Roland White
Life's A Picnic
Win luxury hampers plus Waitrose vouchers & guidebooks
Navigation - link to other main sections from here
From The Sunday Times
May 25, 2008
Eurovision: nul points for harmony
Beneath all the poptastic fun, is the song contest a hotbed of political rivalries that conspire against Britain?
It was a statesman-like performance in the face of tragic defeat. “I urge my fans to be dignified,” said Dustin the Turkey, hiding his disappointment after losing in the semi-final of the 2008 Eurovision song contest. “I don’t want riots on the street.”
Dustin was Ireland’s big hope in the competition; he was also a glove puppet. He was speaking after his song, Irelande Douze Pointe , had failed to be awarded a single point by the judges.
No wonder some Irish were doubting the wisdom of asking him to represent them on the international stage. Yet why not a singing turkey? With its reputation for sequined eccentricity, the Eurovision song contest is almost beyond parody.
Last night’s victor was — surprise, surprise — Russia. In the fashion of an old corrupt Soviet election, the win had been announced by the BBC five days before the voting even started. But if it had been won by a barber shop quartet from Alpha Centauri, eyelids would have remained unbatted. Terry Wogan would have simply remarked on their outfits before poking fun at the host nation, which this year happened to be Serbia.
Related Links
Multimedia
Every year since 1980 he has proudly presented the show to its British audience while quietly ridiculing the songs, the other presenters, the hairdos and the costumes. And a good job, too — for beneath the high camp and daffy lyrics, the competition is in danger of becoming a simmering pit of international politics.
Last year Ukraine’s entry, a transvestite, was accused of slipping the words “Russia, goodbye!” into her song as a gesture of support for her country’s “Orange revolution”. She denied the accusation, insisting that the offending words were Mongolian for “condensed milk”. (Does John Prescott know that?)
Last night there was an apparent change of heart. Ukraine came second after awarding Russia 12 points, its highest marks. “Ukraine just wants to make absolutely sure the old electric and oil keeps running,” said Wogan.
In 2003 Britain’s failure to get a single vote was widely seen as punishment for the Iraq war. Last night we came joint last despite Andy Abraham singing his heart out.
Now tensions are rising over suspicions of “bloc voting”. Last week Wogan claimed that eastern European countries had banded together to prevent western ones from winning. He declared that an “iron curtain has descended across Eurovision”. Iron, but with a taffeta lining.
On top of all this, rival countries accuse the British of failing to watch the show with a sufficiently serious attitude.
“Terry Wogan is a problem because he makes it ridiculous,” said Bjorn Erichsen, the director of Eurovision. “I know he is very popular and maybe that is the reason why a lot of people watch. But one day he will have to retire and the BBC will have to find someone else. It will be interesting to see if that attitude changes.
“The BBC gets a very large audience but chooses to represent the contest in a certain way. They take it far more seriously in Sweden. There they have a genuine love and respect for it.”
Well, of course they do: the contest launched the international career of Abba, who won in 1974 with Waterloo.
Watching Eurovision with a straight face has become something of a struggle over the years. Did you happen to notice the singer from Azerbaijan wearing his wings? If so, did they complement the soaring melody or did you think he looked like the cloakroom attendant at a gay nightclub?
The less said about the Latvians, who came dressed as pirates, the better. Yet they were low-key compared with Lordi, Finland’s 2006 entry, who looked like gruesome survivors from a Lord of the Rings battle scene.
“To the best of my knowledge there’s nothing quite like the Eurovision song contest for offering up a must-watch mix of good old state-funded entertainment and high camp,” said Tyler Brûlé, editor-in-chief of Moncole magazine.
The Eurovision contest began in 1956 with such high hopes. It was yet another scheme, along with Jeux Sans Frontières and the Common Market, to unite the continent after the horrors of war. If we could only sing along together to the jaunty sounds of popular music, went the theory, we would live side-by-side in perfect harmony. Or as close to perfect harmony as Eurovision’s performers could manage.
At first it seemed to work, but the cracks in international relations began to appear. The 1968 contest, it was claimed earlier this month, was rigged by General Franco, the late Spanish dictator, to make sure his country won. Who knows what heights Cliff Richard might have gone on to if he and his ditty Congratulations had not been pushed into second place?
How things have changed. This year Spain sent Rodolfo Chikilicuatre, an Argentinian, to sing Baila el Chiki Chiki about a woman who “dances with her panties in her hands”.
In 1969 four songs, including Britain’s Lulu with Boom Bang-a-Bang, tied for first place, so enraging four other countries — Norway, Finland, Sweden and Portugal — that they tore up their songsheets and refused to take part the following year.
Then in 1982 the French remembered they were the land of Jean-Paul Sartre. Denouncing the contest as “a monument to drivel”, they withdrew. The show went ahead without them from the glittering surroundings of the Harrogate conference centre.
France crawled back in 1983 and came eighth.
If the 1980s were the low point of Eurovision — apart from the victory in 1988 of Céline Dion, like Abba a rarity in being a Eurovision performer who went on to become a huge star — by the 1990s the British audience was beginning to look at the contest in a new light. It may have been cheesy and outdated, but it was cheesy and outdated in a fashionable post-modern sort of a way. Eurovision discovered camp.
By last year 11m people were watching the BBC coverage. Some even held Eurovision parties. This year the BBC not only offered party tips — “wear national costume” — but also asked revellers to send pictures to the Flickr photo- sharing website.
One fan from Leamington Spa is so keen that he sent his notes from the semi-final. “Much gurning” was his view of the Russian entry. Of the Moldovan entry he noted, “under-used trumpet”.
Perhaps we do not treat the contest seriously because we know we cannot dominate it as we used to. Between 1967 and 1977 we were never out of the top four places. People such as Lulu, Cliff and the Shadows swept all before them. Last year we came joint 22nd with France.
On the face of it, the old guard, the countries of western Europe, have indeed been squeezed out by bloc voting from eastern Europe.
“Eurovision was intended to bring us all together, but instead it makes it manifestly clear how far apart we are,” said Wogan.
Is there any evidence to support this controversial claim? Well, yes there is, according to Derek Gatherer, an aptly named academic who has been gathering together recent voting patterns in the contest for analysis.
Gatherer identified three blocs that account for about a third of all votes. The biggest is what he calls the Balkan bloc: 11 countries that include Turkey, Albania, various bits that used to be Yugoslavia, Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Hungary. Next is the Eastern bloc of eight countries, including Russia, Poland and Ukraine. (Given the degree to which some of the countries within the Balkan and Eastern blocs hate each other, perhaps Eurovision does indeed break down barriers.)
“The period since the mid-1990s has seen the emergence of large geographical voting blocs from previously small voting partnerships,” Gatherer revealed in a paper pithily entitled Comparison of Eurovision Song Contest Simulation with Actual Results Reveals Shifting Patterns of Collusive Voting Alliances.
“On at least two occasions the outcome of the contest has been crucially affected by voting blocs. The structure of these blocs implies that a handful of centrally placed countries have a higher probability of being future winners.”
Although the eight Nordic and Baltic states form a so-called Viking Empire, there is no western European bloc for the UK to belong to. You will not find the Belgians voting for an Irish turkey.
But we don’t really care about all that, do we? No, we want oddball Finns singing heavy metal, we want a couple of outfits that look like an explosion in a sequin factory. Like last year, we want transvestite singers from Ukraine singing in pidgin English: “Hello, hello everybody! Me English don’t understand! Let’s speak dance!”
But by last night it appeared that even Wogan had had enough and is contemplating withdrawing from the fray. “What we have to decide is whether we want to do this again,” he said. “The western European participants have to decide if they want to take part in it again because their prospects are poor.”
