Those tuning in to watch the Eurovision Song Contest were left doing a double take as they thought a famous pop star invaded the show. After months of build-up the grand final of the biggest music competition in the world finally kicked off on Saturday night (May 13).
Tens of millions across the world tuned in to watch 26 acts and bands take to the stage at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena as they performed their hearts out in a bid to be crowned the Eurovision 2023 winner and walk away with the coveted trophy.
The city is hosting on behalf of war-torn Ukraine, who won last year’s contest but are unable to host due to the Russian invasion. And the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest kicked off with a skit featuring last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra performing their hit Stefania with runner-up Sam Ryder playing guitar on the top of the Liver Building and Andrew Lloyd Webber on piano.
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There was also a cameo from the Princess of Wales who made an appearance after she was recorded playing the piano earlier this month at Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace said. Viewers saw Kate playing a short instrumental piece lasting around 10 seconds.
The official Twitter account for the Prince and Princess of Wales tweeted: "A #Eurovision surprise A pleasure to join Kalush Orchestra in a special performance of last year’s winning @eurovision entry. Enjoy the show, Liverpool"
But as the show well and truly got underway, following an appearance from Graham Norton who welcomed viewers to the final alongside co-hosts Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, all eyes were on the acts battling out for the title.
Among those performing was singer Brunette. She was representing Armenia in this year's contest and was seen performing her song Future Lover. However, viewers were distracted as they couldn't help byt notice she looked like American singer Ariana Grande.
@theweekdaez said: "For a second I thought Ariana was at #Eurovision Armenia’s entry looked good tho." @Maritxu330 asked: "ARIANA WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?! #Eurovision." @AndyPod359 said: "Ariana Grande sneaks into #Eurovision and sings for Armenia."
@Luiseach posted: "How did Armenia manage to get Ariana Grande what a coup wow #Eurovision." @tsamasaurusrex commented: "Poundland Ariana is actually pretty damn good #Eurovision." @Yoshifierce added: "No one told me Ariana is at #Eurovision for Armenia!"
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