Israel's Netta Barzilai wows voters, wins Eurovision 2018

Netta Barzilai, the 25-year-old singer from Israel, took home the top prize in the Eurovision 2018 competition. The event, held in Lisbon, featured performers from 43 different countries and is watched by 200 million people worldwide. The last time Israel won was 20 years ago, in 1998. Israel previously won in 1978 and 1979 as well.

"I'm so happy - thank you so much," Barzilai said after her name was announced. "Thank you so much for choosing difference, thank you so much for accepting differences between us.... I love you. Keep that going. Do good to others. Be good to yourselves."

Netta's personality shined through at a press conference for the Eurovision contest. (Photo: Wikimedia)

Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot, and fellow Israeli, gushed about Netta on social media Saturday evening. "You represent the real wonder in women," Gadot said. "So much truth, confidence and talent. You stand for diversity and you bring fresh beautiful light to the world. And thank you all for voting!!!"

In the streets of Tel Aviv, thousands stayed up past midnight to dance in the streets.

Here are more reactions from social media:

You can watch Bazilai's winning performance here:

And you can watch when the winners are announced here:

As is customary, the winning country hosts the following year's event. So Eurovision 2019 will take place in Israel. "I love my country," an excited Barzilai said. "Next time in Jerusalem!"