— Additional reporting: Sara Dixon
Words fail ...
This year’s lyrical gems at the Eurovision contest included:
With a hii hii hoo and a hii hii hey!
We’re hoisting the flag to be free
We will steal the show,
Jolly Rogers go We are wolves of the sea
— Latvia’s entry, performed by Pirates of the Sea
El Chiki Chiki is a Reaggetton
Dance in Argentina, Serbia and Oregon
Give el Chiki-Chiki to that little sister
With el Chiki-Chiki She’s gonna like it mister!
— Spain’s entry, performed by Rodolfo Chikilicuatre
This year this Eastern European bloc theory didn't exactly work in the case of Poland - the only points we got were from the UK and Ireland (not surprising if you come to think how many Poles live there now). At least you in the UK have Terry Wogan to cheer you up :)
Monika, Warsaw, Poland
How anyone takes this seriously is beyond me. Wogan merely makes the joke funny.
Simon , Birmingham, England
The national broadcaster for the whole of the UK is the BBC, that is why we can't send a welsh, scots, n-irish, english, isle of man, jersey, guernsey etc entries
glasgow1975, Glasgow, UK
Eurovision is funded by 4 or 5 "Old" European countries. The UK is regarded here, as with all other political/economical matters, as the soft touch funding the East Europeans as usual. Meantime, we are just regarded with derisory contempt as is evidenced by the voting.
Imagine if these voting patterns were displayed year after year in other competitions - or, God forbid, in other reality TV shows?
JD, Solihull, UK
Fair enough, there's a lot of political voting. But the winning entry was written with Jim Beanz - who has written worldwide, including the UK, smash hit singles for the likes of Britney and Nelly Furtado - and produced by Timbaland. Might it just be well liked and popular?!
Steve, Kent, United Kingdom
England is at the cutting edge of music and produces arguably the best music in the world. why do we need to demean ourselves and enter this mickey mouse competition? let the sebians etc have their stupid little songs and let them vote for each other. who cares?
Mike, Poole,
Scrap the songs and have an annual "Which country would you vote for competition".
Nick Wilson, Cambridge, UK
I don't know how blind you must be not to see that it's not about music anymore. It's about economical situation in your home country. If it's poor, you go to some other country to live (if it's possible) and normally vote for your homeland. Or you can break your country into a few smaller ones...
Vladimir Peric, Pozarevac, Serbia
...and then share your votes again. Serbia will always be in top 10 because of that. Long live EU and its wise politic moves in SE Europe!!!
Live in normal country or win Eurovision song contest, its up to you.
Vladimir Peric, Pozarevac, Serbia
I agree with Frank - why can't Wales (land of song), Scotland (home of the bagpipes) and Northern Ireland (Celtic Charmers) all have their own entries?
They would probably all be chucked out at the early stage, just as Eire was this year!
Maybe we should have the early heats of East vs West?
Kim, Southend, England
We are all forgeting that the last winners were such countries as Greece and Finland, not an 'Eastern European block'. Perhaps England should take this competition seriously and send someone proper, not some stupid cheap flying attendants. Someone has to put a stop embarrasing England this way...
Christine, London,
The UK should make it's own block by insisting that England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are represented separately. At least each country could gather 60 or 70 votes.
Frank, Seattle, USA
simple - i dont wath it
timur, London,
it's painfully embarrassing and it's a fix. but we should probably be more concerned the eu is like that. just be glad sepp blatter's not in charge of it or we'd be getting minus points, not just nul.
jem, london, uk
At the end of the day, more people watch it abroad than they do here and I'm sure 80% of the people will vote for there own country!
Why dont we send any artists that actually have a record deal! lo
The fact that 85% of the acts sing in English tells me a lot! :D
Andy, England,
Surely the answer to the Eurovision judging, is to revert to panels of judges in each area only hearing the sound. If they also only received a 'clean feed' so that the country names were excluded, then votes would be much more likely to be on the standard of the entry.
DEREK FLANAGAN, HYTHE, UK
I would like to second David Harrison from Manchester, Paul Merton is the perfect person to replace Wogan!
Kat, Glasgow,
In my mind several of the song entries were much better than ours including the winning entry. Andy's voice was wasted on the disco tune, he's more of a ballad snger. May be the time has come for us to review how we select songs and artists.
mel, shirley, uk
Many people here, including one poster from Cambridge seriously need some geography lessons. Open World Atlas or Wiki and you will amazingly discover that Europe (NOT EU) ends at Ural mountains and over 120 millions of Russians actually live in Europe. Sibiria (asian part of the country) is empty
Alexey, St.Petersburg, Russia
Only 2 countries gave points in the final to the UK (San Marino and Iceland) against 36 countries that gave points to the Russian performer. It looks like the viewers in Europe, not only Russians and their former satellites, like Dima Bilan more than the British guy.
Anton, Urjupinsk, Russia
Funny that little over a week ago the European Cup Final was contested by two English clubs , with a third knocked out in the semi.
Didn't hear anyone protesting then about how unfair it was the one country was able to dominate a Europe wide competition just because they had all the money.
Steve, London,
Andy Abrahams is a talented singer but face it Eurovision has had it's day, let's forget about entering in 2009 and put the money to nurturing MORE homegrown talent. It's obvious that the rest of Europe DO actually like our music, otherwise our singers and bands wouldn't sell so much over there
Vicky Hampton, Cannock, England
Simple
divide europe into 4 equal parts (balkan, nordic, former USSR, western) - countries in each part cannot vote for other countries in that part
how ARE countries like russia and armenia european anyway? asian surely.
Andrew, Cambridge,
double surprise that poland did so poorly - lots of emigrants and a good song.
Andrew, Cambridge,
No, not a conspiracy in site!
The trouble is that we have a wealth of countries who share lots of common culture and history - not least, those that used to be under the soviets.
They will tend to vote for each other quite naturally.
Joss, Milton Keynes, UK
Only the countries that make the final should have the right to vote. It's not enough to put the countries like Germany and the UK that contribute the most financially automatically in final.
Simone, London, UK
Britain taking part in Eurovision is like Man utd playing in the Sunday leagues.
Eurovision has no more musical merit than those dire simon cowell karaoke shows, so why don't we let the lands where stonewash jeans are still cool have their fun?
let's just stop paying for it.
Cameron, london,
What about:
1/ Each song is performed in the national tongue, i.e. the Croatian entry would sing in Croatian.
2/ National costumes, or something similar, to be worn rather than the disco style favoured by so many.
3/ Each participating country contributes equally to the cost of staging the event.
4/ A panel of judges rather than the telephone votes.
5/ No more 80s style "power ballads"!
Jeff Bellamy, Peterborough, UK
If the Eastern European countries start following the same pattern for votes in the European parliament, we really will have something to worry about!
Mike, Haywards Heath, UK
Dear Mr. White
Rodolfo Chikilicuatre is not argentinian, and is not a real person. He is not even a real singer. He is the character created by the Spanish late night TV show "Buenafuente". He is a big, very well orquestrated joke.
He was a humorous answer to everything you talk about in here.
Alex, Coventry, West Midlands
Paul Merton to replace Terry Wogan.
David Harrison, Manchester,
Another question about this year's competition is why did the Norwegian song get 13(!) times more points than the UK one...
Druzhishe, Moscow,
Please realise:
1) Cultural similarities in neighbouring countries.
2) The Russian artist is very popular in eastern Europe,12 year old girls sending 10 texts each based on his poster being on their wall don't really care where he comes from.
