Pop acts sing for glory at Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, with Ukraine in spotlight

By JILL LAWLESS
Associated Press

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest has kicked off in Liverpool. A Swedish diva and a party-loving Finnish rapper among favorites to win a joyous multinational music competition clouded, for a second year running, by the war in Ukraine. Britain is hosting the event on behalf of Ukraine, which won last year’s competition, and the show includes performances by Ukrainian musicians including 2022 Eurovision winner Kalush Orchestra. Swedish singer Loreen is bookies’ favorite to win the competition, with Finnish party rapper Käärijä also a strong contender. Twenty-six countries are competing in the grand final, with the winner decided by a mix of jury and public votes.