Tel Aviv hosted the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time since 1999 on Saturday, pulling off one of the largest international events the country has ever hosted.
The tightly organised production brought worldwide attention to Israel, attracting an estimated 200 million viewers worldwide. A full house of 7,300 people packed into the Expo Tel Aviv convention centre to watch 26 acts, with some 70,000 more fans watching at the Eurovision Village across the city.
The Netherlands’ Duncan Laurence won the contest with his ballad “Arcade,” bringing the trophy to the country for the first time since 1975. Israel’s Kobi Marimi finished in 23rd place, and the UK’s Michael Rice finished in last place.
Madonna performed at the ceremony, as well as previous hit Eurovision winners, and Wonder Woman Gal Gadot even made an appearance.
