Eurovision starting in less than 1 hour!!! Watch online!
May 12, 2007 12:03 PM   Subscribe

The link to the live stream has been posted! Eurovision (previously) from Helsinki is about to begin (2100 CET), and there is a live stream available. Just get the plugin, and, if it all works, you'll be ready to watch!
posted by jasper411 (313 comments total) 3 users marked this as a favorite
 
Can I flag this as noise?
posted by lemonfridge at 12:07 PM on May 12, 2007 [2 favorites]


Hell no!
posted by jokeefe at 12:09 PM on May 12, 2007


Can I flag this as noise?

Only if he's competeing.
posted by sourwookie at 12:15 PM on May 12, 2007


Uhm, how about no.
posted by BrodieShadeTree at 12:16 PM on May 12, 2007


Just tried to connect, seems there's an overload already. Too bad... check the french song "l'amour à la française" by the fatal picards... they try to add some wit to french songs, which are in the same bad shape as popular music is everywhere.
posted by nicolin at 12:17 PM on May 12, 2007


To install an extra plugin sucks.

To have that special 'service' die two minutes after the show started sucks even more.

Last years streaming provider was excellent.
posted by homodigitalis at 12:20 PM on May 12, 2007


DO NOT WANT
posted by parallax7d at 12:23 PM on May 12, 2007


Ireland: very boring and folksy. You get better music in any pub there ... at least after several Guinessssss ...
posted by homodigitalis at 12:24 PM on May 12, 2007


Finland: What no monsters this year? She looks like Elvira tho ... or the younger sister of Bonny Tyler ...
posted by homodigitalis at 12:26 PM on May 12, 2007


yay! the yearly festival of bad taste is in full force, and I love it. For the best viewing experience, play the Eurovisiong Song Contest drinking game.
posted by lodev at 12:26 PM on May 12, 2007


Can't wait for all those crappy eastern europe disco songs.
posted by homodigitalis at 12:29 PM on May 12, 2007


Pointless withoutdrunk Wogan.
posted by jack_mo at 12:32 PM on May 12, 2007


SANJAYALOLZ!!11!!
posted by phaedon at 12:32 PM on May 12, 2007


Macedonia: Drama, peroxide, dancers and a very short skirt. Yeah, slavic-pop at it's best and it feels so 1999 ...
posted by homodigitalis at 12:33 PM on May 12, 2007


Slovenia: Opera-style techno pop. Yes, it sounds as nasty as the words imply. The lady looks like the living version of Tim Burton's "Corpse Bride". But she can sing! What a strong voice. The song reminds me of something they play before a soccer game ...
posted by homodigitalis at 12:37 PM on May 12, 2007


You know what? Eurovision is making me wait an extra week for Doctor Who. So let's not encourge them.
posted by John Kenneth Fisher at 12:37 PM on May 12, 2007 [2 favorites]


I'm a little concerned that Hungary isn't paying attention to waiting for that bus, and is going to miss it.
posted by randomination at 12:39 PM on May 12, 2007


Wow. Is American country rock popular in Hungary?
posted by trip and a half at 12:40 PM on May 12, 2007


Hungary: a nice rock ballad - I expect Joe Cocker to join in any second now. The lady has a nice voice, too bad the song is so boring and flat. At least this group doesn't do the usual disco dancing act ...
posted by homodigitalis at 12:41 PM on May 12, 2007


Awesome - they just showed a clip from a demo scene party as one of their "why Finland is great" clips.
posted by simonw at 12:41 PM on May 12, 2007


How come I am up to this senseless game?
posted by randomination at 12:43 PM on May 12, 2007


Lithuania: another (jazzy) combo and no blonde either. I guess the criticism of the last years has made some impressions?! She looks like clone of Pat Benetar - not as impressive, but still good. Too bad the song is so boring. No catchy phrase, no nothing.
posted by homodigitalis at 12:44 PM on May 12, 2007


Great sign in the audience: "Where is Andorra?"
posted by trip and a half at 12:45 PM on May 12, 2007


ah...greece, this is how I like my eurovision...
posted by pj_rivera at 12:46 PM on May 12, 2007


Greece: Oh yeah, there we have the usual crappy disco style again - with some folksy sirtaki elements. What a cheap clone of Ricky Martin with half naked background sluts and a lot of hip shaking. It's a catchy tune - if you on vacation on some beach bar ... Macarena anyone?
posted by homodigitalis at 12:48 PM on May 12, 2007


Can I just apologise in advance for the UK's entry here?
posted by randomination at 12:50 PM on May 12, 2007


Georgia: Nice red dress. The four male background dancers are terrible: they have a small shield and two swords crossed on their backs. A tribute to Cosacks. Gee, now the song wobbles from folk-pop into techno - that's so 1995. And the stupid swordfight intermezzo is so 14th century.
posted by homodigitalis at 12:51 PM on May 12, 2007


Sweden: very catchy - a cross between The Darkness and Abba.
posted by simonw at 12:55 PM on May 12, 2007


I'm a bit freaked out by the Swedish entry.
posted by lodev at 12:55 PM on May 12, 2007


This is like the tri-wizard cup.
posted by ND¢ at 12:55 PM on May 12, 2007


Sweden: Glam Rock? Didn't Gildfrapp not just recently release a great album in that style? Sorry, but since Gary Glitter got busted in Vietnam for underage-sex that style is so dead. Overall a nice tune, but his undressing didn't improve the overall performance. Most of the Ladies so far had more impressive voice power and even better songs.
posted by homodigitalis at 12:55 PM on May 12, 2007


Sweden: Catchy and silly. Nice.
posted by severiina at 12:56 PM on May 12, 2007


@randomination: You country has so many great artists - where are they these days?
posted by homodigitalis at 12:57 PM on May 12, 2007


Wow, The Ark just rub me the wrong way. I keep getting yelled at by my cousins for a) not knowing about them until this year, and b) for not liking them very much. I just don't get it. Bad glam rock... yuck.

I'm enjoying the in-between sketches the most so far.
posted by gemmy at 12:57 PM on May 12, 2007


Sorry, but since Gary Glitter got busted in Vietnam for underage-sex that style is so dead.

No way man, any EV act that is halfway between The Darkness and Queen musically (albeit campier versions of both!) and has a song about the right of same-sex partners to adopt on their CD is alright in my book. Rooting for them so far, otherwise Greece. Let's see what France does now.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:57 PM on May 12, 2007


My current faves are Georgia (nice altie-cossacks and retro-fabulous Bjork knockoff), Sweden's camp, and Finland's goths.
posted by By The Grace of God at 12:58 PM on May 12, 2007


Voila. Time for some French classiness.
posted by lodev at 12:58 PM on May 12, 2007


Dead cat on shoulder! That could be a dark horse pointwinner prop.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:59 PM on May 12, 2007


Whoops. Scratch that. Frenchmen singing off-key in some sort of Frenglish is not ma tasse de thé
posted by lodev at 1:00 PM on May 12, 2007


In re. France: Now that the hipsters have made it to Eurovision, hopefully this style will die. L'Amour here will probably win, because it's actually a radio-playable, decent pop song and is this year's Lordi-outre.
posted by By The Grace of God at 1:00 PM on May 12, 2007


@randomination: You country has so many great artists - where are they these days?

