Israel’s Netta claimed the crown in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest with an up-tempo song that has lyrics inspired by the #MeToo movement.
The song, “Toy”, swept away rivals including Cyprus and Austria to win 529 points and deliver Israel’s fourth victory in the annual competition.
Thousands of people took the streets of Tel Aviv to celebrate the victory on Saturday night.
Many filled Rabin Square in front of City Hall, with footage on social media showing people jumping into a public fountain.
The victory comes as Israel marks 70 years as an independent country.
NETTA SPEAKS TO THE JC: Read her pre-contest interview
“I am so happy. Thank you so much. Thank you for supporting diversity,” said the 25-year-old singer, whose full name is Netta Barzilai, after the result was announced.
“People chose different, people chose refreshing.”
The song contains lyrics such as "I'm not your toy, you stupid boy", which has been adopted by many in the global #MeToo movement against sexual harrassment.
Israel last won the contest in 1998 when it was held in Birmingham, where Dana International took the top spot.
This year’s contest, held in the Portuguese capital Lisbon, was marred by a stage invasion during the United Kingdom’s performance.
British singer SuRie was interrupted by a man who briefly snatched her microphone during the song, but she was given another microphone and continued to sing as the trespasser was escorted away.
Israel’s victory means it will host the contest in 2019.
Netta shouted “Next time in Jerusalem!” at the crowd, perhaps suggesting it could be held at Binyenei HaUma, the International Convention Center, which hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 1979 and 1999.