3) Ex-pats, example, 40% in Estonia are Russian speaking.
David, Cambridge, England
Perhaps the most noteworthy trend in Eurovision over the years is the dominance of English-language entries (even the French now do it!). So, perhaps it is English and not song that will unite Europe... even if some performers (and hosts) English is as dodgy as the songs.
Chris Massa, London,
The British entry did not do well because it was a very weak song, musically and lyrically. OK Russia won because of "political" voting but Greece came second with a pretty good entry which would seem to indicate that a good song can still win whatever it's source.
Terry Wale, Pevensey Bay, UK
I had a great time at a friend's Eurovision party (had never seen it before). We found it quite amusing that the UK didn't win - it seemed about as competitive as an egg and spoon race! I liked the Latvian entry and enjoyed the wide range of bad music.
Pav, London,
This is odd! The Germans are saying the same things as the British. Wow, you guys actually agree on something. Its nice to see you Europeans can embarass yourselves AT LEAST once per year ( we Americans do it daily). Stop paying (duh) and participating-then watch the them all bloc vote.
Mark, Tonbridge,
The one thing the Eurovision Song Contest makes painfully clear is the fact that though Europe may be expanded at will politically - in terms of cultural history, taste, lifestyles, and value systems this won't work. Farewell Joe Bloggs. Welcome Borat.
Jochen, Bremen, Germany
Block voting patterns may also arise because of real cultural and regional preferences - maybe east europeans genuinely have appalling taste in music... ;¬)
shane, Guildford, England
In answer to the question "Does the UK love Europe".....
errr no not at all.
The biggest disaster this country has made in the last 50 years was joining and then staying in the EU.
All Eurovision does is provide another example of why we need to get out fast.
Guy, London, UK
In responce to J Roberts, Manchester, UK.
Man Utd is the best football team at the moment.That's the fact. Dima Bilan was the best. That's the fact.The victory is always victory.Try to send spicegirls the next year and win this contest!
In August play Zenit Spb vs Man Utd - the best team wins!
Andy, Moscow, Russia
J Roberts, Manchester -20 years ahead...try nearly 50years ahead!
If anyone looks at the Eurovision to find the next big music talent then themselves have no taste. This competition has never been taken serious. But its become too political & racist so please stop spending our money on this BBC
Andrew, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Chickens have come home to roost
Terry used to slag the norwegians off for nul points and now we get left behind in last place
It was just 30 years ago that the Norwegians were getting nul points
So it has come back and bitten Terry in the face
personally I think Croatia should have won
Henry North, London, UK
Yes, it may be right what The Guardian writes "nobody loves the UK" but a good question is "Does the UK love Europe?" and I don´t mean just watching the Eurovision festival but feeling European.
M. Villa, Madrid, Spain
Chikilicuatre is a parody to Eurovision, people know it's all about politics in the contest, so it is better to choose someone at least makes us laugh and have fun! I would describe Spanish participation as the big Eurovision joke!! Without taking it serious!
Quim, Barcelona, Spain
Eurivusion is good chance for singers from the rest (other then UK) to introduce themseve to Big Music (UK and US) market. They do the best they can. Does UK do the same?
I think 4-5 sunger from Great Britain and Irland (but not the randon ones) will bring more music and excitement into EV.
Andrey_russian, Mt. Airy, US
We have seen how easy it has been for phone in voted to be corrupted in this country, so what hope is there that the same or worse level of corruptiion is not prevelent in the systems of our new European colleagues. Global communications are reality, perhaps is is now time end Eurovision.
Ron, Milton Keynes, UK
Apart from this annual farcical spectacle, what else do we get from Eurovision for our money?
Ron, Milton Keynes, UK
People vote for their own country, whatever the song.
Large numbers of Eastern European migrants now live in about every single Western European country.
They vote for their country of origin.
The only way Britain will win again is if we all move to Eastern Europe. Any takers for Albania?
Erwin, London, UK
come on guys - what music is charting in all of the 'successful' Eurovision countries? English and American. Treat it as a bit of kitch fun - it is not serious!
richard, chislehurst, UK
The truth is, western europe (the UK in particular) is at least 20 years ahead of the rest of europe when it comes to music, that is why they don't win. If say for example Coldplay entered, they would probably come last too, which would in my opinion prove how worthless this silly little contest is
J Roberts, Manchester, UK
I find all the comments from the Russians here highly amusing, we are 'losers', we are not the best anymore etc etc.
We will continue to look down on this pathetic competition and continue to dominate the worldwide music charts while your send your best 'stars' to this quaint little farce.
J Roberts, Manchester, UK
Undoubtedly one of the main factors in British terms is Wogan. He has been there far too long. He represents the institutional rigidity of the BBC. One of the charms of the show is the different international presenters each year, yet old Wogan bumbles on year after year. They should have a different British presenter each year.
It is supposed to be a song contest but it has become a politically inspired gimmick contest with the inevitable elevation of bad taste, and all these conflicting factors have produced the confusion illustrated in this article. It could always return to being a song contest but I don t think it will because few people can write good songs, whereas anyone can express themselves, or anything else, in visual terms.
Henry Percy, London, UK
The only good thing about Eurovision for many years has been Wogan's commentary. Songs are dire, sung by failed pop-star wannabes not good enough to get a record deal, or to appear on any of the plethora of inane pop-idol-like 'talent' shows. Third rate tosh. Especially the UK's most recent attempts
Mikael Maus, London, England
"Why do you complain about?Most songs are sung in english" - enrique, tenerife, spain
Rubbish songs sung in any language are still rubbish Enrique.
Mikael Maus, London, England
@ kucukalic, sarajevo, bosnia and herzegovina,
HAHA I laughed at your comment!! An eastern European calling us old-fashioned!! How many internationally famous and successful music acts has eastern europe produced? ZERO!
J Roberts, Manchester, UK
Frank Sentinella, Manchester, England
Frank, your comments are elitist, superior and rude.... and utterly correct. One guy on here from Russia said we should send a musically accomplished band like the Spice Girls. Says it all really.
Dave Williams, Beijing, China
In response to Nick (East Midlands) message...
If you have harbor such low estimations of the English, and the tone of your message suggests this to be the case. Why don't you pack your bags and return from whence you came??Clearly you are sick of us Brits.
K McCann, Brisbane , Australia
Complete and utter waste of time and effort . Amazing what still passes for entertainment .
Benzo, Nr Chelmsford,
Dear-UK,
France,Germany etc
You should be proud if you do not receive any vote.That means you have a good song.I`m not joking!
I`m from Kosova,born new country.I feel happy to not participate in this show.Eurovision sucks..The Italian did the right thing:Just ignore this stupid show.That`s all!
nges, Prishtina, Kosovo
No Russell, he meant "nul" as it is French and "nul points" is a famous phrase associated with Eurovision known by all. Next time, I suggest you do your research before trying to make "clever" comments.
Ben Burger, London,
"should worry us why Western Countries and UK naighbours don't like us and don't give us any valuable points."
No we shouldn't worry. If western european societies have moved at least to a greater degree away from pathetic knee-jerk ethnic identification that that is cause for celebration.
Dave Williams, Beijing, China
It is indeed such a funny article! While most keep complaining that the era of the Eurovision is over, and that it is not worth arguing over the results, the statements and comments here show just the opposite. This contest is no longer the one to boast about. Russia has won and that's just a fact.
Dasha, Moscow, Russia
The vast majority of people in most participating countries do not vote, making it easy for determined minorities to manufacture the result. You can be sure that most Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians etc did not vote for Russia, their Russian minorities did.
