Eurovisionary
May 29, 2010 11:34 AM   Subscribe

The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final airs tonight, 21:00 CET. A live stream can be found here.

While there have been jokes about Greece winning the contest (as they did in 2005), forcing the other European states to pay for next year's contest, the overall mood seems good. Videos of all 25 finalists.
posted by PontifexPrimus (165 comments total) 6 users marked this as a favorite
 
Man, I love Eurovision. It's this giant blend of musical cheese, glitz, and politics. I really enjoyed last year's winning song, though after listening to the finalists each year, the one I like most inevitably loses.
posted by cmgonzalez at 11:45 AM on May 29, 2010 [1 favorite]


I've moved through three stages of appreciation of Eurovision.

Firstly a childish enjoyment of the spectacle of Eurovision (I particularly loved the little travelogues that precede each song) seasoned with an odd kind of patriotic fervour.

Then a kind of smug, ironic delight in its campness and cultural barrenness (not to mention the voting, Terry said "gastarbeiter", lolz).

And finally, a childish enjoyment of the spectacle of Eurovision (I particularly love the little travelogues that precede each song). Minus the patriotic fervour.

Ten minutes to go, hurrah!
posted by tigrefacile at 11:48 AM on May 29, 2010 [4 favorites]


The second link is doing weird things. What is an Octoshape HD plugin, why do I need to install it to watch a flash video and how does this page have access to my Facebook account?

And this is before all the dancing and accordions start. Eurovision is scary stuff.
posted by him at 12:01 PM on May 29, 2010


Other official streams, with various national commentary:

http://www.bbc.co.uk
http://www.svt.se
http://www.nrk.no
http://www.rte.ie/live
posted by rollick at 12:07 PM on May 29, 2010


Ah, that's better. Good old BBC.
posted by him at 12:11 PM on May 29, 2010


I've moved through three stages of appreciation of Eurovision.

The spousal unit and I are still in stage one because last year was the first time we had ever seen it. We are really looking forward to this year's finale. I imagine very few Americans know about it and we have been deprived!
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 12:12 PM on May 29, 2010 [3 favorites]


The twitter stream is interesting, too:

doubleshiny
For the benefit of non-Europeans, this is what we do now instead of wars #eurovision

Lorelei King
#eurovision dear God in heaven she has LED lights in that frock. Dread to think where she's keeping the battery pack.

Mof Gimmers
Azerbaijan lady is nice to look at... not nice to listen to. This could be recurring theme. #eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 12:16 PM on May 29, 2010 [1 favorite]


Stage invasion already. Good times.
posted by tigrefacile at 12:16 PM on May 29, 2010


You are like a sunset / Behind a mountain /Somewhere.
posted by rollick at 12:18 PM on May 29, 2010


YAY EUROVISION!!!! Lithuania was my fave, but they didn't make the cut :(
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:21 PM on May 29, 2010


The Norwegian guy seems to have some shit in his earpiece. Unless he really can't hold a tune in a fjord.
posted by tigrefacile at 12:21 PM on May 29, 2010


Alex Whitington EHCB
#eurovision Oh God... it's a song from the perspective of Edward Cullen

minifig
This man's not troubled by a beautiful voice. #eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 12:22 PM on May 29, 2010


Another live stream: http://switch3.castup.net/cunet/gm.asp?ai=31&ar=channel_1
posted by iati at 12:22 PM on May 29, 2010


Hmm, Moldava may be my new fave. It's the saxophone and blue eyeshadow that really does it.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:24 PM on May 29, 2010 [1 favorite]


RobAshton
Wow - it's that guy from dune #eurovision

Kirst doubleshiny
Who had 'spinning neon violinist' on #eurovision bingo?

