Sweden wins Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with Loreen’s club track Euphoria

Swedish Loreen has won the 57th Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, Azerbaijan, with her club track Euphoria.

Loreen, a former Swedish Idol contestant, led from early on in the voting, challenged only by Russia’s Buranovo Grannies and host nation Azerbaijan.

British entry Engelbert Humperdinck, who opened the contest with his ballad Love Will Set You Free, finished second from last – despite high hopes.

However the 76-year-old was spared the humiliation of “nil points”.

The legendary crooner, who has sold more than 150 million records worldwide, received just 12 points – from Estonia, Latvia, Belgium and Ireland.

There were high hopes for Engelbert Humperdinck – affectionately known as “The Hump” – given his huge global fanbase, but his draw as first to sing in the contest seemingly proved detrimental.

Historically no-one who has opened the contest has gone on to win, as viewers often tune in late and miss the early contenders.

Twenty six countries took part in the final in Azerbaijan’s spectacular Crystal Hall, in front of a live audience of some 20,000.

Up to 125 million viewers typically watch the annual contest on television around the world.

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