Daniel Musikant grew up watching the Eurovision Song Contest, but it wasn’t until the UK hosted the competition in 2023 that he decided to go to see what it was all about.

“Going to the live show in my own country was too good an opportunity to turn down,” he told the JC, having just returned from Malmö, which marked his second Eurovision experience.

Daniel, who lives in Mill Hill East, north-west London, even managed to secure a personal message of thanks from Israel’s Eurovision singer Eden Golan, who is celebrating after her triumphant performance at the song contest, where she came fifth despite huge protests at Israel’s participation.

“I got speaking to an Israeli journalist at one of the events, and they managed to get me a personal video message from Eden, who thanked me for supporting her. It was really nice of her to do it.”

Eden Golan delivering her personal message of thanks to Eurovision fan Daniel Musikant (Photo: Eden Golan)

Despite loud and disruptive jeers from the live audience, the 20-year-old singer received praise worldwide for her poise under pressure from anti-Israel protesters.

Clashes had broken out between the police and activists outside the arena on Saturday, and dozens of protesters, including Greta Thunberg, were detained by Swedish authorities.

During Golan’s performance, loud boos could be heard from the crowd, but these were muted by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for television viewers.

Daniel, who was sat in the final near the contestant and her delegation, said he was incredibly “proud to watch her while all of that was happening.

“You could hear it all quite loudly, but she gave an amazing performance. She was really impressive,” he said.

Eden Golan (Photo: Daniel Musikant)

Golan, who, with her song “Hurricane”, secured a staggering 323 points from the public – including the maximum 12 from UK viewers – received the second highest popular vote of any competitor, behind Croatia.

“It was great watching as those results came in,” Daniel said.

The Eurovision fan said that while the crowd was “tense at times”, the atmosphere overall was really friendly and he enjoyed “bumping into people I had met at the semi-finals”.

He said: “You don’t have to know anyone or go with anyone as you constantly make friends in fan groups or at different shows.”

Daniel said he had booked accommodation in three different cities before it was announced that Malmö would host the competition.

“As soon as I heard, I booked my flights,” he said.

Tickets for the shows can cost thousands, and travel and accommodation added on top means an expensive trip.

Daniel said: “I wouldn’t like to say how much I have spent, but it wasn’t cheap. However, it was one the best experiences of my life, and I'd do it again.”

Another highlight of this year for Daniel was getting to meet presenter Rylan and some of the contestants who were staying at his hotel.

Daniel Musikant at Eurovision with Italian singer Angelina Mango (Photo: Daniel Musikant)

“It is great. You come down to breakfast and see the contestants and their entourage.”

Switzerland's Nemo picked up the coveted winners' trophy in Sweden on Saturday.

"I’ve not decided if I’ll go to Switzerland next year. I’d love to, but we will see,” said Daniel.