Heidi Blanton heidigoseek
Shouldn't somebody have told Moldova that the 80s is over. #Eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 12:25 PM on May 29, 2010


Moldova are exactly what I was hoping for from tonight
posted by rollick at 12:25 PM on May 29, 2010


Er, Moldova.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:25 PM on May 29, 2010


Cyprus wants to know about your feelings, Metafilter. Boring!
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:28 PM on May 29, 2010


gordybroon
Who told cyprus they were alowed a proper song? #eurovision

medialux
RT @mrchrisaddison: Shouldn't put a cross on that guitar. That's basically a target. #eurovision

Soulla Stylianou
#eurovision oh for a bouzouki....it's a nice song but it's not representative of Cyprus except the british bases of course & expats.
posted by PontifexPrimus at 12:29 PM on May 29, 2010


Charlotte Young
Flash Gordon! #eurovision

Paul Chambers
It's about time we had a camp pirate doing wuss-rock #eurovision

jamescousins
He deserves a point just for looking so very very pleased with his guitar skillz (yes, I used a z) #eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 12:33 PM on May 29, 2010


The Bosnian entry has me leaning towards abstention on general principle.
posted by tigrefacile at 12:35 PM on May 29, 2010


Medialux Music
Tracy Chapman is on for Belgium. Oh. It's a boy. #Eurovision

Andrew C
#Eurovision Belgium try to prove you aren't the most boring country in Europe... oh... Also - is this walking in memphis?

thisisdavid
you know that song the dick with the guitar at school made up - well that's Belgium's entry #eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 12:35 PM on May 29, 2010


just me and...my guitar
posted by rollick at 12:37 PM on May 29, 2010


Now on stage: a shining example of Serbian manhood. Oh my goodness.
posted by him at 12:38 PM on May 29, 2010


Celinette2010
Lady gaga for Serbia? Awesome! #eurovision

Gordon Brown
Phew! Normal eurovision service has returned thanks to serbia #eurovision

CllrTim
It's no good trying to sing at me when I don't even understand your trousers. #Eurovision #Serbia
posted by PontifexPrimus at 12:40 PM on May 29, 2010


This Serbian singer reminds me of Steven Cojocaru.
posted by cmgonzalez at 12:40 PM on May 29, 2010


Maybe Tito wasn't such a bad guy after all.
posted by tigrefacile at 12:41 PM on May 29, 2010


cmgonzalez--you're right! He looked vaguely familiar but I couldn't figure out why.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:42 PM on May 29, 2010


I missed the first 45 minutes, what's the issue with Spain?

Also, Serbia fails at Eurovision. Literally the worst song in the history of spoken words.
posted by DarlingBri at 12:44 PM on May 29, 2010


Speaking of Gaga, she might want to borrow those butterfly dresses from Belarus.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:45 PM on May 29, 2010


Alexandra Topping
They look like they are wrapped in Quality Street wrappers #eurovision

PippaD
How much hairspray was needed on the girls hair to get the sort of wing things? #Eurovision

gibbzer
A Power Ballad. With the battery running out. #eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 12:45 PM on May 29, 2010


Belgia was cute, if a bit bland.

Really liked Serbia. Fun and cheesy! (ie. just right for this contest)
posted by severiina at 12:45 PM on May 29, 2010


With 120 million viewers worldwide, this competition is the best indication we have of the musical taste of the entire human race. Democratically, that makes the winning song the greatest work of art of all time. I can't wait to find out just what the sum total of all human culture sounds like.
posted by him at 12:47 PM on May 29, 2010 [3 favorites]


Ah, Ireland. Where the women have no waists.
posted by tigrefacile at 12:47 PM on May 29, 2010


I agree! The perfect mix of cheese and traditional.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:48 PM on May 29, 2010


The dress conceals the box adding an extra foot to her height
posted by rollick at 12:48 PM on May 29, 2010


(Serbia)
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:49 PM on May 29, 2010


DarlingBri: I didn't see it either but the Finnish announcer said somebody had climbed onto the stage during Spain's performance.
posted by severiina at 12:49 PM on May 29, 2010


Indy Saha
"my lovely horse" would have won #eurovision for Ireland

SabrinaDent
Seriously, this is the best Ireland can do? Do we not know it's coming up each year or something? #eurovision

minifig
I think there are two people, one on the shoulders of the other, under that dress. #eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 12:49 PM on May 29, 2010


Peter Hook and friends singing for Greece

OPA!
posted by rollick at 12:51 PM on May 29, 2010


Ooh, I think Greece just winked at me!
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:52 PM on May 29, 2010


RedMumm
Well THIS isn't going to do much for their economy. #greece #eurovision

writerJames
Greece are doing one of those war dances that New Zealand do before a rugby match. #eurovision

R Paul Wilson
Isn't that the guy from Assassins Creed?#eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 12:53 PM on May 29, 2010


Greece.