Somebody asked the same question on breakfast news this morning. The problem is none of them want to enter Eurovision because they might not win.
posted by randomination at 1:00 PM on May 12, 2007


France: WTF?! This is beyond pink disco gayness & overall french weirdness. Sarko has to do something about this. The song is a bit hysterical, hard to attach my ears to anything. No nice riffs or rhymes. Just screaming 'amour' is a bit boring ... no matter how pink the whole band is dressed.
posted by homodigitalis at 1:01 PM on May 12, 2007


Yep. It's France all the way now. Morrissey on Prozac and a cat. What more could we wish for now?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:01 PM on May 12, 2007


Voila. Time for some French classiness.

Take that back please!
posted by homodigitalis at 1:02 PM on May 12, 2007


Latvia might be on to something, cheezy as it may be.
posted by lodev at 1:04 PM on May 12, 2007


Ireland, btw, might as well have entered 'My Lovely Horse'.
posted by randomination at 1:05 PM on May 12, 2007


Lyrics and English translations for all the songs

Humorous selection by BBC

Note: BBC subtitles the songs in their original language on Ceefax 888.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:05 PM on May 12, 2007


Latvia: Are all guys in Latvia dressed like this? Nice choral passages - some of these gentleman can sing. The Rose & Hat routine is a bit awkward. Can't wait to find that song on my girlfriends Rockballads #45 collection ...
posted by homodigitalis at 1:05 PM on May 12, 2007


What I don't understand is why so many of the entries feature such rough performances. In the era of Pop Idol etc why aren't there more Kelly Clarkson level contestants for Eurovision?
posted by By The Grace of God at 1:07 PM on May 12, 2007


I'll take the Wogun over the Wogan.
posted by Zonker at 1:07 PM on May 12, 2007


Latvia might be on to something, cheezy as it may be.

At least it's different. Quite a few non-traditional type entries this year. I kinda like the German jazzy thing.

Russia will probably do well. Even if they don't, it doesn't really matter. That song will be a stable of the eurodisco scene this summer, me thinks.
posted by gemmy at 1:07 PM on May 12, 2007


Russia: "Don't call me funny bunny". The song sucked, but they have the best lighting so far.
posted by simonw at 1:08 PM on May 12, 2007


Russia: It's rock slut time. I am sure they score many points for fertility - but none for good singing or acceptable song in my books. This is sooo Tatu it's embarassing. Should reach the top five of tonight ...
posted by homodigitalis at 1:08 PM on May 12, 2007


Russia: My bad-ass what?
posted by trip and a half at 1:09 PM on May 12, 2007


I don't like the song, but those outfits entertain me.

this is my first eurovision (recent move to the UK), so I'm getting acclimated.


I don't get the interstitial bits at all. What are they?
posted by Lord_Pall at 1:09 PM on May 12, 2007


Russia :

"Put your cherry on my cake
And taste my cherry pie"

ah..sweet!
posted by pj_rivera at 1:10 PM on May 12, 2007


LOLgermans: "When you said you were an environmentalist I sewed 'no thank you' on my parka".
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:11 PM on May 12, 2007


German lounge music for the win.

Frank Sinatra with a fuckton more hard consanants.
posted by Lord_Pall at 1:11 PM on May 12, 2007


Hey, I actually like the French song. That means probably it'll end up somewhere around the 7th place. Also, France has done nothing but break my heart in the last 12 months.
posted by Kattullus at 1:11 PM on May 12, 2007


I don't get the interstitial bits at all. What are they?

They are meant to kind of illustrate and highlilght the host country, Finland. Hence the ice swimming, sauna bathing, etc.
posted by gemmy at 1:12 PM on May 12, 2007


LordPall: They are little bits about life in Finland, which is hosting the competition this year.

I like watching the background performers on many of these acts. The German guy has a great band.
posted by By The Grace of God at 1:12 PM on May 12, 2007


Oh god guys look out for Ukraine later on:

Hello everybody!
My name is Verka Serdyuchka
Me English don't understand!
Let's speak DANCE!

Seven, seven, ai lyu lyu
Seven, seven, one, two
Seven, seven, ai lyu lyu
One, two, three!


Germany had the swing, and the confused feminism. Nice.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:12 PM on May 12, 2007


Germany: After last years country number we get a jazzy tune. It has a bit melody, but leaves me unimpressed. His performance is flawless, but not impressive. It doesn't stand a chance again russian disco chic and chicks.
posted by homodigitalis at 1:12 PM on May 12, 2007


The German guy has a great band.

yeah, they mime really well :>

</amberglow>
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:14 PM on May 12, 2007


Serbia:

Prayer...
It burns my sore lips like a fire
Prayer...
Thy name is something I admire

posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:16 PM on May 12, 2007


Serbia: The serbian Yoko Ono? But she has a great voice and performs great. Like the intensity, but could do without the background fertility ensemble and theatrics. But great voices won't win an EuroVision contest these days. Anyone remember the great singer from Malta? She sang like an angel and was trumped by some dancing hooker ...
posted by homodigitalis at 1:16 PM on May 12, 2007 [1 favorite]


Here comes Ukraine! Me English nicht verstehen!
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:17 PM on May 12, 2007


OMG it's Dame Edna Hitler von Munchhausen. This will Wendell.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:18 PM on May 12, 2007 [3 favorites]


Ukraine is fabulous.
posted by simonw at 1:18 PM on May 12, 2007


That Serbian number sure was imipressive. This Ukraine one is giving me a headache.
posted by trip and a half at 1:19 PM on May 12, 2007 [1 favorite]


Ukraine FTW. Dancen!
posted by pj_rivera at 1:19 PM on May 12, 2007


Ukraine is awesome given material form.
posted by Lord_Pall at 1:20 PM on May 12, 2007


Tomorrow some poor American will stumble upon this thread and have no idea what we were on about, or on, for that matter.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:20 PM on May 12, 2007


"OK, Happy End"
posted by simonw at 1:20 PM on May 12, 2007


Ukraine: ...what was that? Heh.
posted by severiina at 1:20 PM on May 12, 2007


Is this what the end or the world as we know it looks like?
posted by gemmy at 1:20 PM on May 12, 2007


Ukraine: Yeah, that's more like weird german techno pop from 1994?! This is so UFO & SHADO ... with transvestites and bad music ...
posted by homodigitalis at 1:21 PM on May 12, 2007


Is it just me, or are we being booed?
posted by randomination at 1:22 PM on May 12, 2007


@goodnewsfortheinsane: Tomorrow some poor American will stumble upon this thread and have no idea what we were on about, or on, for that matter.

Harhar, finally we have a bit of EuroFilter ...
posted by homodigitalis at 1:22 PM on May 12, 2007


I'm somewhat ashamed of the UK song.

