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Ukraine wins Eurovision 2022 with Kalush Orchestra's Stefania

Eurovision 2022 highlights

Ukraine has won the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest by a landslide, with Kalush Orchestra finishing 193 points ahead of its competition for its folk-hip-hop performance of Stefania.

The group claimed a total of 631 points after it was awarded a whopping 439 points from audience televotes, adding to the 192 points from the jury of 40 countries around Europe and Australia.

Kalush Orchestra's performance of Stefania, which was written about frontman Oleh Psiuk's mother, struck a chord with viewers, with the song becoming an anthem for war-torn Ukraine with lyrics like, "I'll always find my way home, even if all roads are destroyed".

Kalush Orchestra said their win was a "victory for every Ukrainian". (AP: Luca Bruno)

In second place was the United Kingdom's Sam Ryder who earned 466 points for his performance of Space Man followed by Spain's Chanel who stunned the audience with her vocals and dancing skills during her performance of SloMo.

Australia's Sheldon Riley placed 15th overall, with 125 points for his emotional performance of Not The Same.

Ukraine beat the UK to take out the top spot. (AP: Luca Bruno)

Artists share on-stage tributes to Ukraine

Through small on-stage gestures, Eurovision performers paid tribute to Ukrainians, who are fighting back against a Russian invasion.

Germany's Malik Harris, who placed last in the grand final, shared a tribute to Ukraine at the end of his performance when he turned over his acoustic guitar to reveal a Ukrainian flag with the words peace written across it.

Malik Harris from Germany shows his support for Ukraine while singing Rockstars. (AP: Luca Bruno)

Iceland's Systur also featured Ukrainian flags on their guitars and hands.

Systur from Iceland sing Meo Haekkandi Sol. (AP: Luca Bruno)

At the end of their performance, Kalush Orchestra shared a message with their audience. 

World reacts to Ukraine's win 

Eurovision fans have taken to social media to congratulate Kalush Orchestra on their win.

Italian rock group Måneskin, who won Eurovision last year, said Ukraine's win meant "even more than a well-deserved victory".

In a social media post, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kalush Orchestra's "courage impresses the world".

"Next year Ukraine will host Eurovision," Mr Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine's official government Twitter account also congratulated the group.

"You have melted our hearts, friends … and it matters the world to us during this time," the post said.

"We send all your love and support to our brave freedom defenders at Azovstal and along the front line."

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