Music

Eurovision 2023 results: Sweden’s returning champion Loreen wins the song contest with Tattoo

Eurovision final

Loreen receives her trophy at the final of the Eurovision Song contest 2023 on May 13, 2023 (Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images)

14/05/2023 12:48 am

Mel Giedroyc is also 100% right, Eurovision 2023 really has been something special and we’ll be remembering this moment for a very long time to come. Honestly, the vibes have been sensational, and getting to see Loreen make history in that waffle-maker/toaster/sunbed has truly been the cherry on the cake.

Until next year folks, when Sweden will assume hosting duties for the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s win and we’ll be telling everyone who’ll listen that we were THERE when Loreen became a second time Eurovision champ on our little island.

Thank you for reading, folks, and a very goodnight!

14/05/2023 12:31 am

Loreen has a departing message as she performs Tattoo to a rousing chorus from the crowd: “I love you and thank you!”

Sweden’s pop superstar seems genuinely awed by the moment – which is to be expected, as she’s just become the first woman in the history of the competition to win twice. Come through, Eurovision queen!

https://twitter.com/m2003esc/status/1657523477094563840

 

 

14/05/2023 12:04 am

Sweden has officially won the Eurovision Song Contest after the public vote came in – a very shocked and overwhelmed-looking Loreen is currently making her way to the stage to perform her song “Tattoo” for the second time tonight.

In the end, Sweden finished with 583 points. Finland finished in second place at 526 and Israel in third with 362.

It’s an extraordinary moment – it means that Sweden is now on a par with Ireland for the most all-time Eurovision wins.

13/05/2023 11:55 pm

Well, it really is all to play for. After an absolutely mammoth public vote, Finland is now at the top of the scoreboard.

Will Loreen get back on top with the public vote? Only time will tell.

13/05/2023 11:37 pm

As expected, the public voting has thrown everything into a state of disarray. Despite high hopes for the UK, Mae Muller has crashed and burned with “I Wrote a Song”. With a combined score of just 24 points, she’s currently on course to finish second last.

Meanwhile, Norway and Ukraine have gotten a massive boost with the public vote, pushing them into second and third place respectively.

But that’s all going to change as the public vote keeps rolling in. Points haven’t yet been counted for Sweden, Finland, Israel and Italy.

13/05/2023 11:37 pm

Well, that’s all the jury voting done and dusted. Right now, Sweden’s Loreen is on course to win with 340 points. Israel is in second place with 177, but they’re closely followed by Italy with 176.

Finland, a major fan favourite going into the contest, is in fourth place with 150 points.

But as is always the case, everything could change very fast once the public votes come in. The national juries and the public tend to have different priorities when it comes to deciding a worthy winner.

So it’s entirely possible that Loreen could be knocked off her perch by the public vote.

13/05/2023 11:27 pm

It’s all to play for right now – as the jury votes continue to roll in, Sweden’s Loreen is leading the pack with her song “Tattoo”. After Norway’s points were added, Sweden was at 228 – a fair distance from Israel, which currently sits in second place at 128.

But that could all change once the public votes start rolling in, as we’ve seen in past years. Loreen was the favourite going in to this year’s Eurovision, but that doesn’t mean she’ll take the trophy.

If Loreen does win, Sweden will tie Ireland for the most Eurovision wins at seven.

13/05/2023 11:17 pm

The voting is officially closed everyone. Sit tight.

13/05/2023 11:13 pm

Wow. Duncan Laurence, who won for The Netherlands in 2019, is performing You’ll Never Walk Alone, and it’s really quite special. Not only is the whole crowd waving their phone torches, but we’ve also got a video footage of Ruslana singing along with a youth choir in Kiev. Let me hear you say United by Music!

13/05/2023 11:04 pm

Buckle up, we’ve got a medley of some of the biggest songs to ever come out of the city of Liverpool, courtesy of some equally mega Eurovision stars by the names of Mahmood, Netta, Cornelia Jacobs, Daði Freyr and Sonia. Ring a bell?

13/05/2023 10:54 pm

The interval is here and we’re putting the pedal firming to the metal. First up is Sam Ryder singing his latest single ‘Mountain’, complete with Roger Taylor from Queen on drums. A real duo!

13/05/2023 10:40 pm

PSA: Eurovision is extremely, extremely gay.