Ukraine has an excuse. The UK should know better.
posted by Lord_Pall at 1:22 PM on May 12, 2007


UK:

Ba-ba-da, Ba-ba-da, Ba-da-da-ba, ba-da
Some salted nuts sir ?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Ba-ba-da, Ba-ba-da, Ba-da-da-ba, ba-da

posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:23 PM on May 12, 2007


Memo to UK: you are not ABBA.
posted by trip and a half at 1:23 PM on May 12, 2007



Somewhat?

SweetmotherofGod. And I thought Heino was a lot to wrap ones mind around...
posted by From Bklyn at 1:24 PM on May 12, 2007


I think we've got our winner.

(Funny how much the visuals, the dance and the beats of the song are like the finale of Little Britain Live)
posted by lodev at 1:24 PM on May 12, 2007


UK: WTF? A commercial for British Airways? The song is also so stuck around 1995: heavy drummrolls, techno thumbing beats, voiceovers and cheap lyrics. Great for clubs in Spain with many drunken brits on da binge ...
posted by homodigitalis at 1:24 PM on May 12, 2007


This is scarier than Doctor Who.
posted by randomination at 1:24 PM on May 12, 2007


OMG the UK has sucked us into some time vortex and it's 1997 again. Someone prevent 9/11!
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:24 PM on May 12, 2007 [3 favorites]


Bah, Scooch ditched the union jack.
posted by simonw at 1:25 PM on May 12, 2007


Wow. Lots of booing in the crowd. Do watch Daffyd from Little Britain though, especially the second half when the other characters join him on stage. (1:57 in the Youtube vid)
posted by lodev at 1:26 PM on May 12, 2007



Isn't Kurostami Romanian?
WhaTheFuckIs this?
posted by From Bklyn at 1:26 PM on May 12, 2007


Romania: "I love you" means the same in six languages, apparently.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:26 PM on May 12, 2007


Romania is good. The chubby singer in the XL red silk shirt works for me.
posted by Lord_Pall at 1:27 PM on May 12, 2007


Romania: Folksy. Charming. Catchy. Hope it stays that way. Hey, it even get's international. I am surprised. Now it's sliding into a cheap drinking song. Humpa, humpa, humpa. Good start, but too much concept instead of good music ...
posted by homodigitalis at 1:28 PM on May 12, 2007


Well, it does have the Balkan Beats-esque hipness edge.

Oh wait, it became technopolka just now. I take it back.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:28 PM on May 12, 2007



Yeah, woefully, I thought the same thing about the red-shirted dude.

Otherwise, big meh
posted by From Bklyn at 1:29 PM on May 12, 2007


The chubby singer in the XL red silk shirt works for me.

Really? What position?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:29 PM on May 12, 2007


One more Finnland commercial with ice and I need a sweater here ...
posted by homodigitalis at 1:30 PM on May 12, 2007


The UK one was dreadful: cynical camp-by-numbers. Ukraine was amazing, on the other hand. I know who I'm voting for!
posted by terpsichoria at 1:30 PM on May 12, 2007


"See this young lass there, eeeeee!"
posted by randomination at 1:30 PM on May 12, 2007



Oh wow, Apollonia.
posted by From Bklyn at 1:30 PM on May 12, 2007


Bulgaria - Fuck yeah!

Big drums, and eyeliner painted on with a ROLLER.

sorta front 242 with ofra haza


singer could use some actual lips and not just painted on ones though.
posted by Lord_Pall at 1:31 PM on May 12, 2007


Bulgaria FTW.
posted by randomination at 1:31 PM on May 12, 2007


Bulgaria:

See this young lass there, eeeeee!
See this young lass sing, eee!

posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:32 PM on May 12, 2007 [1 favorite]


Bulgaria: Wow!
posted by trip and a half at 1:32 PM on May 12, 2007


Bulgaria: Bulgaria meets Taiko! Drumming contest ...?! But once again we slide back to 1990's ... stupid techno baseline and repetitive screaming. How '2 Unlimited' can you get? I am sure I would like that song on 'E'. Now some parts stolen from Georg Kranz?
posted by homodigitalis at 1:33 PM on May 12, 2007


Notice that Turkey and Greece have the same shitty Ricky Martin knockoff style.
posted by By The Grace of God at 1:34 PM on May 12, 2007


Turkey: holy crap, it's Gary Bushell!
posted by terpsichoria at 1:34 PM on May 12, 2007 [1 favorite]


Turkey: uh oh.
posted by trip and a half at 1:34 PM on May 12, 2007


Turkey:

Lovey dovey, lovey dovey
all the time


Um, Turkey? Steve Miller just called.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:35 PM on May 12, 2007



Dude's got candy for me.

NO WANT
posted by From Bklyn at 1:35 PM on May 12, 2007


Turkey: I got lots of candy to make you mine. Dreadful.
posted by simonw at 1:35 PM on May 12, 2007


Did he forget his costume and have to borrow one from the parking dude?
posted by Lord_Pall at 1:35 PM on May 12, 2007


Turkey: Oh boy, I have never seen so many blonde turkish woman in my life. The singer is terrible - looks a bit like a waiter in a brothel. Cheap technopop of the worst kind. I think the EU should refuse Turkey's membership on grounds of bad music ...
posted by homodigitalis at 1:36 PM on May 12, 2007


2 more, guys. Start your vodkas.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:36 PM on May 12, 2007


@The Grace of God: Notice that Turkey and Greece have the same shitty Ricky Martin knockoff style.

Yep, a terrible addiction they suffer since they split ways at Troy.
posted by homodigitalis at 1:37 PM on May 12, 2007



Armenia - this doesn't bode well. Her hair rocks though.

Is there any, like, music in this extravaganza?
posted by From Bklyn at 1:37 PM on May 12, 2007


Armenia:

I'll dry your tears when you cry
And I need no reason why

posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:38 PM on May 12, 2007


Is there any, like, music in this extravaganza?

Dude, you're at the wrong party.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:38 PM on May 12, 2007



That guy is rocking the recorder...
posted by From Bklyn at 1:38 PM on May 12, 2007


Anytime you need,
Any place you say,
Anything indeed,
Anyhow, any way...

Sounds like a AAA commercial
posted by Lord_Pall at 1:39 PM on May 12, 2007


That guy is rocking the recorder...

I love the recorder guy! He looks so serious.
posted by ArmyOfKittens at 1:39 PM on May 12, 2007


Armenia: Who put that cheap tree with toilet paper on stage? A melancholic start. His voice is oke, but not impressive. One of the background vocals looks like Madonna in one of her videos. Overall this won't do against russian fertility ...
posted by homodigitalis at 1:40 PM on May 12, 2007



That T.P.'d tree is, like, moving.
posted by From Bklyn at 1:40 PM on May 12, 2007


Moldova: Slav-Pop at it's best. Cloning Cher - adding some drama, dancing and cheap riffs ... and leatherpants.
posted by homodigitalis at 1:43 PM on May 12, 2007


And at that moment, across Europe, two million dogs came running.
posted by randomination at 1:43 PM on May 12, 2007


I'm digging her pants.
I can't help notice that the violinist is just waving the instrument around, but the violin music continues.
posted by Lord_Pall at 1:44 PM on May 12, 2007


And now the voting begins ...
posted by homodigitalis at 1:45 PM on May 12, 2007


Santa? o.O
posted by ArmyOfKittens at 1:45 PM on May 12, 2007


OK, the results are in.

