Eurovision 2021 Finals: Italy scoops up the coveted first place after 31 years.

by Cecile Paul · Published May 23, 2021 · Updated May 23, 2021

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The inimitable Maneskin | Image Credit Wiwibloggs

Italy’s Maneskin rocked victoriously, scoring a mammoth 524 points with their fast guitar-dominated track ‘Zitti E Buoni’ (‘Shut Up and Be Quiet’) beating rival France by 25 points. Italy’s victory was certainly a milestone from a time perspective – it’s been over three decades since they’ve won the coveted prize. This win also means that the next Eurovision contest will be held in … bell’Italia!

Video: Italy’s performance in the final:

Maneskin, who else? | Image Credit Sky News

France and Switzerland came second and third respectively. And the rest will no doubt be as sick as a parrot today. The UK, Germany, Spain and host The Netherlands all put on a brave face despite receiving zero points from the public. Ouch! The UK sadly didn’t manage to squeeze any points from the judges either. Interestingly Switzerland won the jury vote.

Another piece of history was made on the night – it was the largest public (in-person) event since the outbreak of the pandemic.

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Eager fans in their colourful attire wait to enter the stadium just before the final. | Credit Ilvy Njiokiktjien for The New York Times

And for those of you who wondered what the fuss was all about …

Zitti E Buoni – in English!

They don’t know what I’m talking about
You’re dirty, bros, full of mud
Cig stains between your fingers
Me with a cig walkingI’m sorry but I really believe
That I can make this jump
Even if the road is uphill
That’s why I’m training nowAnd good evening ladies and gentlemen
Get the actors out
You’d better touch your nuts
(Eurovision version: You better not make any more mistakes)
You better shut up and be quiet

People here are strange like drug dealers
I’ve been locked out too many nights
Now I’m gonna kick the doorways
Lookin’ up like a climber

So excuse me, mom, for staying out all the time
I’m crazy but different from them
And you’re out of your mind but different from them
We’re out of our minds but different from them
We’re out of our minds but different from them

Me
I’ve written pages and pages
I’ve seen salt then tears
These men in the car
Don’t climb the rapids

Written on a tombstone
In my house there is no God
But if you find the sense of time
You will rise from your oblivion

And no wind can stop
The natural power
From the right point of view
Of the wind you feel the thrill

With wax wings on your back
I’ll seek out that height
If you want to stop me try again
Try cutting off my head

Because
I’m out of my mind but different from them
And you’re out of your mind but different from them
We’re out of our minds but different from them
We’re out of our minds but different from them

People talk unfortunately
They talk, they don’t know what they’re talking about
Take me where I’m floating
I’m short of air here

People are talking unfortunately
They talk, they don’t know what they are talking about
Take me where I am floating
I’m short of air here

People are talking unfortunately
They talk, they don’t know what the f**k they’re talking about
(Eurovision version: They don’t know what they’re talking about)
Take me where I’m floating
I’m short of air here

But I’m out of my mind but different from them
And you’re out of your mind but different from them
We’re out of our minds but different from them
We’re out of our minds but different from them
We’re different from them

We’ll leave you with a piece of memorable fashion from the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest: Russia’s unforgettable tear-off dress. (Yes, you’re unlikely to erase that one from your memory!)