THE EUROVISION SONG CONTEST

BELGRADE, SERBIA

20th, 22nd & 24th May 2008

Eurovision with a UK bias!

It's the European Broadcasting Union's annual jamboree where countries across Europe compete for the Grand Prix. The Irish Republic had a tendency to dominate the contest in recent years -but analyzing the figures since the contest began in 1956, most critics agree that the UK has had the most consistent success. 

This site charts the UK entries and here are some notes on the most recent contests:

The 1997 winner was Love Shine A Light by Katrina & The Waves -representing the UK....and it won in style.

1998 was a much closer contest: The voting was the most exciting for years with Israel's controversial transsexual Dana International eventually winning by a seven point margin. Imaani with the British entry came second (The 15th time the UK has come second!) -just ahead of Malta with their best performing song in Eurovision so far.

1999 was not a good year for the UK. Precious had a big UK chart hit with 'Say It Again' -but it turned in one of our worst ever Eurovision results. The chemistry was just not quite right. Perhaps we have simply lost our Eurovision advantage now that every country can sing in English if they want to!

A new millennium and the UK turns in its worse result ever at Eurovision 2000. Nikki French put in a fine performance but the song just never got the votes. 

Now to 2001 and poor Lyndsay Dracass -just 16 years of age- did her best with a song that received no more than three votes from any one country. There was very little interest in the song in the UK where it was not even the betting favourite. Usually the UK entry is ALWAYS the betting favourite at home.

The UK's 2002 entry was "Come Back" -a big ballad sung by Jessica Garlick from Wales. She was a Pop Idol finalist -a TV show that caught the UK public's imagination. The format has had similar success in the States as 'American Idol'. Jessica put in a respectable performance -but top prize went to another Baltic state -Latvia -and a flavour of the moment Latin influenced tune by Marija Naumova -"I wanna".

Disaster for the UK and Jemini in 2003 with "Cry Baby" scoring no points -a first in the history of Eurovision for the UK. It's a catchy song that should have received some votes. Jemini looked the part but it seems technical difficulties with sound (plus perhaps some stage fright?) caused an out of tune performance. Add the post-Iraqi war effect (politics seems to play a part in voting!) and perhaps that is the explanation of a poor result. The winning country was Turkey (their first ever win) squeezing Belgium's unusual, almost Celtic offering from Urban Trad into second place and Russia's T.A.T.U were just behind in third place.

The 2004 contest was (for the first time) staged over two nights in Turkey. There is now a semi-final to whittle down the many countries taking part, with the main contest on the Saturday as usual. The UK, as one of the 'big players'  is guaranteed to be in the final!

The BBC tried harder in 2004 and there was a good strong collection of British finalists to choose from in a live public vote. Former Fame Academy student James Fox (from Cardiff) won the 'Making Your Mind Up' show and sang 'Hold On To Our Love' in Turkey. Despite all the effort, he came sixteenth. Ukraine's winner Ruslana & 'Wild Dances' certainly made an impact with her music and stunning visuals.

What can you say about the UK in Eurovision 2005? Good Song...Great performer in Javine..hardly any votes.

In 2006 we tried something different with rap artist Daz but didn't make much improvement on recent years.

In 2007 the BBC came up with the strongest selection of artists and songs to choose from in ages in the 'Making Your Mind Up' show.

A record 42 countries took part in Helsinki over 2 nights. The UK's Scooch were colourful, catchy, camp, good fun and polished all at the same time. The gimmicks were there in abundance and you would have thought it was perfect Eurovision. So why did only two countries vote for them: Bless Malta for their top 12 points - and the other seven points came from Ireland.

The UK selection show 2008 was renamed ' Eurovision - Your Decision'. I suspect the pundits on the show were right and Michelle Gayle should have won but the Great British public went with Terry Wogan's 'wildcard' Andy Abraham with Even if. Andy is a polished performer but I'm not sure the song is strong enough and memorable enough. Having said that, it will probably go on to win! With even more countries than ever taking part, the 2008 contest will be held over three nights.

This table gives details of all the Eurovision winners and the UK entries in the competition over the years:

As you can see -there were problems in 1969 when the UK, France, Spain and the Netherlands tied for first place!

WHY NOT HOLD A EUROVISION PARTY

The party is held while Eurovision is on the air. All your guests have previously taken part in a draw that determines the nations they have to 'work' with. Their mission is to go out and find food and drink that represents that country -If it proves tricky, then be inventive: Ice cream will do for Iceland! As the contest proceeds you all eat and drink what you've collected for each country while their song is on the air. Since the songs can last no more than three minutes, you'll find you have to move at break neck speed sometimes -enjoying foods sweet then savoury, then sweet then savoury -all washed down with exotic wines, beers and spirits...ugggh! It's fun but keep a bucket handy!

ALTERNATIVE PARTY

Invite all your friends round to watch the contest and give them a fun present that represents each country as they sing. Every guest does not need a gift for each song -just a few gifts each time- but make sure you spread the goodies around. It takes a lot of shopping but that can be fun -and it takes a lot of wrapping paper too. I know, because I did it myself for Euro '99!

SOME GIFT EXAMPLES:

Plastic plate Papal battery operated clock -featuring John Paul II (Poland)

Cuddly toy penguin (Iceland)

Willy Warmer (Iceland)

Pack of Crispbread (Sweden)

Fridge magnet of beer in glass (Germany)

A selection of tacky souvenirs from holiday resorts (Mainly Spain and UK!)

I also ran a Eurovision quiz, a sweep stake lottery with cash prizes for those choosing the winning country -plus fed and watered my guests. Everyone also received a special certificate (created on my faithful computer) to say that they attended this amazing party. Balloons and banners added to the atmosphere: 

 YET MORE ALTERNATIVE PARTIES

Host nation cooking: 

In 2002 my guests were treated to a traditional 

three course Estonian menu from recipes found on the net. 

2007 offered UK fans the chance of a great Airline themed party with food presented in plastic trays etc served by a trolly dolly. In our case we provided mini bottles of wine and tiny cans of soft drinks etc. The party was great - just a shame about the result!

Please let me know if you use any of these ideas

or can think of anything new to do!

Send mail to kevin@kevinjohn.co.uk with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2008 Captain's Cabin. All rights reserved.
Last modified: March 18, 2008.