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

Video of Käärijä landing in Finland after Eurovision goes viral

06:45 , Peony Hirwani

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

‘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

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...

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].”

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

UK entry Mae Muller came second to last

Sunday 14 May 2023 20:03 , Ellie Harrison

Here’s what she had to say after the results were announced...

Mae Muller speaks out after disappointing UK Eurovision result

That’s a big OUCH for the UK

Saturday 13 May 2023 23:52 , Roisin O'Connor

A really sad result for the UK’s Mae Muller, who did her best but I think couldn’t stand up to the polished, powerhouse performances from Sweden, France, Italy and Norway.

And the UK gives douze points to... SWEDEN!

Saturday 13 May 2023 23:47 , Roisin O'Connor

That’s all the jury votes in, with Sweden absolutely dominating over the rest of the leaderboard, and the UK languishing behind with 16 points.

Sweden’s Loreen is absolutely dominating the jury results

Saturday 13 May 2023 23:39 , Roisin O'Connor

Four points for the UK from Sweden, with Loreen still top of the leaderbooard !

“I’m overwhelmed darling"

Saturday 13 May 2023 23:28 , Roisin O'Connor

Loreen says she’s in a meditative state after the first wave of jury votes sent her (and Sweden) straight to the top of the leaderboard.

Eurovision 2023: Most iconic outfits of grand final performances

Saturday 13 May 2023 23:25 , Roisin O'Connor

Hannah Waddingham scolds the booing!

Saturday 13 May 2023 23:18 , Roisin O'Connor

You probably heard some booing after the jury scores came in, with some countries giving their douze points to Italy or Israel. Eurovision host and Game of Thrones star Hannah Waddingham was having NONE of it: “No booing please!!” she told the live audience in Liverpool.

Results from the Eurovision jury come in thick and fast

Saturday 13 May 2023 23:12 , Roisin O'Connor

Lovely compliments from Ukraine and Italy for the joint UK-Ukraine hosting of Eurovision, accompanying the jury’s delivery of votes for each country. But the UK isn’t doing so well with the jury so far...

STOP VOTING

Saturday 13 May 2023 23:05 , Roisin O'Connor

Voting has now closed, I repeat, voting has CLOSED! That’s it. We can but wait.

Some more images of the spectacular performances this evening

Saturday 13 May 2023 22:57 , Roisin O'Connor

A sublime performance of The Beatles’ ‘Imagine’ starring Italy’s Mahmood opens the Liverpool all-stars show

Saturday 13 May 2023 22:52 , Roisin O'Connor

Honestly, the level of production that goes into Eurovision is just wild. After an orchestral version of “Imagine” with Mahmood we get Israel’s Netta singing “You Spin Me Right Round”, Iceland’s Dadi Freyr doing a hyper version of “Whole Again” by Atomic Kitten, and Sweden’s Cornelia Jones doing Mel C’s “I Turn To You”. A celebration of British pop if there ever was one.

Some pictures from the evening

Saturday 13 May 2023 22:46 , Roisin O'Connor

Ukraine Eurovision act’s hometown ‘under fire from Russian missiles during contest’

Saturday 13 May 2023 22:35 , Roisin O'Connor

The British Ambassador to Ukraine, Dame Melinda Simmons, has said Ukraine was under fire from Russian missiles on Saturday as the Eurovision Song Contest took place, including the university home town of the Ukrainian act Tvorchi.

“Meanwhile, this Eurovision night Ukraine is under another Russian missile attack,” Dame Melinda tweeted.

“Reminder that the reason why (Ukraine) could not host this event is because (Russia) continues to invade and the people of (Ukraine) live in continuing danger.”

Ukraine Eurovision act takes to stage as ‘Russian missiles rain down on hometown’

Saturday 13 May 2023 22:27 , Roisin O'Connor

The British Ambassador to Ukraine, Dame Melinda Simmons, has said Ukraine was under fire from Russian missiles on Saturday as the Eurovision Song Contest took place, including the university home town of the Ukrainian act Tvorchi.

“Meanwhile, this £Eurovision night Ukraine is under another Russian missile attack,” Dame Melinda tweeted.

“Reminder that the reason why (Ukraine) could not host this event is because (Russia) continues to invade and the people of (Ukraine) live in continuing danger.”

Praising Ukraine’s entrants in the song contest, Dame Melinda added: “Tvorchi (definitely) win the prize for graphics. The staging was brilliant.

