In conclusion, it's an anticlimactic, unremarkable ending with a bittersweet aftertase.
Once Sweden has selected Loreen, a lot of fans have wished for her to win. She brought a great narrative with her: A previous winner, losing fame on her career, wanted to try again to have that Eurovision glory back, and make history for her and Sweden. Trying to be the second person who can win twice is such an achievement.
At the other ends, we have a lot of favorites this year also striving to win for their countries, especially countries who rarely have won the contest. This includes Kaarija, who would've wished to bring the contest to his country for the 2nd time.
Basically, these two are good narratives. Both would have a lot of meaning for both of them. But if I had to pick one I'd love to have Kaarija's.
Loreen has won before. Sweden has won 6 times. What's the point?
Well, it was proven with how this final turned out to be.
Sweden being in the jury's top seems to be foreseen, but the discrepancy of votes Loreen had, is already a sign of all hopes lost. Plus, with the jury votes being heck long, Sweden's just that main character in the entire sequence: in the spotlight, being interviewed, being shown at the top several times.
So, where's Kaarija? Here comes the twist: he might not be the main character then, but he's revealed to be audience's main character at the ending. Audiences are literally cheering for him, chanting Cha Cha Cha in the arena, and hyping him up so loudly. Him getting that 376 points is the cherry on top.
But he still loses at the end. Sweden won. Well, Loreen winning was the ending people wanted before, but not now -- especially, with juries, which leaves a bitter taste to some people. Kaarija really took everybody's heart by storm at the end.
This ending, gives me the same feeling I had with Kalush in 2022. Their song is still a contender for a great placement, catchy, well-performed. But we know what happened in Europe back then, and we know the win will be there anyways. I don't feel any thrill with it.
You can keep saying they've played by the rules, and all delegations have agreed to do so. But, this is not about whether they obeyed to the rules. Eurovision is still a televised show, and any good show needs a good ending. That's how the show will live in people's mind and soul.
And this one, is not really it.