 

13/05/2023 10:31 pm

And just like that, all countries have performed and the voting lines are officially open! Here’s Hannah Waddingham summing up the collective mood right now.

13/05/2023 10:27 pm

26: United Kingdom: Mae Muller – I Wrote A Song

And just like that, we’ve arrived at the UK’s very own Mae Muller. Earlier in the day, she told press that she was “ready to get this show on the road”, and she wasn’t kidding!

Mae Muller is essentially everyone’s bestie, the kind of girl who wipes your mascara tears in the loos at a club and tells you to leave that no-good **** in the bin where they belong. Just as well that she’s performing a break-up diss track in front of a home crowd. DA-DA-DA-DA-DA-I!

 

13/05/2023 10:24 pm

25: Croatia: Let 3 – Mama ŠČ!

Here come punk rockers Let 3 with one of the most political songs of the night, Mama ŠČ, in which they brand Vladimir Putin a “crocodile psychopath” while rocking soldier outfits and cartoonish moustaches. If that wasn’t enough, they’ve also stripped off to their underpants and unveiled huge rockets! (no pun intended). They’ve understood the assignment. 

13/05/2023 10:18 pm

24: Slovenia: Joker Out – Carpe Diem

It’s the final band of the night, folks. Joker Out are five guys in their twenties from Slovenia. Word on the street is that they’ve been handing out branded condoms around Liverpool, which is thoughtful, I guess? I’m getting distracted here by the pink satin trousers.

 

 

 

13/05/2023 10:13 pm

23: Israel: Noa Kirel – Unicorn

YOU WANNA SEE ME DANCE? yells Noa, a bona fide pop superstar in Israel. Well, duh! Give it to us! Just don’t try this at home. You’ve been warned.

13/05/2023 10:09 pm

22: Lithuania: Monika Linkytė – Stay

Only five acts left! Now it’s time for another Eurovision returner in the form of Monika, who performed as part of a duet with Vaidas Baumila in 2015, and is now back as a solo artist.

The lyrics “My heart is beating” couldn’t be more apt right now, because Monika is struggling a bit with her earpiece. Love Stay though, she’s got a BIG voice and isn’t afraid to use it.

13/05/2023 10:04 pm

21: Germany: Lord of the Lost – Blood & Glitter

It’s time for some rock from Lord of the Lost, who apparently have a huge following in Germany and are off to support Iron Maiden on tour. Casual.

All together now: EUROVISION MAKE SOME NOIIIIIIIIISE

13/05/2023 10:00 pm

20: Norway: Alessandra – Queen of Kings

Come through, Viking queen Alessandra! As Graham said, Queen of Kings has indeed got a very high note in it. A whistle, one might say. Can someone check to see the glass trophy hasn’t shattered? I’ll be here singing along to the laidadadilaidas.

13/05/2023 9:55 pm

19:  Ukraine: TVORCHI – Heart Of Steel

Let me see you dance, it’s Ukraine!

Heart of Steel is a very different vibe to last year’s Stefania, I have to say. Soaring strings, organ-style effects, thumping bass – 10/10, no notes.

 

 

13/05/2023 9:50 pm

18: Moldova: Pasha Parfeni – Soarele şi Luna

Having previously represented Moldova in 2012, which was the year Loreen lifted the trophy, Pasha is back with Soarele și Luna. It’s described as an “ethno-banger”, and is sung in Romanian. There’s also an epic flute, horned dancers and giant drums, which is bringing Big Pagan Energy.

13/05/2023 9:45 pm

17: Armenia: Brunette – Future Lover

You thought Brunette’s song was a melancholic orchestral ballad? Wrong.

Come for the wistful longing about her dream partner, stay for the impromptu rap and dance break. Yeah, the girl has breath control in abundance. And those boots will be all over the high street next week, mark my words.

 

13/05/2023 9:40 pm

16: Belgium: Gustaph – Because Of You

Gustaph is here and living his best life on stage in that Boy George-esque fedora. Because Of You is all about queer joy and living authentically, but it’s also a massive  tribute to ballroom culture and queer and trans artists of colour, so vogueing star PussCee West is front and centre.

Just look at him go! The very definition of out and proud. Get it Gustaph!

