Eurovision Song Contest

I just happened to change channels when the Russian Grannies were performing in the semi-finals. They were terrific, I hope they win! I believe Jedward are appearing tonight as well.

I agree with Anika. We won't win - it's a polical vote and we don't stand a chance. Bookies 3rd favourite - we'll be lucky to get 3rd from the end!

There's no way they can 'not' vote for our song this year. I'm not saying it can win, and it's first on which is bad news, but the song is too good to not pick up votes from a lot of countries. I also can't believe I'm saying this [as a Kasabian fan] but I would actually like to go and see him in concert, because his voice is fantastic; he says he has a really great range, octave wise, and I can believe it. The song sends shivers up and down my spine. As I said, I don't like slow songs at all, but this one is special. Mind you, I haven't listened to many of this years songs, so there could be some good ones that are better. It's good fun watching the build up to it all. They take it very seriously in Europe.

I do tend to still watch Eurovision but I find it very frustrating as however good the song is and however well performed we have no chance of winning. I think we should call it a day and accept that while we may have some of the world's most successful singers they just cannot get past the political voting system.

Just watched the Russian Grannies and loved them, butgma I hope they keep their kit on I haven't yet listened to englebert, I will try, but I am a bit allergic.

Just watched the Russian Grannies and loved them, butgma I hope they keep their kit on I haven't yet listened to englebert, I will try, but I am a bit allergic.

gma I went quite cold then,reading your post!

Its the russian grannies for me!!!!!
Methinks that they are going to do a Bucks Fizz and whip each others skirt off, revealing a glamorous pair of legs and then off come the tops, revealing sparkly boob tubes and then the head scarves, showing off long blonde hair!!!!! Tune in and see if I am right with my forecast!!!!! On the other hand........

I quite liked it in a sort of Les Bicyclettes de Versailles kind of way.

I've listened to Engelbert's offering, and I'm afraid it leaves me cold - it sounds like a dirge...but what do I know? The last winner I picked was 'Waterloo'

@10/1; quite well fancied [Sweden are favourites].

Just checked it out on utube. It's actually quite, quite beautiful and, if Engelbert has got a large European following I think it could do really well. Rather surprised about this. Eat my words shall have to, methinks. Crumbs.

Perhaps we could be 'twinned' with them, gracesmum. In fact a new competition where nobody is allowed to compete unless they're a grandparent would give us a chance to bring back Lulu and Sandie Shaw....sorry Cliff!

Don't we have to pay a bigger contribution towards it as well, as founder members?

Surely we should be supporting Russian Gransnet?

I wish EH the best of luck but think Terry Wogan was right to jump ship when he did. Graham Norton does a good job but we're on a hiding to nothing. Why is the BBC wasting our money on what usually resembles something akin to a public flogging? The bullies have taken over the playground. Let them play amongst themselves.

I cannot be bothered with the Eurovision Song Contest any more - e used to watch it avidly as children; but now the music is pap and the votes are rigged politically - what's the point?

EH is very well known in eastern europe and could give us more than the usual 10 points, hoorah. If the Russian grannies win because they are trying for funding to restore their church then I will ask the B.B.C. for a shot next year, my house needs restoring! As I am 4foot 11 and as wide as I am tall I would win hands down in a tutu and clogs because it would no longer be about the song. We only get three countries vote for us anyway, I do watch it though.

You could be right there, grannyactivist!

Not expecting him to win Anagram, but perhaps we'll fare better with him than we did with any of our recent entries.

I'm afraid I don't share your optimism, grannyactivist. If recent years' winners are anything to go by, it seems young and bizarre get the votes!

I've never been a fan of either EH or the Eurovision contest, but I do think that choosing him as our representative might be a canny move. EH has a tremendous following in Europe and is very well known for his previous hits. I think the choice of an older, established singer might turn out to be a good gamble.

By the night of the contest most people have heard the songs several times, so there isn't the need for the 'wow' factor any more. Quite fierce betting as well. Are the songs up on utube yet? I don't understand why we lead to world musically, and yet we're so dire when it comes to Eurovision. I'm going to dive into the Eurovision betting market to see what's what....

Not only did the BBC choose him, they also chose the song! What happened to "A Song for Europe"? As far as I can make out, no explanation has been give for their appalling high-handedness. At least when the public had a chance to vote for the song, it involved them in some way - it would serve the BBC right if ratings were even lower than usual..

The thing is the BBC know we haven't a chance of winning, so might as well get some old Grandad to warble along in his dreary fashion. I think they are taking the mickey!!!!