Featured Image Credit: Kevin Parry/Shutterstock
Topics: Eurovision
Rashi Agarwal
Eurovision announced its winner last night (13 May) and we are already buzzing.
Sweden's Loreen has won Eurovision 2023, and is also the first woman to win the contest twice, claiming her second victory with the song 'Tattoo', after 'Euphoria' had her take the title in 2012.
Speaking to LADbible and other media at Eurovision Loreen said: “It’s like coming back to a family.
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“We’ve had an 11-year long relationship. We know each other by now.”
After knowing that Sweden and Ireland have the same number of wins, she expressed her feeling for the same, and said: "It feels surreal. It feels wonderful. Isn't it wonderful."
On becoming the first woman to win Eurovision twice, Loreen shared: "Everything feels surreal. I'm seriously overwhelmed. You'll have to ask me that question tomorrow, darling! This is so beautiful. One feeling that I have in my body is like it's taking over is just gratitude. I feel so thankful to all of you guys."
If you've ever wondered what the winner of Eurovision actually gets, the answer might be of some surprise to you.
Unlike a lot of competitions, there will be no direct financial reward associated with the victory. The expectation is that winning the contest could lead to increased recognition and fame, potentially opening doors for future success and financial opportunities, as demonstrated by Abba's rise to stardom following their victory in 1974.
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According to Eurovision's site, "The winner will perform once again, and take home the iconic glass microphone trophy. The winning country will traditionally be given the honour of hosting the next Eurovision Song Contest."
This year's runner-up was Finland's Käärijä, while third place was occupied by Noa Kirel from Israel.
Liverpool was chosen to host the most-awaited annual music event of the year, and took place at the M&S Bank Arena.
This was the first time the UK had hosted Eurovision in 25 years, with the last Eurovision being held in Birmingham in 1998.
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The UK's Mae Muller aimed to surpass the achievement of Sam Ryder, who brought an end to the UK's streak of bad luck by placing second in last year's competition. Unfortunately this year, Mae finished second to last with her song 'I wrote a song'. Although it's not all bad for Mae, as her song is the first UK Eurovision entry to enter the UK Top 40 in over a decade.
Last year's Eurovision was won by Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra for her song, Stefania, and it was an emotional tribute to Ukraine after Russia's invasion in February last year.
Though President Zelensky wanted to host Eurovision in Ukraine this year, the ongoing catastrophic circumstances made that nearly impossible, so the event venue was shifted to the UK.
Following Ruslana's victory in 2004 and Jamala's win in 2016, the Eurovision Song Contest was hosted in Kyiv, Ukraine in 2005 and 2017.