Eurovision 2023 results – live: Sweden’s win sparks conspiracy theories as fans question ‘convenient’ timing
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
Sweden’s Loreen wins Eurovision Song Contest 2023
Sunday 14 May 2023 00:13 , Roisin O'Connor
Sweden has been declared the winner of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, following an incredible showing from Loreen in Liverpool.
A total of 26 countries performed at the city’s M&S Bank Arena during Saturday’s grand final (13 May) with the hopes of achieving Eurovision glory.
Loreen wowed the arena and viewers at home with her performance of “Tattoo”, earning a total of 583 votes from the jury and the public.
Sweden’s Loreen wins Eurovision Song Contest 2023
The 6 greatest Eurovision 2023 outfits, from latex vests to glittering ballgowns
10:50 , Peony Hirwani
From towering dresses to cult-like robes, Eurovision was not short of show-stopping looks this year.
Read more:
From latex vests to glittering ballgowns: The 6 greatest Eurovision 2023 outfits
Eurovision 2023 review: Poe couldn’t have scripted it better
08:15 , Peony Hirwani
“Britain’s unofficial musical epicentre Liverpool experiences unexpected aftershocks,” writes The Independent’s Mark Beaumont.
Eurovision 2023 review: Poe himself couldn’t have scripted a better grand final
Why did Luxembourg leave Eurovision?
07:45 , Peony Hirwani
Why did Luxembourg leave Eurovision?
Mae Muller: ‘Eurovision 2023 is the year of the pop girlies!’
07:15 , Peony Hirwani
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.
Mae Muller: ‘Eurovision 2023 is the year of the pop girlies!’
Video of Käärijä landing in Finland after Eurovision goes viral
06:45 , Peony Hirwani
#käärijä lands in Finland. Cha Cha Cha!#Eurovision #Eurovision2023 pic.twitter.com/ZCtmbvnsV4
— Teppo (@teppo) May 14, 2023
Liverpool’s grand final broke Eurovision viewing records
06:15 , Peony Hirwani
Liverpool’s Eurovision Song Contest was the most watched grand final in history.
The city hosted the competition’s final event at its M&S Bank Arena on Saturday night (13 May).
It was a lively affair, with plenty of memorable moments including a history-making victory from Sweden’s Loreen who became the second ever artist to win Eurovision twice, and a royal cameo from Kate Middleton.
The live broadcast on BBC One saw an average of 9.9 million viewers, the BBC has said.
Read more:
Liverpool’s grand final breaks Eurovision viewing records
Mae Muller speaks out after disappointing Eurovision result
05:45 , Peony Hirwani
ICYMI: Mae Muller has shared her reaction to the disappointing Eurovision results.
The singer-songwriter represented the UK during the competition’s grand final event held in Liverpool on Saturday night (13 May).
Muller, 25, was one of 26 musical acts to perform on the night in the hopes of landing Eurovision glory, an honour that ultimately went to bookies’ favourite Loreen who clinched a win for Sweden for the second time. She previously won in 2012 with her hit song “Euphoria”.
Finland and Israel came in second and third place with 526 points and 362 points respectively, with Muller trailing behind with a total of 24 points, landing her in second-to-last place.
The singer has since shared a positive statement on Twitter responding to the disappointing results.
Read more:
Mae Muller speaks out after disappointing UK Eurovision result
Queen Hannah Waddingham
Sunday 14 May 2023 21:58 , Ellie Harrison
From her fluent French to her fab singing voice, the Ted Lasso actor was a superstar host...
Hannah Waddingham as Eurovision host was a stroke of genius
Fans criticise BBC for ‘ruining’ Mae Muller’s Eurovision performance
Sunday 14 May 2023 20:15 , Ellie Harrison
The BBC has received criticism over last night’s Eurovision broadcast, with many viewers complaining that UK entry Mae Muller’s performance was ruined by the audio.
Fans claimed 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.
Holly Willoughby commends Kate Middleton on her Eurovision cameo
Sunday 14 May 2023 19:15 , Annabel Nugent
Amid rumours of a rift between Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, the TV presenter has taken the time to applaud the Princess of Wales on her brief surprise Eurovision appearance.
“This is incredible,” said Willoughby.
Holly Willoughby chimes in on Eurovision amid rumours of Phillip Schofield ‘feud’
Sweden and Ireland are the most successful countries in Eurovision history
Sunday 14 May 2023 18:45 , Annabel Nugent
Following Sweden’s triumph last night, the Scandinavian country is now tied with Ireland for the most wins in Eurovision history.
