Eurovision 2024: stellar moments of a controversial gala

We can't deny that this Eurovision Song Contest 2024 final has been one of the most controversial of all, with booing, claims, bullying, and protests.

Image: UK contestant Olly Alexander in a photo by Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

Switzerland won. The song 'The Code' by the artist Nemo made that country win the festival, something that had not happened for 36 years.

The great controversy has revolved around Israel's participation. On social media, it has been claimed that (again) the organization covered boos with canned applause. When it connected with the Israeli television representative who had to make her points, the boos were perfectly audible. (Of course, in televoting, Eden Golan, the Israeli representative, had great support).

Adding to all the controversy was the heartfelt absence of Dutch singer Joost Klein, who with his Europapa managed to thrill the entire Malmo Arena in the first semi-final, advancing to the final. However, an unclear situation clouded his participation and left him out of the final, which is why many Eurovision fans booed EBU supervisor Martin Österdahl.

After Holland's controversial departure, the tension increased. Many fans and spectators considered the expulsion measure disproportionate, which is why they decided to protest during the gala by shouting and booing at EBU supervisor Martin Österdahl.

One of the images of this Eurovision 2024 final did not take place on stage but on the street, outside the venue where the gala was being held. There, in a protest in favor of Palestine, climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested.

Baby Lasagna, from Croatia, was a favorite and achieved a huge amount of televoting but... Switzerland achieved a better average between televoting and jury vote.

The general feeling is that Nebulossa did their job well and that the song suited Eurovision (beyond its provocative title). Of course, then the usual thing happened and Spain was among the worst-placed countries.

The public vote was overwhelmingly for Ukraine, which has European sympathies. Alyona Alyona, and Jerry Hei were able to bring a show full of talent, well sung and well received by both the public and the judges' vote. Well deserved!

It seems to have become a common practice that in the popular vote England is left with zero points, many have been surprised by this result as Olly Alexander managed to bring us a performance at the height of Eurovision, unfortunately, anything can happen in the Eurovision Song Contest.

The Irish Bambie Thug starred in one of the night's most striking moments for her daring look, incredible voice, interesting performance, and gothic and punk attitude.

The Portuguese Iolanda was one of those who most exhibited her commitment. "Peace will prevail" has been her message on stage.

Estonia performed full of enthusiasm. They didn't have a great result but they showed the love of the Baltic countries for this festival.

Slimane exhibited enormous power in his performance. He surprised us by singing at the top of his lungs, at a distance from the microphone.

One of the most heartwarming moments of the night was a tribute to Abba starring Charlotte Perrelli, Carola Häggkvist, and Conchita Wurst. 'Waterloo' in the heart.

Nemo won and in his final speech he asked that Eurovision continue to be a "contest of peace and love."