Eurovision 2023 results – live: Sweden’s win sparks conspiracy theories as fans question ‘convenient’ timing

British pop singer takes it on the chin after a dramatic showdown between Finland and Sweden left her UK entry ‘I Wrote a Song’ near the bottom of the leaderboard

Emotional moment Sweden’s Loreen wins Eurovision 2023

Sweden have won the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 with Loreen’s song “Tattoo”.

The dust is beginning to settle after an extraordinary grand final, which took place in Liverpool on Saturday night (13 May) and was watched by a record-breaking number of viewers.

The final results arrived in a tense showdown with Finland as the public vote temporarily sent Käärijä and his song “Cha Cha Cha” to the top of the leaderboard.

Meanwhile, it was a devastating result for the UK’s entry Mae Muller, whose performance of “I Wrote a Song” failed to sway the jury or the public and ending up coming second-to-last. Yet the 25-year-old once again displayed a positive attitude, sending a message to her supporters soon after the final scores were in.

This year’s competition marked the first time the UK has hosted a Eurovision final in 25 years. It was decided that Liverpool would host after 2022’s winning country Ukraine said it would be unable to do so due to the ongoing invasion by Russia.

Twenty finalists including Norway and Australia competed against Eurovision’s Big Five (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) and Ukraine, who automatically qualified to the grand final.

Key points

• Sweden wins the Eurovision Song Contest 2023
• Mae Muller reacts to devastating UK result
• Ukraine Eurovision act’s hometown ‘under fire from Russian missiles during contest’
• Kate Middleton makes surprise appearance with Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra
• Eurovision fans question the ‘convenient’ timing of Sweden’s win
• Fans criticise BBC for ‘inaudible vocals’ during Mae Muller’s performance

[14 May 2023 12:45 · Annabel Nugent]

Sweden’s Eurovision victory has already sparked a conspiracy theory

Fans can’t help but notice that the timing of Sweden’s win, which some say is too good to be true...

Loreen’s victory means that the Scandinavian country will host Eurovision in 2024, the same year that happens to be the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s Eurovision triumph in 1974.

[14 May 2023 13:15 · Annabel Nugent]

Rylan Clark wishes Mae Muller well

Rylan Clark was among the fans to share their support for UK entry Mae Muller after a disappointing result landed her in second-to-last place.

Clark told Muller: “We love you so much and we couldn’t be prouder of you.”

[14 May 2023 13:45 · Annabel Nugent]

Eurovision 2023 is the most-watched grand final ever

A record number of people tuned in to watch Eurovision 2023 on BBC One.

The viewing figures reached a peak during Loreen’s performance, with a total of 11 million people switching to the channel to watch the Swedish pop-star sing her winning track “Tattoo”.

[14 May 2023 14:15 · Annabel Nugent]

ICYMI

In case you weren’t one of the 11 million people who tuned in to watch Eurovision on BBC One last night, below is everything you missed.

From recounting that surprise royal cameo to recalling the wacky, wonderful perforamnce from the Finnish runner-up, our round-up will get you caught up!

[14 May 2023 14:45 · Annabel Nugent]

What do the Finnish lyrics to Käärijä’s entry ‘Cha Cha Cha’ mean?

If you’re anything like us, you still have “Cha Cha Cha” stuck in your head.

Finland’s entry, courtesy of rapper Käärijä, was among the evening’s most memorable moments – and his song “Cha Cha Cha” is proving very difficult to get of our heads.

If you’re interested in knowing what the Finnish lyrics to your new favourite song mean, check out the English translation below...

[14 May 2023 15:15 · Annabel Nugent]

All hail Hannah Waddingham

With her fluent French and unreal vocals, the Ted Lasso star has well and truly won us over. With the competition done and dusted, we look at why the star was always the perfect choice for this year’s contest...

[14 May 2023 15:45 · Annabel Nugent]

The Bafta TV awards are tonight...

If you haven’t quite got your fill of TV competition, you’re in luck.

The Bafta television awards are airing tonight (14 May).

Tune into BBC One or iPlayer at 7pm tonight to see which of your favourite shows – such as The Crown, The English, This is Going to Hurt, and The Responder – will triumph. See the full list of nominees below...

[14 May 2023 15:55 · Annabel Nugent]

Viewers hit out at BBC for ‘ruining’ Mae Muller’s Eurovision performance

The BBC have been criticised over last night’s Eurovision broadcast, with many fans complaining that UK entry Mae Muller’s performance was ruined by the audio.

Viewers complained they could “barely hear” the North London singer over the backing track, seemingly blaming the network for her poor results.

The UK finished in second-to-last position with a total of 24 points. Germany came last with a tally of18 points.

The Independent has contacted a representative of BBC for comment.

[14 May 2023 16:15 · Annabel Nugent]

The 6 greatest Eurovision 2023 outfits, from latex vests to glittering ballgowns

Like it or not, Eurovision is as much about the outfits as it is about the music.

As ever, the outfits played a huge part in winning over audiences... so let us take you through our favourites.

[14 May 2023 16:45 · Annabel Nugent]

Luxembourg will return to the 2024 contest for the first time since 1993

With Eurovision 2023 done and dusted, we’re already looking ahead to next year’s competition, which – after Loreen’s victory – is due to take place in Sweden.

Next year is already shaping up to be a special event, with the return of Eurovision legends Luxembourg, who have won the competition an impressive five times.

The country will participate in the 2024 song contest for the first time since 1993.