Eurovision 2018: Israel edges out Cyprus to win dramatic grand final

Israel has won the 63rd Eurovision Song Contest with a catchy song with a hidden message, while Australia's Jessica Mauboy finished in 20th spot.

Netta representing Israel with 'Toy' performs during the Grand Final of the 63rd annual Eurovision Song Contest.

Netta representing Israel with 'Toy' performs during the Grand Final of the 63rd annual Eurovision Song Contest. Source: AAP

Israel's Netta Barzilai has been crowned the winner of the 63rd Eurovision Song Contest, finishing strong with 529 points. 

Cyprus finished in second spot on the leaderboard with 436 points, followed by Austria on 342 points.

Barzilai's song Toy, which included the lyrics "I am not your toy", summed up the concerns of many women who have adopted the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment.  



"I am so happy. Thank you so much. Thank you for supporting diversity," she said as she took the stage after her win was announced.

The 25-year-old accompanied the up-tempo song with trills, clucking sounds and chicken-like dance moves.

It's the fourth time Israel has won the annual song and dance fest, beating out 25 other contestants. 



Cyprus' Eleni Foureira was tipped by bookmakers to win with her fiery number Fuego that features a heavily choreographed routine. 

Jessica Mauboy did Australia proud with a showstopping performance of We Got Love, but a disappointingly low vote from television viewers dragged her down to 20th position. 

Unable to vote for Mauboy, Australia gave its maximum 12 points to Sweden with many enjoying Benjamin Ingrosso's upbeat number Dance You Off



Twenty-six nations performed in the grand final at the riverside Altice Arena, watched by millions around the world.

Highlights included Denmark's red-bearded Rasmussen, whose song is based on a legend about a Viking who refused to fight, and a special dress worn by Estonian soprano Elina Nechayeva which flows down from her waist, beyond her feet.



Austria finished in third place with viewers embracing leather-clad Cesar Sampson's soulful ballad Nobody But You

Host nation Portugal finished in last place. 

Stage invader arrested

UK entry SuRie's performance was interrupted by a stage invader trying to steal her microphone.

SuRie kept her composure and finished her song 'Storm', written by Brisbane songwriter Nicole Blair.

A fan invades the stage during the performance of SuRie representing the United Kingdom.
A fan invades the stage during the performance of SuRie representing the United Kingdom. Source: AAP


The man, wearing a bandana and a backpack, appeared to shout something about Nazis before being wrestled off the stage by security. 

The stage invader was arrested and SuRie declined the opportunity to perform again. 

There was much support on social media for the singer's calm reaction to the drama, but it didn't help her in the final tally, finishing 24th. 



- with AAP, AFP


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3 min read
Published 13 May 2018 5:28am
Updated 13 May 2018 12:53pm
By Rosemary Bolger


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