The annual Eurovision Song Contest took place last night in Rotterdam, a city in The Netherlands. The event was hosted by the Netherlands-based beauty YouTuber NikkieTutorials, real name Nikkie de Jager, the first transgender person to ever host Eurovision.
Italy’s Måneskin came first place with their song ‘Zitti E Buoni’, scoring 524 points. France’s Barbara Pravi came second place with ‘Voilà’, scoring 499 points. In third place was Gjon’s Tears from Switzerland who scored 432 points with Tout l’Univers. Following Italy’s victory, Eurovision in 2022 has now been confirmed to take place in Italy.
James Newman, who was representing the UK with his track ‘Embers’ came last place with zero points. Germany finished at a close second to last, scoring 3 points with Jendrick’s ‘I Don’t Feel Hate’ and Spain’s Blas Cantó came third last place with ‘Voy A Querdarme’. This is the fifth time in Eurovision’s history that the UK has finished last, and the second time to score zero points – with the last one being Jemini’s ‘Cry Baby’ in 2003. Comedian Bill Bailey has offered to perform at the 2022 Eurovision following UK’s performance at the event. He even wrote on Twitter: “I’d be happy to throw my hat in the ring for #Eurovision 2022″ The UK has won Eurovision five times in total since 1956, with the last one being Katrina and the Waves’ ‘Love Shine a Light’ in 1997, 24 years ago.
Last year’s Eurovision, following the win from The Netherlands in 2019, had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year, the event in Rotterdam had an audience of 3,500 fans, as part of the Dutch government’s trial to test the safe return of live events. The organisers have arranged 41 competing artists to perform at the live event this year, however, a number of contestants had to be pulled out following a positive Covid-19 test.
James Newman’s performance of ‘Embers’ at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest can be watched below.