12 Ukraine
10 France
8 Germany
7 Sweden
6 Greece
5 Latvia
4 Hungary
3 Moldova
2 Romania
1 Russia

Suckitude penalties:

-100 Ireland
-1000 UK

Yours?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:45 PM on May 12, 2007


Santa! This has reached new heights of awesome.
posted by terpsichoria at 1:45 PM on May 12, 2007


STOP TRAUMATISING CHILDREN, SANTA
posted by ArmyOfKittens at 1:45 PM on May 12, 2007



Santa Claus, huh?
This is exceptional.
posted by From Bklyn at 1:45 PM on May 12, 2007


Santa?

What

the

fuck?
posted by Lord_Pall at 1:45 PM on May 12, 2007


Wow, creepy Santa.

Ukraine or Sweden FTW.
posted by simonw at 1:45 PM on May 12, 2007


Um. Santa?
posted by trip and a half at 1:45 PM on May 12, 2007


/votes for Bulgaria

I'm willing to be bought if anyone in the US wants to vote. Obviously, i can't vote for the UK, but then again, why would you?
posted by randomination at 1:46 PM on May 12, 2007


WTF?! Santa?
posted by homodigitalis at 1:46 PM on May 12, 2007


My vote goes to Serbia: I liked her voice and performance. None of the songs where really catchy tunes (anyone remember Waterloo?).
posted by homodigitalis at 1:47 PM on May 12, 2007


Vote for France, randomination! It's been years since there's been a Eurovision song I actually like.
posted by Kattullus at 1:47 PM on May 12, 2007


Santa has only one hand?
posted by trip and a half at 1:47 PM on May 12, 2007



I don't have to actually call do I? I just found the phone in my hand all of a sudden...
posted by From Bklyn at 1:48 PM on May 12, 2007


I'm going back and listening to the ones I missed.


Irelands makes me want to buy soap.
posted by Lord_Pall at 1:49 PM on May 12, 2007


/me Icelander living in US. Can't decide which election I should follow more closely, Eurovision, or the national elections happening in Iceland as we type.

Well... I'm distracting myself with Eurovision until the first results come in around 6 o'clock Eastern Standard Time. I wonder if Eurovision will depress turnout...
posted by Kattullus at 1:51 PM on May 12, 2007


Vote for France, randomination! It's been years since there's been a Eurovision song I actually like.

Done, although I'm voting for Bulgaria a second time to make up for it.
posted by randomination at 1:52 PM on May 12, 2007


Wow, on review the German entry really sounds like Jamie Cullum singing in German, which is a bit of a scary image.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:53 PM on May 12, 2007


Done, although I'm voting [...] a second time [...].

Sure you're not American, randomination?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:54 PM on May 12, 2007


If the Ukraine wins (remember the techno transvestite) I'll personally petition Putin to reinvade that country ...
posted by homodigitalis at 1:54 PM on May 12, 2007


Bulgaria's got my vote (though I don't get one).
posted by trip and a half at 1:54 PM on May 12, 2007


What do they get if they win?

Are there riots and parades in the winning countries?
posted by Lord_Pall at 1:55 PM on May 12, 2007


Terry's been a bit subdued compared to most years.
posted by simonw at 1:56 PM on May 12, 2007


Oh cock, I texted 61116 instead of 61166 and now I'm getting £1 SMS's from some chatline. Fucksocks. That'll teach me to vote in Eurovision.
posted by randomination at 1:56 PM on May 12, 2007 [4 favorites]


Lord_Pall: depends on the country. Finland went a bit nuts last year.
posted by simonw at 1:56 PM on May 12, 2007


I phoned - I honestly half-expected the recorded voice to go 'you idiot' after 'you have voted for Ukraine'.
posted by terpsichoria at 1:58 PM on May 12, 2007


I wonder if we will see a repeat of last year's Terry Wogan/Paul de Leeuw breakdown.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:59 PM on May 12, 2007


Finnish presenter:
"What's really great about the Eurovision is that it really unites people all over Europe."

Terry Wogan's voiceover:
"Oh no. Don't be ridiculous. It will make Europe fall apart."

Heh.
posted by lodev at 2:00 PM on May 12, 2007


Im rooting for Bulgaria and Ukraine, but I'm afraid Russia & Turkey will get a lot of votes. (in about 5 minutes all the 'Europe, I love you'-sentiments will revert to good ole political voting and bloc-forming)
posted by pj_rivera at 2:01 PM on May 12, 2007


Santa makes sense, I guess, Lapland and all. But still creepy.

I'm with homodigitalis - Serbia is by far the best talent in this field, although I liked Germany too. Catchiest tunes goes to Greece, Russia, and France. They will sell well anyway, even if they don't do well today.

Worst, by far, was the UK. Terrible.

The winner will be Ukraine, with Russia second. Or possibly switched. But I've lost bets on this in the past, so maybe not! ;)
posted by gemmy at 2:01 PM on May 12, 2007


Turkey wins my neighborhood will assplode. In Turkish.
posted by From Bklyn at 2:02 PM on May 12, 2007


Actually I could do without asking each country for their vote and all those 'oh so funny conversations' - that's the most boring part of the show.
posted by homodigitalis at 2:03 PM on May 12, 2007


Terry Wogan continues to be great:
(At the end of the voting) "You're not gonna countdown, are you? Don't do that. For heavens' sake..."
posted by lodev at 2:03 PM on May 12, 2007


I think that the fatal picards (france) is the first group to sing in english intending to demonstrate to what extent this is a ridiculous habit in a european song contest. Their lyrics are purposely meaningless. Anyway, they do have some albums out, with many funny songs. They criticize amélie from montmartre, and struggle against many clichés. They describe their music as "punk for dumb people". To me, tonight's song is not their greatest song, but it's a nice group, with many meaningful songs.
posted by nicolin at 2:03 PM on May 12, 2007


Terry's been a bit subdued compared to most years.

You're right. He almost sounds like David Attenbrough.
posted by randomination at 2:03 PM on May 12, 2007


@Bklyn: Assplode? Are you in a turkish bath?
posted by homodigitalis at 2:04 PM on May 12, 2007



What is this? Ballerina's dansing around some dud stuck in a giant, inflated condom?

I'm missing something in my translation.

Oh great, just turned inro - mascara wearing dude on a cello...
posted by From Bklyn at 2:04 PM on May 12, 2007


I'm confused. I switched away to watch other videos and now there are clowns?
posted by Lord_Pall at 2:06 PM on May 12, 2007


@homodigitalis: Berlin
posted by From Bklyn at 2:06 PM on May 12, 2007


@gemmy: Worst, by far, was the UK. Terrible.

