29 May 2010
Wide open
Usually, when I watch the Eurovision Song Contest, I have a decent idea of who the 2 or 3 main players will be by the end of the performances on the night of the final. I thought, as I attended my first contest I would be able to make a concrete prediction after I had seen the final dress rehersal.
I can report, however, that 2010 is the most wide open year for quite some time and I still have no clue as to who shall take victory. Names on peoples lips include, but are by no means limited to, Azerbaijan (I have no idea why), Germany (an OK song that could be sung better), Belgium, Albania and Spain (great performance, definitely a dark horse).
In the immortal words of Sir Terry Wogan, however, I would say I have a "sneaking regard" for Albania (a strong uptempo song) and Portugal (this years Disney ballad but she has a flawless pop voice). As for Ireland, I predict a respectable result, but I doubt any one in RTE will be booking the o2 on Sunday morning.
I would strongly encourage everyone at home to vote or at least tune in. The Norwegians have done an excellent job with considerably limited resources compared to the Russians last year. The interval act is a novel and cute idea, no Riverdance mind, but touching all the same.
Enjoy the show or as they say in these parts har det bra!