Read to find out what the winners of the famous song contest receive.
In the previous night's Eurovision Song Contest grand finale, Sweden emerged as the winner. This marks Swden's second win in the Eurovision Song Contest, following their first victory in 2004.
That being said, what do the winners of Eurovision get?
A worldwide event
The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the world's largest and most widely-watched television events. It was first held in 1956, with the aim of bringing European countries together through the power of music. The contest was inspired by the Sanremo Music Festival, which had been taking place in Italy since 1951.
Initially, the contest featured just seven countries, but it quickly grew in popularity, with more and more countries joining each year. Today, over 40 countries participate in the competition, making it one of the most diverse music events in the world.
Over the years, Eurovision has become known for its flamboyant performances, elaborate costumes, and catchy tunes. Many of the songs and performers who have taken part in the competition have gone on to achieve international success, including ABBA, Celine Dion, and Julio Iglesias.
Despite its popularity, the contest has also been the subject of controversy over the years. Some countries have withdrawn from the competition due to political tensions, and there have been accusations of bias and vote rigging. However, for millions of viewers across Europe and beyond, the Eurovision Song Contest remains a beloved annual tradition, celebrating the power of music to bring people together.
A win for the nation
In 1997, the United Kingdom won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song Love Shine a Light, performed by Katrina and the Waves. The victory was particularly significant for the UK, as it had been over a decade since their last win in the competition.
Katrina and the Waves' performance was well-received by the judges and the public, with their uplifting and catchy song earning them a total of 227 points - the highest score in Eurovision history up to that point.
The win was a source of pride for the UK, with many people celebrating the country's success in the competition. It also marked a turning point for the UK's Eurovision fortunes, with the country achieving a string of top 10 finishes in the years following their victory.
Despite their success in 1997, the UK's Eurovision journey has been somewhat rocky in recent years. The country has failed to finish in the top 10 since 2009, and has come in last place on three occasions.
The Prize
Winning the Eurovision Song Contest brings with it a great deal of prestige and recognition, but no monetary prize. Instead, the winning country is given the honour of hosting the next year's competition, an event that brings with it a significant economic boost for the host city.
In addition to hosting the competition, the winning country is also awarded a glass trophy, which is typically displayed in a prominent location to celebrate the country's victory.
But while there is no monetary prize, the Eurovision Song Contest is still one of the most high-profile music events in the world, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch the performances each year. Winning the competition can lead to significant fame and recognition for the winning artist or group, both within their home country and on an international level.
Many Eurovision winners have gone on to achieve successful music careers after the competition, with some becoming household names across Europe and beyond. As such, while there may be no cash prize, the prestige, and fame that comes with winning the Eurovision Song Contest is often seen as a far more valuable reward.
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