13/05/2023 9:33 pm

15: Australia: Voyager – Promise

Here come this year’s resident rockers, Voyager. They’ve been performing together for over twenty years, and their song Promise is a proper retro stomper. I’m very into it, colour me surprised.

13/05/2023 9:30 pm

14: Czechia / Czech Republic: Vesna – My Sister’s Crown

Czechia are competing as Czechia for the very first time. Don’t ask me to explain the technicalities, Graham just explained it but I was still reeling from Käärijä.

Vesna’s song, My Sister’s Crown, is all about girl power. Its chorus is also in Ukrainian as a mark of solidarity, which really is a beautiful touch. There’s something about the floor-length hair braids, too, which is slightly ominous, and… I like it?

13/05/2023 9:25 pm

13: Finland: Käärijä – Cha Cha Cha

We’re at the halfway point of tonight’s performances and to treat us is Finland’s Käärijä. Gird your loins, everyone, because the dancers are forming their human centipede. Don’t say it, I FORBID you.

13/05/2023 9:20 pm

12: Estonia: Alika – Bridges

Oh good, another ballad. We’ll forgive Alika though, because she’s brought along a haunted piano that plays itself every time she belts out a note. Look!

13/05/2023 9:17 pm

11: Italy: Marco Mengoni – Due Vite

Wow, we’re racing through them tonight. But don’t let us catch you slacking, because Marco from Italy is here in a spangled vest and a stadium ballad. Are those leather trousers? I can only imagine the heat of those lights is merciless, so I hope for his sake that they’re not.

13/05/2023 9:11 pm

10: Albania: Albina & Familja Kelmendi – Duje

It’s a family affair tonight with the Kelmendis, representing Albania with another huge ballad, Duje. They really said “von Trapps WHO?”

Congratulations are in order for Albina, who is on stage with her parents (!) AND her brother and sister. Yeah, brave. Next time you get in a family fight, just remember to harmonise!

https://twitter.com/ANTAG0NlSTA/status/1657476485936996353

13/05/2023 9:07 pm

9: Sweden: Loreen – Tattoo

Look alive, it’s Loreen! Remain calm, everyone.

Loreen is gunning to make history tonight and take the Eurovision trophy for the second time. It’s not a stretch to imagine her doing it with Tattoo, which is an absolute banger. Also, I know we’re all mesmerised by the box and her talons, but can we talk about how cut she is? Three words: Hot. Girl. Summer.

13/05/2023 9:02 pm

8: Spain: Blanca Paloma – Eaea

Spain is one of the Big 5, and it’s just as well because this song from Blanca Paloma is certainly a choice. It’s a mix of dance, traditional flamenco, and all red everything. Seriously, I can’t see anything but. Let’s see how Europe reacts to it tonight, though, because block voting is A Thing, as we all know.

 

13/05/2023 8:57 pm

7: Cyprus: Andrew Lambrou – Break A Broken Heart

Andrew Lambrou is now on the scene for Cyprus. He’s a Cypriot-Australian who lives in Sydney, singing his heart out about how you can’t break a heart that’s already broken. Stop toying with our heartstrings, won’t you.

This performance is peak Eurovision, I have to say. Smoke, water, flames – what more could you want? Ok, yes, biceps.

 

13/05/2023 8:51 pm

6: France: La Zarra – Évidemment

French disco at Eurovision, need we say more? Standing on her giant sparkly plinth, channelling the spirit of the Eiffel tower herself, France’s La Zarra just knows she’s that girl. More of this please, s’il vous plait.

13/05/2023 3:13 pm

5: Serbia: Luke Black – Samo Mi Se Spava

Next up, it’s Serbia and Luke Black with Samo Mi Se Spava, which translates as “I just wanna sleep”. Not the energy we really want to channel right now, what with it only  only being song five. He has got a brilliantly manic laugh, though.

13/05/2023 8:41 pm

4: Poland: Blanka – Solo

Blanka is throwing everything at this, what with the tropical graphics, the costume reveal and…. the dance break. In all honesty it’s a lot to take in. Graham’s determined to get his twopence in, too. There are “bigger, better earworms in the show” he adds snarkily.

13/05/2023 8:36 pm

3. Switzerland: Remo Forrer – Watergun

It’s our first power ballad, courtesy of Remo Forrer singing Watergun. It’s a song about the futility of war and a universal call for peace, and Remo is certainly feeling it.