Outstanding. Let's get fucked up!!!
posted by tigrefacile at 12:54 PM on May 29, 2010


The_Stephen
I'm trapped in a glass box of emotion #eurovision

davecoleDOTorg
Next year, we send the morris dancers #uk #eurovision

Richard Neville
The UK entry is a pathetic attempt to Rick-roll everyone. #eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 12:57 PM on May 29, 2010


That sounds bad to me.
posted by tigrefacile at 12:57 PM on May 29, 2010


Ooh ouch, UK. Work on those harmonies a bit more.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:57 PM on May 29, 2010


Greece was lovely. So tongue in cheek.
posted by severiina at 12:58 PM on May 29, 2010


Yeah, UK had a bit of trouble with his pitch. Poor boy.
posted by severiina at 12:59 PM on May 29, 2010


Georgia. I feel like I've heard this one before. Maybe on a Disney soundtrack...
posted by severiina at 1:03 PM on May 29, 2010


fudgecrumpet
Georgia, land of guyliner and manballet. #eurovision

pembdave
Georgia = Turn around Bright Eyes - #eurovision

Al Terry
are the gay sailors squeezing the lady so she sings louder? #eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 1:03 PM on May 29, 2010


I enjoyed the Georgian performance. Song is a little bland, but not terrible.
posted by cmgonzalez at 1:04 PM on May 29, 2010


Phil BC
Turkey have entered a Nu-Metal band. Very contemporary. #Eurovision

Lucio Buffone
It's Turkish Muse #eurovision

Twistedlilkitty
Is anyone else expecting a boss battle? #eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 1:06 PM on May 29, 2010


And here's Lady Gaga for Albania.
posted by cmgonzalez at 1:08 PM on May 29, 2010


Well, your woman from Albania can at least sing, and the song is not over or under produced, so I'd call that one for the winner if this contest had any history of reliably picking the best song instead of the most hilarious one.

As it is, I'm laying my money on Greece and boy did that suck.
posted by DarlingBri at 1:10 PM on May 29, 2010


Miss Albania has some serious engineering going on beneath those pants. Maybe just wear a long top and a skirt next time, eh?
posted by tigrefacile at 1:10 PM on May 29, 2010


Turkey really went for the pyrotechnics.

Albania went disco. They have the lights and the hair. The song is catchy. Loving the crazy violinist guy and the awesome back-up singers.
posted by severiina at 1:11 PM on May 29, 2010


stephenackroyd
OLDFRAPP #eurovision

Ewan
Albania have crossed Lulu and Bonnie Tyler, given her a cast-off from Blake's 7 and Avon's wardrobe and put Silent Bob on violin #eurovision

TOM SEARLE
Albania's backing singers are the new Sugababes lineup. #Eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 1:11 PM on May 29, 2010


I vote for the most hilarious one!
posted by incster at 1:11 PM on May 29, 2010


I guess it's over then.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:12 PM on May 29, 2010


OLDFRAPP #eurovision

That's great.
posted by cmgonzalez at 1:13 PM on May 29, 2010


I liked Albania. Iceland sounds old fashioned to me for some reason.
posted by gemmy at 1:14 PM on May 29, 2010


mrjonmacqueen
Iceland's entry is that huge cloud that keeps appearing above the audience. #eurovision

LoreleiKing
#eurovision The lady from #iceland is singing. Does this mean it's over?

brokenbottleboy
Vote for Iceland or they'll activate their weather machine again . #eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 1:14 PM on May 29, 2010 [1 favorite]


simonmhickson
If I squint, she's naked under the Turin shroud. #eurovision

_BrownEyedGirl
Lyrics taken straight from her diary as a teenager #eurovision

mrdevey
When are her fangs going to appear? #eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 1:18 PM on May 29, 2010


Is France miming a ball grab?
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:19 PM on May 29, 2010


Milking a cow there, FRance?
posted by cmgonzalez at 1:20 PM on May 29, 2010


Is France miming a ball grab?

