Norway has emerged as the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest, held in the Russian capital, Moscow.
Singer and violinist Alexander Rybak, 23, smashed the record for the most points awarded during the competition.
Iceland came second in the vote, followed by Azerbaijan which took the third place.
The UK’s Jade Ewen, singing an Andrew Lloyd Webber song, ended in fifth position – a marked improvement on last year’s finish at the foot of the table.
For the first time, voting in the final was split between televoting and panels of musical experts, which was supposed to reduce the incidence of predictable and neighbourly votes.
A total of 42 countries voted on the 25 songs, with Norway scoring a record 387 points.
Alexander Rybak, who was born in the former Soviet Union, is a well-known musician in Norway.
A classically-trained violinist and pianist, he wrote his country’s winning entry, Fairytale.
The previous biggest points haul was scored by Finland’s Lordi with Hard Rock Hallelujah in Greece in 2006.
No country suffered the indignity of receiving “nul points” this year but Finland finished in last place.
Denmark’s entry – Brinck singing Believe Again – was written by Boyzone’s Ronan Keating and was performed in the Irish singer’s style.
Germany’s act featured US cabaret artist Dita von Teese, who used to be married to rock star Marilyn Manson.
Her costume was slightly more demure than her outfit at the dress rehearsal after she was reportedly told to cover up by the European Broadcasting Union, which runs Eurovision, because it was unsuitable for a family audience.
Graham Norton was making his debut as commentator for the BBC, replacing Sir Terry Wogan, who bowed out last year.
‘Greatest talents’
Speaking in the Russian capital, Norton revealed that he had spoken to his predecessor, who commentated on every Eurovision final from 1980.
“Terry rang me to wish me good luck,” said the TV presenter. “He advised me to resist having a drink until the fifth song,” he added.
Jade Ewen was chosen to represent the UK through a TV talent contest, with the winning song written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Diane Warren.
Her fifth place was a highlight for the UK, which has had a dismal record in recent years, with 2008′s entry, Andy Abraham, finishing last with 14 points.
It was the second time in five years the UK had finished at the bottom, with Jemini’s 2003 effort famously scoring “nul points”.
Germany’s Alex Swings Oscar Sings! act was joined by burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese, who was ordered to cover up for the family audience.
The UK’s entry Jade Ewen was accompanied by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who wrote the song. She ended a dismal spell for the UK by finishing fifth.
And, Sir Terry Wogan (who has been Eurovision commentator for more than 30 years) said he may quit as the BBC’s Eurovision commentator, what a sad news! He should shut up and disappear from TV at least 10 yrs ago! He said: “Andy Abraham gave, I think, the performance of his life with a song that certainly deserved far more points …”. Really? Maybe binman Andy just not talent enough to deserve more points, he shouldnt been choosen at the first place. This 43-year-old ex-dustman could put the best of us to sleep. He is a joke, I really think my local council need him more than national TV. This “Even If” really embarrassing – like something from the early 80s, definitely your time, unfortunately, its overed.
