The grand final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest took place Saturday at the Malmo Arena in Sweden, with the Swiss singer Nemo taking home the iconic microphone-shaped glass trophy. Nemo’s win marks the first victory for Switzerland since 1988, when a Canadian singer competed for the country.
Often compared to the Super Bowl, the annual international songwriting competition is celebrated for its glitzy and fun-filled performances. Eurovision is watched by millions of fans around the world, but this year has been marred in controversy and protest.
While Eurovision organizers insist that the event is non-political, the contest has been politicized. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through Malmo to protest Israel’s participation in the contest on Thursday and Saturday. Last-minute changes to the event program on Saturday stirred confusion, most notably the announcement that the Dutch entry Kleine withdrew from the competition after a reported incident with a female member of the production crew. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, said that while Swedish police were investigating the complaint, it was too late for Kleine to continue in the contest.
Although the lead-up to the grand final proved to be chaotic, the main event was a relatively smooth affair. Here are some of the most memorable, noteworthy moments from the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.
A royal welcome
The final kicked off with a message from Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. In a video, the royal greeted the crowd and wished all the contestants luck.
“It’s my great honor to welcome you all to Sweden,” she said. “I hope you will enjoy the show, and I wish all the contestants the best of luck.”
Eurovision meets Hollywood with Malin Akerman
Many viewers were surprised when they saw Hollywood actor Malin Akerman co-hosting the show with Swedish comedian Petra Mede. A Swedish-American movie star, Akerman is known for her roles in Watchmen, The Heartbreak Kid, 27 Dresses, The Proposal, and Couples Retreat, among others.
Viewers took to social media when they recognized Akerman on stage:
Me: “Wow, the Swedish co-host of Eurovision speaks English really well, and she looks vaguely familiar.”Me, seeing the chyron identifying her: “Oh! It’s Trophy Wife legend Malin Akerman!!”— TVMoJoe (@TVMoJoe)
Me, 2 hours later, realising Malin Akerman played Tess in the movie 27 Dresses — Gary (@MrGaryAndrews)
A lot of (deserved) praise for the Grand Dame of Eurovision, Queen Petra Mede today, but Malin Åkerman was a brilliant host. Such a natural, so likeable and really joined in with all of Petra’s gags. When Sweden win again, I want them both back. Valerie Cherish would be so proud! — DMacTM (@1nclusionRider)
Ireland’s entry Bambie Thug ends performance with a strong statement
Irish singer Bambie Thug competed with their song “Doomsday Blue,” and ended their performance by saying “Love will always triumph hate.” The singer, who has been openly non-binary, was one of the fan favorites and ended up placing sixth overall.
Before the show, Bambie Thug missed the final rehearsal, sparking concern that the singer might pull out of the grand final. Bambie Thug later said in a statement on their Instagram story that their absence was because of “a situation” they said needed “urgent attention” from event organizers. In a subsequent statement on their Instagram story, they said that they had “raised multiple complaints” over the past few days to the EBU regarding some incidents they had experienced, adding that the EBU “confirmed” Saturday that the commentator for Kan, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, “had broken the rules of conduct” during the first semi-final on Tuesday.
“I have been patiently waiting to hear what action is set to be taken by the EBU following this rule break,” Bambie Thug said in their statement. “I have since seen a statement by EBU Director General Noel Curran which contradicts this earlier confirmation. I am still waiting for an official update from the EBU.” Per the Irish Times, Bambie Thug spoke out against the Israeli broadcaster Kan when talking to journalists after the final.
TIME reached out to the EBU for comment and further information.
“Love will always triumph hate.” — Will. (@squawkbox)
Nemo wins over the live crowd and audiences at home with their performance
Nemo’s performance of their song “The Code” elicited strong reactions from the crowd. “The Code” is an operatic pop-rap song about Nemo’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance as a non-binary person. During their performance, the 24-year-old balanced on a metal disc that spun around on stage.
Nemo ended the night with 591 points in total, 44 more than the second-place act, Croatia.
The musician accidentally broke their trophy at the close of their post-results victory performance, injuring their thumb in the process, the Guardian reported. Organizers gave them a replacement trophy after, to which the singer joked, “I technically have two now.”
A behind-the-scenes Eurovision icon makes a public-facing appearance
Fans were surprised yet again when Akerman interviewed her mother-in-law during the show—who just so happens to be British choreographer and Eurovision legend Chrissy Wickham. Wickham is perhaps best known for being the choreographer behind the winning performance in the 1981 contest, when the British pop group Bucks Fizz ripped off their skirts on stage (and were wearing shorter skirts underneath). While Akerm