See, I almost said this, then made my comment a little more polite.
posted by cmgonzalez at 1:21 PM on May 29, 2010


stevefurst
France have given us the soundtrack to a new Danone ad #eurovision

Kev F Sutherland
Jesse Matador. Oddly he looks like neither. #eurovision

Campaigner
So that's what happened to Vengaboys #eurovision #fb
posted by PontifexPrimus at 1:22 PM on May 29, 2010


Another haka (from France)!
posted by Iteki at 1:22 PM on May 29, 2010


Ukraine. Well, she can certainly sing. Maybe a bit too angsty for Eurovision.

France. It's an aerobics lesson!
posted by severiina at 1:23 PM on May 29, 2010


About 97 people popped up in my Twitter stream to observe that France just basically made a Renault Megane ad. On stage.
posted by DarlingBri at 1:24 PM on May 29, 2010


Mmm, David Gest vs Belinda Carlisle. It shouldn't work, and yet...
posted by tigrefacile at 1:25 PM on May 29, 2010


Romania. I want a tandem glass piano.
posted by severiina at 1:25 PM on May 29, 2010


TrishByrne
Conjoined pianos. They make the saddest music. #eurovision

mrjonmacqueen
That's the human centipede of pianos. #eurovision

AlanWray
Shania Twain has really sold out #eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 1:26 PM on May 29, 2010


We are watching it ironically.

Actually we're going to watch Susan Boyle. From Britain's Got Talent. Which is like Eurovision, but without all the dirty forriners.
posted by ClarissaWAM at 1:26 PM on May 29, 2010


I'm liking Romania's entry a lot.
posted by cmgonzalez at 1:26 PM on May 29, 2010


Russia brings its own weather patterns to the stage.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:28 PM on May 29, 2010


Oh no... What were you thinking, Russia?
posted by gemmy at 1:29 PM on May 29, 2010


Nice spoken/sung dialogue from Russia!
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:29 PM on May 29, 2010


Nick Drew
"There is a house in New Orleans..." #Eurovision

jamesgraham
This song has only just started and I already want to open a vein. #russia #esc #eurovision

michcoll
Does the Russian entry realize you can just buy bread there now without waiting on line? The photo was a nice touch. #Eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 1:30 PM on May 29, 2010


still not a photo!
posted by rollick at 1:30 PM on May 29, 2010


Russia.

I would buy this record.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:30 PM on May 29, 2010


Hee, yes. Wind and snow and despair. Go Russia!
posted by severiina at 1:30 PM on May 29, 2010


Last year, Russia brought figure skating. This year, the budget was cut so there's only snow.
posted by cmgonzalez at 1:31 PM on May 29, 2010


I am terribly fond of this song since the semis. Ape-ri-gostooooo.
posted by Iteki at 1:34 PM on May 29, 2010


Lucy Cooke
#eurovision I bet you were all looking at her Apricot Stones in that shot.

GdnFilmandMusic
best. man. dancing. with. vase. ever. #eurovision

mrchrisaddison
Victor Borge and tits. Something for everyone. #eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 1:34 PM on May 29, 2010


Cockney Germans? TOO SOON!!!
posted by tigrefacile at 1:38 PM on May 29, 2010 [3 favorites]


Germany is dancing like she's gotta pee or something. But this song has grown on me.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:38 PM on May 29, 2010


Omg, Germany has a nifty song for once! I dig this girl, she's loving this, can't dance and doesn't give a shit, she's too busy rockin' out! It's like bubblegum björk.
posted by Iteki at 1:38 PM on May 29, 2010 [2 favorites]


WineOfTheWeek
The Germans are singing in English. Captain Mannering would be pleased #eurovision

AstonishingSod
Her obnoxious KateNash/MarinaDiamandis accent makes my ears wanna cry. Which they can't. Which makes them want to cry even more. #eurovision

yesyesitsjess
Is she a Cockney German? "LAV." #eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 1:39 PM on May 29, 2010 [1 favorite]


Really liked Germany. It was repetetive and simple but also very cute and girlish. And none of that Eurovision/Disney crescendo that seems obligatory on almost all songs.
posted by severiina at 1:42 PM on May 29, 2010 [1 favorite]


