Eurovision 2021: 6 biggest talking points, from Italy’s triumph to the UK receiving nul points
Rotterdam hosted Eurovision Song Contest in front of a live audience
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Italy triumphed in a spectacular and nail-biting Eurovision ceremony, emerging as the winners at a live event held in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The country’s 2021 entry, rock band Måneskin, achieved high scores from the jury with their performance of “Zitti e buono” but were initially left trailing behind Switzerland and France.
However, the public vote won the day, as they soared to the top of the board. Meanwhile the UK’s entry, James Newman, languished at the bottom with a devastating nul points.
Måneskin edged out other crowd favourites including Lithuania’s The Roop, Switzerland’s Gjon’s Tears, France’s Barbara Pravi and Ukranian delegation Go_A.
With the exception of Iceland, all acts performed live to an audience of 3,500 people at the Ahoy arena.
Here are the biggest talking points from the ceremony:
– Lithuania winning everyone over with “Discotheque”
Iceland were forced to pull out of their live performance after a bandmember tested positive for coronavirus. However, they remained one of the ones to watch at this year’s competition thanks to their catchy song and signature dance moves. But Lithuania drew favourable comparisons to this year’s Eurovision favourite with their own upbeat and quirky track, “Discotheque”, for which The Roop appeared in yellow outfits and performed a dazzling dance routine.
– The UK receiving nul points, again
Blame it on politics all you like, the UK’s entry just wasn’t up to scratch compared to the colourful, energetic performances from Italy, Switzerland and so many other countries competing this year. Bless James Newman for trying, though. It was clear from the roars of dismay in the Ahoy arena – as the presenters announced that both the public and the juries had awarded the UK nul points – that they felt it was too harsh. At least that’s something to soften such an embarrassment.
– An emotional opening ceremony
Eurovision is always a visually spectacular, joyous occasion. But tonight was particularly emotional for obvious reasons, as thousands of fans were able to gather in the Ahoy! Arena to watch the live ceremony. It seemed to motivate each country’s delegate to push themselves that bit harder and make that much more of an effort at an event where “over the top” is not in the vocabulary.
– Germany’s bizarre performance
In true Eurovision fashion, the TV event turned up some spectacularly strange performances but Germany’s entry without a doubt tops the list. The country’s representative, Jendrik, performed an upbeat number titled “I Don’t Feel Hate”. All eyes, however, were on his back-up singers and dancers – more specifically, the one dressed as a giant styrofoam hand. Viewers on Twitter described the scenes as “literally a horror film” as well as “a bizarre episode of Art Attack”. No doubt it’s the dancing hand that people will remember as the mascot of Eurovision 2021.
– Finland’s heavy metal
Finland’s Blind Channel stunned viewers with their performance of “Dark Side”. They say heavy metal is an acquired taste but the rock song – which harks back to the noughties era of Limp Bizkit – managed to win over both the arena crowd and viewers at home. Admittedly, much of the song’s appeal came from the comically aggressive change in tone that occurred when the leather outfitted, tattooed and black eyeliner-wearing Blind Channel followed straight after Germany’s uber happy fever-dream of a performance.
– Flo Rida supporting San Marino
Graham Norton said it best when he said: “That is Flo Rida, the multi-billion selling rapper… I don’t know why he’s here.” Reasons aside, the “Low” musician made a welcome, though unexpected, appearance at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The US rapper lent some star power to San Marino’s act, performing alongside singer Senhit on the track “Adrenalina”. Many users praised the international celebrity for his participation in the European competition. “Still not over the fact that a country smaller than Plymouth has come to Eurovision with Flo Rida,” wrote one user on Twitter. Although listeners weren’t too impressed with the song’s lyrics, which included: “I can’t blame it on the stove.” Yes, seriously.
The liveblog is now closed
A reminder to check out the Q&A I did with James Newman, who’s performing in just a few moments time
Meet James Newman, the singer representing the UK at Eurovision 2021
‘Embers’ singer is up against favourites including Italy, Malta, Switzerland and Ukraine
My colleague Annabel is keeping track of Graham Norton’s best jokes from the night (there’ll be a lot) – you can keep up here:
Graham Norton’s best jokes at tonight’s Eurovision grand final
Norton is hosting the BBC’s coverage as final takes place in Rotterdam
So Russia’s entry managed to sneak in her song by disguising it with traditional Russian dress and instrumentation, but actually she’s singing with a strong message of female empowerment – something that’s still quite controversial in her home country.
It’s Destiny! By that I mean Malta’s entry – she’s singing “Je Me Casse” which is a really strong performance and among the favourites to win this year.
Wow!! What an amazing and vibrant performance! And it’s getting an absolutely rapturous performance from the crowd.
Hmmmmm I was left a bit cold by Portugal’s performance but the crowd seemed to like it. Next up we have Serbia’s Hurricane, who are performing “Loco Loco”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments