Who won Eurovision in 2022?

With so many countries battling it out in the Grand Final, only one can be crowned the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. The 67th contest reaches its climax on Saturday night (May 13).

The world's biggest live music event is taking place at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena after a tight bidding contest between some of the country's biggest cities. And it was Liverpool who emerged victorious after the UK was chosen to represent Ukraine.

It is the first time in 25 years that the event is being held right here in the UK and traditionally, it wouldn't have happened this year due to the country finishing in second place during last year's competition. Eurovision 2022 winners Ukraine would have traditionally hosted this year's event after Kalush Orchestra stormed to victory in both emotional and joyful scenes in Turin back in May 2022.

IBut the ongoing Russian invasion resulted in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) deciding it was not a 'viable option' for the country to host the contest. And with the UK's entry Sam Ryder coming second at last year's event, the broadcaster decided we would be the best fit to host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest on Ukraine's behalf.

Ukraine won a massive 439 points in the public vote and 631 points overall to claim the title last year. Tik Tok star Sam Ryder, who represented the UK, was one of 25 acts vying for the top prize during the climax of the week-long contest in Italy. And after the jury results, his act was leading the way with 283 points, 25 ahead of nearest rivals Sweden and grabbing a host of 12 points from across Europe.

But in the end the UK came second with 466 points, with Spain finishing on 459 and Sweden on 438.

Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra were the favourites to win, having been frontrunners since Russia’s invasion – which prompted organisers to ban the country. The group was dressed in elaborate outfits, including long multi-coloured fringed ensembles, a pink bucket hat and others in traditional patterns.

Their performance, which combined rap and Ukrainian folklore, went down well with the audience who cheered the group on with many waving Ukrainian flags.

Commentator Graham Norton said: “We weren’t sure they were going to make it but they have made it. Their commentator did not make it, he is commentating from a bomb shelter.”

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