Eurovision winners Johnny Logan, Salvador Sobral and Emmelie de Forest have already expressed their concerns over Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026. And now Switzerland’s most recent winner Nemo has gone one step further: They have returned their winner’s trophy to the European Broadcasting Union.
Writing on Instagram, “The Code” singer said that the trophy no longer symbolises the values Eurovision is meant to uphold. They wrote:
“Last year I won Eurovision and with it I was awarded the trophy.”
“And even though I’m immensely grateful for the community around this contest and everything this experience has taught me both as a person and artist, today I no longer feel this trophy belongs on my shelf.”
“Eurovision says it stands for unity, inclusion, and dignity for all. Those values made this contest meaningful to me.”
“But Israel’s continued participation, during what the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry has concluded to be a genocide, shows a clear conflict between those ideals and the decisions made by the EBU.”
“This is not about individuals or artists.”
“The contest was repeatedly used to soften the image of a state accused of severe wrongdoing, all while the EBU insisted Eurovision is ‘non-political.’l
“And when entire countries withdraw over this contradiction, it should be clear that something is deeply wrong.”
“That’s why I’ve decided that I’m sending my trophy back to the EBU headquarters in Geneva.”
“With gratitude and with a clear message:
“Live what you claim.”
“If the values we celebrate onstage aren’t lived offstage, then even the most beautiful songs lose their meaning.”
“I’m waiting for the moment those words and actions align.”
“Until then, this trophy is yours.”
