We've had upbeat pop music, we've had heartfelt ballads and we've had some intense rock, but now we've finally made it to the end of Eurovision 2023, and we have our winner - it's Sweden!
There will no doubt be a lot of celebrations taking place across Sweden in the wake of the news, which comes following an epic performance at the live event which this year has been held in Liverpool.
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A total of 26 acts took to the stage to try and prove themselves to be the best of the best, with the event welcoming (deep breath) Austria, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, the UK, Australia, Switzerland, Poland, Serbia, France, Cyprus, Spain, Albania, Italy, Estonia, Czechia, Belgium, Armenia, Moldova, Ukraine, Norway, Germany, Lithuania, Israel, Slovenia and Croatia.
Ukraine took the Eurovision crown last year, and this year, bookies were right in placing Sweden as the favourite to win, with performer Loreen impressing fans with her song 'Tattoo'.
Other contenders to take the top spot included Finland's Kaarija with the track 'Cha Cha Cha', as well as Israel with the song 'Unicorn', which features lyrics in both English and Hebrew.
Unfortunately, the UK's Mae Muller didn't have great odds at taking home the Eurovision crown tonight, but Mae has previously made clear that her involvement in the event is exciting enough.
The 25-year-old pop star praised Sam Ryder, the UK's performer last year, for a change of attitude towards the iconic singing contest.
Speaking to The Independent about the event, Mae said: "It’s always been fun, but now I feel like it’s even more fun because people are taking it more seriously. I’m really happy to see that the tides are changing and I think a lot of that is down to Sam.”
Plus, now that the show's all over, Mae is looking forward to having some time to chill.
"I guess I’ll be sleeping in my own bed on Sunday night, so I don’t know what I’m gonna do. Have a lie-in…? Stare at a wall for a couple of hours and take it all in?," she added.
The British singer might have to wait a bit longer for her lie in, though, as after a quick chat with a member of her team, she added: "Oh no, I’m signing CDs, apparently No rest for the wicked!”
After a night of excitement I imagine those of us who don't have any CDs to sign will be having a lie in tomorrow and, at least on behalf of Loreen, probably nursing a few sore heads, too.
Congratulations!
Topics: Eurovision, TV And Film, Music
Emily Brown