The Italian band was one of the favourites going into the grand final.

But after the jury votes were counted, they sat in fourth behind the Swiss, French and Malta.

However, Måneskin were the public's favourite, securing 318 points from that section of the voting. 

It is the third time Italy has won the famous competition and the first since Toto Cutugno took the honour in 1990.

"We just want to say to the whole [of] Europe, to the whole world, that rock and roll never dies," Måneskin lead singer Damiano David said while the band collected their trophy.

Måneskin's rock song is unlike the kitschy pop Eurovision is known for, but their singer said their popularity showed the contest also looks at musical quality.

"That prize shows that this is not (a) cheesy event. This is a musical event," David told media after the contest.

The event was not held in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Italy being one of Europe's most affected countries. 

Måneskin's bass guitarist, Victoria de Angelis, said the win was an important boost for the nation.

"This is a message of hope after this hard year we’ve been through," she said.

A crowd of 3,500 fans, who all tested negative for the coronavirus, watched the finalists perform live.

France's Barbara Pravi, performing the song Voilà, polled well with both the jury and public after a strong grand final performance. 

Her 248 points from the national jury vote was only bettered by Switzerland, and another 251 points from the public secured her second place.

Switzerland was leading with 267 points after all of the nations cast their vote, 19 votes clear of France in second and 61 points ahead of Italy. 

However, the public vote only added another 165 points to the Swiss entry,  Gjon's Tears, who performed the song Tout l'univers.

UK receives no points while Flo Rida star-power does not yield results

The United Kingdom finished last of those entrants who made the Grand Final, not being able to secure a single point. 

James Newman performed his song, Embers, which was not a hit for the jury or the public.

He was consoled on stage by Germany's Jendrik Sigwart, who was only able to manage three jury points. 

It is the second straight contest the UK has finished at the bottom of those who made it all the way to the finale. 

Meanwhile, US superstar Flo Rida was not able to generate enough excitement for San Marino's performer, Senhit.

Representing San Marino for the second time — she also contested Eurovision in 2011 — Senhit sang Adrenalina, which featured Flo Rida. 

But the performance was only able to achieve 50 points, with just 13 of those coming from the public. 

Source | ABC / wires