At the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, Sweden’s hosting as the winner of Eurovision was overshadowed by intense protests and boycotts. The controversy that started with Israel’s participation continued on the final night.
In the final of the contest held in Malmö, Sweden, Switzerland’s representative Nemo won the first place with the song “Unforgettable”, which was applauded by music lovers despite political reactions. However, Israel’s participation in the contest brought protests from various quarters, especially from Palestinian supporters.
It was noteworthy that Israel was booed and protests were raised during its performance in the halls where the contest was held. The contest, in which Israel placed fifth, also brought political debates.
The alternative Palestinian song contest “FalastinVision”, organized in Malmö, Sweden to protest Israel’s participation in the contest, stood out as a platform that questions Eurovision’s political neutrality and wants to emphasize Palestinian culture.
Bambie Thug, the Irish representative of Eurovision, criticized Israel’s participation in the contest and expressed his support for Palestine. Thug argued that Israel’s participation is against the spirit of Eurovision.
As a result, the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest went beyond being just a musical event and hosted political and social debates. But the most important news for music fans was that Switzerland won first place with Nemo’s “Unforgettable”.
