Eurovision Song Contest

Out of the first five, I thought Croatia, Israel and Sweden were crap. Franca and Lithuania were a bit better.

Portugal has just finished and that was probably the best so far. At least they were having some fun.

Eurovision

They are getting better. After an average song by Iceland and a boring one from Greece, we had a bit of fun from Armenia. And then quite a competent and powerful song from Russia. I loved the ageing special effects.

Azerbaijan was jolly but not particularly inspiring and Bosnia and Herzegovina is pleasant enough and probably worth some votes.

Eurovision

The next batch of six started with a lively number from Moldova. The Malta singer had a good voice that improved an average song. I sort of liked the Estonia one too.

Denmark at least tried to do something vaguely resembling rock, but only vaguely.

And then came Germany. This is the sort of song Eurovision was invented for. Very 1970s. it could win. Totally over the top - brilliant.

Turkey is going for flesh over ability.

Eurovision

Albania - good voice and daft show. So thumbs up. Norway's song sounded like something from a musical.

And then Ukraine. OMG, another totally over the top show. Gobsmacked.

Eurovision

Romania deserve no points for bending the rules. The woman singing apparently wasn't really singing but it was being done by the woman in the background that the camera never focussed on.

This was the first time I've heard the UK entry, and I was expecting to hate it, but it was actually quite good.

Finland wasn't bad, but they could never beat Lordi.

And finally a rather average entry from Spain.

Eurovision

My top ten:

1. Germany
2. Russia
3. Estonia
4. Ukraine
5. Denmark
6. Armenia
7. UK
8. Albania
9. Norway
10. Lithuania