It seems we at least can agree on the looser of the evening? I am still surprised they made it into the finals anyway. Was that a goodbye present for Tony?
posted by homodigitalis at 2:06 PM on May 12, 2007


Now that's just creepy!
posted by trip and a half at 2:07 PM on May 12, 2007


Now that's just creepy!

Yeah, what you expect from the Land of the Trolls and Bloody Sagas? After so much pop sweetness I am oke with some surreal rock dadism from the north ...
posted by homodigitalis at 2:09 PM on May 12, 2007


On a less snarky note, this is killer good television.

The song pacing and presentation is just top-notch.

Figure 3 minutes per song, maybe 45-60 seconds between the sets, some random stuff with the hosts.

But overall, it's just cracklingly well paced. You can't flip away or you miss something utterly surreal.
posted by Lord_Pall at 2:10 PM on May 12, 2007


FWIW, Apocalyptica usually plays some really nice metal covers on all cellos.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:10 PM on May 12, 2007


Now that's just creepy!
My exact thought. I guess this is Finland's answer to Cirque de Soleil? Or practice for an Olympic opening ceremony at some point?
posted by gemmy at 2:11 PM on May 12, 2007



On a less snarky note, this is killer good television.

beats German-dubbed Mickey Rourke.
posted by From Bklyn at 2:12 PM on May 12, 2007


Do you remember the days when juries from the different countries would vote? Maaaan did that throw up some curveballs. Oh, and bloody sagas are bloody Icelandic. You're thinking Kalevala.
posted by Kattullus at 2:12 PM on May 12, 2007


Well...that was Finnish!
posted by jasper411 at 2:12 PM on May 12, 2007


If I'm watching the streaming feed, what country is that from? I know terry wogan does commentating in the Uk, but I don't have a tv..
posted by Lord_Pall at 2:13 PM on May 12, 2007


The magical fairy nutcase is back! <3!
posted by terpsichoria at 2:13 PM on May 12, 2007


Official DVDs! RELIVE THE HORROR
posted by ArmyOfKittens at 2:14 PM on May 12, 2007 [1 favorite]


hey, they are carrying further the whole european philosophy legacy now !
posted by nicolin at 2:14 PM on May 12, 2007


"Tomorrow some poor American will stumble upon this thread"

Never mind tomorrow, I just stumbled on this in time for the Germans and couldn't stop watching. Holy Crap.

What the Hell is wrong with the British?
posted by Mcable at 2:15 PM on May 12, 2007


Do you remember the days when juries from the different countries would vote?

Yeah, but back in the days it was more of a Chanson competition. Total different approach and songs.
posted by homodigitalis at 2:15 PM on May 12, 2007


Wogan: "This is were you get a chance to shout at your television." Brilliant.
posted by lodev at 2:16 PM on May 12, 2007


I am still surprised they made it into the finals anyway. Was that a goodbye present for Tony?

UK, France, Germany and Spain always get to the finals (the Big Four, at least moneywise) in addition to last years top 10 and the top ten from the semifinals.

Yeah, what you expect from the Land of the Trolls and Bloody Sagas?

No sagas in Finland. Plenty of gore in the Kalevala though.
posted by severiina at 2:16 PM on May 12, 2007


Woohoo Serbia!
posted by trip and a half at 2:17 PM on May 12, 2007


Total different approach and songs.

An approach best described as: Detergent commercials.
posted by Kattullus at 2:17 PM on May 12, 2007


Sagas: Sure they are mostly recorded in Icelands literature. But they mostly tell of nordic, viking and germanic tales ... so they are spread all over the nordic sphere ...
posted by homodigitalis at 2:18 PM on May 12, 2007


I just spotted Scooch once again flying the flag upside down

I hope the Russian chicks win.
posted by cillit bang at 2:19 PM on May 12, 2007



Andorrans must be some funky folk
posted by From Bklyn at 2:20 PM on May 12, 2007


France rocks, Ukraine close to it. Russia would get voted by its neighbours even if they would play 3 minutes of silence.
posted by Masi at 2:20 PM on May 12, 2007


Any point for Ukraine makes me freak out - but I guess the freaks won last year ... so maybe this year again ...
posted by homodigitalis at 2:21 PM on May 12, 2007


Serbia's doing well!
posted by randomination at 2:21 PM on May 12, 2007


I guess UK is going to repeat it's result from 2003.

(New great quote from Wogan, on Andorra not giving Spain any votes: That's the end of Andorra then. They'll close the border...)
posted by lodev at 2:22 PM on May 12, 2007



France: 12 points for Turkey. snort.
posted by From Bklyn at 2:22 PM on May 12, 2007


How can Turkey be getting all these votes?
posted by trip and a half at 2:22 PM on May 12, 2007


What happened to Israel? Did they not qualify?
posted by randomination at 2:23 PM on May 12, 2007


Latvia, Ireland, and UK tied for last with 0 for now!
posted by jasper411 at 2:24 PM on May 12, 2007


well, it's better to have russia as n°1 at the eurovision than to spend next winter in a lasting energy shortage.
posted by nicolin at 2:24 PM on May 12, 2007


Anyone found a good online scoreboard that's updated live? Our TV's too small to make out the points.
posted by simonw at 2:25 PM on May 12, 2007


I'm happy how well Serbia is doing so far. But Turkey?! Why?

My cousin just called from her Eurovision party in Umeå, Sweden. They are sweating bullets given how badly the Swedes are doing so far...
posted by gemmy at 2:25 PM on May 12, 2007


What happened to Israel? Did they not qualify?

Didn't make it into the finals.
posted by homodigitalis at 2:25 PM on May 12, 2007


"How can Turkey be getting all these votes?"

Lots of turkish immigrants in western europe voting.
posted by pj_rivera at 2:26 PM on May 12, 2007


Turkey gives 12 points to Armenia ... surprise ... NOT.
posted by homodigitalis at 2:30 PM on May 12, 2007 [1 favorite]


Sagas: Sure they are mostly recorded in Icelands literature. But they mostly tell of nordic, viking and germanic tales ... so they are spread all over the nordic sphere ...

Hey now, don't go stomping all over my heritage :)

Just about the only thing that everybody agrees on when it comes to the sagas is that they were written in Iceland in the high middle ages.
posted by Kattullus at 2:30 PM on May 12, 2007


Belgium also gives 12 points to Turkey ... this as usual stinks. Certainly not the 'native' vote ...
posted by homodigitalis at 2:32 PM on May 12, 2007


Just Latvia & UK to get points now.
posted by randomination at 2:32 PM on May 12, 2007


Cypress gives 12 points to Greece ... same old story ... yawn ...
posted by homodigitalis at 2:35 PM on May 12, 2007



How political is the voting? Cyprus gave Turkey the big finger. All Russia's neighbors vote it best...
posted by From Bklyn at 2:36 PM on May 12, 2007


Go Serbia go!
posted by homodigitalis at 2:36 PM on May 12, 2007


Sometimes very political. Old grudges hardly die ...
posted by homodigitalis at 2:37 PM on May 12, 2007


Belgium also gives 12 points to Turkey ... this as usual stinks. Certainly not the 'native' vote ...