13/05/2023 8:32 pm

If you’re just joining the Eurovision party for the first time, welcome!

Portugal’s Mimicat is up next with Ai Coração, which means ‘oh heart’ ❤️ , serving red feathers and major cabaret vibes. It’s supreme.

 

13/05/2023 8:27 pm

Who the hell is Edgar?

Austrian duo Teya & Salena are kicking us off with their earworm Who The Hell Is Edgar?, which is a song about being possessed by the ghost of, you guessed it, Edgar Allan Poe.

All together now: Poe! Poe! Poe! Poe! Poe! Poe! Poe! Poe! Poe! Poe!

https://twitter.com/drbecki_n/status/1657465751471546375

On a serious note, it’s also a song about the lack of royalties musicians receive from the likes of Spotify.

13/05/2023 8:20 pm

Wave your flag!

As predicted, the opening performance has served some famous Ukrainian entrants, including Jamala (winner of Eurovision 2016), Tina Karol (represented Ukraine in 2006), and Verka Serduchka (who could forget their 2007 entry Dancing Lasha Tumbai?)

And because Eurovision is determined to make us bawl our eyes tonight, the Netherlands’ Duncan Laurence will be performing You’ll Never Walk Alone – a 60-year-old song which has since become a Liverpool football club anthem – during the voting rounds, during which there’ll also be live footage of Ukrainians singing along in Kyiv. If you haven’t got the tissues on hand, do so NOW.

13/05/2023 8:12 pm

The Kalush Orchestra open the show

Here come the Kalush Orchestra with a special rendition of last year’s winning song, Stefania. They’ve got some very special guests in tow, too: Sam Ryder, Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales. C’mon, keys!

https://twitter.com/Eurovision/status/1657461846662696960

 

13/05/2023 8:04 pm

And we’re off!

Welcome to folks who have just joined the chat. It’s the Eurovision grand final in Liverpool and we’re ready to party. 

Fancy a spot of trivia? It’s the UK’s 65th time competing at the song contest and our ninth time hosting. The last time the UK won Eurovision was 26 years ago in 1997 when Katrina and the Waves triumphed with Love Shine A Light. Ok, that’s all the trivia for tonight, I promise. Let’s start the show!

13/05/2023 7:54 pm

Who are the bookies favourites?

The two big favourites to win tonight are – surprise! – Sweden and Finland. They both drew a place to perform in the first half of the contest, which is usually considered a disadvantage as opposed to be placed in the second half. Then again, Sweden has Loreen leading the charge, and Finland has rap artist Käärijä and his outrageously catchy tune Cha Cha Cha, which we’ll all be chanting for the next month. 

Käärijä is closing the first half at song number 13, just before the interval, which I think is quite a good spot. Loreen is song number 9 for Sweden – that’s the point where former BBC commentator Sir Terry Wogan said he would always begin drinking. Who are we to argue?

https://twitter.com/mika_ljm/status/1657304020409630721

13/05/2023 7:47 pm

All rise for Hannah Waddingham

All the hosts are truly sensational this year (Alesha Dixon’s semi-final rap absolutely SPUN me and I’ve been listening to Misteeq 24/7 ever since), but we need to take a moment here to recognise the sheer brilliance of Hannah Waddingham. Not only is she a Proper Thespian who can turn her hand to any accent, but she’s also a talented linguist – yes, that’s right, a Brit who has bothered to learn another language – and do it well. 

For these talents, and her onscreen kookiness, she’s now been christened the internet’s ‘mother’. I cannot even begin to explain what this is to the uninitiated because we’re on a countdown, folks, but just know that she’s absolutely delighted with the title (albeit slightly bemused, too).

Alongside the combined power of Waddingham, Dixon and Julia Sanina, from the Ukrainian band The Hardkiss, we’ll also have Graham Norton on hand tonight for presenting, commentating and sarcastic asides, with Mel Giedroyc filling in whenever he’s on stage. Don’t ask me how that’s actually going to play out, it sounds like chaos!

13/05/2023 7:31 pm

United with Ukraine

As the countdown to the grand final begins, let’s take a moment to remember that the UK are caretakers of Eurovision this year on behalf of Ukraine, following Putin and Russia’s invasion in 2022. 

