Good Evening Europe! this is Canberra calling. Wishing you a wonderful competition with great success!
Yes folks, it's that time of year again, the 2010 Eurovision song contest was beamed around the world (albeit with a 12 hour delay) and poked it's head into my lounge room again this year. In case you haven't already worked it out I'm kind of a tragic for this event so it is most definately relevant to my interests.
This year the contest was held in Oslo, Norway. I like to call if the GFC edition because the stage was a definate downsize from last years supersized event. the lighting and video screens were all a little bit dated, and the video interludes were also somewhat olde-world for Eurovision, but the theme of "share the moment" was definately there.
The finals were marred (improved?) by an unwanted stage guest during the Spanish entry, where serial pest Johnny Jump calmly included himself in the careful choreography before being swiftly escorted from the arena. After his interruption Spain were allowed a do-over, which really didn't help them any further. This had an adverse affect on the rest of the evening where security was very visible and more than a little heavy handed.
The songs themselves were...well I hate to say it but there was very little pizzazz this year. Following a truly epic 2009 where you ran the full gamut of emotions from the Anti-Crisis Girl to the flying Dolphins of the sky, performances were notably lacking in gimmickry. Dishonourable mentions go to Belarus for a truly hamfisted metaphor that plainly got lost in translation, and Serbia for what looked to be a Ken doll that got attacked by Justin Biebers mother.
The winner (if you can call winning Eurovision "winning") was 19 year old Lena from Germany, with her song "Satellite", a pretty little ditty from a woman who, lets be honest, sounds like she has a speech impediment.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QSgNM9yNjo]YouTube - Lena - Satellite (Germany)[/ame]
She stole the show by rocking away with 246 points.
Second place went to Turkey, who's maNga managed to combine those two loved elements of Angle Grinders and Fembots. Probably one of the weaker songs to get as far as it did, I think the inclusion of Jury votes this year ensured a greater spread of musical genres.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdw27j_usP0&feature=related]YouTube - maNga - We Could Be The Same (Turkey)[/ame]
Also, they're trying to be Linkin Park. Not so successful.
Third place was a surprise, with the unsung Romanian entry of Ovi and Paula Seling managing to combine those two great passions of mine - Dueling pianos and leather bodysuits. Chuck in a little opera and flames and I can see why this did well.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8iALS6-l7c&feature=related]YouTube - Paula Seling & Ovi - Playing With Fire (Romania)[/ame]
Honourable mentions go to Belgium (6th), who's John Mayeresque performance was rather engaging in a contest known more for it's excess than restraint.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PRyVS0KDTo"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PRyVS0KDTo[/ame]
And Georgia (9th), who's ballad stuck out amongst the many through it's pint sized powerhouse.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3nxhVyB5OM]YouTube - Sofia Nizharadze - Shine (Georgia)[/ame]
Dishonourable mentions go to the UK (25th) who's Stock, Waterman and Crosby stinker was truly the stuff of 80's flashback nightmares. The poor bloke reminded me of a Camp Harry Potter - the little dancing boy who lives under the staircase in the closet. I'll spare you a link to that.
Another dishonourable mention goes to the Ukraine (10th) who's "Sweet People" was a song about our children inheiriting the Earth, sung by someone who looks as though she's about to rain down fire and brimstone. Double You Tee Ef, mate.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s41mJ4ZMCIk]YouTube - HD 720 Eurovision - Alyosha 'Sweet People' Ukraine Second semi-final[/ame]
Seriously, if she wants your soul, just give it to her.
Overall I was thoroughly impressed with the standard of the competition this year, but the point of Eurovision is not to be taken seriously, is it? I needed more lulz this year, lets hope Germany can bring them.
I mean, the Germans' are renouned for their sense of humour, right?