From the moment Ukraine’s entry rose out of a coffin like a vampire in the opening number to the nail-biting voting process, this year’s Eurovision delivered all the glitz, kitsch and drama we’ve come to expect from biggest musical contest.
Here are the most memorable moments of Eurovision 2018.
Stage invader
A fan invades the stage during the performance of SuRie representing the United Kingdom. Source: AAP
The UK’s SuRie had only just started her performance when she was rudely interrupted.
A man stormed the stage, grabbing the microphone out of her hands, leaving SuRie to clap along to the music.
The intruder, wearing a backpack and bandana, was swiftly wrestled off stage and SuRie continued on.
She was offered another chance to complete her song free of interruptions at the end, but declined with her team saying they were “extremely proud of her performance”.
The UK was never in with much of a shot at the title and, if anything, SuRie’s calm reaction to the intrusion boosted her support. But it wasn’t enough to lift the UK of the bottom rankings, finishing 24th.
Jessica Mauboy shines
Australia’s Jessica Mauboy’s electrifying performance of We Got Love had the crowd jumping in Lisbon.
But there wasn’t much love from the television audience voters, Australia polling last in the crucial public vote.
A disappointing result that had her fans in Australia and across the world declaring that she’d been robbed.
Australia's 20th-place finish is the worst result in the four years the country has taken the Eurovision stage.
THAT dress
If there was a prize for best dressed, it would surely go to Estonia.
The Baltic country’s high-tech costume mesmerised viewers. During Elina Nechayeva’s opera performance, images and patterns were projected onto the sweeping gown.
At 65,000 euros, it almost didn’t make it to Eurovision, but sponsorship deals ensured viewers didn’t miss out on the spectacle.
Cyprus’ Beyonce-inspired hair flicks
Cyprus brought the big hair to the Eurovision stage with an electrifying number that had it favourites going into the final.
Packed with hair-swinging dance moves, Eleni Foureira’s performance drew comparisons with pop mega-star Beyonce.
Having declared that “there is nothing wrong with being sexy”, Foureira didn’t hold back in the final, hoping to deliver Cyprus it’s first-ever Eurovision win.
But she fell just short.
Eleni Foureira (C) representing Cyprus with 'Fuego' performs during the First Semi-Final of the 63rd annual Eurovision Song Contest. Source: AAP
Chicken dance wins
The biggest music spectacle rewards the quirky and the bizarre and this year was no exception.
Netta from Israel has won the 63rd annual Eurovision Song Contest in Portugal. Source: AAP
Israel claimed Eurovision glory with Netta Barzilai charming the crowd with her own take on the chicken dance.
The 25-year-old’s song Toy was one of several entries to make a statement, tapping into the #MeToo sentiment with lyrics like “I am not your toy”.
In a video posted shortly after the announcement, Barzilai thanked Eurovision fans.
“Thank you for choosing me. Thank you for choosing different. Thank you for choosing daring. I love you, keep that going. Do good to others, be good to yourselves," she said.
And some questionable advice
Norway’s Alexander Rybak took an instructional approach with his song That's How to Write a Song.
Jumping appears to be a key part of writing a song according to Norway's Alexander Rybak. Source: AP
Perhaps as a former winner of Eurovision, he is qualified to offer such advice.
Starting off pretending to play imaginary instruments, before switching to a real violin (made out of Tasmanian wood) Rybak made the process look rather easy.
However, a closer examination of the lyrics shows he may not know any more about songwriting than the rest of us.
Still want more? Watch the grand final replay on SBS at 7.30pm (AEST).