TehHarleyQuinn
Portugal: You need a gimmick like a unicorn popping out from under your dress. Come on, try harder next year. #Eurovision

Anna Lowman annawaits
Like the crap end-credits version of a Disney song #eurovision

thefloatingfrog
Expecting a comedic demolition ball to remove this act of the stage #eurovision #portugalbagoshite
posted by PontifexPrimus at 1:43 PM on May 29, 2010


Is this a Jonas brother?
posted by cmgonzalez at 1:45 PM on May 29, 2010


robertflorence
Here's that European country Israel now. #eurovision #israel

mrchrisaddison
This is going to be amazing when he rips off the suit, reveals the turquoise leotard and goes into the glam metal bit. #eurovision

PeterDrake
He ain't no Dana international...#eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 1:47 PM on May 29, 2010


The tweet reposts are very entertaining.
posted by cmgonzalez at 1:48 PM on May 29, 2010 [2 favorites]


er, why do so many of the entries make me think of k-pop or j-pop idol groups?
posted by needled at 1:48 PM on May 29, 2010


Who knew Michael Bay was representing Denmark this year?
posted by cmgonzalez at 1:49 PM on May 29, 2010


The guy in the Denmark entry reminds of those episodes of Buffy that flashed back to Spike's past.
posted by ArmyOfKittens at 1:49 PM on May 29, 2010


none of that Eurovision/Disney crescendo that seems obligatory on almost all songs.

We always quote Futurama when that happens: "Drop down, increase speed, and reverse direction!"
posted by ArmyOfKittens at 1:50 PM on May 29, 2010


edfordham
My man likes Denmark... #eurovision like Police meets 80s pop

GdnFilmandMusic
is it every breath you take or missing you? #eurovision

Chris Addison
That is the lamest skateboarding ever. #eurovision
posted by PontifexPrimus at 1:50 PM on May 29, 2010


-5 points for abuse of wind machine.
posted by cmgonzalez at 1:51 PM on May 29, 2010 [2 favorites]


Spain gets a redo?
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:52 PM on May 29, 2010


Spain helpfully offering the chance for a second bathroom break
posted by rollick at 1:52 PM on May 29, 2010


Item: "What's with all the tweet reposts, PontifexPrimus?"

I can't think of anything intelligent to say, and that is the closest to being at an actual Eurovision party I'll come this year.
posted by PontifexPrimus at 1:53 PM on May 29, 2010 [2 favorites]


Spain gets a redo?

Some idiot ran up on stage (traumatized by the clowns?) so they get a redo.
posted by gemmy at 1:53 PM on May 29, 2010


Well, Romania for the win then.
posted by cmgonzalez at 1:55 PM on May 29, 2010


Russia Russia Russia Russia.
posted by tigrefacile at 2:00 PM on May 29, 2010


Ok, top five picks?

No order. Georgia, Turkey, Albania, Greece, Germany.
posted by Iteki at 2:00 PM on May 29, 2010


Not albania, armenia, sorry.
posted by Iteki at 2:02 PM on May 29, 2010


Ukraine, Iceland, Moldova, Romania, and France would be a pretty good top shelf
posted by rollick at 2:04 PM on May 29, 2010


I'd vote for Moldova, Albania, Romania, and Germany if I could.
posted by gyc at 2:04 PM on May 29, 2010


The one I want never wins, so I guess it won't be Greece, Serbia, Moldova or Romania. Opa!
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 2:04 PM on May 29, 2010


Russia Greece France Romania Cyprus.

But mostly Russia.
posted by tigrefacile at 2:06 PM on May 29, 2010


My prediction would be Romania or Albania winning. I think my favorites were Germany, Armenia, and Romania. Least favorite: Russia
posted by gemmy at 2:06 PM on May 29, 2010


God that Moldovan Final Fantasy band perks me up every time
posted by rollick at 2:07 PM on May 29, 2010 [2 favorites]


Albania gets my vote. Lines just closed!
posted by DarlingBri at 2:11 PM on May 29, 2010


Top three, no order. Germany, Russia, Serbia.
posted by severiina at 2:12 PM on May 29, 2010


