Nemo: 'Winning Eurovision turned my life upside down'

Nemo, a talented singer from Switzerland, made history by winning the Eurovision Song Contest last year with their song The Code. This operatic pop track tells the story of their journey to understanding their identity as a non-binary person. It was a significant achievement, as it marked the first time a non-binary artist won at Eurovision and also the first victory for Switzerland since the legendary Céline Dion took home the trophy in 1988. Reflecting on the past year, Nemo shared that winning the contest completely transformed their life for the better. They gained immense self-confidence as an artist, which has made the creative process much more enjoyable. Nemo expressed that they now trust their instincts when it comes to writing songs and performing, which has added a sense of relaxation to their work. However, the journey to victory was not without its challenges. Shortly after receiving the trophy on stage in Malmo, Sweden, Nemo accidentally broke it in two. Following the contest, they voiced their concerns about the lack of support from the organizers, especially during a controversy surrounding Israel's participation. Nemo felt isolated and hoped that the organizers would implement measures to better support the mental well-being of the contestants in the future. In response to these concerns, Eurovision introduced several new rules aimed at protecting the welfare of the artists. These changes include more closed-door rehearsals, allowing participants to practice their performances away from the prying eyes of fans and the media. Additionally, no-filming zones were established backstage to ensure that contestants feel safe and secure. French singer Louane commented on the positive impact of these changes, stating that it creates a more comfortable environment for everyone involved. The atmosphere within the Eurovision community has become much calmer, and the contestants have even formed a WhatsApp group to encourage and support one another. They help each other out with various needs, such as lending chargers or other forgotten items from home. Despite the camaraderie, Nemo still worries about the intense scrutiny that contestants face during Eurovision week. They explained that there are high expectations from the media, which can be overwhelming. Some media outlets express doubts about a contestant's chances of success, while others expect them to win outright. Nemo recalls their own experience from last year when they were considered the third favorite to win. They managed to outperform frontrunners Croatia and Israel with a daring performance that involved dancing on a tilted, spinning platform while hitting challenging high notes. Looking back, Nemo remembers feeling anxious and hoping not to fall during their performance. Fortunately, everything went smoothly, and they emerged victorious. Now, Nemo is thrilled to see the Eurovision Song Contest returning to Switzerland after a 36-year absence. They believe it is a wonderful opportunity for people to discover more about Switzerland beyond its famous mountains and cows. This year, Nemo will take the stage again to perform their new single, Unexplainable. Fans who loved The Code may be surprised by the new song's different sound. It begins with a gentle electric guitar and explores Nemo's feelings of confusion and detachment from their emotions. However, the song builds to an explosive finale filled with powerful chords and harmonies reminiscent of Freddie Mercury's style. Nemo feels less nervous this year, or at least nervous in a different way, and is excited to return to the stage without the weight of expectations. The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place in Basel, Switzerland, on May 17. Viewers can catch the event on BBC One or listen to the coverage on BBC Radio 2.