Sweden has won the contest seven times: 1974, 1984, 1991, 1999, 2012, 2015 and 2023.
(In a rare unsuccessful year, they scored nul points in 1963.)
Meanwhile, Ireland has also won Eurovision seven times: 1970, 1980, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1996.
Who is Loreen?
Sunday 14 May 2023 18:15 , Annabel Nugent
Ahead of last night’s competition, we had the chance to speak with the Swedish pop star who went on to become Eurovision’s 2023 champion.
Check out what the returning champion had to say here...
Loreen: Meet Sweden’s returning Eurovision champion hoping to score a second victory
Translated lyrics for Marco Mengoni’s entry Due Vite
Sunday 14 May 2023 17:45 , Annabel Nugent
Among this year’s Eurovision hopefuls was Italy’s Marco Mengoni.
Mengoni was a familiar face to many, having competed in the 2013 song contest in Malmö, Sweden, where he finished in seventh place.
This time, he won fans over with his classic ballad “Due Vite”. Check out the lyrics to the song – and its English language translation here.
Italy Eurovision song: Translated lyrics for Marco Mengoni’s entry Due Vite
Eurovision... and Doctor Who!
Sunday 14 May 2023 17:15 , Annabel Nugent
As if Eurovision didn’t provide enough excitement, the BBC chose to release a new trailer for the forthcoming Doctor Who anniversary specials.
Alongside the trailers, we’ve also learnt the titles of the three new episodes.
Check out that and more below...
Doctor Who unveils new trailer and titles for 60th anniversary episodes
Luxembourg will return to the 2024 contest for the first time since 1993
Sunday 14 May 2023 16:45 , Annabel Nugent
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.
Why did Luxembourg leave Eurovision?
The 6 greatest Eurovision 2023 outfits, from latex vests to glittering ballgowns
Sunday 14 May 2023 16:15 , Annabel Nugent
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.
From latex vests to glittering ballgowns: The 6 greatest Eurovision 2023 outfits
Viewers hit out at BBC for ‘ruining’ Mae Muller’s Eurovision performance
Sunday 14 May 2023 15:55 , Annabel Nugent
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.
The Bafta TV awards are tonight...
Sunday 14 May 2023 15:45 , Annabel Nugent
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...
Bafta TV nominations 2023 in full
All hail Hannah Waddingham
Sunday 14 May 2023 15:15 , Annabel Nugent
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...
Hannah Waddingham as Eurovision host was a stroke of genius
What do the Finnish lyrics to Käärijä’s entry ‘Cha Cha Cha’ mean?
Sunday 14 May 2023 14:45 , Annabel Nugent
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...
What the lyrics to Finland’s Eurovision song ‘Cha Cha Cha’ mean in English
ICYMI
Sunday 14 May 2023 14:15 , Annabel Nugent
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!
The UK’s first Eurovision in 25 years had drama, tears and even a royal cameo
Eurovision 2023 is the most-watched grand final ever
Sunday 14 May 2023 13:45 , Annabel Nugent
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”.
Liverpool’s grand final breaks Eurovision viewing records
Rylan Clark wishes Mae Muller well
Sunday 14 May 2023 13:15 , Annabel Nugent
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.”
Mae Muller shares statement after disappointing UK Eurovision result
Sweden’s Eurovision victory has already sparked a conspiracy theory
Sunday 14 May 2023 12:45 , Annabel Nugent
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.
Sweden’s Eurovision victory has already sparked a conspiracy theory
Holly Willoughby applauds Kate Middleton on her Eurovision cameo
Sunday 14 May 2023 12:15 , Annabel Nugent
Amid rumours of a rift with Phillip Schofield, the ITV presenter took the time to commend Kate Middleton’s piano skills on social media.
Holly Willoughby chimes in on Eurovision amid rumours of Phillip Schofield ‘feud’
Finland’s Kaarija keeps Eurovision party going outside his mobile sauna truck
Sunday 14 May 2023 11:58 , Roisin O'Connor
‘Has the champagne gone to my head?’
Sunday 14 May 2023 11:31 , Roisin O'Connor
Royal fans delighted by Princess of Wales’s stunning Eurovision cameo
Royal fans delighted by Princess of Wales’s stunning Eurovision cameo
See you in Sweden next year...
Sunday 14 May 2023 10:58 , Roisin O'Connor
We love you Rylan!
