2008 Eurovision Song Contest report
A few notes on this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade from our special correspondent, Trevor Adair
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On Saturday, 24th May the climax to this year's Eurovision Song Contest took place in the Serbian capital, Belgrade. 43 countries had entered the song competition, which included for the first time - two Semi-finals. The outcome of the contest, brought much success to Russia and much disappointment to the United Kingdom.
Immediately, following the results of the contest. The British media attached the contest for becoming politically motivated after former Eastern Bloc countries had handed Russia their first victory in the 53 year history of the competition. Heart-throb, Dima Bilan (who also finished runner-up in 2006), became the 2008 winner with, "Believe" after many Eastern European countries awarded him maximum 12 points. In second place, was the Ukraine's, Ani Lorak, while the UK's, Andy Abraham scored only 14 points to finish in last place.
Should, Britain quit the Eurovision Song contest ? Many show-business figures support this including Terry Wogan, who has covered the contest for the BBC since the mid 70s. The telly legend has even hinted that he might quit his role as commentator. It remains to be seen, if Wogan has covered his last Eurovision. Nevertheless, I feel that the UK will continue participating in the contest, because it still remains popular with British viewers, despite it's poor showing in recent years.
Overall, this year's contest attracted many musical styles and tastes. There was the usual mix of pop, dance, ballads, heavy metal, soft rock and novelty numbers. Latvia, entered singing pirates, Azerbaijan had an angel/demon act, Finland once again provided a rock group (which reminded me of Lordi, but this time without the monster costumes), while Bosnia submitted a bizarre brother and sister act, which included a washing line!! Ireland, meanwhile had entered Dustin the turkey - a popular television puppet. Dustin, had featured in the first Semi-Final, with " Irlande douze pointe" but finished in 15th place - therefore not qualifying for the Final.
Lets hope next year (with the backing of good songwriters and producers) that the UK and Ireland can enter good quality songs that both nations can be proud of and try to capture those years, when they ruled Eurovision.
*****************************************************************************************
On Saturday, 24th May the climax to this year's Eurovision Song Contest took place in the Serbian capital, Belgrade. 43 countries had entered the song competition, which included for the first time - two Semi-finals. The outcome of the contest, brought much success to Russia and much disappointment to the United Kingdom.
Immediately, following the results of the contest. The British media attached the contest for becoming politically motivated after former Eastern Bloc countries had handed Russia their first victory in the 53 year history of the competition. Heart-throb, Dima Bilan (who also finished runner-up in 2006), became the 2008 winner with, "Believe" after many Eastern European countries awarded him maximum 12 points. In second place, was the Ukraine's, Ani Lorak, while the UK's, Andy Abraham scored only 14 points to finish in last place.
Should, Britain quit the Eurovision Song contest ? Many show-business figures support this including Terry Wogan, who has covered the contest for the BBC since the mid 70s. The telly legend has even hinted that he might quit his role as commentator. It remains to be seen, if Wogan has covered his last Eurovision. Nevertheless, I feel that the UK will continue participating in the contest, because it still remains popular with British viewers, despite it's poor showing in recent years.
Overall, this year's contest attracted many musical styles and tastes. There was the usual mix of pop, dance, ballads, heavy metal, soft rock and novelty numbers. Latvia, entered singing pirates, Azerbaijan had an angel/demon act, Finland once again provided a rock group (which reminded me of Lordi, but this time without the monster costumes), while Bosnia submitted a bizarre brother and sister act, which included a washing line!! Ireland, meanwhile had entered Dustin the turkey - a popular television puppet. Dustin, had featured in the first Semi-Final, with " Irlande douze pointe" but finished in 15th place - therefore not qualifying for the Final.
Lets hope next year (with the backing of good songwriters and producers) that the UK and Ireland can enter good quality songs that both nations can be proud of and try to capture those years, when they ruled Eurovision.
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