Sweden's Loreen won&nbsp;Eurovision&nbsp;2023 with the song "Tattoo" on Saturday (May 13), becoming the first woman to triumph twice in the contest.

Finland's Käärijä, a green-bolero-sleeved rapper, came second at the event held in Liverpool, northern England. He won the viewer vote with "Cha Cha Cha", but it was not enough to overtake Loreen's lead after the result from the juries in the 37 participating countries.

"I am seriously overwhelmed," Loreen told reporters.

Comparing her win to 2012, she said: "It's like coming back to a family."

Loreen is the only person after Ireland's Johnny Logan to win the contest twice, and her victory puts&nbsp;Sweden&nbsp;level with Ireland as the most successful&nbsp;Eurovision&nbsp;country, 49 years after Abba's famous victory.

The 67th edition of the musical festival was held in the "City of Pop" on behalf of Ukraine, last year's winner, which was unable to host this year because of Russia's invasion.

Organisers had to walk a tightrope between putting Ukraine centrestage and steering clear of any overt political messages, which are not allowed in the contest.

They largely succeeded.

Kalush Orchestra, 2022's winner, mixed video recorded in Ukraine with live performance in Liverpool in an opening sequence that included a cameo appearance from Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales, playing the piano.

But as the contest was underway, Russian missiles hit the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil, home to electro-pop duo Tvorchi, this year's entry from the country.

Local authorities, writing on Telegram, said the strike had injured two people.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was barred from addressing worldwide viewers - who numbered 160 million last year - by contest organiser the European Broadcasting Union.

It said that granting his request, which was made with "laudable intentions", would be against the non-political nature of the event and its rules prohibiting making political statements.

UKRAINIAN SPIRIT

Nonetheless, the show, watched by thousands in person on the banks of the River Mersey and by millions on TV, was infused with the spirit of Ukraine, notably in a rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone", jointly sung in the arena and in Ukraine, and which brought many in the audience to tears.

The 26 acts in the final spanned musical styles from ballads to heavy rock to rap, and included a handful of bizarre performances that the contest is renowned for.

Germany finished bottom of the table, just behind Britain, but no country received the dreaded "nul points."

Pam Minto, a 37-year-old support worker, said she hoped her city did Ukraine proud.

"We've just loved the whole event right across Liverpool from start to finish. It's just been amazing," she said.

Sweden's Loreen won Eurovision 2023 with the song "Tattoo" on Saturday (May 13), becoming the first woman to triumph twice in the contest. Finland's Käärijä, a green-bolero-sleeved rapper, came second at the event held in Liverpool, northern England.

Sweden's Loreen won Eurovision 2023 with the song "Tattoo" on Saturday (May 13), becoming the first woman to triumph twice in the contest. Finland's Käärijä, a green-bolero-sleeved rapper, came second at the event held in Liverpool, northern England. He won the viewer vote with "Cha Cha Cha", but it was not enough to overtake Loreen's lead after the result from the juries in the 37 participating countries. "I am seriously overwhelmed," Loreen told reporters. Comparing her win to 2012, she said: "It's like coming back to a family." Loreen is the only person after Ireland's Johnny Logan to win the contest twice, and her victory puts Sweden level with Ireland as the most successful Eurovision country, 49 years after Abba's famous victory. The 67th edition of the musical festival was held in the "City of Pop" on behalf of Ukraine, last year's winner, which was unable to host this year because of Russia's invasion. Organisers had to walk a tightrope between putting Ukraine centrestage and steering clear of any overt political messages, which are not allowed in the contest. They largely succeeded. Kalush Orchestra, 2022's winner, mixed video recorded in Ukraine with live performance in Liverpool in an opening sequence that included a cameo appearance from Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales, playing the piano. But as the contest was underway, Russian missiles hit the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil, home to electro-pop duo Tvorchi, this year's entry from the country. Local authorities, writing on Telegram, said the strike had injured two people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was barred from addressing worldwide viewers - who numbered 160 million last year - by contest organiser the European Broadcasting Union. It said that granting his request, which was made with "laudable intentions", would be against the non-political nature of the event and its rules prohibiting making political statements. UKRAINIAN SPIRIT Nonetheless, the show, watched by thousands in person on the banks of the River Mersey and by millions on TV, was infused with the spirit of Ukraine, notably in a rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone", jointly sung in the arena and in Ukraine, and which brought many in the audience to tears. The 26 acts in the final spanned musical styles from ballads to heavy rock to rap, and included a handful of bizarre performances that the contest is renowned for. Germany finished bottom of the table, just behind Britain, but no country received the dreaded "nul points." Pam Minto, a 37-year-old support worker, said she hoped her city did Ukraine proud. "We've just loved the whole event right across Liverpool from start to finish. It's just been amazing," she said.

