Favorites Ukraine qualified with victory in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest after they amassed a record number of audience votes. Norway ended in tenth place.

On Saturday night, 25 countries were represented in the Grand Prix Melody final. After 40 countries cast their jury votes, it was the UK who reigns supreme, writes TV 2. They got a total of eight 12-pointers. Both Norway and Ukraine struggled with the jury vote. Ukraine was in fourth place after the jury votes were counted.

When the referendum was counted, it became clear that Norway received a total of 146 points. Including 36 judge points, Subwoolfer finished with a total of 182 points and tenth place in this year’s finals.

Pre-favorite Ukraine received a total of 439 points from the crowd. This is a new record in terms of popular votes, and sends the Kalush Orchestra straight to the top.

Ukrainian group Kalush Orchestra finished with 631 points, and thus emerged victorious of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. England finished in second place, while

– Our courage to impress the world, and our music has conquered Europe. Next year, Eurovision will be held in Ukraine. We will do our best so that one day we can receive guests and artists from Eurovision in Mariupol, wrote President Volodymyr Zelenskyj according to TV 2 on Telegram.

When it became clear that Ukraine won the music competition, the Kalush Orchestra took the stage and thanked voters from all over Europe.

– We want to thank everyone out there who voted for Ukraine. The win is very important for Ukraine, especially this year. For us, this support is even more important for Ukraine in these times. And we really appreciate that you help us with your voice, the band said in a press release from EBU.

The artists further said that although this was a big win for Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest, it was also a big win for Ukrainian music, which they hope will be explored and widely disseminated as a result of winning the Eurovision trophy.

– Every win means a lot to Ukraine these days. We are here to prove that Ukrainian culture and Ukrainian music are alive, and have their own distinct voices and characteristics. You can listen to Ukrainian music, watch Ukrainian movies and visit Ukraine. Besides us, there are so many talented people in Ukraine who do music and do many other creative things. We want to invite you to support them and follow them too, the band said in the message.