Sunday 14 May 2023 10:45 , Roisin O'Connor
Crying. What a final x
— R Y L A N (@Rylan) May 13, 2023
‘Hannah Waddingham as Eurovision host was a stroke of genius'
Sunday 14 May 2023 10:31 , Roisin O'Connor
My colleague Jessie wrote this before last night’s wild final:
Hannah Waddingham as Eurovision host was a stroke of genius
‘Surreal’: Eurovision winner Loreen reacts to second victory
Sunday 14 May 2023 10:01 , Roisin O'Connor
Eurovision final review: Poe couldn’t have scripted it better
Sunday 14 May 2023 09:31 , Roisin O'Connor
Britain’s unofficial musical epicentre Liverpool experiences unexpected aftershocks
Poe himself couldn’t have scripted a better Eurovision final - review
Sunday 14 May 2023 09:16 , Roisin O'Connor
For those who don’t know why Graham Norton raises a glass to Terry Wogan in song 9, it’s because Sir Terry always warned Graham not to have anything to drink until that point in case he got a bit too tipsy 😂
Such a lovely way to honour a legend 💔— B R O N W E N (@BronwenLewis_) May 13, 2023
Subtitles reveal true meaning of Finland's entry
Sunday 14 May 2023 09:01 , Roisin O'Connor
Sunday 14 May 2023 08:45 , Roisin O'Connor
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.
This year’s memorable competition took place in Liverpool on Saturday evening (13 May) with 26 countries and their fans descending upon the city’s M&S Bank Arena in the hope of snatching Eurovision glory.
It was anyone’s guess who would take home the trophy, with a strong turnout from many countries including France, Italy, Finland and Norway. Suddenly, the bookies’ frontrunner – Sweden’s Loreen – was no longer looking like such a sure thing.
Annabel Nugent reports:
The UK’s first Eurovision in 25 years had drama, tears and even a royal cameo
Sweden now boast a record-equalling seven Eurovision wins
Sunday 14 May 2023 08:31 , Roisin O'Connor
Tied with Ireland...
With a record-equalling seventh victory, Sweden are the winners of the #Eurovision Song Contest 2023 🇸🇪🏆 pic.twitter.com/qyxLF77iao
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 13, 2023
The 6 greatest Eurovision 2023 outfits, from latex vests to glittering ballgowns
Sunday 14 May 2023 07:58 , Roisin O'Connor
Like it or not, Eurovision is as much about the outfits as it is about the music.
This year’s grand final took place at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on Saturday (13 May) with Sweden’s Loreen making Eurovision history as the second ever contestant to win the Song Contest twice, following in the footsteps of Irish singer Johnny Logan who won the song contest in 1980 and 1987.
From a fiery flamenco-indebted performance from Spain to a weird-and-wonderful Edgar Allan Poe-inspired opener from Austria, Eurovision 2023 was not short of memorable moments.
As ever, the outfits played a huge part in winning over audiences... so let us take you through our favourites.
From latex vests to glittering ballgowns: The 6 greatest Eurovision 2023 outfits
Mae Muller reacts to devastating UK result
Sunday 14 May 2023 07:17 , Roisin O'Connor
You can’t say the UK’s Mae Muller isn’t a good sport - she posted this lovely reaction not long after the final results came in.
“I just want to say thank u x I know i joke a lot but we really put our all into the last few months, not the result we hoped for but so proud of everyone & what we achieved on this journey. Congrats to all the countries, I’ll never forget this journey and I love you all [sic].”
i just want to say thank u x i know i joke a lot but we really put our all into the last few months, not the result we hoped for but so proud of everyone & what we achieved on this journey. Congrats to all the countries, I’ll never forget this journey and I love you all. ❤️
— Mae Muller (@maemuller_) May 14, 2023
Eurovision 2023: The most iconic outfits from this year’s grand final
Sunday 14 May 2023 04:01 , Roisin O'Connor
The UK’s first Eurovision in 25 years had drama, tears and even a royal cameo
Sunday 14 May 2023 03:01 , Roisin O'Connor
The UK’s first Eurovision in 25 years had drama, tears and even a royal cameo
Eurovision 2023: The weird and wonderful moments from this year’s final
Sunday 14 May 2023 02:30 , Roisin O'Connor
Read critic Mark Beaumont’s review of the grand final
Sunday 14 May 2023 02:01 , Roisin O'Connor
Poe himself couldn’t have scripted a better Eurovision final - review
Emotional moment Sweden’s Loreen wins Eurovision 2023
Sunday 14 May 2023 01:31 , Roisin O'Connor