The Eurovision Song Contest reached its final night at the Liverpool Arena in England, where Loreen delivered the closing performance of the year with the song Tattoo. The moment arrived following the publication of the voting results, and the event was widely covered across Eurovision channels such as the official YouTube channel Eurovision.
Earlier in the competition, Loreen had already etched her name in Eurovision history by winning in 2012 with Euphoria, a performance celebrated for its soaring melody and contemporary production. The 2023 final carried forward that legacy as fans compared the two standout moments from Loreen on the stage and in the audience’s memory.
Finland earned a strong second place, courtesy of rapper Käärijä, whose high-energy act and inventive staging drew broad appeal. In third place came Israel, with Noa Kirel delivering a confident and charismatic turnout that resonated with many viewers and juries alike.
As the evening progressed, it became clear that representatives from 26 nations competed for the coveted title. The show opened with a performance by Kalush Orchestra, the Ukrainian band that had clinched victory in the previous year. They brought the winning song Stefania to the stage, reaffirming Ukraine’s recent prominence in the contest and reminding audiences of the evolving landscape of Eurovision across Europe and beyond.
The 2023 final showcased a diverse lineup of performers. From Great Britain, Croatia, and Portugal to Switzerland, Poland, Slovenia, Israel, Lithuania, Germany, Serbia, Cyprus, France, Moldova, Ukraine, Norway, Austria, Armenia, Belgium, Albania, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Finland, the Czech Republic and Australia, a wide array of musical styles and stage concepts filled the night. Each act offered something unique, reflecting the contest’s broader appeal and its ability to spotlight contemporary pop, traditional sounds, and experimental performances on a single platform.
Political tensions and scheduling also shaped the event. Russia did not participate, as the European Broadcasting Union suspended its involvement in the competition the previous February because of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The EBU explained that allowing Russia to participate could compromise the competition’s reputation and the sense of unity the event strives to project across participating countries.
Looking back, it is notable that the official Eurovision site highlighted changes to voting rules in the wake of a collusion scandal that had surfaced during the 2022 edition. The adjustments were framed as measures to preserve integrity and transparency in the contest, reinforcing the event’s commitment to fair competition and clear governance. The 2023 final thus stood as a milestone, balancing historic moments with ongoing efforts to strengthen the contest for audiences around the world, including viewers in Canada and the United States who follow Eurovision updates and performances with keen interest.