Tallinn, May 26 (ETA) - Latvia collected a surprise win on the 47th Eurovision Song Contest

Kuumad uudised | 25 May 2002 | EWR

Tallinn, May 26 (ETA) - Latvia collected a surprise win on the 47th Eurovision Song Contest held in Tallinn on Saturday, ahead of Malta and Estonia.

Latvia's performer Maria N received 176 points for her song I Wanna and therefore the 48th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Riga next year.

Marija Naumova, a singer of Russian descent, was also one of the authors of the Latvian song and she took part in the Latvian national finals for the second time.

Maria N

ETA FOTO

The spectators were thrilled by the stage performance during Latvia's song as the singer stripped her suit to reveal a short red dress that was later transformed to a long evening gown.

Maria N

ETA FOTO

Latvia received a maximum 12 points from Spain, Estonia, Israel, Germany and Lithuania. It competed until the very last vote with Malta that finally received 164 points with its song "Seventh Wonder".

Estonia's song "Runaway" by Swedish songstress Sahlene collected 111 points, just as much as United Kingdom but Estonia had more maximum points.

"The Latvian singer was a real surprise and hers is the best show of the evening," said Olavi Pihlamägi, Estonia's foremost Eurovision expert.

Latvia made its successful debut in Eurovision two years ago when its band Brainstorm finished third in the voting. Last year Latvia's song finished 18th.

Latvia was originally supposed to be left out of this year's Eurovision song contest but Portugal decided not to participate and gave its spot to Latvia.

kp.KP

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