It’s been a really quick week. \u00a0I’m a little exhausted by now, and I’m still battling this bloomin’ cold that’s been lingering since Wednesday. \u00a0I will not succumb! The academic events have all now finished, so the ERN and the ‘New Europe’ activities can give way for all things giddy and Eurovision from now on!<\/p>\n
Last night members of the ERN had great seats for the jury final. \u00a0We were sitting in block F – which was at the front of the arena, and we were at the back so we had a great view. \u00a0So far this week I haven’t had anyone sitting immediately behind me, so I’ve been jumping up and down to the songs that I like, without fear of blocking someone’s view behind me. \u00a0I wish the guy \u00a0who sat in front of me last night was similarly courteous – he took multiple pics of every song. It was getting on my nerves by the end of the night, but hey – I’m seeing it again tonight so I didn’t say anything. BTW:\u00a0apologies that I can’t spice the blog up with some nice pics from the final – I still can’t find the lead for my camera.<\/p>\n
The atmosphere was amazing. The arena was the fullest it has been and the home town cheering is like a wall of sound. Not to give anything away, the opening sequence is great. The vibe is excellent and it’ll get your euro-party off and running.<\/p>\n
Don’t ask me to predict a winner. I want it to be Finland – but will singing from first position be a help or a hindrance? France and Ireland are neck and neck with the bookies. I’d rather it was Ireland because it’s 10\/10 for effort and effect. I tell you, I’m not a fan of Jedward, but how they have handled themselves this week shows them to very good effect. Hey – if it is in Dublin next year \u00a0I could travel from Liverpool in pretty much the same amount of time that it has taken us to get from Cologne to Dusseldorf! \u00a0Great news is that we are now renting a people carrier, so it only takes us 50 mins to get here – hooray\/sound of Eurovision harps.<\/p>\n
Seeing the ‘Big 5’ in the mix for the first time was interesting. \u00a0Naturally the partisan crowd create a bit of a hullabaloo when Lena (Germany<\/strong>) steps on stage to defend her Eurovision crown. It looks stunning – and the song is so different from anything else that it could do the unthinkable. The UK<\/strong> have a strong showing from Blue – and a huge cheer from the crowd. Their styling has been changed and it’s a bit dodgy, but the performance was very good… but not as good as Ireland (gulp). France<\/strong> has been leading the betting odds for months, but I just can’t see it winning – great though the song is. \u00a0It reminds me of that Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman track “Time To Say Goodbye”, and I’ll have you know, fact fans, that it is the best selling song of all time in Germany. Italy<\/strong> are back, BACK, B-A-C-K for the first time since 1997. \u00a0I like the song, but he gives nothing to the audience in the arena, so I hope it looks better on the telly. By the time Spain<\/strong> take their turn you will have refreshed your drink on enough occasions to think that it’s wonderful. In the cold sober light of day you’ll probably reconsider!<\/p>\n Before dinner tonight we’re doing the mega (Jedward’s favourite word, BTW) NoD. Here, in the meantime is my top 1o (remembering that it’s who we think will be in the top 10, not necessarily our faves):<\/p>\n My 10 faves are (in no particular order, except Finland):<\/p>\n Before the final recap of the songs for the final, I’m sending hugs and Eurovision love to my original Eurovision partner in musical crime (yes, insert your own joke there!), Rachel Rolfe – it isn’t and it won’t be until we do again. You get me?!<\/p>\n Enjoy the show one and all, and thanks for reading once again this year – hope it’s added something to your day over the last week. \u00a0I’ll do one last post before I leave Cologne tomorrow, but for now, here are the songs to make your heart beat…<\/p>\n \ud83d\ude00 xx<\/p>\n 1. Finland<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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