Nemo: 'Winning Eurovision turned my life upside down'

If it wasn't for Nemo, Switzerland wouldn't be hosting this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

Twelve months ago, the singer lifted the trophy for their song The Code, an operatic pop track about their journey to realising they were non-binary.

It was the first victory for a non-binary performer in Eurovision history and the first for Switzerland since Céline Dion won in 1988.

Looking back, 12 months later, the singer says the experience "turned my life upside down, in the best way possible."

"The most important thing was [that] I gained a lot of self confidence in myself as an artist.

"It adds a level of relaxation to the creation process, because I know I can trust my gut when it comes to writing songs and performance."

After last year's contest, Nemo was vocal in their criticism of the organisers who, they said, didn't do enough to participants who were caught up in a row over Israel's inclusion.

"I felt very alone," they told BBC News last October, "and I know that some other artists were also feeling that way.".

"I really hope they have things in place for the next year to make sure that part of the whole contest, especially mentally, gets taken care of."

Eurovision responded last December, by introducing a swathe of new rules designed to protect contestants' welfare.

There are more closed-door rehearsals, allowing participants to refine their performances away from the critical eyes of fans and the media.

And, after artists like Bambie Thug accused other countries of filming them backstage without permission, the contest introduced no-filming zones backstage.

"We all feel super safe in that area," French singer Louane told the BBC earlier this week.

"It means when you encounter a blue carpet, you're not allowed to have your phone out to film or take pictures or anything."

The result is a much calmer atmosphere in the Eurovision camp. After the tensions of 2024, the class of 25 have even set up a WhatsApp group to cheer each other on.

"It's such a nice thing to have everybody so ing each other," says Claude, who is representing the Netherlands.

"Like, if somebody forgot something in their home country, they'd just be like, 'Does somebody have like, a charger":[]}