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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Katie Fitzpatrick

Sonia renamed and hailed 'icon' as she stuns in Eurovision final

Fans were catapulted back in time to 1993 as Liverpool legend Sonia Evans made a triumphant return to the Eurovision stage. Sonia, who had a massive number one hit in 1989 with You'll Never Stop Me From Loving You, came second when she represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in Ireland.

Sonia had viewers reacting in disbelief as she made a special appearance as part of a spine-tingling Liverpool Songbook section of the 2023 final in her home city, hosted by the UK on behalf of Ukraine. Fans couldn't believe that it has been 30 years since she belted out Better The Devil You Know.

They commented that she had hardly changed as she strutted the stage in a similar purple outfit."THIRTY years?" gasped @veefeeley on Twitter.

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Owen commented: "Just how much of Eurovision Twitter is asking if they can vote for Sonia? My first Eurovision arguably my first crush too ... and bloody hell if it wasn't basically the same performance as 30 years ago."

Liam Thorp cheered: "Go 'Ed Sonia."

BBC Eurovision's Twitter applauded: "Sonia gave us everything and we loved it." And the Eurovision Song Contest said: "You know our love is always true for Sonia."

SHANE REACTION messaged: "Sonia getting a big countdown like she's Beyonce. Campness personified."

@TheNathanJames said: "As though Michael Jackson was going to come out of the floor on a toaster lift, Obsessed."

Matt praised: "Icon." And Shane Beatty wrote: "Deserved." And Kat renamed her: "BeSONce amirite?"

Later the 1993 Eurovision winner for Ireland Niamh Kavanah, who won with In Your Eyes, also popped up to return their result.

Tens of millions across the world tuned in to watch 26 acts and bands take to the stage at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena as they performed their hearts out in a bid to be crowned the Eurovision 2023 winner and walk away with the coveted trophy.

The city is hosting on behalf of war-torn Ukraine, who won last year’s contest but are unable to host due to the Russian invasion. And the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest kicked off with a skit featuring last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra performing their hit Stefania with runner-up Sam Ryder playing guitar on the top of the Liver Building and Andrew Lloyd Webber on piano.

There was also a cameo from the Princess of Wales who made an appearance after she was recorded playing the piano earlier this month at Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace said. Viewers saw Kate playing a short instrumental piece lasting around 10 seconds.

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