Oh, I forgot Albania. Top four then.
posted by severiina at 2:13 PM on May 29, 2010


We'll just have the performers run through the crowd full of people waving flags--what could go wrong?
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 2:14 PM on May 29, 2010


Woah, security really stamped down the dancers!
posted by Iteki at 2:15 PM on May 29, 2010


I want to vote for the flash mob.
posted by gyc at 2:15 PM on May 29, 2010 [1 favorite]


oh hai verka seducha
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 2:18 PM on May 29, 2010


Wow, the flashmob thing is awesome!
posted by gemmy at 2:19 PM on May 29, 2010 [1 favorite]


Love that Bosnian dog.
posted by gyc at 2:19 PM on May 29, 2010


I am a total sucker fo rcoordinated dancing. I really enjoyed this.
posted by Iteki at 2:20 PM on May 29, 2010


Ireland, Turkey and Armenia were my favorites; our (Germany's) entry wasn't too bad, but not really in the spirit of Eurovision, I'd say. Now the only thing left to do is watching how the totally non-political and non-grudg-y votes are counted.
Oh, and @twitter-thing: there were about 150 tweets over the timespan of each song, and I wanted to pick some and repost them here so people who don't watch the Eurovision contest regularly can get a feeling for what usually happens when we watch it. Well, what happens when my friends and I get together and watch it, anyway.
posted by PontifexPrimus at 2:25 PM on May 29, 2010


Did anyone else lose the eurovision.tv feed?
posted by gemmy at 2:26 PM on May 29, 2010


For real, Denmark?
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 2:27 PM on May 29, 2010


Yeah, I don't understand the Denmark love.
posted by severiina at 2:29 PM on May 29, 2010


The feed kept stuttering but it's still operational.
posted by cmgonzalez at 2:29 PM on May 29, 2010


We are few enough in here that I appreciate some imported snark :)
Honestly, though, Denmark in the lead worries me in recent years the winners have been clear leaders from the start, so I am concerned. The song was brutal and a rip off (including of their own bloody wings of love song).
posted by Iteki at 2:30 PM on May 29, 2010


I have sent Ireland to it's room and suspended it's phone privileges. I mean if you cannot use technology responsibly and you're going to do things like vote for DENMARK, you are not mature enough to use the phone unsupervised.
posted by DarlingBri at 2:33 PM on May 29, 2010 [2 favorites]


What about the votes from the Polish people not from Poland?
posted by cmgonzalez at 2:33 PM on May 29, 2010


looks like germany´s pulling ahead now
posted by dhruva at 2:34 PM on May 29, 2010


I'm suprised there are so few points for Russia and Albania, but at least Germany is in the lead. Even Poland is giving Denmark points...
posted by severiina at 2:35 PM on May 29, 2010


Thanks cmgonzalez, it came back for me too.
I'm happy to see Germany on top.
posted by gemmy at 2:36 PM on May 29, 2010


Singing the points makes you look even sillier...
posted by gemmy at 2:38 PM on May 29, 2010


"...and now, for the Helenic vote..."
will he? will he?

twelve points for ... Cyprus?

Say what the wha?
posted by From Bklyn at 2:42 PM on May 29, 2010


If you're as pretty as the German kid you probably don't need to try so hard to be cool.
posted by tigrefacile at 2:50 PM on May 29, 2010


Why the boos for Russia? It's not like it's gonna change the outcome at this point.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 3:00 PM on May 29, 2010


WTF with the booing!
posted by severiina at 3:00 PM on May 29, 2010


Everybody suck up to Germany in the hopes they'll bail your economy out when the time comes.
posted by Abiezer at 3:04 PM on May 29, 2010 [7 favorites]


Georgia girls are hot.
posted by tigrefacile at 3:09 PM on May 29, 2010


Congrats, Germany! For once, the song I liked won, which feels weird. Better luck next year, Sweden (who didn't qualify for the finals this year, for the first time ever).

