Liverpool puts on a glittering party as fans brave rail strikers to attend the Eurovision Song Contest final
BRITAIN put on a glorious glittering party last night for the Eurovision Song Contest final — but it ended in bitter disappointment for the UK.
Our singer Mae Muller came second last, as Sweden romped to victory.
Fans arrived in Liverpool with Union Jacks draped around their shoulders, despite killjoy unions causing chaos on the railways with train strikes yesterday.
The much-loved international music event was held here after Ukraine triumphed last year but was unable to host the competition due to Russia’s invasion.
London-born Mae represented the UK with her hit I Wrote A Song.
The 25-year-old from North London was the 26th and final act to perform.
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She sung from a raised platform wearing a slim, black outfit, flanked by four dancers in sheer, pink tops.
Afterwards, she said: “Thank you Eurovision. I love you, I love you, I love you.”
But it was not enough to avoid coming second from bottom after receiving few points in the public vote.
Only Germany scored lower.
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It means the UK is still waiting for a first win since 1997, when Katrina and the Waves came first with Love Shine A Light.
Mae at least bettered our performance from two years ago, when James Newman came last with zero points.
Sweden’s Loreen scored an impressive victory last night with her power ballad Tattoo.
She ended with 583 votes from the panels and public, after leading for most of the voting.
She became the first woman — and only the second person ever — to win the contest twice.
Finland’s Kaarija came second with 526 votes.
Ukraine’s electronic music duo Tvorchi were given a rapturous welcome to the stage — and Poland’s entry Blanka delighted the crowd by recreating the skirt-pull stunt by Bucks Fizz during their 1981 winning performance.
Virgin Radio’s Graham Norton, Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, actress Hannah Waddingham and singer Alesha Dixon hosted the star-studded extravaganza.
There were performances from last year’s first and second place acts — Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra and the UK’s Sam Ryder.
And there was a celebration of the host city’s incredible contribution to the world of pop music, featuring six past Eurovision winners — and Liverpool’s own Sonia, who was runner-up in 1993.
Host Alesha referenced the new King and Queen in a rap of her own.
She said: “Six acts in and the competition is in full swing, what a week it’s been. All killers, no filler, big up King Charles and Queen Camilla.”
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Eurovision director Martin Green revealed Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky had not been consulted about the show to ensure the event remained “politics-free”.
He said: “Sometimes culture, media and dance can do a better job describing how we feel and how we want to feel than words and politicians.”
KATE HAS KEY ROLE IN OPENER
THE Princess of Wales played the piano as part of Eurovision’s glittering opening film sequence — in an outfit to honour Ukraine and earrings given to her by the late Queen.
Kate, 41, made the unexpected appearance after recording the instrumental — created by musicians Joe Price and Kojo Samuel — at Windsor Castle earlier this month in a BBC production.
The royal, a star of the King’s Coronation last weekend, wore a blue Jenny Packham dress in tribute to war-torn Ukraine and jewellery which had belonged to Elizabeth II.
The film also featured Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra playing last year’s winning song in a Kyiv metro station.
Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, last year’s UK runner-up Sam Ryder and Joss Stone were also among those contributing to the heartwarming film.
Kate had revealed her hidden musical talent in December 2021 when she played piano at a Christmas carol concert filmed at Westminster Abbey.
And one spectator in Liverpool last night said: “It was fantastic to have an appearance from Kate, even if it was via video — and the crowd loved it.
"She looked amazing again.”
MESSAGE BY RINGO
BRITAIN’S Mae Muller received a good luck video message from the ex-Beatles drummer.
The singer said: “My most surreal experience? I think Ringo Starr sending me a message is up there!”
She showed footage before last night’s contest of Ringo, 82, wishing her “a big peace and love”.
He added: “I hope you win.”