14 May 2024 , 17:01
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The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 left many viewers divided - but it was a success for Olly Alexander as the singer has taken to Instagram to give his feedback for the first time.
In a new post shared on the social media platform this Tuesday, the former member of pop group Years & Years first paid tribute to Swiss singer Nemo, who left this year's edition of the contest a winner, before making a jaw-dropping comment about his low score, which he hailed as "iconic."
Fans of the star were shocked when Olly, who represented the UK with his song "Dizzy" and a team of backup dancers during the Eurovision final on Saturday, May 11, was given zero points by the European voting public. Elsewhere, juries of the 37 competing countries awarded him a disappointing total of 46 points, which pales in comparison with Nemo's score of 365.1.
Olly Alexander received a disappointing score during the Eurovision final and the European voting public gave him no points for his performance (Getty Images)"Eurovision 2024 is over !! I’m so happy for @nemothings - they’re amazingly talented and the sweetest, kindest person", Olly wrote before reflecting on his experience, adding: "Honestly I don’t know where to even begin with this whole experience, I’m going to be processing things for a long time!"
Olly went on, insisting he was "so proud" of his performance, regardless of the outcome. "For now I just want to say I am so proud of the performance and my team, everybody absolutely smashed it and gave it their all to bring the vision to life."
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"I met so many talented wonderful people on and off the stage and I’m really thankful we were able to support each other throughout." Olly concluded his message with a reminder of his low score: "though we may have received NIL Points from the voting public - which I shall be claiming as iconic!"
The 33-year-old paired his optimistic message with a string of photos from his experience at the Eurovision, as he shared selfies with some of his co-stars in the likes of Nemo, Ireland's Bambie Thug, Lithuania's Silvester Belt and Ukraine's Jerry Heil, who reached third place. A hint he gave no heed to alleged backstage tensions.
This year's edition of the Eurovision Song Contest was tainted by scandal days before the final as Dutch act Joost Klein was withdrawn from all performances (and later disqualified) after an alleged altercation during Thursday's rehearsals. Rumours of a spat between him and Israeli singer Eden Golan then emerged but the Swedish police eventually set the record straight.
Eden's participation in the contest sparked controversy as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues on the Gaza Strip. Concerns for her safety were notably raised as she was urged to stay in her hotel room and escorted to the Malmö Arena, where the Eurovision final was taking place, by a police convoy.
Hours before her last show, Eden took to her Instagram account with a positive mindset, despite the fury around her. Despite being booed while on stage on two separate occasions, her son "Hurricane" was given the second-highest tally in the public vote and finished the competition in the fifth place.