So, it rolls round again and yet this year’s Eurovision was one of the safest, and most forgettable shows in years. The lunacy was stripped backed and no one seemed to want to take a risk. It might be all the fun was voted out in the semi-finals, but I didn’t watch them.
At least the UK entry this year wasn’t a complete stinker but there was still something odd about it. The singing was excellent, but the tune just seemed the wrong way round – It sped up in the verses and slowed down for the chorus which is where you need the big hook. Actually deserved a lot better in the scores.
As for the rest
Sweden – Infuriatingly catchy (my daughter is still singing it) and the brown suits had a Public Service Broadcasting feel.
Finland – As subtle as a brick to the face. A buxom blonde in studded leather bodysuit and stockings straddling various microphone stands and singing about having an orgasm was the most Eurovision song of the night.
Lithuania – Bonus points to the band who really looked as if he would rather be anywhere rather than on that stage. Even in the green room, they were the most uninterested contestants ever.
Albania – Clearly someone watched too many YouTube videos of Toyah and Robert Fripp in their kitchen.
Latvia – Six women dressed as axolotl’s sang the best harmonies I think I’ve heard at Eurovision unfortunately the song dragged a bit.
Israel – A forgettable ballad which just highlighted the public vote manipulation to the maximum.
Italy – Had the feel of Bowie/ Ronson doing Starman on TOTP with the singer’s greasepaint makeup and the way he draped an arm around the guitarist. Bonus points for the live harmonica solo.
Highlight of the whole night was the face-off between previous contestants Baby Lasagna (Rim Tim Tagi Dim) and Kaarja (Cha Cha Cha) in the interval showing that it is possible to go hugely OTT and still have an absolute earworm of a hit.