Hey, so what if people of Turkish decent vote for the Turkish song? Historically the Scandinavian countries have voted overwhelmingly for each other. Same goes for the Benelux countries and Eastern Europeans and Cyprus and Greece and so on. It's the way this game works.
posted by Kattullus at 2:38 PM on May 12, 2007



Who's this goofy chick in pink?
posted by From Bklyn at 2:38 PM on May 12, 2007


Woohoo! Serbia at the half!
posted by trip and a half at 2:39 PM on May 12, 2007


Who's this goofy chick in pink?

No idea, but based on tonight she should co-host everything.
posted by terpsichoria at 2:41 PM on May 12, 2007


@Kattullus: Hey, so what if people of Turkish decent vote for the Turkish song?

So who got the most immigrants in other countries wins? Nah, that stinks.

Germany gives 12 points to Turkey - no surprise with so many Turks living there.
posted by homodigitalis at 2:42 PM on May 12, 2007


Norway gives 12 points to Sweden. Yuck!
posted by homodigitalis at 2:43 PM on May 12, 2007


I'm surprised, but happy, that Serbia is doing so well. Cheers for actual talent!

Who's this goofy chick in pink?
Supposedly a "fan" who got to participate in the broadcast because it was "her dream". Although I doubt it, because I think that she was in one of the in-between sketches. I don't know who she is though.
posted by gemmy at 2:44 PM on May 12, 2007


Verka! Verka! : >
posted by amberglow at 2:46 PM on May 12, 2007


Eight points to...Sherbia!
posted by mdonley at 2:46 PM on May 12, 2007


Bah, I'm disappointed in Ireland for giving the UK points.
posted by terpsichoria at 2:47 PM on May 12, 2007


7 fucking points. In your face Lithuania.
posted by cillit bang at 2:47 PM on May 12, 2007


Irish give 12 points to Lithuania?! Weird!
posted by homodigitalis at 2:48 PM on May 12, 2007


We still own Malta.
posted by simonw at 2:48 PM on May 12, 2007



Ireland, I understand. Malta?
posted by From Bklyn at 2:48 PM on May 12, 2007


Jesus! Ireland just gave the UK 12 points!!
posted by essexjan at 2:48 PM on May 12, 2007


British expats in Malta?
posted by trip and a half at 2:49 PM on May 12, 2007


Was it Ireland? Or did I miss something? Who gave us 12 points?
posted by essexjan at 2:49 PM on May 12, 2007


good move estonia
posted by nicolin at 2:49 PM on May 12, 2007


Bah, I was hoping the UK would get 0 so we'd have to make an actual effort next year.
posted by ArmyOfKittens at 2:51 PM on May 12, 2007


Ireland gave us 7, Malta gave us 12.

Malta = former UK colony.
posted by cillit bang at 2:51 PM on May 12, 2007


All those pissed-up ex-pat Brits living in Malta voted for the UK.
posted by essexjan at 2:52 PM on May 12, 2007


Sweden gives 12 points to Finland - ah the old nordic connection still works. Suckers!
posted by homodigitalis at 2:53 PM on May 12, 2007


I think I've found a scoreboard. Can someone take a look and check to see if it's accurate.
posted by Kattullus at 2:53 PM on May 12, 2007


Who's this goofy chick in pink?

She's the Finnish comedienne Krisse Salminen. She has her own tv show and is fairly popular in Finland. She usually presents herself as this goofy/clueless blonde.
posted by severiina at 2:54 PM on May 12, 2007


Dammit, had I actually looked for more than a split second I would have seen it's just a damn site poll.
posted by Kattullus at 2:54 PM on May 12, 2007


Bah, I was hoping the UK would get 0 so we'd have to make an actual effort next year.

Pfft, making an effort?! We'd be breaking sixty years of tradition.
posted by Aloysius Bear at 2:56 PM on May 12, 2007


no. it's totally awry.
Serbia, Ukraine, pleasedon'tinvadeusRussia, are the top three, then Turkey,then Bulgria
posted by From Bklyn at 2:56 PM on May 12, 2007


That Iceland commentator looked hot, but the votes were to easy to predict. 12 point for Finland .... cooooomoooon ...
posted by homodigitalis at 2:57 PM on May 12, 2007


Come on, Serbia!
posted by trip and a half at 2:59 PM on May 12, 2007


Hi, UK voters, WTF?
posted by terpsichoria at 2:59 PM on May 12, 2007



Pfffffffffft. UK = Turkey, 12 pts.
posted by From Bklyn at 3:00 PM on May 12, 2007


We just gave Turkey 12 points?
posted by randomination at 3:00 PM on May 12, 2007


Good grief, the appalling Europap Turkish entry got 12 points from the UK.

But compared with the British entry, it's worthy of a Grammy.
posted by essexjan at 3:00 PM on May 12, 2007


Nice, Grats Serbia!
posted by gemmy at 3:02 PM on May 12, 2007


Didn't expect Ireland to come last.
posted by simonw at 3:02 PM on May 12, 2007


Weird UK vote. Certainly not typical music for a british audience ...
posted by homodigitalis at 3:02 PM on May 12, 2007


Serbia!
posted by mdonley at 3:03 PM on May 12, 2007


Awesome!
posted by trip and a half at 3:03 PM on May 12, 2007


Congrats, Serbia! Ne jebe, pitchku!
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:03 PM on May 12, 2007


SERBIA! Cool it was really the best performance this evening. Congrats!
posted by homodigitalis at 3:03 PM on May 12, 2007


The winning song.
posted by essexjan at 3:03 PM on May 12, 2007


did they announce yet? (i didn't want to install that plugin or use WMP)
posted by amberglow at 3:03 PM on May 12, 2007


awwwwwww
posted by amberglow at 3:04 PM on May 12, 2007


Thanks to everybody here for that nice round of live blogging!
posted by homodigitalis at 3:04 PM on May 12, 2007


I'm surprised, but they totally deserved it. This time next year in Serbia, then!
posted by terpsichoria at 3:04 PM on May 12, 2007



!
posted by From Bklyn at 3:04 PM on May 12, 2007


Yea, they just announced Serbia. Very nice to see actual talent triumph over crazy stage show.
posted by gemmy at 3:04 PM on May 12, 2007


Ireland least ... UK also at the end ...
posted by homodigitalis at 3:05 PM on May 12, 2007


The Ukraine was robbed. I'm just sayin'.
posted by princesspathos at 3:06 PM on May 12, 2007


Wonderful that they managed to beat out all the political/regional loyalty votes with actual talent.
posted by trip and a half at 3:06 PM on May 12, 2007


(she looks like Rosie O'Donnell and Sonya from Eastenders' lovechild)
posted by amberglow at 3:06 PM on May 12, 2007


Must be a long walk from the green room to the stage...
posted by mdonley at 3:07 PM on May 12, 2007


Yay! Santa is back!
posted by essexjan at 3:08 PM on May 12, 2007


Thank you, amberglow, for mentioning the Rosie resemblance that I was more than a little afraid to...
posted by wendell at 3:08 PM on May 12, 2007



She's great, the Serbian lead singer.
posted by From Bklyn at 3:09 PM on May 12, 2007


Santa is kissing the singer of the winning band, I think she's gay, Santa is trying to slip her the tongue and I feel sick.
posted by essexjan at 3:09 PM on May 12, 2007 [1 favorite]


Thanks to everybody here for that nice round of live blogging!