Thanks to all for the commentary follow-along!
posted by gemmy at 3:14 PM on May 29, 2010


It was funny listening to the TVE commentator, he was exclaiming with glee everytime somebody gave spain a point or two.
posted by dhruva at 3:16 PM on May 29, 2010


"This can't be real. You guys are crazy!"
posted by Slothrup at 3:21 PM on May 29, 2010 [1 favorite]


Love a good eurovision thread, thanks all! Here's the final top ten, for posterity.
With my 5 picks marked in bold, also for posterity. :D

Germany, Turkey, Romania, Denmark, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Armenia, Greece, Georgia, Ukraine.
posted by Iteki at 3:22 PM on May 29, 2010


I've been watching since 2005 and this is the first time where the song I was rooting for won. I'm glad Romania did well. Too bad Moldova didn't get very many points.
posted by gyc at 3:22 PM on May 29, 2010


"Ich weiss nicht wo ich hin soll." Haha.
posted by ropeladder at 3:23 PM on May 29, 2010


I watched the 25 videos. What happened to the whole poppy thing? It sounds mostly like adult contemporary ballads, with Denmark oddly veering to country and the odd BEP wannabe thrown in. The German entry was solid pop. I like Iceland's entry again, they seem to have a nice edge.
posted by Bovine Love at 3:50 PM on May 29, 2010


I've never heard a German talking mockney before. Weird.
posted by Luddite at 4:15 PM on May 29, 2010 [1 favorite]


It was actually quite refreshing. I hadn't seen a pop singer win the ESC with this kind of totally sincere, unironic enthusiasm since a young, unknown Canadian called Celine Dion won it for Switzerland some eons ago. Be afraid, be very afraid.
posted by Skeptic at 5:01 PM on May 29, 2010


Aww, I missed this thread... I was tweeting the whole time. Anyway, was a good show! Some observations:

Moldova sounds and looks like Aqua. WFT is she wearing??

Whoah, Serbia's a guy??? Very androgynous... Apparently, he's singing about Balkan. I'm assuming it's good.

(regarding Belarus) HolyShitSparklyGoldDresses!!! And power ballad! And ridiculous hand gestures! How much more classic can this become???
WTF???? WINGS???? Gah!!! Belarus has gone nuts!!

OPA!!! Have some retsina and a shot of ouzo, there's a good boy! Loads of testosterone running around, too...

Ukraine has a FANTASTIC voice! Bold choice, standing alone on stage. Liking this song. Nice harmonies, and cool guitars! I think Ukraine is my new favourite. I may even pick up the phone and vote for this...

Armenia has ridiculous cleavage! She's gonna get a lot of points... Seems she didn't have enough fabric for her dress, but at least she's wearing jeans.

Okay, liking Germany, actually, which is a new feeling. Great voice, and bouncy, fun song. And she's endearing!

The Danish man looks like something off the cover of Sgt. Pepper. The song is cute. She has a sparkly dress. Very classic progressions to the chorus, a bit ABBA. Will they also modulate? Yes. They did.

A message for the Norwegian Eurovision committee: It's not a flashmob if everybody knows you're gonna do it! Epic fail, n00bs!

"It's just... Um... Hi..." Best acceptance speech EVER!
posted by MaiaMadness at 5:03 PM on May 29, 2010


I had to work today, so I missed the live stream. I'm watching the music videos for the finalists via HuffPo. Can't find any videos of the actual finals. If someone has a link I would appreciate it.

I have to ask - what is up with UK's entry? We know they can produce good music.

I can't make up my mind about the winner. I feel like she's relying too much on cute?

I liked Azerbaijan's chorus, but the verses were boring.

I would have picked Moldova or France FTW.
posted by jeoc at 7:53 PM on May 29, 2010


I can't believe I missed this. D: I love the Eurovision! Oh well, at least the video is still online.
posted by Xany at 8:14 PM on May 29, 2010


(Link is here)
posted by Xany at 8:15 PM on May 29, 2010


The winning entry
posted by finite at 10:56 PM on May 29, 2010


Iowaovision
posted by finite at 10:57 PM on May 29, 2010


We watched! No commenting, because we were eating supper at the same time. (Yes, it was Eurovision TV date night! Hot!). I liked Germany best, by far, then Albania and Belgium, but I was initially terrified that Armenia's juicy apricots would win, without a note even having to be sounded. Seriously, this morning I thought that my memory must be playing tricks on me, surely exaggerating... that the opening camera shots of Eva Rivas' performance couldn't have been the baldly leering SuperZoomCloseup of her boobs I thought I remembered... but it really was.

