14 May Eurovision 2023: Loreen wins and makes music history
1:51 min read
Liverpool 2023, M&S Bank Arena. The stage was meant for Ukraine – but after the war, the country couldn’t host the festival. Britain stepped in. And at the end of an evening packed with emotion, political statements, and musical surprises, Loreen won for Sweden. For the second time.
Key Takeaways
- Loreen triumphed with “Tattoo” – her second Eurovision win after “Euphoria” in 2012, a historic first
- Liverpool hosted the festival on Ukraine’s behalf, with strong Ukrainian representation throughout
- Runner-up: Käärijä (Finland) with “Cha Cha Cha” – the televoting champion
- Germany: second-to-last place; Austria delivered a surprise performance (Teya & Salena, 15th place)
Loreen: The first artist to win Eurovision twice
In 2012, Loreen claimed victory with “Euphoria” – a song that redefined the Eurovision ballad format. Eleven years later, she returned with “Tattoo,” a track that mirrors its predecessor’s structure: escalating intensity, soaring vocals, and a bridge designed as a standalone climax. She won. As the first artist to secure two Eurovision victories. The parallel to ABBA (Waterloo in 1974, still the competition’s most successful winners in hindsight) is striking. Whether “Tattoo” will achieve Waterloo’s legacy remains to be seen.
The Käärijä paradox: Televoting vs. jury scores
Käärijä from Finland dominated the televoting with a landslide. “Cha Cha Cha” – metal growls, rave breakdowns, a green bolero jacket – became the festival’s breakout hit. The juries, however, favored Loreen. The result: Loreen wins, Käärijä finishes second despite overwhelming public support. The debate over jury versus televoting is as old as the voting formats themselves. In 2023, it grew louder than ever.
Liverpool and Ukraine: A festival with a cause
The UK hosted the contest on Ukraine’s behalf after the country’s 2022 victory. The stage design incorporated Ukrainian symbolism. Kalush Orchestra performed as the honorary delegation, and the Ukrainian embassy in Liverpool became the most photographed landmark of festival week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Eurovision 2023?
Sweden’s Loreen won the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool with her song “Tattoo.” It was her second Eurovision victory after “Euphoria” in 2012 – making her the first artist in the competition’s history to win twice.
Why was Eurovision 2023 held in Liverpool?
Ukraine won in 2022 with Kalush Orchestra, but couldn’t host due to the war. The UK, as runner-up, stepped in as host and selected Liverpool as the venue, featuring strong Ukrainian representation throughout the program.
Who came second at Eurovision 2023?
Finland’s Käärijä finished second with “Cha Cha Cha.” He won the televoting by a wide margin but lost to Loreen in the jury vote.
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