While we’re here for all the silly, surreal and unpredictable moments that are sure to come our way tonight, let’s remember our guests of honour who, were it not for the ongoing war, would have been hosting in Ukraine tonight following Kalush Orchestra’s win last year with their song Stefania. This year’s slogan is “united by music”, and as each act is introduced this evening, we’ll see “postcard videos” featuring landmarks in Ukraine and Britain alongside the other competing nations. 

@pinknews

#Ukrainain Singer #Ruslana shares a powerful message at #eurovision2023 in reaponse to the Russian invasion ofnher country,

♬ original sound – PinkNews 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

So let’s raise our glasses in solidarity with our Ukrainian guests here in the UK and those watching abroad. It hardly needs mentioning that Ukraine are an absolute powerhouse in this contest, and there’s no better proof of that than Ukraine’s first Eurovision winner, Ruslana, who made a special appearance at Liverpool’s EuroVillage yesterday.

Welcome friends, and Budmo!

13/05/2023 7:11 pm

Tonight’s running order

While you’re sorting your score cards, let’s take a look at the acts who qualified for the grand final at the semi-finals earlier this week.

As a reminder, the Big 5 countries – France, Spain, UK, Italy and Germany – automatically made it through to the final, including reigning contest champs Ukraine. The rest of the participating countries, though, had to qualify in the knock-outs. Let’s take a look at the entrants and the running order for tonight’s final – as you can see, the UK will be performing last!

  1. 🇦🇹 Austria | Teya & Salena – Who The Hell Is Edgar?
  2. 🇵🇹 Portugal | Mimicat – Ai Coração
  3. 🇨🇭 Switzerland | Remo Forrer – Watergun
  4. 🇵🇱 Poland | Blanka – Solo
  5. 🇷🇸 Serbia | Luke Black – Samo Mi Se Spava
  6. 🇫🇷 France: La Zarra – Évidemment
  7. 🇨🇾 Cyprus | Andrew Lambrou – Break A Broken Heart
  8. 🇪🇸 Spain: Blanca Paloma – Eaea
  9. 🇸🇪 Sweden | Loreen – Tattoo
  10. 🇦🇱 Albania | Albina & Familja Kelmendi – Duje
  11. 🇮🇹 Italy: Marco Mengoni – Due Vite
  12. 🇪🇪 Estonia | Alika – Bridges
  13. 🇫🇮 Finland | Käärijä – Cha Cha Cha
  14. 🇨🇿 Czechia | Vesna – My Sister’s Crown
  15. 🇦🇺 Australia | Voyager – Promise
  16. 🇧🇪 Belgium | Gustaph – Because Of You
  17. 🇦🇲 Armenia | Brunette – Future Lover
  18. 🇲🇩 Moldova | Pasha Parfeni – Soarele şi Luna
  19. 🇺🇦 Ukraine: TVORCHI – Heart of Steel
  20. 🇳🇴 Norway | Alessandra – Queen of Kings
  21. 🇩🇪 Germany: Lord of the Lost – Blood & Glitter
  22. 🇱🇹 Lithuania | Monika Linkytė – Stay
  23. 🇮🇱 Israel | Noa Kirel – Unicorn
  24. 🇸🇮 Slovenia | Joker Out – Carpe Diem
  25. 🇭🇷 Croatia | Let 3 – Mama ŠČ!
  26. 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Mae Muller – I Wrote A Song

 

13/05/2023 6:48 pm

Happy Eurovision day to all who celebrate!

Evening all, and welcome to our live blog for the grand final of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest!

This is the night we’ve all been waiting for, and what a ride it’s been so far. After making it through the brilliantly bonkers semi-finals earlier this week – which featured moustachioed soldiers in their underpants, a Peppa Pig conga line and even a song about being possessed by the ghost of Edgar Allen Poe (yes, really) – we’ve arrived at the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place tonight in the Liverpool Arena on the banks of the Mersey.

The biggest event in europop will be beamed live to a television audience of more than 160 million people around the world, and it’s sure to be an emotional show as Liverpool hosts on behalf of Ukraine and dedicates a sparkling showcase to a country under siege. Whatever happens tonight, it’s sure to be one hell of a party.

Curtain is up at 8pm, so gather your favourite snacks, stick on Euphoria, and settle in for the show! See you in a bit.

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