Portugal wins Eurovision Song Contest for first time in 53 years

Portugal has won the Eurovision song contest for the first time in 53 years.

Crowned the winner of the 62nd annual Eurovision Song Contest after receiving 785 points from the jury and public votes singer Salvador Sobral made an impassioned speech calling for "music that matters."

"I want to say we live in a world of disposable music. Fast food music. This is a victory for music with meaning," he said. "Lets try and change this and bring music back that matters."

Calling his sister Luisa, who wrote the winning song Amar Pelos Dois to join him on stage, the celebrations began as Twitter erupted with messages of congratulations, while some slammed Salvador's over-earnest plea on behalf of serious artists everywhere.

Who is Salvador Sobral?

Salvador Sobral was born on December 28, 1989 in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. He competed on the third series of Idolos, Portugal's version of Pop Idol in 2009. The singer became Portugal's official entry after entering a national competition to become the artist that would represent the country in this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

26 countries competed at the International Exhibition Centre in Kiev, Ukraine including the UK's Lucie Jones who came in at a respectable 15th in the competition with 111 points.

Dressed in a Grecian-inspired gown the 26-year-old performed Never Give Up on You winning a rousing reception from the audience.

Bulgaria came in second place with 615 points and Moldova in third place with 374.

Of course in the spirit of Eurovision amid the power ballads there was the usual curiosities including a break-dancing gorilla from Italy and a horse on a ladder with Azerbaijan's entry, Dihaj.

The event was hosted by Graham Norton who took over the reins in 2009 from Sir Terry Wogan.