How Sweden Stole Ukraine’s Moment of Glory at Eurovision

Sweden has won the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 for the seventh time, making history as the first country to equal Ireland’s record of victories. Singer Loreen, who also won the contest in 2012, triumphed with her power ballad “Tattoo” at a colorful and eclectic show in Liverpool, England, on Saturday night. The event was hosted by Britain on behalf of Ukraine, which was unable to stage the competition due to the ongoing war with Russia. The organizers and participants showed solidarity and support for the Ukrainian people throughout the night, with flags, art installations and messages of peace. Loreen received 372 points from the combined jury and public votes, narrowly beating Finland’s Kaarija, who came second with 364 points. Israel’s Noa Kirel finished third with 331 points for her catchy pop song “Unicorn”. Loreen said she was “seriously overwhelmed” and “so beautiful” by her victory, which she dedicated to her parents who immigrated to Sweden from Morocco. She also praised the oth