Paul Williams, London, UK
Did the writer of the headline mean "nil" or perhaps "null"?
Russell Cawthorne, Melbourne, Australia
Typical Brit thing to do: moan and blame it on others.
You should also pull of of Euro an World Football Championships, because, i forget - for how many years did you fail to win it? Those contests must be political as well must not they?
Nick, East Midlands,
Why not to ban next year voting for 3-5 countries that had given the most of points to the country singer at current Eurovision show (I mean for every given country). But songs and performers still should not be discounted
Andrey, North Caroilna, US
wogan is right. eurovision is now a waste of time and money as a music competition. Lets just withdraw and use the money saved to set up an alternative competition for western european nations.
chris, cardiff,
Rules of selection! They should be identical in all countries. Suppose, the maximum level of squeal of admirers defines the competitor (it was used somehow in Russia). When it will be clear, whom we have pleasure to observe, the Eurovision will fit at least for scientific researches.
Vasiliy, Sanct-Peterburg, Russia
I think the Eurovision song contest is an opportunity to see and hear what other Europeans like - and some of the songs were pretty good. I particularly liked the Cypriot entry, the French one, and the Israeli entry - that guy has the voice of an angel. I could listen "all night long" !!
Stephen Pain, odense, denmark
The voting scheme should be changed - it is no doubt - to equalize the chances of each country. Russian fans would be the first to vote for this change - we don't need an undeserved victory - and don't want our victory to be disgraced.
Olga, Volgograd, Russian
The BBC contributes 40% of the cost to run Eurovision each year!
Maybe the Beeb should withdraw it's funds and let our friends in the Eastern blocks pay for it.They don't seem to care whether the UK is in the competition or not but I'm sure they'd change their minds if the UK's funding disappeared.
Karen, Brisbane,
We all knew the UK, Germany, Spain, France etc. were going to do badly before performing. If the the former Eastern-Block think us stupid and expect us to pay 30% to pay for this joke again & be proud of it they need a rethink - urgently! BBC or EU - don't waste our money on foregone conclusions
LT, Warminster, UK
Under current rules Russia will always win with merely an adequate song. If only the 25 finalists voted Russia would have won by only 9 votes, with Ukraine 2nd and Norway up from 5th to 3rd (with the most (22/24) countries voting) but the UK would have had the mortifying experience of 'nul points'.
Matt Semple, Ickenham, England
I've never understood why the UK enters just one song. Why not Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Englan?
Paulo, Nuneaton, England
Come on, that's not political but cultural blocks. Puting Russia and some Latvia or whatever in the same political block is a joke. Ukrain and some of the Baltic states are considering the law that would restrict the russian tv broascasting in these countries.
konstantin, moscow, russia
The British song was extremely old-fashioned. The voting *is a joke (and a bad one), however, who does Great Britain ever support in Europe? What kind of relationship does it have with anyone? Its isolationist, selfish policy is reflected in the absence of votes.
kucukalic, sarajevo, bosnia and herzegovina
The real proven block voting is postal voting in British elections. The ESC reflected the wishes of telephone voting by mostly youths who took it seriously. The British only wanted to hear TW.
The top 4 songs were good. I would think dozens of E.Europeans would fund the ESC if Britain withdrew.
Marco Borg, London, United Kingdom
the uk & other western european countries cannot complain on the outcome until we enter decent acts. problem is our MANY talented artists wouldnt go near this competition as its seen as their last hope in their failed careers. we can moan after we enter radiohead or coldplay and still get nil point.
Andrew, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
At least one Belgian voted Irish this year (without success unfortunatly). Maybe the time has come for the Western nations to pull the (financial) plug from the Grande Damme (aka ESC) and found a new version of our own.
I certainly hope the BBC will take its responsibility in something like that.
K. Peeters, Antwerp, Belgium
If Dima Bilan one acted without support of Hungarian violinist Edvina Martona and the figure skater with Evgenie Plyushchenko's world glory it could not borrow 1 place.
It not a pure victory of Russia.
Victoria, Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine
When in Britain were excellent singers - The Beatles, Rolling stonz, Elton John. But these long-time ran out. You blame others in the clan, but unless you do not see that Western culture is dying, she was quite primitive and practically moved into kitsch. And you thought will be at the top forever?
Piter, Moskow, Russia
Instead of doing the typical thing that we Brits usually tend to do, which is to sit there and moan about it year after year, follow Italy's example, show some self respect and drop out of it altogether when we really should have years previously. License fee saved, problem solved.
Seamus, Chelmsford,
Come on, guys! I do not like Dima Bilan. But many people like him. Many people liked Olimpic Champion Yevgeniy Plushenko. It was a fresh idea to unite ice and stage, figure skating and a song. Good idea helped Russia to win the first victory in 53 years, not mafia as you think!
Andy, Moscow, Russia
The fact is you didn't get votes from anyone. Your song was bland and boring and sung by a man who couldn't even win pop idol in his own country. Russia on the other hand sent one of their biggest stars. Maybe you should try doing the same. Personally I thought the song from Bosnia was the best
charlotte, Copenhagen ,
Jury voting? Brits are now angry about the results, so they want to change the rules. Typical. It's not East Europe's fault because West European countries hate each other.
miconi, Belgrade, Serbia
I love the Eurovision, but the bloc-voting issue cannot be allowed to continue.
I propose extending the "you can't vote for yourself" rule into "you can't vote for your immediate neighbours" by splitting the 45 countries into 5 or 6 voting regions.
Jacob, Sydney, Australia
If Terry goes .. it will end an era. Sad but times move on.
BBC should save its money. UK songs have been rubbish for quite some time: including the one presented this year. If we can't take the selection of the UK songs seriously (remember the old Cliff sat. night series) we should stay out.
lang, london, UK
Seriously, we are Britain, the home of the greatest pop acts ever (bar America)! So I say next year we put together all these modern 'stars' as an act and if they fail, we can complain of super bias. Then we enter acts like 'The Cold war is over, so let's get hot in my bed'& 'We only have love oil'
Berry Shogun, England Town, England
It's interesting to note that Russia only came third in their semi-final, slightly behind Armenia and well behind Greece.
Rob, Liverpool, UK
Waste of license fee; I sincerely hope that the broadcast companies who pay for this charade (i.e. bbc, France and Germany's main broadcasters) pull out.
Blue Baby, London,
Why do we enter? Why do we watch it? Are we gluttons for punishment?, maybe we're all brain dead.
brian keating, agde, france
Rodolfo Chikilicuatre is only an Argentinian CHARACTER, played by a Spanish comedian. The song is a send-up of reggaeton music popular in Latin America!
CM, London,
Israel had a lot of points, and they are not part of any of the so-called blocs, they have no neighbours to vote for them - but they had fantastic song. So please stop whining... a good song always gets some votes...
Matea, Belgrade, Serbia
The one thing that Eurovision does each year is prove beyond a doubt that nobody east of the English Channel (aside from the Swedes) has any idea how to make a decent pop song.
Sven, Stockholm,
Let's vote with 1914 borders!
Eurovision is a fine reason for bringing back the Austro-Hungarian and Russian Empires.
David, London,
I think Dustin raised the tone considerably. He deserved a less prejudiced hearing.
Don Tindale, Gateshead,
There is only one solution to making this farce equitable. Get rid of televoting. Reintroduce jury voting but have only one jury with representatives elected by each of the participating countries.
CK , LIS ,
I liked Andy's song. But how many people in Europe appreciate this kind of songs and why do they have to appreciate the certain style and vote for the UK?
Laz, Birmingham,
who cares about 'Eurovision Contest' we have a big win where it matters with Lewis Hamilton!Congratulations!