Seconded!
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:09 PM on May 12, 2007


Whoa, creepiest Santa ever...
posted by mdonley at 3:09 PM on May 12, 2007


Thanks to everybody here for that nice round of live blogging!

Seconded!


Thirded!
posted by gemmy at 3:10 PM on May 12, 2007


Rare for a song not in English to win. Still think it's pretty bland.
posted by simonw at 3:10 PM on May 12, 2007


DO NOT SIT ON THAT SANTA'S LAP!! That is all.
posted by essexjan at 3:11 PM on May 12, 2007



Thanks to everybody here for that nice round of live blogging!

Thirded!
posted by From Bklyn at 3:11 PM on May 12, 2007


Fourthed!

I'm kind of sad there isn't another one for a year now...
posted by terpsichoria at 3:12 PM on May 12, 2007


Maybe a *little*chatfilter, but it was great watching with Metafilter!
posted by jasper411 at 3:12 PM on May 12, 2007


How come the UK entry always sucks?
posted by amberglow at 3:13 PM on May 12, 2007


What the heck was that Serbian song about?
posted by k8t at 3:13 PM on May 12, 2007


Thanks to everybody here for that nice round of live blogging!
Umpteenthed! Isn't this something MetaFilter is not supposed to do well? Must be those damn Americans who screw it up...
posted by wendell at 3:14 PM on May 12, 2007


*waits impatiently for a torrent to be posted somewhere* : >
posted by amberglow at 3:14 PM on May 12, 2007


Thank you, amberglow, for mentioning the Rosie resemblance that I was more than a little afraid to...

anytime hon -- i'm pissed Verka didn't win tho, but at least it stayed with my team, i'm assuming.
posted by amberglow at 3:16 PM on May 12, 2007


hee, the google ad for this thread is about a toilet.
posted by thirteenkiller at 3:16 PM on May 12, 2007


Well, not a half bad winner this year. Incidentally, the only time a song I supported won was when the Yugoslavian band Riva won in 1989 with Rock Me. It seems that my musical tastes and those of the European public as a whole parted ways when I was 8 years old.
posted by Kattullus at 3:18 PM on May 12, 2007


That really was fun. My thanks to everyone, too.
posted by trip and a half at 3:20 PM on May 12, 2007


BBC News: Serbian ballad wins at Eurovision (some pix)
posted by homodigitalis at 3:23 PM on May 12, 2007


It's weird that Denmark had a drag queen too (but he wasn't fun)
posted by amberglow at 3:24 PM on May 12, 2007


English translation of the winning song:

I'm wide awake
An empty bed drives my dreams away
Life melts like ice
Disappears in the twinkling of an eye

I'm losing my mind,
Pushing reality out of sight
Our lips are touching softly
You're the one I believe blindly

I walk around like crazy
Falling in love frightens me
Days are like wounds
Countless and hard to get through

Prayer...
It burns my sore lips like a fire
Prayer...
Thy name is something I admire
Heaven knows just as well as I do
So many times I have cried over you
Heaven knows just as well as I do
I pray and live only for you

I can't lie to God
as I kneel down and pray
You're the love of my life
That's the only thing I can say
posted by mdonley at 3:30 PM on May 12, 2007


Any lingering annoyance in my heart that Ukraine didn't win was melted by that group hug at the end of Serbia's victory performance.

I want them to win every year!
posted by ArmyOfKittens at 3:30 PM on May 12, 2007


Metafilter: douze points!
posted by mdonley at 3:32 PM on May 12, 2007 [1 favorite]


Further proof that while Europe has notoriously bad taste in music, Eastern European pop music takes the cake.
posted by GavinR at 3:39 PM on May 12, 2007


The WORST of EuroPop gave a free concert at my university last night.
posted by k8t at 4:09 PM on May 12, 2007


"The four main things in Günthers life are Champagne, Glamour, Sex and Respect!"
posted by k8t at 4:11 PM on May 12, 2007


Christ, for this they cancel Doctor Who?
posted by Grod at 6:06 PM on May 12, 2007


Holy crap, K8t, that's really bad! As a non-resident European I'd like to apologize on behalf on my continent, and pooh-pooh at my former neighbor, Sweden. Pooh-pooh!
posted by AwkwardPause at 6:54 PM on May 12, 2007


Lordy*, this sucks! Last year I watched Eurovision on a Greek ferry & then blogged it... I feel like I'm totally missing out right now! As a matter of fact, I am so angry that think I shall throw a Silvia Night-style Eurovision temper tantrum! Fuck you all! Yeah, I may be in America and I may not be able to access the live feed, but I am more beautiful THAN ALL OF YOU! I'll show you all!

*Or should I say "Lordi"?
posted by miss lynnster at 7:17 PM on May 12, 2007


292 comments, and no favourites. Fitting, somehow.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 8:39 PM on May 12, 2007 [1 favorite]


miss lynnster - i'm in the US and watched the live feed with no problem.
posted by jasper411 at 9:05 PM on May 12, 2007


Wow, I was banking on Ukraine to be with the UK at the bottom. Iceland's entry is already blaming an "eastern block 'mafia' that 'bought' the competition."
posted by vagabond at 9:12 PM on May 12, 2007


BBC World News said the same thing, vagabond, and wondered if western countries would still participate since it's now impossible for them to win, the reporter said. I was surprised.
posted by amberglow at 9:18 PM on May 12, 2007


A Guardian piece that suggests Morrissey actually wrote the UK entry.
posted by Kattullus at 9:46 PM on May 12, 2007


GavinR: Further proof that in the whole of Europe (minus Balkan) the gay community assimilated the Eurovision.. Most of the Balkan countries still have to much nationalistic (and homophobic) pride to be represented by a transvestite, so they go for the classical melodrama..
And then there was Bulgary.. :S
Plz dont think this represents Europe's popular music culture..
posted by borq at 5:06 AM on May 13, 2007


My heart (and my faith in democracy) was broken after I watched the semi-final and Israel, Belgium and Denmark did not qualify, while some real detritus did. Israel was by far the best song in the whole competition - good music, powerful, pointed lyrics, a real band, complete with intentionally humourous attempts at Eurovision style synchronised dancing. Denmark wasn't as good, but still solid, fun drag divadom - I've had it in my head even days later. And Belgium was beautiful disco - the song wasn't that great (still better than Turkey), but their video was AWESOME.

