Portugal wins Eurovision for the first time as crooner woos audience

Portuguese singer representing Portugal with the song "Amar Pelos Dios" Salvador Vilar Braamcamp Sobral aka Salvador Sobral holds the trophy as he celebrates on stage after winning the final of the 62nd edition of the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 Grand Final at the International Exhibition Centre in Kiev.

The fado-tinged song "Amar Pelos Dois" was performed by 27-year-old Salvador Sobral, who is awaiting a heart transplant.

It scored a crushing victory, winning top marks both from the televoters and the countries' professional juries.

The black-clad singer took to a small separate stage for his minimalist performance of the song composed by his sister Luisa.

"I don't know about national hero," Portugal's first ever winner told journalists afterwards, adding jokingly "I think the real hero is (Portugese footballer Cristiano) Ronaldo."

"I just wanted to sing a beautiful song as it is; it's in Portugese," he said of his decision to sing in his native language despite speaking fluent English.

Photos: AFP

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