Mary., Brighton, UK.
Re.Eastern Bloc voting "conspiracy" and politics.Since 2003 the UK entry received NIL points(zero,nothing) from:Germany, Netherlands,Spain,France,Switzerland,Finland,Portugal,Belgium.And only two(!) points from Iceland,Norway,Sweden.So 11 Western(!) countries gave the UK only 6 points in 6 years...
Druzhishe, Moscow,
How is Azerbaijan, Israel and Turkey more european than,say, Lebanon, Kazakhstan or Marocco?
Dmitry, Moscow, Russian Federation
Well, It IS well known that Eurovision is not about songs anymore...It has become a political thing.
Spanish participant has been criticized several times, but I think people just dont understand the meaning that's behind of the whole ridiculous dance thing.
sara, Seville, Spain
In spain we got tired of watching how great singers didnt get any points just because eastern countries vote each others, so if sending serious singers to eurovision won make us won, at least being funny -or ridiculous- wont make us win neither but at least do made us laugh
sara, Seville, Spain
You are the same as we are. All those years that Russia participated the contest, we were complaining that our defeats were completely political. And now all things are upside down
and you are complaining the same way. This is a sign that the contest could be fair.
Serge, Moscow, Russia
It really shouldn't be necessary but I would like to remind the authors of previous comments that it is not the EuroPEAN Song Contest but the EuroVISION Song Contest. Just as Russian footballers compete in the European Championships by virtue of paid up membership of UEFA so do they sing in the ESC.
Barry Etheridge, Bourne, UK
You should send someone worldwide famous to the contest, like spice girls, all saints, amy winehouse, madonna etc. and you will win.
Abraham wasn't very good, his song was mediocre and his show was awful, it wasn't interesting to watch. What do you want, 12 points just because he is from the uk?
Serge, Moscow, Russia
For the first time in ten years we put out a decent song which deserved better. The crap dished up by the other nations and the blatant corrupt voting of the Eastern block have turned this event into an utter farce. We'll send the ultra naff Cheeky Girls next year, guranteed winners!
Paul, West Midlands,
Each country should sing in its national language. I do miss the orchetra as well!
Jordi, London, England
Modern jazz is technically and creatively superior to all other musical genres. However, jazz would stand no chance of winning in competition with mass popular music. English pop music is far superior to that of most other nations, so why bother to compete with musically substandard perceptions?
Frank Sentinella, Manchester, England
They all need a Jolly Rogering.
gwilym rhys-jones, costa del sol, spain
Andy's song was catchy and he performed it very well. I feel so sorry for him - and angry at myself for watching the whole thing!
Rachel, Brighton,
The reason we're complaining is partly to do with the fact that we're one of the 4 countries that funds this charade.
Its the political voting thats the problem. Perhaps we should take our 40% out of it. Or Russia should take our 40% instead?
The best song certainly didnt win last night.
Clare , Eastwood, UK
Why is Israel in the song contest? Don't know; perhaps because its one of the few countries with any kind of history of voting fairly. That's what we're looking for.
Antony, Woking, UK
No-one complained about political voting when Love Shine a Light won in 1997. It was a good song, sung in tune by a professional singer and broke through the blocs, winning douze points ten times. Why, since then, have we only submitted entries sung by unknowns? We can do better.
Ian, Geneva, Switzerland
Let's face it this contest is not about songs, it's a political vote and Terry Wogan is right ( I hate to say it). It's a complete farce and we should just pull out. Jeux Sans Frontières? dont make me laugh!
heather maryson, eastbourne, UK
Politics matter a lot - but if England had an outstanding song, it could have been a lot higher. What kind of politics would make all the countries vote for Norway or Greece? They simply had good songs!
Maria, lancaster, UK
Note to the BBC - Eurovision Song Contest 2009 - Moscow.
Kick it into touch - spend "our" money on nice meal for Sir Tel and Lady Wogan and invest in a couple of cracking Films for the rest of us to enjoy that evening.
Keith Hand - Macclesfield Cheshire
Keith Hand, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
I wonder how ABBA would have got on last night? In the spirit of Eurovision I won't comment on the UK's song quality but how could you fail to hear the quality in the Norwegian, Danish or even French entries. It's so hard to ignore or dismiss the blatant voting strategies. Just end it and move on.
Colin Lyons, Daventry, United Kingdom
My favourite was the Israeli artist.The UK entry was very dull.Politics doesn't matter.In order to appreciate East European singers you should learn to speak their languages.In the meantime,log on to You Tube to have a listen.Start learning foreign languages and relax!
Bozena, Reggio Cal., Italy
..while your there try finding who you ar. we dont live in a perfect world-the contest is not perfect-but, try to see the good parts. ok a bit of a rant- but like some of the songs last, i just dont get terry wogan. but i dont take from his successful career-maybe it time for someone more objective
ian mcnamara, london, uk-europe
Just because you can't win a contest any more is not good reason to stop competing. For instance England still enter the World Cup every four years.
Paul, Balmain, Australia
eurovision "contest"
Please save the tax payer money next time
toni, birmingham, uk
Israel is NOT in Europe. Why are they allowed to enter?
jayil, london, uk
It's not about blocs and politics, it is also about migrant communities (major communities will always vote for their country). That simply mirrors a new reality. Europe is no longer just the few central countries! Plus, UK's songs have sucked BIG TIME lately, make an effort instead of complaining!
Ana, Coimbra, Portugal
Eurovision is an irrelevance. British music still leads the way. Remember when the winner topped the charts across Europe? I bet if Coldplay entered for the UK next year, we'd soon see the voting blocs fade away! We may get 'nul points', but at least we've trained them all to sing in English!
Clive, Birmingham, UK
The whole bloc-voting is just down to displaced people working or living away from home: turkish in germany, Russians in the baltic states, romanians in Spain (Spain gave 12 points to romania, there are half million romanians living in Spain)
Xan, Barcelona, Spain
The whole thing is a joke of course, and it's very funny to see people discussing "corruption" and the quality of songs.
However, there was one decent piece of music, and that was Goran Bregovic in the end, but much loved Terry Wogan didn't stop talking for a second ;)
mary, London, UK
I believe a psychologist, having read all the British comments here, could have arrived to a few interesting conclusions about the nation's health. FEAR of the Eastern block, feeling of betrayal towards Sweden or Greece (supposedly Britain's Western allies), fear of fighting when the odds are bad...
Kirill, Moscow, but often London, Russia
...instead of trying to influence the BBC to choose the best, instead of determination to fight. Is this a historical curse? Once a half of the known world was British. Alas, no longer. Once a half of the Eurovision was British and again, alas, no longer. And so the British should withdraw???
Kirill, Moscow, but often London, Russia
People have said on here that some voted for their
friends. So we have no friends in Israel, In Bosnia,
the Western countries and even the 400,000 Uk's
living in France don't like us either ?
Yep, they hate us all so much for making them sing
in English... thats it !
M walker, Nr Bromsgrove, Worcs
I don't think Terry Wogan should be allowed to retire from the EU Song contest. ! He could have the longest running programme on the BBC, do a commentary from home when he's 84 like Patrick Moore. Be propped up in a chair with his shirt collar sticking up, sticky up hair, and his tie under his ears.
Phil de Buquet, Newport,
England has to learn not to be a sour LOOSER! Send somebody able next time! As well, your host has to go, his remarks are the ones that are political. Russia won, start getting used to the fact that Russians will beat you more and more often and overtake West in standard of living in 10-15 years.
Oleg, Toronto, Canada
2/8 an easy chorus with no senseeasy to sing in all the european languajes.
