Eurovision Song Contest: Malmö 2024 (review)

Published by Mason Oldridge, 21 May 2024

An Irish witch, Norwegian twins representing Sweden and a denim-clad nude Finnish man were just a few of the delights we were treated to at this year’s Eurovision, though the contest was ultimately cast in controversy.

There is no doubt Malmö 2024 will be remembered for the EBU’s controversial decision to allow the inclusion of Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war, sparking several protests outside the arena with police on hand and hostility towards the Israeli representative, with allegations of anti-booing technology being used. There was further uproar when the Netherlands were disqualified despite qualifying for the grand final following claims of the Dutch representative threatening a member of the production team.

Switzerland won the contest, represented by Nemo with operatic pop song The Code, featuring impressive vocals and innovative staging that saw Nemo perform on a rotating and seesawing disc. Croatia came a close second and won the televote, represented by Baby Lasagna with heavy techno anthem Rim Tim Tagi Dim, thanks to an addictive hook, singalong chorus, colourful staging and energetic performance. Ireland was represented by Bambie Thug with electro-metal song Doomsday Blue, containing a witchcraft-based performance, eerie verses and a loud pre-chorus contrasting a dreamy chorus, before erupting into a screamo outro set to a heavy beat. Luxembourg returned to the contest 31 years after their last participation with Tali and her song Fighter, which features both the English and French language, while established pop star Olly Alexander from Years & Years represented the UK with Dizzy. EDM played a fair part in the contest this year. Twins Marcus & Martinus represented Sweden with their electro pop song Unforgettable, Silvester Belt represented Lithuania with his light dance song Luktelk and Kaleen represented Austria with her 90s-inspired Eurodance track We Will Rave. Many countries incorporated traditional music of different cultures into their songs too. Angelina Mango represented Italy with her song La noia which features elements of Latin American music, Marina Satti represented Greece with her song Zari that includes traditional Greek music, Ladaniva represented Armenia with their world music song Jako, while 5miinust and Puuluup collaborated to represent Estonia with their song that mixes hip hop and folk music.

Unfortunately, non-binary artists like Nemo and Bambie Thug used their platform to promote their gender ideology over representation of their country.

Furthermore, it was a shame that ABBA didn’t perform, as the contest being in Sweden coincided with the 50th anniversary of their win, though the ABBA Voyage interval act was the next best thing.

Despite all the controversy, Sweden put on a good show. After all, they now have the joint most wins. Let’s see what the Swiss bring us in 2025!

9/10