Eurovision Song Contest 2022 delivered a memorable spectacle in Turin, Italy, bringing together forty delegations for the 66th edition of the iconic musical competition at the PalaOlimpico arena. The event was organized by the European Broadcasting Union alongside host broadcaster Radiotelevisione italiana following Måneskin's victory the previous year.
Ukraine secured a historic victory with Kalush Orchestra performing "Stefania", marking the first time a song with rap elements and sung entirely in Ukrainian claimed the trophy. The United Kingdom secured second place for a record-extending sixteenth time, matching its best result in decades.
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SubscribeThe competition attracted a television audience of 161 million viewers across thirty-four European markets, accompanied by millions more streaming live performances on digital platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Broadcasters noted robust engagement, particularly among younger demographics ranging from fifteen to twenty-four years old.
Host city Turin invested heavily in side events, welcoming fans to the Eurovision Village at Parco del Valentino and multiple EuroClub locations throughout the municipality. Stringent health protocols implemented early on were progressively relaxed, allowing the venue to operate at full capacity during the live shows.
Italy Prepares Magnificent Production and Venue Standards
Italian public broadcaster Radiotelevisione italiana orchestrated the massive production, utilizing a distinctive stage design dubbed The Sun Within created by Francesca Montinaro. The kinetic installation featured cascading water elements and a green room modeled after traditional Italian gardens.
Financial backing for the event included contributions from the Italian government, the municipality of Turin, and the regional government of Piedmont, ensuring state-of-the-art facilities for delegations and press members. Seventeen cities initially competed to host before Turin was officially selected in October 2021.
The contest also addressed geopolitical shifts by excluding Russia from participation following its invasion of Ukraine, reducing the final active lineup to forty competing countries. Despite logistical challenges, broadcasters maintained high standards of production and transparency throughout the bidding and staging phases.
Side festivities such as the Turquoise Carpet at the Palace of Venaria provided a grand opening for artists, cementing Turin's status as a premier cultural hub for international music celebrations and reinforcing Italy's successful tenure as host.