Marija Serifovic, the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest winner from Serbia
arrived home to a true national hero tonight. In a country reborn through war and suffering from political and international trouble for so much of it's 15 year history, Marija's win signifies the chance to wipe the slate clean and set's up the chance for Serbia to establish a new reputation.

In our interview with Marija, we asked her what victory would mean to Serbians and the people of Belgrade if she could win (see the interview below). We now know the answer!

Marija was greeted by more than 50,000 adoring fans in the central square in Belgrade and you can judge for yourself courtesy of RTS television footage whether Marija performed the song for the crowd or the crowd performed for their new shining star.

As the esctoday.com team leaves for the airport and heads home from Helsinki, we know that there are some discussions about the health and future of the Eurovision Song Contest ahead, but we are also leaving safe in the knowledge that 2007 delivered a deserving and credible winning song and reminded the world that a good song with a great vocal performance can still win the Eurovision Song Contest.

Goodnight from Helsinki,

the esctoday.com team

Marija talks to esctoday.com before her victory:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hAXEd4fTBE

Marija's Welcome home (courtesy of RTS)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJGrXuO52Tc