Nemo won Eurovision 2024 ahead of the Croatian favorites. Here’s a look back at the Swiss artist’s career and achievements.

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Eurovision: an internationally renowned music contest

You’ve probably heard of it – you may even be a fan – Eurovision is a European singing competition held every year since 1956. Nothing to do with the World Sex Championship in April. Although sometimes… Organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), it brings together participants from member countries for a musical competition in which each country presents an original song. Eurovision rules are strict: songs must be original, and participants must perform their songs live. Votes are awarded half by a jury of professionals and half by the public via calls and SMS.

Switzerland has a long history with Eurovision. Lys Assia won the very first edition in 1956 with the song “Refrain”, and the then little-known Céline Dion gave Switzerland a second victory in 1988 with “Ne partez pas sans moi”. In 2024, Nemo, a non-binary artist, added a third title to the list with her song “The Code”.

Since then, people in Switzerland have been full of praise for him: “Congratulations Nemo on this crazy victory! A spotlight on your multiple talents and recognition of yourpersonality ,marked byexuberance,sensitivity,intimacy andaudacity “, said the Swiss Minister of the Interior, Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, on X.

Nemo: a landmark victory and an inspiring journey

Nemo, whose real name is Nemo Mettler, was born in 1999 in Biel, in the canton of Bern. He has a younger sister. His parents ran a business that went bankrupt in the early 2010s. At the age of 25, Iel has always had a passion for music. Iel began playing the violin at the age of three and learned to play the drums at eight. At 13, he appeared in the musical “Ich war noch niemals in New York”. In 2015, the artist began to make a name for himself with his rap during his acclaimed appearance on “La Suisse a un incroyable talent”, aged just 15. That same year, iel released his first EP entitled “Clownfish”. In 2017, iel won the Swiss Music Award for Best Talent, followed by four more trophies in 2018 thanks to his hit “Du”. His songs “Ke Bock”, “Du” and “Himalaya” won him gold and platinum records, consolidating his popularity in the Swiss music scene.

Nemo continued to diversify his musical talents. Iel studied solo singing in the jazz and pop specialties at the Zurich University of the Arts for a year, honing his vocal and artistic skills. In 2021, iel will also take part in the second season of “The Masked Singer Switzerland”, the Swiss adaptation of “Mask Singer”, where iel is disguised as a panda, further raising his profile.

His career is also marked by a non-binary coming out in the autumn of 2023, when he declared:

” I feel neither male nor female. Ilike to think of gender as a galaxy,imagining myselfas a little star, floating somewhere inside.That‘swhen I feel mostmyself.

Her song “The Code”, written in one day with the help of Swedish, Norwegian and Swiss collaborators, evokes this quest for identity and emancipation. On first listen, the changes in rhythm can be disconcerting. The track is effective, blending rap, drum and bass and opera, with a catchy gimick: “who oh oh”. Iel sings: ” Iwent to hell and back to get back on track / Icracked the code, woah / Like the ammonites,Ijustgave it time / Now I‘vefound paradise “.

Nemo has decided not to live in Switzerland. He now lives in Berlin, Germany. It’s a city that suits him well, I think, once you get to know him. I’m sure he’s having an incredible time there, both artistically and personally! Lucky you..

Nemo and the LGBTQIA community : a symbol of visibility and inspiration

Nemo’s victory at Eurovision 2024 is a milestone for the visibility of non-binary and LGBTQIA people . This competition regularly appears as a showcase for the LGBTQ community. Austrian bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst, who won the 2014 edition, or French candidate Bilal Hassani in 2019, have made their mark on the contest.

Nemo came out as non-binary in November 2023, saying, ” I don’t identify as male or female. I’m just Nemo “. Nemo means “person” in Latin. ” My parents thought that if Iwas a nobody, I could beanything “, explained our young queer, in 2019, to the Swiss magazine Schweizer Illustrierte. His choice to carry the non-binary flag in the contest’s opening parade was a powerful gesture, even if he had to do it discreetly due to Eurovision’s strict rules on flags.

“The Code” has already been described as a queer anthem by Tetu magazine, which called it “powerful and moving”. In an interview with 20 Minutes Suisse, our winner said: ” The main question was,where do I fit in if I‘m neither ononeside northeother? I’mdescribing this whole personal evolution, made up ofvery beautiful but alsovery difficultmoments“.

By winning Eurovision, Nemo has not only fulfilled a personal dream, but has also given increased visibility to the non-binary and LGBTQIA community. Her victory is a testament to the diversity and openness of Biel’s culture, as Glenda Gonzalez Bassi, Director of Education, Culture and Sports at Biel’s City Hall, pointed out.

our young singer continues to push back artistic and cultural boundaries, inspiring many through her unique journey and exceptional talent. His victory at Eurovision 2024 marks a historic moment for Switzerland and for the global LGBTQIA community.

Closing remarks

Nemo’s victory at Eurovision 2024 is much more than just a musical triumph; it’s a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. By becoming the first non-binary artist to win this prestigious contest, he has made history and opened up new perspectives for the LGBTQIA community. His song “The Code”, a hymn to emancipation and the quest for identity, resonates deeply not only with his fans, but also with the queer community.

Nemo has proved that music can be a powerful vector for change and visibility. Her journey, from her debut on “La Suisse a un incroyable talent” to her stunning Eurovision victory, is a source of inspiration for many young artists and members of the LGBTQIA community. By proudly wearing his identity and sharing his story, he has helped to break down stereotypes and encourage acceptance and understanding.

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