I think that Cliff Richards is a great singer, and has career has been very sucessful in your country and also in Spain, and I know that he's a good friend of Masiel, so I don't understand this controversy. Congratulations
Isaias, Sevilla, Spain
Either the votes should be weighted by country's population or the BBC should withdraw.
I read the BBC foots 40% of the bill for eurovision.
I'm sure they could afford a decent film or two with that money!
rob, MANCHESTER, UK
4/8 presence on the stage.
You didn't win with your star, I'm sorry.
This year, spanish people chose between more than 1000 singers (who had their song in "myspace") to Rodolfo Chiquilicuatre (real name David Fernandez) a spanish actor who apears in a popular tv night show. This was popular
Isaias, Sevilla, Spain
6/8 because eastern and nothern countries voted to their friends (I still don't understand how Bosnia can vote to Serbia if their were enemys only 10 years ago). But in this politic contest, music is not important at all. In fact the winner song is a plagiarism of Cat Stevens Wild Word and Pet
Isaias, Sevilla, Spain
7/8 Shop Boys It's a sin so, definitly british music won in Belgrad last night.
But I know one thing. I won't buy any cd of the Eurovision contest, and this year, here in Spain we know which is going to be the summer party song, Chiquilicuatres Chiki Chiki, a funny, silly song to have fun with
Isaias, Sevilla, Spain
8/8 friends. Chiquilicuatre did something good in Spain, a lot of people was yesterday watching tv only to have fun and laught with Chiquilicuatres dancers falling on the floor. And or national tv singer didn't get 0 points as i expected. He got more points than last year with serious musicians.
Isaias, Sevilla, Spain
Hello my British friends,
Germany is calling. ;)
Of course, Russia and Ukraine did a good job but let us think about the points, too.
There is no chance to win for a country of the west anymore.
The Eastern States are giving the points to his friends and his big brother Russia. No chance for us...
Sascha S, Dortmund, Germany
Lets not forget that most of the countries taking part in the competetion were indeed paying the United Kingdom the highest compliment, for they were performing their songs not in their language but OUR language, English.
Steve, Rugby,
Ditto most of what has been said.The non contest was pathetic, tantamount to a Soviet block with nio assasinations, thankfully.One exception could be the pirates.Make fun of them, but I predict they'll be laughing all the way to the bank.Their gleeful contribution should go down a bomb on the panto.
Bob Tomlinson, Nelson, Lancashire
Jovo. You are mistaken. It is the Eurovision Song Contest not the Eurovision pop-song Contest.
The problem, as I see it, is not political voting but the politics of juvenile tastes left in charge of the phone by adults who would otherwise not be bothered. The politics of immature and narrow tastes.
P. J. , West Vlaanderen, Belgium
Morrissey offered to do the UK song but the BBC insisted that he compete with no talents like Andy A for the chance to represent us. This is patently ridiculous - we should be sending our top artists and not talent show wannabees.
Georgie , London, UK
Enough is enough. I don't want my TV licence money being spent on Eurovision. The UK is one of the biggest contributors, but stands no chance of winning because it is all rigged. If it was fair, where good songs won, then OK, but no longer. Terry sounded like I felt - time to stop the nonsense.
David L, London,
Why not just accumulate ALL the tele votes and then just announce the winner? Is that too simplistic, would there be a built in disadvantage to the bigger countries?
Derek, Hounslow,
We will never win the contest becuase of the block votes but we might do better if we had a decent song. Something tuneful, dancy that the rest of Europe can latch on to.
Cant we get soemoene else than Terry wogan to do show. He was doing it when I was a kid im now 41.
Alan Morris, Ellesmere, Shrophire
For the life of me, I cannot see why certain countries have the automatic right to be in the final.
Can you not see that this is not relished by the others who have to qualify?
And for UK to have such a rubbish sing performed amateurishly by a no-hoper ... well the outcome was at least predictable
David Michael, London, UK
The only reason why Russia won is because they did a good job. It is neither what you call "neighbour voting" nor corrupted voting. Stop complaining & perfom better next time. And at least when it deals with music, try to conceal your hatred towards Russia! It´s a shame to read all these comments!
Tatjana, Saarbrücken, Germany
To Ben, an American in Birmingham:
Is a bare chest Russian guy and his skater friend really the best of what Europe has to offer?
They are if you don't want your gas supply turned off!
E J Murray, Kerry, Ireland
From what I have seen on the program last night the Countries with all these fabulous amazing dance sequences, ICE SKATING and half naked women dancing won, it has nothing to do with the voice any more. Why not re-name it 'The Eastern European dance drama' contest. Cos that's what it's mostly become
Oliver Duffey, Highworth, England
Eurovision is wonderful, United nations. Truth is there should be more of these cute countries in the contest, kazalhstan, jordan, tadjikistan and the faroe islands. They are the future of the Eurovision, revigorating. The Uk entry was very cool, but keep trying . One year no good, next year great
Bent, Lund, Sweden
Is a bare chest Russian guy and his skater friend really the best of what Europe has to offer? When the next time my European friends complain about the overwhelming flood of American cultural imports, I’m going to point to the Eurovision song contest.
An American in Birmingham
Ben, Birmingham, UK
There were some quality songs this year and quite rightly our entry wasn't that good, but you couldn't watch the results and not have a spot-on guess on who was going to vote for who. I think we should force the EBU to do something about it by withdrawing our funding next year.
Kylie, South Wales,
Let's drop voting altogether! Why bother? Just put on a musical show with 25 countries (always including UK of course) Send great songs or cheesy ones and end the night with a lottery style draw deciding where the show goes next year with the host country missing from the pot. Simple.
Eddie, Cornwall, UK
I will not necessarily take the view that the last night voting
was expected, it to me seems that some patterns are changing, turkey is getting new votes from w. europe every year. I did expect, however, mr. wogan to cogently note that and to cope with the outcome as a proud looser.
alex uk
Aleksandar Mladenovic, Nottingham,uk,
as a young person, it makes me really sad. Yes, its only eurovision, but it shows so much about what other countries think of us. We wernt the worst, much worse songs did way better. Why shouldnt we enter MUSE? Because they still wouldnt vote for us, so whats the point of embarrassing muses talent?
Elle, Edinburgh, Scotland
My favourite activity on Eurovison Contest night is to predict the voting before it appears on the screen. It is very easy. You only need to know well the map of Europe and near Asia .It is also important to know about migrations of work force in the last 50 years. Easy! Spanish show was a shame.
paloma , Motril, Spain
Andy's song was dreadful - Such a difference from the X factor performances! Terry Wogan's disdainful commentary sums up the attitude that the British take to the Eurovision contest. Russia , Armenia, Ukraine had a good song and they deserved the top 5 spots. Good on them and good luck to Moscow!
N George, Newport, Wales
The Eastern European countries do hate each other, it is displaced populations voting for their own home country that causes bloc voting.
Adam, Sheffield, UK
It's time for the Eurovision Iron Curtain to fall!
Vincent Wong, Milton Keynes,
Great injustice with the songs of England every year.
UK, Spain, France and Germany should leave this contest of euro fix neighboring countries
Alex, Valencia, Spain
More license payers money wasted by the BBC, its about time we withdrew from this farce. There was some really intresting grass, growing outside my house last night.My mate had a watch the paint dry party. Lets hope we leave this farcical rubbish next year and spend the money on something better.
