Ukraine wins Eurovision Song Contest as singer Jamala calls for 'peace and love'

The UK’s hopes of a Eurovision Song Contest triumph were dashed as Ukraine was crowned winner of the competition.

Jamala won for her political song 1944 and pleaded for 'peace and love' as she collected her trophy.

UKRAINE HAVE WON #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/HnJMS74VCA

— BBC Eurovision (@bbceurovision) May 14, 2016

She said her song is dedicated to her great-grandmother and is reportedly about Stalin, Crimea and thousands of native Tartars who were deported from the region.

After accepting the Eurovision trophy, she said: “I know that you sing a song about peace and love, but actually, I really want peace and love to everyone.”

Thrusting the glass microphone in the air she yelled: “Thank you Europe – welcome to Ukraine.”

Jamala (Martin Meissner/AP/PA)

Jamala had been one of the pre-show favourites, but in a new innovation, where the juries' votes were delivered before the public's choices, it was in a distant second place at the halfway point.

National jury after jury awarded Austalian Dami Im's The Sound of Silence their top spot and 12 points, but it earned 191 points from the public vote, giving it a total of 511. Jamala had 211 from the juries... but then received 323 from the public, giving it 534 and first place.

Australia’s entry Dami Im (Martin Meissner/AP/PA)

As the final pubic vote was announced, hot pre-show favourite Russia’s Sergey Lazarev came third... and the Ukraine maintained top spot in a thrilling conclusion.

Sergey Lazarev was third (Martin Meissner/AP/PA)

British hopefuls Joe and Jake came a disappointing 24th out of 26 – largely due to a lack of support in the public votes – in the contest for their pop song You’re Not Alone.

They tweeted fans to say they hoped they did the UK proud.

Two best friends, just had the night of their lives. Thank you all so much❤️ pic.twitter.com/X9X6UXu5S7

— Joe and Jake (@JoeandJakemusic) May 14, 2016

Regardless of the result, our main aim was to make the UK proud! We hope we did that! #JoeandJake

— Joe and Jake (@JoeandJakemusic) May 14, 2016

Justin Timberlake provided half-time entertainment during the competition, opening his special guest performance with his hit Dance With Me before moving on to his new single Can’t Stop The Feeling.

The audience in Stockholm were on their feet and waving flags from all over Europe as the star performed one of his signature high-energy dance routines in front of a brass section and backing singers.

Justin Timberlake (Martin Meissner/AP/PA)

After his performance, commentator Graham Norton said Justin will not be the last big American star to appear at the music competition “now they have realised this is the Super Bowl of Europe”.