Eurovision Song contest.

[emma]

Yes, it's time for that strange, quirky European tradition again. Who's going to admit to watching all the kitsch???? At least the UK doesn't have to worry about qualifying because of the money that goes into the EBU - European Broadcasting Union, where not all the countries are technically part of Europe. So  you get countries like Israel, Cyprus and Azerbaijan entering.

I know a lot of countries outside of Europe carry the programme - admit it, who likes an evening of good old fashioned europop????

http://www.eurovision.tv/page/home

[Eimi]

I've heard of it, and I think I watched a little of it on Youtube because people told me I should... Wasn't there an upset winner last year?  Like some random country won?

[Amy]

I don't watch it... I actively turn the television/radio/etc over when it's mentioned.

It's all political in my mind, and votes aren't actually based on the music.

(Plus, for the last few years, I've been working... and before that, I was at uni without a TV).

[Paula]

I usually follow the finals (if I had time and the broadcasting time is sensible one). Not so exciting this year, since Finland dropped out already in semi-finals.

[emma]

Well I have to admit I have taken part in a few Eurovision (drinking) parties in my time... http://www.aleth.talktalk.net/eurosong.html

Although, yes, it is political now - We all know that the only countries who will vote for the UK are Ireland and Malta and that the Balkans will all vote for each other.... It is only recently that it has become that bad though, used to be sealed juries in rooms with an audio only feed - I met someone who was on the jury one year

[Eimi]

Wow!  I want to go to one of those parties!  It sounds like everyone gets smashed after just an act or two!  (Which means I would be drinking coke most of the night XD)

[Chelle]

heh was in sweden the year Lordi won. Yay FINLAND. And then was there in 2008 but didn't get to see the actual Eurovision, just Melodifestivalen which is Sweden's final to choose who goes to Eurovision. I remember The Ark bombing completely.

Remember Latvia? "We are the Winners of Eurovision.." that was the greatest thing ever. HAHA. missing it this year though bummer.

[emma]

should be a feed here - http://www.eurovision.tv/page/home  Please note this is a legal feed!

[Eimi]

So I hear Germany won, but I also hear that a lot of people thought the Russian song was better (though I'm not sure I'd agree with that one, unless it's for the "nice try" categoy...)

[emma]

Yeah the Germans won, but perhaps it was a little unfairly - that song had apparently been a massive number one all over continental Europe which might have given it an advantage. And I'm not just saying that because poor little Josh came last for the UK, the Danish entry was good, as was the Romanian one.

[Eimi]

I was rather impressed by the Icelandic singer!  And I liked the Turkish group that came in second.