Eurovision 2023: Sweden's Loreen wins for second time

The English city of Liverpool hosts the musical extravaganza that is Eurovision on Saturday after the UK agreed to host the song contest instead of 2022 winner Ukraine due to the war.

With songs of love, torment, peace and likely sequins aplenty on eye-popping costumes, performers representing 37 nations battle it out in a city synonymous with pop royalty.

The hometown of The Beatles and other big names in music in northwestern England stepped in after the UK came second to embattled Ukraine at last year's contest.

Just months after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Kalush Orchestra won the world's biggest live music event with "Stefania", a rap lullaby combining Ukrainian folk and modern hip-hop rhythms.&nbsp;

Carrying the hopes of Ukraine at the 2023 event is electronic music group Tvorchi, with the song "Heart of Steel".

Inspired by the nearly month-long resistance put up by Ukrainian fighters at Mariupol's besieged Azovstal steelworks, singer Jeffery Kenny said the song "symbolises strength... courage".

Even as it geared up for Eurovision in recent weeks, the group had to contend with shelling and air-raid sirens at home as it tried to perform.

- Sweden favourites -

Despite huge sympathy for the group at Eurovision, observers and bookmakers agree a second win for Ukraine in a row is unlikely.

Sweden, again being represented by 2012 Eurovision winner Loreen, is the favourite to take home the crown, with the love song "Tattoo", ahead of Finland's energetic "Cha Cha Cha" by Kaarija in his signature neon green bolero jacket.

The UK last year had hoped to end a quarter-century of being shut out from the top spot with "Space Man" and its high notes belted out by the&nbsp;affable, long-haired Sam Ryder.

In the end, it had to keep its feet on the ground with second place.&nbsp;

This year's UK contender Mae Muller hopes to win over the judges and viewers with "I Wrote a Song" about getting over a broken heart.

France, which has not won a Eurovision contest since 1977, is placing its hopes in Canadian singer La Zarra and her electro-disco number "Evidemment" ("Obviously").

Despite having cancelled two concerts recently in Amsterdam and London for personal reasons, the singer has said on social media that she is "more than ever determined to carry with pride and love the colours of France".

- Royal seal of approval -

But politics is often not far from the surface at Eurovision.

Croatia's song, "Mama SC!" by the mustachioed Let 3, is a thinly veiled attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Switzerland's singer Remo Forrer has opted for a more traditional message of peace with his entry "Watergun".

Performing for the 6,000-strong audience, the entrants take the spotlight on a stage designed by Julio Himede, who has said the idea behind it is "a wide hug, opening its arms to Ukraine, the show's performers and guests from across the world".

Ahead of Saturday's Eurovision 2023 crowning, the stage -- which boasts 700 video tiles and 1,500 metres (1,600 yards) of LED lights -- has already received a royal seal of approval.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the site shortly before their coronation.

Eurovision takes in performers from across Europe and Central Asia, as well as Israel and Australia.

Two semi-finals are scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday to whittle the field down to 26 countries for Saturday evening's big final.

The so-called Big Five main financial backers -- Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain -- as well as the previous year's winner automatically qualify.

The British government has sought to reassure over concerns recently raised in parliament about interference attempts blamed on pro-Russian hackers at last year's event.

"The National Cyber Security Centre are world experts at understanding attacks and providing incident response for the most serious of attacks," minister for technology Paul Scully said.

As part of events around Eurovision, the port city of Liverpool has also unveiled a monument designed to be a "symbol of hope" for Ukraine.

