Denmark wins Eurovision Song Contest May 19, 2013 -- Updated 0222 GMT (1022 HKT) Denmark's Emmelie de Forest raises her prize next to her team after winning the final of the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest. Emmelie de Forest's "Only Teardrops" puts Denmark on top Azerbaijan finishes second and Ukraine takes third London (CNN) -- Emmelie de Forest carried Denmark to triumph early Sunday in the Eurovision Song Contest, an annual musical spectacle known for its combination of over-the-top costumes, kitsch pop songs and international rivalries. Flanked by marching drummers in military-style uniforms and performing in bare feet, de Forest took top spot with a breathy performance of "Only Teardrops." Millions of people across Europe and beyond tuned in to watch pop acts from 26 countries take to the stage in the Swedish city of Malmo. Dressed like a new-age Tinker Bell, 20-year-old de Forest bested a field that included the UK contender and 1980s hit-maker Bonnie Tyler. Azerbaijan's Farid Mammadov finished second with the song "Hold Me," and the Ukraine's Zlata Ognevich took third with "Gravity." Tyler, known for her hits "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and "Holding Out for a Hero," finished in 19th place. Organizers expected more than 100 million people to tune in for the contest, hosted by Sweden -- the 2012 winner of the song contest. Demark was considered one of the favorites among bookmakers going into the final on Saturday night. The 39 countries involved in the contest awarded a set of points from one to eight, then 10 and finally 12 for their favorite songs. Under the rules, they can't vote for themselves and they must announce the score in both English and French. Television viewers also cast votes in their respective countries through telephone hotlines, which count for half the final tally. Victory may not be welcomed by everyone back home since that nation bears the expense of hosting the following year's event -- a commitment that's more of a burden at a time of wide austerity in Europe.