Eurovision 2018: still no win for Spain, but UK survives stage invasion

They never rank highly, but theyre always happy, said one Italian commentator of the eager Spaniards who queued under the blazing heat in Lisbons Praça do Commercio last Saturday.

Since it was help relatively close to home, the Spanish turnout at this years Eurovision was particularly high this year, with over 400 fans arriving to watch the show in the Portuguese capital.

It has been 49 years since Spain won the European singing competition in 1969 with Salomés Vivo Cantando ('Live to Sing). Unfortunately, this years hopefuls did not manage to buck the trend. Amaia and Alfred, from Pamplona and Barcelona, respectively, couldnt convert their chemistry into votes, placing 23rd with their rendition of Tu Canción (Your Song).

Israels Netta Barzilai was crowned winner this year for her song Toy, an anti-bullying anthem. In her speech to the press, the singer explained that her song was about empowerment and was for those who have to fight to be themselves.

The UK entry, Storm, sung by SuRie, was the subject of a social media furore of its own. The singer was interrupted mid-song by a stage invader, who snatched her microphone and shouted about Nazis of the UK media, before he was promptly removed by security guards. This temporarily left 29-year-old SuRie with no other option than to clap along to the music.

Host Graham Norton was quick to praise the singer for her professional handling of the situation; the Brit quickly recovered, completing her song to rapturous applause and refusing a do-over. This wasnt enough to pull in the votes however, as the UK finished just behind Spain in 24th place.

The Israeli win was its fourth victory in the history of the competition and its first since 1998. Netta was presented the coveted crystal microphone by last years winner, Salvador Sobral, who had previously criticised her song, calling it horrible.