STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - MAY 14: Eurovision Song Contest winner 2016 Jamala representing Ukraine is seen on stage with her award at the Ericsson Globe on May 14, 2016 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)
Jamala was crowned the winner of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday, with her political themed song “1944.”
The 61st annual contest, which was held in Stockholm, Sweden, is Europe’s most watched live entertainment program, and singing competition.
The contest even featured a performance by Justin Timberlake of his new song “Can’t Stop the Feeling” – the first time a non-contestant has performed on the Eurovision stage.
Eurovision is considered the world’s largest non-sporting live TV event, leading to the careers of Céline Dion, Olivia Newton John, ABBA and Julio Iglesias.
This year’s winner was chosen based on a controversial new voting system – the biggest change to Eurovision voting since 1975.
Professional juries and tele-voters awarded a separate set of points to each performance, allowing the name of the finale winner to come down to the contest’s final minutes.
This was also the first year Eurovision was broadcast live across the U.S., via Logo TV and YouTube.
Jamala’s song “1944” moved the jurors and voters due to her emotional lyrics about Russian oppression and the pain Russia caused during the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
“I know that you sing a song about peace and love, but actually, I really want peace and love to everyone,” Jamala said, accepting her trophy. “Thank you, Europe – welcome to Ukraine!”
Ukraine’s win means that they will host the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest.
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