I just now read that Azerbaijan was the bookies' favorite. I wonder why? I had to go back and watch the video to remind me of the act... and even though that was only about a minute ago, I've already forgotten it again. It just didn't stand out at all for me, except for the lyric "you smell like lipstick." Yes.

Greece (the home team, here) was just totally goofy and over-the-top testosteriffic. If our Opas had come any closer to France's Allez Olla Olés or Armenia's apricots, explosive ejaculation... well, let's just be grateful they didn't, is all I can say.

And here's video of the stagecrasher during Spain's performance. I told my husband, "oh, look - it's Chevy Chase's Eurovision Vacation." Wikipedia on Jimmy Jump.

Anyway... I found it oddly difficult to dig up a simple list of the final rankings, in order -- so I'm putting it here in hopes it might save someone else similar trouble:


1 Germany / Lena / Satellite 246
2 Turkey / maNga / We Could Be The Same 170
3 Romania / Paula Seling & Ovi Playing With Fire 162
4 Denmark / Chanée & N'evergreen / In A Moment Like This 149
5 Azerbaijan / Safura / Drip Drop 145
6 Belgium / Tom Dice / Me And My Guitar 143
7 Armenia / Eva Rivas / Apricot Stone 141
8 Greece / Giorgos Alkaios & Friends / OPA 140
9 Georgia / Sofia Nizharadze / Shine 136
10 Ukraine / Alyosha / Sweet People 108
11 Russia / Peter Nalitch & Friends / Lost And Forgotten 90
12 France / Jessy Matador / Allez Olla Olé 82
13 Serbia / Milan Stanković / Ovo Je Balkan 72
14 Israel / Harel Skaat / Milim 71
15 Spain / Daniel Diges / Algo Pequeñito (Something Tiny) 68
16 Albania / Juliana Pasha / It's All About You 62
17 Bosnia & Herzegovina / Vukašin Brajić / Thunder And Lightning 51
18 Portugal / Filipa Azevedo / Há Dias Assim 43
19 Iceland / Hera Björk / Je Ne Sais Quoi 41
20 Norway / Didrik Solli-Tangen / My Heart Is Yours 35
21 Cyprus / Jon Lilygreen & The Islanders / Life Looks Better In Spring 27
22 Moldova / Sunstroke Project & Olia Tira / Run Away 27
23 Ireland / Niamh Kavanagh / It's For You 25
24 Belarus / 3+2 Butterflies / 18
25 United Kingdom / Josh / That Sounds Good To Me 10

Does the UK always come last?
posted by taz at 1:57 AM on May 30, 2010 [1 favorite]


Does the UK always come last?
It was touch and go for a bit there with some strong competition from Belarus, but by successfully avoiding any late surge we captured that coveted and well-deserved wooden spoon.
posted by Abiezer at 3:14 AM on May 30, 2010 [1 favorite]


It didn't help that the UK performance was tooth-meltingly awful in addition to the terrible song.
posted by ArmyOfKittens at 4:22 AM on May 30, 2010


The Lena Meyer-Landrut (German performer) story is pretty amazing. She was completely unknown before the German qualifying competition "Unser Star für Oslo" ("Our star for Oslo"), with no vocal training or experience really. She was in the middle of taking final exams during the spring lead-up to Eurovision. No wonder she was a bit overwhelmed at winning.
posted by gemmy at 6:57 AM on May 30, 2010


Does anyone have a link to a video of Lena's acceptance speech?
posted by Phire at 10:25 AM on May 30, 2010


The Winner

Not sure if that contains the immortal question "Do I have to sing now?" because Mrs. Slothrup is starting to worry about the amount of attention I've paid to this in the last 24 hours...
posted by Slothrup at 12:39 PM on May 30, 2010


Moldova's entry was pretty freaking great. Electronik supersonic must have given me a bad impression.
posted by tehloki at 2:48 PM on May 30, 2010


The "flashmob" dance is now posted on YouTube. One of the best parts of the broadcast.
posted by gemmy at 5:39 PM on May 30, 2010


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