…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
Loreen of Sweden has emerged victorious in the Eurovision Song Contest held in Liverpool, with the UK’s Mae Muller finishing second to last.
This marked Loreen’s second win in the competition, making her the first woman and only the second person to achieve this feat.
Loreen secured a total of 583 points, combining both public and jury votes, narrowly surpassing Finland’s Kaarija, who scored 526 points.
Sweden Ties with Ireland:
With her triumph, Loreen has helped Sweden tie with Ireland for the most Eurovision wins, with both nations securing seven victories each.
Furthermore, this win holds special significance as the contest will be hosted in Sweden, the home country of Eurovision legends Abba, on the 50th anniversary of their 1974 victory.
Loreen’s Emotional Reaction:
Upon being announced as the winner at the M&S Bank Arena, Loreen returned to the stage and was presented with the trophy by last year’s winners, Kalush Orchestra of Ukraine.
Overwhelmed with joy, she expressed her gratitude and thanked the audience for their support.
Performance and Record Equaled:
Loreen mesmerized the international voting public with her anthemic dance-pop song “Tattoo,” performing from an illuminated enclosed space on the stage.
This victory puts her on par with Irish singer Johnny Logan, who previously won the contest in 1980 and 1987.
Other Contest Highlights:
The Ukrainian entry, electronic duo Tvorchi, ranked sixth with a total of 243 points.
Presenters Alesha Dixon, a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, and Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, hugged Ukrainian presenter Julia Sanina, the lead singer of The Hardkiss, as the show concluded.
A second performance of “Tattoo” by Loreen followed, leaving her in disbelief at her unexpected win.
Disappointment for UK Entrant Muller:
Unfortunately, the UK’s Mae Muller received only 24 points despite her energetic performance of the song “I Wrote A Song.”
She aimed to continue the success of last year’s UK entry, Sam Ryder, who finished second behind Kalush Orchestra.
The BBC expressed their pride in Mae’s achievements through a commiserating message on Twitter.
Reaction and Recognition:
As the event drew to a close, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised Liverpool for their role in hosting the contest and congratulated Loreen on her victory.
The grand final showcased various musical tributes to Ukraine, with notable performances by past contestants and a surprise appearance from the Princess of Wales.
EBU’s Decision and Controversy:
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) declined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request to speak during the event, citing concerns about politicizing the contest.
This decision garnered criticism from figures such as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
No Beatles Appearance:
Despite rumors, Liverpool-raised Beatles members Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Ringo Starr did not make an appearance during the final, leaving fans disappointed.
Analysis:
Loreen’s triumph in the Eurovision Song Contest showcases her exceptional talent and enduring popularity.
Her achievement as a two-time winner, especially as a woman, highlights her contribution to the music industry.
Additionally, Sweden’s tie with Ireland in terms of Eurovision wins demonstrates the continued success of both nations in the competition.
Mae Muller’s disappointing result reflects the competitive nature of the Eurovision Song Contest, where outcomes can be unpredictable.
Despite her energetic performance, the UK entry failed to resonate with the international audience and score higher.