Ukraine’s Jamala Takes Home Eurovision 2016 Crown

For over 60 years, it's become one of the most coveted entertainment honors in Europe and this year, it was Jamala of Ukraine that was named the winner of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest. The 32-year-old singer won for her song "1944," which tells of the deportation of Crimean Tartars by the Soviet Union during World War II. Jamala herself is of Crimean origins.

This year's Eurovision contest marked the 61st time singers and bands from around Europe and the world (including Israel and Australia) gathered for the intense and wildly popular competition. 42 countries gathered in Stockholm, Sweden beginning on May 12. 26 countries entered the final round on May 14.

Jamala's win was met with some controversy, however. The Telegraph reports that Russian fans have accused Jamala's win of being a political statement in reference to Russia's invasion into Crimea two years ago. Eurovision organizers, however, have remarked that Jamala's "1944" doesn't breach any violations regarding political statements in lyrics.

Past Eurovision winners have included ABBA, Katrina and the Waves, and Celine Dion.

Click on the YouTube video below to hear "1944" by Jamala.