Sweden’s Loreen has won this year’s Eurovision song contest, scooping the glass microphone for a second time.
An explosion of international pop and strobe lighting lit up Liverpool this evening, as the city hosted the 66th European singing competition – featuring an Estonian self-playing piano, Mel Giedroyic churning butter, unicorn chants and a rousing chorus of Liverpool FC anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone.
The evening was hosted by presenters’ Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Julia Sanina, with Scott Mills and Rylan in the commentary box, and Graham Norton and Giedroyic commentating for the BBC.
Around 6,000 fans attended the final which was held in M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.
So how did the UK and everyone else do? Here’s everything you need to know.
Who won?
Eurovision Queen Loreen took the crown this year with Tattoo, after raking in a staggering 583 points. A favourite to win from the off, she told crowds she was “so happy” and overwhelmed after receiving the glass trophy.
How many votes did Mae Muller get?
The UK entry, Mae Muller’s “I Wrote a Song”, was automatically fast-tracked to the final as the country is among the competition’s biggest five financial backers.
The 25-year-old artist has been writing songs since she was 8, and was announced as the UK representative for Eurovision during Zoe Ball’s BBC Radio 2 breakfast show in March 2023.
It wasn’t quite the usual “nul points” for us – the UK’s song ranked in 22nd place from the international juries, and received 9 votes in the public ballot.
Muller described representing the UK for Eurovision 2023 as “a huge honour”, adding “the fact that we’re hosting this year just feels extra, extra special”.
The full list of results
1. Sweden: Loreen – Tattoo – 583
2. Finland:Kaarija – Cha Cha Cha – 526
3. Israel: Noa Kirel – Unicorn – 362
4. Italy: Marco Mengoni – Due Vite -350
5. Norway: Alessandra – Queen of Kings – 268
6. Ukraine: TVORCHI – Heart of Steel – 243
7. Belgium: Gustaph – Because of You – 182
8. Estonia: Alika – Bridges – 168
9.Australia: Voyager – Promise -151
10. Czechia: Vesna – My Sister’s Crown – 129
11.Lithuania: Monika Linkyte – Stay – 127
12. Cyprus: Andrew Lambrou – Break a Broken Heart -126
13. Croatia: Let 3 -Mama SC – 123
14. Armenia: Brunette – Future Lover – 122
15. Austria: Teya & Salena – Who The Hell is Edgar? – 120
16.France: La Zarra – Evidemment – 104
17. Spain: Blanca Paloma – Eaea – 100
18. Moldova: Pasha Parfeni – Soarele si Luna – 96
19. Poland: Blanka – Solo – 93
20. Switzerland: Remo Forrer – Watergun – 92
21. Slovenia: Joker Out – Carpe Diem – 78
22. Albania: Albina & Familja Kelmendi – Duje -76
23. Portugal: Mimicat – Ai Coracao – 59
24. Serbia: Luke Black – Samo Mi Se Spava – 30
25. UK: Mae Muller – I Wrote A Song – 24
26. Germany: Lord of the Lost – Blood & Glitter -18
What is the prize for winning Eurovision?
Under the competition’s rules, Sweden will host the next Eurovision because it is the winner of the contest.
It will mean the contest will take place in the home nation of Eurovision legends Abba on the 50th anniversary of them winning the contest in 1974.
Sweden will be hosting the event for the third time in 12 years.
