2012 Eurovision Song Contest winner goes to Loreen of Sweden

Reported on May 27,2012

Sweden’s Loreen got the winning title for this year Eurovision Song Contest with her dance hit Euphoria in Azerbaijan.

The 28 year old of Moroccan-Berber descent Loreen got a total of 372 points across Europe. She dedicated her winning to her ever supportive fans. Russia's grannies Buranovskiye Babushki garnered much public affection for their cute onstage presence, but their folksy dance ditty Party for Everybody couldn't quite match Sweden's more contemporary offering and ended up second on 259 points. Zeljko Joksimovic from Serbia, came in a distant third with his slow and stripped-down "Nije Ljubav Stvar."

The competition viewed by 125 million people worldwide is hailed by its legion of devoted fans as harmless, kitschy fun that allows Europeans to forget their differences . The winner is picked by juries and television viewers across the continent, so a broad appeal is deemed key to success.

UK representative Engelbert Humperdink opened the show with a simple and professional performance of Love Will Set You Free got only 12 votes from 42 countries. Jedward did little better, garnering 46 points and finishing 19th with their energetic performance of Waterline, featuring an on-stage fountain.

For next year Eurovision Song Contest the Sweden will be the host country.