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

[15 May 2023 07:15 · Peony Hirwani]

Mae Muller: ‘Eurovision 2023 is the year of the pop girlies!’

ICYMI: Following Sam Ryder’s Eurovision success last year, Mae Muller is the artist hoping to continue the UK’s high-scoring streak in Liverpool. She spoke Isobel Lewis about novelty acts, criticising the Tories and why the wacky song contest is finally being taken seriously.

[15 May 2023 07:45 · Peony Hirwani]

Why did Luxembourg leave Eurovision?

[15 May 2023 08:15 · Peony Hirwani]

Eurovision 2023 review: Poe couldn’t have scripted it better

“Britain’s unofficial musical epicentre Liverpool experiences unexpected aftershocks,” writes The Independent’s Mark Beaumont.

[15 May 2023 10:50 · Peony Hirwani]

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

From towering dresses to cult-like robes, Eurovision was not short of show-stopping looks this year.

[15 May 2023 11:30 · Peony Hirwani]

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

Käärijä – real name Jere Pöyhönen – has been making music since 2014 and gained more fans following the release of his debut album Fantastita in 2020.

His Eurovision entry – titled “Cha Cha Cha” – is characteristic of his genre-defying approach, fusing rap, electronic music, metal and schlager. A celebration of delicious pina coladas and refreshing pints, the track is a surefire party anthem.

[15 May 2023 12:10 · Peony Hirwani]

The UK’s first Eurovision in 25 years had drama, tears and even a royal cameo

There was drama and plenty of glitter in the 2023 Eurovision final, with Sweden’s champion Loreen dominating the competition and leaving the UK’s Mae Muller in the dust.

Annabel Nugent writes.

[15 May 2023 12:50 · Peony Hirwani]

Graham Norton’s most savage Eurovision commentary

When the late Terry Wogan retired from his 35-year stint as the voice of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008, many fans thought hope was lost for the UK.

But then Graham Norton emerged onto our screens, bringing his sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek comments. It felt like the perfect match. Any doubts that Norton couldn’t fill Wogan’s shoes quickly vanished in a puff of confetti.

This year, Norton again became the commentary booth for the BBC’s grand final coverage (13 May).

Below are some of Norton’s most fierce lines:

[15 May 2023 13:30 · Peony Hirwani]

Every Eurovision winner ranked from worst to best

Sixty-nine songs have claimed the top prize since the competition began in 1956 - and some are a lot better than others.

Ben Kelly writes.