The aluminium statue of a man holding up a book, from which a dove takes flight trailing a Ukrainian flag, is to remain for the time being in Strawberry Field, the garden surrounding The Salvation Army children's home that gave its name to the Beatles' psychedelic hit.

But it won't stay in Strawberry Fields forever -- the statue is to be sent to Ukraine once peace returns.

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The English city of Liverpool hosts the musical extravaganza that is Eurovision on Saturday after the UK agreed to host the song contest instead of 2022 winner Ukraine due to the war.

The English city of Liverpool hosts the musical extravaganza that is Eurovision on Saturday after the UK agreed to host the song contest instead of 2022 winner Ukraine due to the war. With songs of love, torment, peace and likely sequins aplenty on eye-popping costumes, performers representing 37 nations battle it out in a city synonymous with pop royalty. The hometown of The Beatles and other big names in music in northwestern England stepped in after the UK came second to embattled Ukraine at last year's contest. Just months after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Kalush Orchestra won the world's biggest live music event with "Stefania", a rap lullaby combining Ukrainian folk and modern hip-hop rhythms. Carrying the hopes of Ukraine at the 2023 event is electronic music group Tvorchi, with the song "Heart of Steel". Inspired by the nearly month-long resistance put up by Ukrainian fighters at Mariupol's besieged Azovstal steelworks, singer Jeffery Kenny said the song "symbolises strength... courage". Even as it geared up for Eurovision in recent weeks, the group had to contend with shelling and air-raid sirens at home as it tried to perform. - Sweden favourites - Despite huge sympathy for the group at Eurovision, observers and bookmakers agree a second win for Ukraine in a row is unlikely. Sweden, again being represented by 2012 Eurovision winner Loreen, is the favourite to take home the crown, with the love song "Tattoo", ahead of Finland's energetic "Cha Cha Cha" by Kaarija in his signature neon green bolero jacket. The UK last year had hoped to end a quarter-century of being shut out from the top spot with "Space Man" and its high notes belted out by the affable, long-haired Sam Ryder. In the end, it had to keep its feet on the ground with second place. This year's UK contender Mae Muller hopes to win over the judges and viewers with "I Wrote a Song" about getting over a broken heart. France, which has not won a Eurovision contest since 1977, is placing its hopes in Canadian singer La Zarra and her electro-disco number "Evidemment" ("Obviously"). Despite having cancelled two concerts recently in Amsterdam and London for personal reasons, the singer has said on social media that she is "more than ever determined to carry with pride and love the colours of France". - Royal seal of approval - But politics is often not far from the surface at Eurovision. Croatia's song, "Mama SC!" by the mustachioed Let 3, is a thinly veiled attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Switzerland's singer Remo Forrer has opted for a more traditional message of peace with his entry "Watergun". Performing for the 6,000-strong audience, the entrants take the spotlight on a stage designed by Julio Himede, who has said the idea behind it is "a wide hug, opening its arms to Ukraine, the show's performers and guests from across the world". Ahead of Saturday's Eurovision 2023 crowning, the stage -- which boasts 700 video tiles and 1,500 metres (1,600 yards) of LED lights -- has already received a royal seal of approval. King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the site shortly before their coronation. Eurovision takes in performers from across Europe and Central Asia, as well as Israel and Australia. Two semi-finals are scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday to whittle the field down to 26 countries for Saturday evening's big final. The so-called Big Five main financial backers -- Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain -- as well as the previous year's winner automatically qualify. The British government has sought to reassure over concerns recently raised in parliament about interference attempts blamed on pro-Russian hackers at last year's event. "The National Cyber Security Centre are world experts at understanding attacks and providing incident response for the most serious of attacks," minister for technology Paul Scully said. As part of events around Eurovision, the port city of Liverpool has also unveiled a monument designed to be a "symbol of hope" for Ukraine. The aluminium statue of a man holding up a book, from which a dove takes flight trailing a Ukrainian flag, is to remain for the time being in Strawberry Field, the garden surrounding The Salvation Army children's home that gave its name to the Beatles' psychedelic hit. But it won't stay in Strawberry Fields forever -- the statue is to be sent to Ukraine once peace returns. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Let me take you down... to Liverpool for Eurovision 2023

