Ruslana, a successful singer, producer, dancer and composer in her home country, won
for her song Wild Dance.
Contest debutants Serbia and Montenegro were second, with Greece third.
More than 100 million viewers were expected to watch the TV coverage of the event, now
in its 49th year.
Thirty-six member countries of the European Broadcasting Union voted in the contest,
including 12 countries eliminated from the final in earlier rounds
Her song was inspired by the folk music and dances of highlanders in the Carpathian
mountains and included traditional instruments, a fast dance routine mixed with acrobatic moves, as well as flamboyant costumes.
