlöw had three number one albums before winning Eurovision in 2015 with his song “Heroes;” However, with Olly Alexander well known for being part of  Years and Years, the UK are in a great position for seeing a winner in Olly.