Celina Dion skips Eurovision contest

The 69th Eurovision Song Contest was held at Basel's St. Jakobshalle, packed with 6,500 excited ticket-holders dressed to the nines while 36,000 others watched a live transmission in a nearby stadium.

An estimated 160 million people across Europe and beyond were expected to tune in for the annual TV spectacle, where kitsch, glam and spectacular staging go hand in hand.

Twenty-six countries were in contention, with 11 having been eliminated in the semi-finals during the week.

Basel had been abuzz all week with rumours that Celine Dion might make an emotion-laden appearance as she battles Stiff Person Syndrome.

The Canadian superstar, now 57, launched her international career by winning Eurovision 1988, while competing for Switzerland.

But in the end, she did not appear.

"We have been in contact with her through various channels and regret that ultimately it was not possible to include her in the show," Eurovision organisers told AFP.

"We send her all our best wishes and, above all, good health."

Sweden had long been the bookmakers' hot favourite to win in Basel with the comedy trio KAJ's sauna song "Bara Bada Bastu".

But they finished fourth ahead of Italy, Greece and France as JJ scooped up the microphone-shaped trophy.

Albania, Ukraine and Switzerland rounded out the top 10.

Agence France-Presse