In the final, Serbia's was the best of the serious entries, and a great singer - of all that qualified, I'm happy that song won. Slovenia had a very good singer as well, opera trained and it showed, but the final was not a great performance from her, and unlike some of the other serious soloists (Finland, Hungary, Serbia), she didn't play the character of the song well.

Ukraine was a great performance, but not a great song - actually, the UK had a better song, if you were to just listen to the audio. The French song was wonderfully clever, and I voted for it, but I think the humour may have been simply too subtle. My other personal favorite (to love/hate) was Iceland - it was so beautifully angsty and overblown - the lyrics are inane but the delivery whole-hearted ("I let the music play/ while love lies softly bleeding...). Unfortunately, ironic voting hasn't caught on in Eurovision.

But yes, there must be some political/heritage voting. I don't think that the UK, France, Germany or Spain can complain, since they already get into the final no matter how crap they were the year before. I'm sure Serbia benefitted from some neighbour loyalty, despite the wars, but was a very good song, and Russia did have the dirty-nun thing working for them. But how else can you explain that while Turkey and Greece essentially entered the same song, Turkey scored much higher than the Greek, yet the Greek version was better, and the Turkish one was hands down the worst song.

Except for poor Ireland. Seriously, I'm seconding "My Lovely Horse" for next year.
posted by jb at 5:15 AM on May 13, 2007 [1 favorite]


Actually, on a second listen, even Ireland was better than Turkey.
posted by jb at 5:16 AM on May 13, 2007


And Belgium was beautiful disco - the song wasn't that great (still better than Turkey), but their video was AWESOME.

That is a cute song--very Earth Wind & Fire/Gap Band. : >
posted by amberglow at 7:58 AM on May 13, 2007


Further proof that in the whole of Europe (minus Balkan) the gay community assimilated the Eurovision.. Most of the Balkan countries still have to much nationalistic (and homophobic) pride to be represented by a transvestite, so they go for the classical melodrama..

This i don't get at all---don't the new EU countries have to abide by the equal rights stuff? Poland and some of the others are just hateful and terrible, rightswise. How can they get away with that?
posted by amberglow at 8:00 AM on May 13, 2007


The Irish entry was embarrassing.

"the archipelagic icicles are melting"?!

What the hell were we thinking?!
posted by knapah at 9:18 AM on May 13, 2007


Belgium video A+++ would watch again. Perhaps they were penalized because they obviously weren't taking the Eurovision thing the slightest bit seriously, despite that being the true spirit of the competition, ironically enough.
posted by normy at 9:57 AM on May 13, 2007


borq: Most of the Balkan countries still have to much nationalistic (and homophobic) pride to be represented by a transvestite, so they go for the classical melodrama.

Er, was I just imagining things then when I thought that the Serbian entrant (and winner) was on a full-on lesbian ticket? (And I mean real lesbian, not "tATu lesbian".)

Or is Serbia not in the Balkans anymore?...(BTW, doesn't anyone find it amusing, or at least a little bit weird, that Serbian state TV is going to be organising the next Eurovision Song Contest less than 10 years after being bombed by NATO? Talk about some WMDs...)

Personally, I voted for the enthusiastic Georgian hottie, although I also liked the French entry. Vera was a bit too Everage for my taste, although I would also have liked to see it win. Ireland? Well, the song was trad Oirish, of course, but, above all, the singer seemed to be badly intoxicated. Whatever she had before coming onto the scene, I'd like to try some.

Pity about Belgium and the semifinals, too.

Turkey and Greece were a riot. I'll enjoy years of teasing people of both countries with the likeness of their entrants. Same music, same lyrics, same choreography, same OTT machismo. Although, of course, the bondage in the Greek number surely was that little extra that disgusted enough women across Europe to put Turkey many points ahead (well, that, and the millions of Turkish immigrants voting in Belgium, Germany, Scandinavia and Austria...)

Worst of the bunch? UK or Moldova's toilet paper tree. Did anyone also notice the fake background to the Moldovian presenter during the voting? I didn't know that Chicago was in Moldova...
posted by Skeptic at 10:38 AM on May 13, 2007


positive thing about it at Comment is Free -- ... the Eurovision Song Contest is not some insane aberration but the true exemplar of the new Europe. We are all Ukrainian transvestites now.
posted by amberglow at 12:22 PM on May 14, 2007 [1 favorite]


I agree with much of what that Comment is Free piece has to say, but I also have to point how how bad his "research" is: he spends half of his article/post complaining about how the semi-final isn't broadcasted in Britain.

Except that it is broadcasted in Britain.

I watched it last Thursday, on BBC3; I watched the semi-final last year, too. You need a digital TV receiver, but those are pretty common now and it's freeview. Maybe someone can send him a link to Radio Times.

When did reporters and newspaper writers stop doing their research? Or even do some minor fact checking?
posted by jb at 2:40 PM on May 14, 2007


When did reporters and newspaper writers stop doing their research? Or even do some minor fact checking?

It's their blog, so i guess they treat it all like our papers treat columnists--no fact checking and you're on your own.

I think a Globovision would be excellent--we could be in it, and all the Asian countries, and Latin and South America, and Africa...
posted by amberglow at 3:54 PM on May 14, 2007


Eurovision voting "controversy" has made it to the British House of Commons.

The 5th seal has been broken.
posted by Kattullus at 4:27 PM on May 16, 2007


The Eurovision-in-Parliament thing was an Early Day Motion.

Here is the Eurovision EDM, and here is another.

My favourite ever EDM was by the late Tony Banks, shortly after Security Service files revealed a plan to equip carrier pigeons with bombs in WWII:
That this House is appalled, but barely surprised, at the revelations in MI5 files regarding the bizarre and inhumane proposals to use pigeons as flying bombs; recognises the important and live-saving role of carrier pigeons in two world wars and wonders at the lack of gratitude towards these gentle creatures; and believes that humans represent the most obscene, perverted, cruel, uncivilised and lethal species ever to inhabit the planet and looks forward to the day when the inevitable asteroid slams into the earth and wipes them out thus giving nature the opportunity to start again.
posted by Aloysius Bear at 4:46 PM on May 16, 2007


The UK is making a song and dance about Eurovision
Don't put your sparkly outfits away just yet - the UK-hosted Eurovision Dance Contest is coming! But what in Lordi's name is our national dance? ...


Now this will be something to see.
posted by amberglow at 3:09 PM on May 17, 2007


I actually saw Lordi perform in NJ a few weekends ago, in front of a small crowd at a festival side stage. They were awesome. Quite a change from the arena crowd in Finland though.
posted by smackfu at 8:53 PM on May 19, 2007


I bet they're really fun live.

Germaine Greer: Watch Eurovision? Only when the triumph of a lesbian Gypsy sweeps away the dross (the winner is out since 04) : >
posted by amberglow at 8:39 PM on May 21, 2007


« Older Santa vs Satan / Robots vs Mummies / Wrestlers vs...   |   The First Casualty of War? Truth Newer »


This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments