Nemo engenders breakthrough at Eurovision

Switzerland's Nemo has won the Eurovision Song Contest, becoming the first artist identifying as non-binary to claim victory, in a competition marked by controversy over Israel's participation at a time of war in Gaza.

Nemo's The Code won the highest score from nations' juries, and enough of the popular votes to edge out Croatia in the final, held in Sweden's Malmo.

"I hope this contest can live up to its promise and continue to stand for peace and dignity for every person in this world," Nemo, 24, said while receiving the trophy.

Nemo's journey towards realizing a non-binary gender identity served as inspiration for the highly personal winning entry.

"The Code is about the journey I started with the realization that I am neither a man nor a woman," Nemo said.

In Zagreb, a crowd gathered to follow Croatia's Baby Lasagna.

"There is no room for sadness, only pride," Nina Plese, 34, said. "This young man has brought the whole of Croatia together."

Nemo, Baby Lasagna and Israel's Eden Golan had been favorites to win the competition, watched the world over by millions of lovers of pop music - and kitschy shows.

Twenty-five nations competed but much of the focus has centred on the controversy of Israel.

When Golan went on stage to perform her Hurricane, both cheers and boos could be heard from the audience in the Malmo Arena. Golan finished fifth with 375 points.