Malcolm, Liverpool , England
I for one really enjoyed some of the entries and the reason we in the UK came last is because our entries are utter rubbish lately. What can you expect with such drivel being put forward. I hated Andy Abrahams song . So it seems did the the rest of Europe.
sb, cleethorpes,
Oh dear! We all love good shows and a laugh. Eurovision is fun till the voting comes. Knowing in advice who will give the points to whom is boring. It used to be the best part of the contest. Eastern Europe leave the politics to the politicians. Well done Spain, Greece and Iceland.
Vera , Zagreb, Croatia
I think the UK would take it seriously if they chose a well known act to represent us. Time was when the Eurovision entry or winner from whichever country would end up in our charts. Theres not been one there for years. I do think the winner should foot the bill the following year.
ANN, STOKE ON TRENT, UNITED KINGDOM
The Eurovision song contest used to be a program I was looking forward to watch but lately the whole thing is being ruined by political voting and there is no fairness in the contest. If it were up to me the winner would be Greece, Armania or Spain.
Mislav Lulic, Zagreb, Croatia
I think Andy's song was great, it had groove and funk.
Russia's entry was actually written and mixed by Timbaland's producers, Andy wrote his himself and thats the real spirit of Eurovision!
Maybe if he had some half naked women dancing around on stage he may have won some points.
Emma, London, UK
As an Australian who watched this farce for the very first time last night I can only quote the late Eric Morcombe...'RUBBISH!'
The UK should respond by placing 'no vacancies' signs at Heathrow and Calais and tell the rest of Europe to well and truly sod off!
wendy, belfast, Northern Ireland
Staale - in fact Bosnia did place Top Ten this year. Not forgetting Herzegovina. Where would we be without them?
Next year I want the popular Swedish comedian, who announced his country's votes, to award the top three votes to made up -istans. Then we'll really see the sequins fly!
Suaimhneas, Dublin, Ireland
Withdraw from this corrupt version of the Eurovision competition and stop funding it.
Western European countries should have their own contest, like the original Eurovision. At least we would have a chance of winning.
Patrick Henderson, Coventry,
Please do try and make a good song, otherwise nobody votes for you. From the last night I remember some songs but I can not remember any single tone from UK song, it is just forgettable, empty, without emotions. This is not jazz contest, this is a pop contest and wins what people likes not the best.
Jovo Karisik, Podgorica, Montenegro
Why are we only compaining about it now? The existence of bloc voting has been apparent for years. Get over it. Pop will eat itself. These new eastern european natons are 20 years too late with their enthusiasm for the contest, we all know its a dead duck. I find it astonishing any money is spent
patrick, the hague, netherlands
I must have missed something. When did Russia and Belarus beome part of Europe? Can we expect Mongolia and China to enter next?
Tony, Hatfield, UK
Im with Steve from Warrick, I was having exactally the same thoughts. Iron Maiden for England in 2009 please! We'd blow all the other countries away. Lets face it, Maiden are one of the most popular bands in the world. Cant be that hard.
Pete, Frodsham,
No, no, ....we're all tackling this from the wrong angle - what we (Britain) needs is to get that brill 'Dubai Palm' company, Royal Haskoning, to come up with some 'little' palms...aspidistra's say.We build them off the coast-Liverpool, Hull, Fishguard and popluate them with European voters- Sorted!
Jul, Manchester, UK.
We shouldn't be worried why Eastern Countries don't vote for UK it should worry us why Western Countries and UK naighbours don't like us and don't give us any valuable points.
Terry Wogan shoud ask himself when UK is going to accept the Eurovision with more respect...
miky, Birmingham, uk
Ok, so there is always going to be tactical voting for top marks in Balkan/Eastern blocs, but the fact that Britain didn't even get any of the lower points awarded is not political voting, but just shows that Andy Abraham's song was totally dull and uninspiring.
Kat, Sidcup,
Having being initially distraught at the thought of Ireland entering a turkey , I'm now of the opinion that it was a stroke of genius. When you consider the "turkeys" on display last night , Dustin would have elevated the débacle to the level where it truly belongs. He might even have won!
D.O'Connor, Braunschweig, Germany
I was predicting the 12 point scores last night and pretending to bet my car, my dog , my house and finally my kidneys on the outcome. I know It was pretend but I wouldn't have lost any of them. Would a bookie take bets on who Cyprus give the 12 to cos next year I'm going to put a packet on Greece!
glyn, telford,
I've always thought that Mr Wogen's commentary, especially during the cultural interval provided by the hosts, particularly rude. Last night's effort was a good example of his intrusive folly. I'm sure he didn't talk through Riverdance, but he talked through music for Serbia's national dance!
Gojko Drtcha, Leicester, UK
i am english and we do complain a lot. i guess its in our blood. we need to do better. our song was good, but i will have gone for something more "english" and less like an afro-caribbean carnival. we should stay in eurovsion and keep participating. its always been a political swindle.
adam newstead, lincoln, UK
Laz,
Greece is basically Eastern Europe, very similar cultures and values, just warmer climate (and the fact that the Communists were'nt in charge for 50 years). Bulgaria and all those countries are much more likely to vote for Greece than the UK.
Spiros, Manchester, UK
I am a German living in London. I have to say that the English as well as the German songs deserved to loose because they were just average song with average music! You need some kind of special performance/ideas to gather some points!
Martin Dachsel, London, UK
Absolutely silly article. First the author appeals to "old good times" when unknown English artists were winning in a row (apart from Cliff Richard). Second author accuses newcomers of neighbouring votes, although please tell for whom Ireland and UK vote? Third, Latvia, Poland are not Russia friends
Anton, Gomel,
What I can never understand are countries voting for each other who supposedly hate each other.
L.Hall, Kettering, Northants
Dissapointed? Don't worry, this festival doesn't deserve our attention. Spain has elected a perfectly well marketing designed product. The actor who is under this skin is fed up of this role. Here we say that he will dead in the return fly. The point is, what do you hope? For me a mere divertimento
toni, Barcelona, Spain
My friends and I turned on the TV after the songs had been played so missed them all including the UK one.
We watched the voting and i'd say every other country we were able to guess correctly the country they would vote for.
We hadn't even heard the songs! Highly entertaining but terrible music
Rich Simmo, Derby, UK
Steve, I am not so sure about Iron Maiden. As long as voting is not changed my country will ashamedly give high points to Russia. Why? Voting costs money. Local people don't waste them on such a show. However, for local Russians the patriotic feelings overwhelm their economical thinking --> 12 point
Peter, Vilnius, Lithuania
I think the difference this year was that the UK song was actually good and Andy gave a great perfromance. The fact that a song like the Spanish entry got so many more marks than the UK, which was joint last is just a joke.
In the past I have enjoyed Eurovision, but I will not be watching again.
Andrew Baker, Milton Keynes, UK
Laz...erm Cyprus?
ariadni, Athens, Greece
The decision to allow ALL the countries who entered to vote - as opposed to just those who made the final - was the distaster. It makes a nonsense of the attempts made in the semi-finals, dividing the blocks up, to clean up the voting system. It's all about voting revenue now. Sad. Pull out UK.
Seb, Berlin, Germany
The United Kingdom and the United States produce the most influential and popular music in the word and English is widely spoken. Any sour grapes I feel is with the 'other' counties, who try to put us down, keep our dignity and beat them at their own game!
davies, bridgend, UK
East Eurovision Song Contest more like! At least someone could tell the viewers that the idea is to vote on the merits of a song not for the flag of their neighbour. Laughable too that little old San Marino has a much sway as Russia. A phone-in of five must tax the points allocation system.
Michael, Teulada, Spain
The west countries, our goverments, our public televisions, they should not support this contest. We do not pay our taxes to send people like "El Chiquilicuatre" (The spanish challenger) to this contest. Plublic televisions in our countries must have anothers aims and goals. We make IIRR in NATO.