“And poignant as their university home town of Ternopil was targeted by (Russian) missiles this eve.”

Press Association

Voting has officially opened!

Saturday 13 May 2023 22:22 , Roisin O'Connor

Here’s how to do it:

How to vote on Eurovision app

Mae Muller does the UK proud as voting opens

Saturday 13 May 2023 22:16 , Roisin O'Connor

It’s not easy going last! You’ve got all that pressure having watched a successive run of 25 other performances. But Mae did us proud with a sultry, albeit very breathy, rendition of “I Wrote a Song”.

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

Croatia is one for the books

Saturday 13 May 2023 22:11 , Roisin O'Connor

Where do you even start...

Graham Norton is a big fan of Israel’s Noa Kirel

Saturday 13 May 2023 22:02 , Roisin O'Connor

Look out for the choreography on this one...

Meet Germany’s Lord of the Lost

Saturday 13 May 2023 21:55 , Roisin O'Connor

Lord of the Lost: Meet Germany’s head-banging, throat-ripping Eurovision entry

Norway’s Alessandra brings the house down with Queen of Kings

Saturday 13 May 2023 21:52 , Roisin O'Connor

Norway always end up among the favourites but this year’s entry, TikTok sensation Alessandra, is truly outstanding. She just hit a spectacular whistle note in a song that has it all, and it’s absolutely got to end up in this year’s top 5.

Why did Luxembourg leave Eurovision?

Saturday 13 May 2023 21:51 , Roisin O'Connor

Why did Luxembourg leave Eurovision?

A Q&A with Ukraine’s 2023 Eurovision entry TVORCHI

Saturday 13 May 2023 21:48 , Roisin O'Connor

• How are you feeling about competing in Eurovision 2023?

Andrew: Eurovision is a place to unite people from different countries with different music. We are proud to represent Ukraine on the international stage in Liverpool.

Jeffery: Last years Ukraine was already shown with folk songs of Kaluch and GO-A. It was a great representation. But this year we will show the country from another side - with progressive electronic music. We show everyone how different Ukraine can be.

Andrew: We wrote the song to show that we have something to say to Europe and the world. Our track is called Heart of Steel. This song is about everyone who, despite all the hopelessness, carries a heart of steel in his chest and goes forward.

Jeffery: This year we won't be performing in Kyiv because of Russian’s full scape invasion of Ukraine. But we like to say huge thank you to the United Kingdom for hosting and all support.

• What is the meaning and inspiration behind “Heart of Steel”?

Jeffery: Heart of Steel is about the bravery of being yourself: free in your actions, expressions and thoughts. To keep going no matter how wounded and exhausted you are. It’s about believing in yourself even if everyone has already sunk into despair. About unbreakable will which makes you who you really are.

Andrew: Over the past year, Ukraine has become an example of courage and resilience for the entire planet. We have all seen that all Ukrainians carry hearts of steel in their chests, despite all the difficulties. But there are children who need to have the same heart of steel. We launched the important initiative with the global leader in digital payments company Visa and the fundraising platform UNITED24. Because of the war, the number of premature babies has increased by at least 15%. Behind this figure there are thousands of vulnerable children who were born prematurely and cannot survive without special assistance, incubators are needed to save their little hearts.

Jeffery: Its goal now is to raise at least UAH 10 million for 10 intensive care incubators.As the lyrics to our song “Heart of Steel”, with which we will represent Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest, say: “Despite the pain, I continue my fight. The world is burning, but you have to act”. So let's unite in a single rhythm of “heart of steel” to help children's hearts beat!

• What's an essential item in your Eurovision rider?

Jeffery: In fact, we don't have a special common rider for Eurovision. We didn't even send it because it was so important to us. For us, the main thing is a technical rider, thanks to which we can prepare a good performance.

Andrew: But we also have a common rider when we have concerts. And one of its items is yellow M&M's. But this is not a whim, but a test of the organizers' attentiveness. If we go into the dressing room and see that there are M&Ms there, it means that the rider has been carefully read and all other points will be fulfilled.

• Who's your favourite Eurovision contestant of all time and why?

Jeffery: My favourite Eurovision contestant is Maneskin, they are the perfect modern rockstars. And we would also like to note last year's performance of the British Sam Ryder.

Andrew: It's the same for me, but I also want to add Ukrainian artists such as Ruslana, Verka Serdyuchka and Jamala.