This year's Eurovision Song Contest was tense, with the normal glitz and excitement overshadowed by protests and drama.
The days leading up the Malmö, Sweden, final were filled with controversy, with outrage over the decision to let Israel take part, protests and spats between contestants. Things then went from bad to worse when Dutch act Joost Klein was disqualified following a backstage incident and Ireland missed the parade rehearsal following another concern.
Rumours of a spat between Joost and Israeli singer Eden Golan had also grown during the semi-final after he questioned her place in the Eurovision amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the Gaza Strip. The 20-year-old has also been the target of heavy criticism from enthusiasts and boycott pleas while concerns for her security have been raised.
And the night itself was filled with drama, with huge protests outside the venue and loud booing for Eden Golan. However, many of the acts used their time on stage to call for peace and unity - despite calls for the event to be non-political. Some were very obvious with their statements, while others opted for something more subtle.
Moments after being crowned this year's winner for his song The Code, Nemo used his speech to call for peace. He said: "I hope this contest can live up to its promise and continue to stand for peace and dignity for every person in this world."
Appearing on stage as the seventh act of the evening, after Eden was booed for a second time by audience members, Lithuania's Silvester Belt ended his song Luktelk with his wish to "spread love to the world."
Irish singer Bambie Thug, who issued shock allegations against Israeli broadcaster Kan, shrieked that "love will always triumph hate" at the end of their own performance. Fans also pointed out that they had the colours of the Palestinian flag painted on their acrylic nails.
Later on, Portugal's entry Iolanda added that "peace will prevail" after her performing her song Grito on stage. Proud fans also took to social media to point out that she had the Palestinian Keffiyeh patterns painted on her nails.
Finally, France's contestant Slimane finished off his emotional song Mon Amour, ahead of Austria's final act of the night, by claiming: "united by music for love and peace." This comes after the singer, known across the Channel for his participation in The Voice's French spin-off, halted his performance during Saturday's dress rehearsal to share a similar message.
