Swiss Singer Nemo Returns Eurovision Trophy in Protest Over Israel's Participation
Nemo, the 26-year-old Swiss singer who took home the Eurovision trophy last year, has announced that she is returning the award in protest of Israel's participation in the 2026 contest. The decision comes as five countries - Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland - have already announced their intention to boycott the event due to Israel's actions in Gaza.
Nemo expressed her disagreement with the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) decision not to expel Israel from the contest, stating that there is a "clear conflict" between Eurovision's values of unity, inclusion, and dignity for all. She believes that allowing Israel to participate contradicts these ideals and has decided to send back the trophy to the EBU headquarters in Geneva.
This move deepens the crisis surrounding Eurovision 2026, with some questioning how the contest can continue when key countries are boycotting it over political concerns. The EBU has emphasized its claim that Eurovision is non-political, but Nemo's decision suggests otherwise.
The Israeli government and broadcaster have responded to the criticism, with Israel's president saying that his country "deserves to be represented on every stage around the world." In contrast, Nemo's stance highlights a growing divide within the Eurovision community over issues of politics and social justice.
Nemo, the 26-year-old Swiss singer who took home the Eurovision trophy last year, has announced that she is returning the award in protest of Israel's participation in the 2026 contest. The decision comes as five countries - Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland - have already announced their intention to boycott the event due to Israel's actions in Gaza.
Nemo expressed her disagreement with the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) decision not to expel Israel from the contest, stating that there is a "clear conflict" between Eurovision's values of unity, inclusion, and dignity for all. She believes that allowing Israel to participate contradicts these ideals and has decided to send back the trophy to the EBU headquarters in Geneva.
This move deepens the crisis surrounding Eurovision 2026, with some questioning how the contest can continue when key countries are boycotting it over political concerns. The EBU has emphasized its claim that Eurovision is non-political, but Nemo's decision suggests otherwise.
The Israeli government and broadcaster have responded to the criticism, with Israel's president saying that his country "deserves to be represented on every stage around the world." In contrast, Nemo's stance highlights a growing divide within the Eurovision community over issues of politics and social justice.
but I feel bad for the people who were looking forward to this year's contest 
. It's like the trophy has become a symbol of their disappointment 
. The EBU really needs to reevaluate its stance on this matter 
. If Eurovision is all about unity and inclusion, then how can Israel participate when it's causing so much harm in Gaza? 
I get where Nemo is coming from, but I wish she could've found a way to bring attention to the issue without giving up the trophy 
. It's just one little trophy that can't change the world, right? 
. I mean, Eurovision is all about spreading love and unity, but it seems like Israel's actions in Gaza are totally throwing that out the window 
. The EBU should be doing more than just saying their contest is non-political - they gotta take a stand against human rights abuses 
. And honestly, I'm kinda surprised that some other countries aren't speaking out too... it feels like we're supposed to be a community that cares about social justice 
. Like, I get it that there's a conflict going on in Gaza and all, but returning the trophy isn't gonna solve anything. It's just gonna make her look like some kinda hero to the protesters who are already getting hyped about boycotting Eurovision 2026 
. Newsflash: if you don't want Israel participating, maybe instead of taking away an award, you could try actually voting them out? I mean, come on, it's not that hard to make a decision like that... btw, what even is the deal with the EBU thinking they can just let Israel participate without addressing the bigger issue at hand? 
. Can't we just talk things out instead of resorting to this kind of drama? It's Eurovision, not politics (or is it?) 
. I'm torn on this one... do I side with Nemo or the EBU? Guess only time will tell 
Just heard that Nemo is returning her Eurovision trophy 
because she can't stand Israel participating in the contest 
. I gotta admit, I kinda support her decision though 
. Allowing Israel to participate just doesn't sit right with me either 
. It's like, how can you celebrate unity and inclusion when there's a clear conflict going on? 
i mean i get where nemo is coming from but boycotting isn't really solving anything either lol like if they don't participate then that's just gonna fuel the fire on both sides idk man, i feel like eurovision should be about unity and love not politics... or at least try to keep it that way? 
what a waste of space
. Like, come on, Nemo, if you're that passionate about it, then maybe don't enter the contest in the first place? 
. I mean, if you're gonna keep Israel in the contest, at least have a plan to address the issues they've raised. Just slapping a Band-Aid on it ain't gonna cut it 
.
️?
. It's like, if Nemo's trophy is gonna come back to the EU headquarters, maybe something good should come out of it... like a massive meeting with world leaders to figure out how to make peace? 
. And honestly, I'm kinda surprised more artists aren't speaking out on this. 
Guess we'll see how this all plays out in 2026...
. And honestly, I'm kinda impressed by her courage