Two of Britain's biggest transport unions have called fresh strikes in May, including on the days of the Eurovision Song Contest and FA Cup finals. The strikes have been called after the rail workers rejected the latest pay deal from train operators.&nbsp;

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), which has more than 83,000 members from almost every sector of Britain's transport industry, said it would launch strikes across 14 train operators on Saturday, May 13. On the same day, Liverpool will host Eurovision's main event on behalf of Ukraine currently at war with Russia.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-festive-travel-set-to-take-a-hit-amid-planned-rail-strikes-in-december-540854">UK festive travel set to take a hit amid planned rail strikes from next week</a>

The RMT claimed that the train operators had "torpedoed" the negotiating process while the operators' side (the Rail Delivery Group) said that they were "blindsided by the strike.

Other than the RMT, the train drivers' union Aslef has called strikes on May 12, May 31 and on June 3, the day of FA Cup final.

<h2>What do workers want?</h2>

The workers want higher wages to combat growing inflation in Britain. This involves one year's pay increase followed by a second year's pay increase. The RMT members are looking for a "negotiated settlement" but they have not specified how much pay rise they expect.

<h2>What do train operators want?</h2>

Train operators would partially accept the demands of transport unions if such unions cease to exist.&nbsp;

A statement explaining its position read: "Following further discussions between the union and RDG [Rail Delivery Group], the employer issued a clarification on the offer RMT has been considering."

"The RDG is now saying they would only implement the first-year payment of 5 per cent if the union terminated its industrial mandate, meaning no further strike action could take place."

"Stage 2 discussions which are part of the offer made by the employer would then have to begin without the union having any industrial leverage at the negotiating table."

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;UK: 40,000 rail union workers on strike, services paralysed

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The last rail strike on 18 March meant only 40 per cent&nbsp;to 50 per cent&nbsp;of trains could run as workers across 14 train operators staged a walked out.

The ongoing dispute has affected services since June last year.

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Two of Britain's biggest transport unions have called fresh strikes in May, including on the days of the Eurovision Song Contest and FA Cup finals. The strikes have been called after the rail workers rejected the latest pay deal from train operators.

Two of Britain's biggest transport unions have called fresh strikes in May, including on the days of the Eurovision Song Contest and FA Cup finals. The strikes have been called after the rail workers rejected the latest pay deal from train operators. The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), which has more than 83,000 members from almost every sector of Britain's transport industry, said it would launch strikes across 14 train operators on Saturday, May 13. On the same day, Liverpool will host Eurovision's main event on behalf of Ukraine currently at war with Russia. ALSO READ | UK festive travel set to take a hit amid planned rail strikes from next week The RMT claimed that the train operators had "torpedoed" the negotiating process while the operators' side (the Rail Delivery Group) said that they were "blindsided by the strike. Other than the RMT, the train drivers' union Aslef has called strikes on May 12, May 31 and on June 3, the day of FA Cup final. What do workers want? The workers want higher wages to combat growing inflation in Britain. This involves one year's pay increase followed by a second year's pay increase. The RMT members are looking for a "negotiated settlement" but they have not specified how much pay rise they expect. What do train operators want? Train operators would partially accept the demands of transport unions if such unions cease to exist. A statement explaining its position read: "Following further discussions between the union and RDG [Rail Delivery Group], the employer issued a clarification on the offer RMT has been considering." "The RDG is now saying they would only implement the first-year payment of 5 per cent if the union terminated its industrial mandate, meaning no further strike action could take place." "Stage 2 discussions which are part of the offer made by the employer would then have to begin without the union having any industrial leverage at the negotiating table." ALSO WATCH | UK: 40,000 rail union workers on strike, services paralysed × The last rail strike on 18 March meant only 40 per cent to 50 per cent of trains could run as workers across 14 train operators staged a walked out. The ongoing dispute has affected services since June last year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK rail workers' planned strikes set to hammer Eurovision, FA Cup finals

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Eurovision 2023: Sweden's Loreen wins for second time

Let me take you down... to Liverpool for Eurovision 2023

UK rail workers' planned strikes set to hammer Eurovision, FA Cup finals