Antonio Javier Montoro Moreno, Córdoba, Spain
the article is not saying abrahams should have won, its saying that the show has been taken over by eastern european corruption, and we could enter coldplay and still not win, because the people from these countries that vote, have no idea, they just vote for there neighbours, we should pull out now
kay, london,
The whole thing is ridiculous, the songs are go-awful, the performers are ludicrous. It's a huge laugh, how can anyone take it seriously? Even before the eastern european countires were liberated from Soviet Communism, we still laughed at the pre-1989 version. Why does UK taxpayer fund 40% of cost!!
Graeme, In exile,
Does anybody really care who wins?
brian keating, agde, france
Maybe next year, as the votes are announced from each country, there should be a big map and the recipient countries should light up, just to highlight the neighbourly voting.
As far as the UK is concerned, it's time to pull the plug
Richard, Bexhill, UK
It's by far the best way for millions of young people to get a sense of European geography, history and sociopolitical mores as well as providing a showcase for cities they may otherwise never get seen in such a spotlight. Well done the Russians and good luck Moscow!
David Masu, Zürich,
Little known fact.
What does Basil Fawlty and the Eurovision Song Contest have in common?
They both originate from The English Riviera. Torquay to be precise. Most competitors now sing in English.
Well we started it.
Mark, Torquay, Devon
For us who watch the BBC, this is a show on a level with The Office, French and Saunders or maybe the Goon Show! Who would seriously want to watch the 'contest' for it's musical contribution?
Tom Jackson, London, UK
I don't know why so many are surprised. Like most things nowadays with a 'Euro' label, it is corrupted, feeds off taxpayers money and serves very little purpose. Oh well onto the next scam.
Sparks, UK,
I'm quite sure that the BBC producers have a good idea of what goes on behind the scenes at the Eurovision and likewise so does Terry Wogan. These new countries hardly have a history of fair play. Keep in mind that charge money to vote on this show. Shamefully another rigged competition.
Andy, London, UK
As if one didn't need another reason to be a Euro sceptic! The show is an abomination. The frightening thing is that these Eurovision broadcasts are propagating out into the universe and some alien life form may come to judge earth's culture upon them.
TinaRusk, High Ongar, Essex
Sour Grapes ! Please Uk has known ofr the last 10years since the Eastern Block has arrived in the voting that they need to change but instead enter indifferent entries with no message at all remember the other year the stupid airline stewardess sketch as bad as the Wasing Line
David, London, UK
Terry is absolutely right. This "competition" - and I use the word loosely -has lost its relevance. Regarding popular music the UK is a big hitter on the world stage and we don't need to be a part of this freak show. Lets pull out and leave the whole sorry amateur night to those whom it fits best.
Kevan, Nottingham, England
Article have some misleads, for example about 3 Baltic states and others giving this year 12 points or 10 to Russia was because of big Russian colonist population in those countries. Same we know why Germany gives always 12 to Turkey.
Evaluation of songs must go back to elected juries like it was.
Ianus, Feldru, Romania
The top ten entries got points from most countries, so maybe they are just wat the televoters like ??? Get over it, the days dat Brittania ruled the world are long over, also in Eurovision. "East' send their topstars who put their heart & soul in it and give it their all. That is wat comes across.
Marijke, Nijmegen, Holland
Didn't watch it, wouldn't watch it, I can think of far better things to do. What I object to is my licence fee being wasted on paying for the hosting of this sad and ridiculous event. Since when was Russia even in Europe? What a complete and utter waste of time.
Viv, London, England
@Mark C., I think this contest is another world.The UK are strongly represented in international charts.Why bothering about that?If we take it too seriously,we've already lost.Music should be fun, and as long as we can keep that spirit we are the true winners and the bloc voter r the true losers :)
Tanja W., Canterbury,
After watching Eurovision last night my daughter thought I was psychic!
The voting was so predictable, and has been so predictable, that the BBC should stop wasting licence payers money on this 'spectacular' that no longer has anything to do with the quality of the music.
Paul, Exeter, UK
Here's an idea. Instead of entering specially commissioned songs, look at each country's pop charts for the previous year, find the recording by a national artist that stayed in the charts for the longest, then pit those against each for Eurovision. At least there'd be some commercial quality.
Penny, Villiers-Charlemagne, France
I never laughed as much during a Eurovision contest as I did this year, finally it has become entertainment !!
Not all swedes take the contest seriously, the Swedish guy (a young comedian) delivering the points was trying to make it into a joke, though it's possible only the swedes got that one...
Rebecka , Åre, Sweden
A small distinction but Lordi was definitely power metal rather than heavy metal but nonetheless a surreal winner.
Chris Jackson, London,
Time for the BBC to stop wasting our licence fee on this very political contest and not participate unless we win through from the "semi final" stages.
Yet again we foot the bill for countries that wish only to put the boot in, for many reasons. Concentrate on the real music business!
Peter, Nottingham,
I do think our song was poor, and certainly didn't deserve to win.
We should ask Iron Maiden to perform next year ... they are massive all over the world, especially in the eastern block and scandinavia ... we'd win easily!!!
Steve, Warwick,
Time to scrap it. Its meant to be about which song is teh best -or least awful. It clearly isn't any more.
J.E.Poole, Romsey,
Eurovision is a vote exchange nothing else. Can someone tell me how many well known bands all over the world come from recent Eurovision winning countries? Anyone from Serbia, Russia or Turkey that gets most of their votes from Turks living abroad. Leave it Brits you're vasting your time.
Dainius, Varena , Lithuania
I am Greek and I don't believe my country belongs to any "block"- we don't have strong ties with any easter european country- we're not exactly friends with FYR Macedonia, Turkey, Bulgaria and Albania; we are indifferent to Polish, Romanians and ex-Yugoslavians as indifferent we're the rest Europe.
Laz, Birmingham,
Why can't the telephone votes be moderated by a panel of judges from the music industry (like Pop Idol)? I think it is becoming more of a farce year on year. We must boycott it until a fairer voting system is in place. I also think all of the countries should pay the same to participate.
M, Beds,
Time we pulled out of donating large sums of money to such a farce. Terry it's time to quit, it's just not funny anymore an Andy coming bottom was unfair on him since it was a great performance and it deserved a lot better.
It use to be funny, but the joke has worn thin now!
Alison, Manchester, UK
I have always loved Eurovision and still enjoy the spectacle of all the weird wonderful entries. BUT, political voting blocks have made the competition an absolute farce. Last night I could always predict the country who would receive the "douze points" from the voting country. Time for UK to go
Barbara, New Milton, UK
I think the Old countries of Western Europe who ran the contest for the 1st 40 years should, next year, each send their very best singers not unknowns.
I'd like to see Charlotte Church sing for Britain she has a great voice and plenty of enthusiam and spunk.
J. Knight, Basingstoke, Great Britain
It seemed as though 20 out of 25 countries chose a song sung in the english language, even France. What a weird and totally irrelevant, to the UK, competition.
Terry, Radstock, England
I suggest one of two strategies:
1) Boycott the event entirely to protest at the obvious rigged voting and spend the license fee on something proper instead
2) Put the Arctic Monkeys or some other massively popular band up and see the Eastern Bloc vote against them!
Otherwise its just a joke
David, St Albans, UK
I think we are in danger of taking this- and ourselves- too seriously and Terry Wogan can hardly complain if nobody takes the voting seriously - he's done a good job of ridiculing the competition for years, and so he should.
Phil, Newcastle, UK
Since when was Eurovision ever about who can pu