BERLIN (AP) – Switzerland prepared Sunday to give a valiant welcome to Nemo, who won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest with “The Code,” an operatic pop-rap song on the singer’s journey to take to a genderless identity.
The artist, who is from Switzerland but currently lives in Berlin, was due to land in Zurich on Sunday evening, said national broadcaster SRF.
A Swiss contestant beat Croatian rocker Baby Lasagna by winning the most points from a combination of national juries and viewers around the world.
Nemo, 24, is the first non-living Eurovision winner and also the first Swiss champion since 1988, when Canadian singer Celine Dion competed under the Swiss flag.
In a press conference after the victory, Nemo expressed his pride in accepting the trophy for “the people who want to be themselves and the people who have to be are heard and understood. “We need more compassion, we need more compassion.”
Biel, his hometown, congratulated the winner and said residents were ready to celebrate.
“Congratulations! The city of Biel is very proud and says: Bravo and Merci Nemo for the great song and performance and also for bringing the colors of Biel to the world! ” says the city on its website. “Your city celebrates and welcomes you. “
“Nemo creates and moves freely between classical, alternative and popular culture,” said the city’s culture manager, Glenda González Bassi. “A wonderful example of the dynamic and inclusive culture we pride ourselves in Biel.”
Nemo beat finalists from 24 other countries, who performed in front of a live audience of thousands and around 180 million viewers worldwide. Each contestant had three minutes to combine catchy tunes and brilliant visuals into performances capable of winning the hearts of the audience. Musical styles included rock, disco, techno and rap, sometimes together.
Switzerland has already started thinking about next year, when the country will host the next Eurovision contest.
Associate reporter Jovana Gec in Belgrade, Serbia, contributed to this report.
