2023 Eurovision Finals

Last night were the 2023 Eurovision finals and what a show!  I think that this was my favourite one so far.  This was the first year that there were no phone numbers for people to call and vote.  Everyone used the Eurovision app.  This was also the first worldwide voting.  Between the first and second semi-finals, plus the Big Five, there were 26 countries battling it out for the win.

Sweden placed 1st with 583 points and won the jury vote.  While Finland won the televote, the combined score was 526 points which was enough for 2nd place.  Israel placed 3rd with 362 points, followed by Italy, Norway, Ukraine, Belgium, Estonia, and Australia.  With 129 points, Czechland placed 10th, just 2 points ahead of Lithuania.

Loreen won with "Tattoo".  This was her second win after having won back in 2012.

©Eurovision Song Contest

Käärijä from Finland sang "Cha Cha Cha".

©Eurovision Song Contest

Noa Karel from Israel sang "Unicorn".

©Eurovision Song Contest

This was the first time that Czechland competed as Czechia, and not Czech Republic.  Vesna sang "My Sister's Crown".  Still pretty cool that Czechland finished in the top 10.

©Eurovision Song Contest

With only 18 points, Germany came in last.  Lord of the Lost performed "Blood & Glitter."  It's a good thing that Germany automatically qualifies to the finals due to being part of the Big Five, because otherwise I don't see how this song would have made it past the semi-final round at all.

©Eurovision Song Contest

Here's a short U.S. news clip explaining this year's Eurovision contest to Americans, prior to the final.  

©CBS