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And the winner is...
11 years ago
... Austria.
For those who follow it, Conchita Wurst, the 'bearded lady', triumphed for Austria in the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest, with the appropriately named song 'Rise Like a Phoenix'. Austria's only victory came 48 years ago in 1966, and it was a joy to see them finally claim a win again. The song was definitely one of my favourites -- I love a good power ballad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaolVEJEjV4
It was also good to see San Marino and Montenegro make it into the grand final for the first time, even if they didn't score too highly.
France, sadly, brought up the rear with a paltry 2 points -- it was a very oddball entry called 'Moustache'.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine was very evident, in the boos whenever Russia was awarded an 8, 10 or 12 (though I admit to liking the Russian entry as well, more so than the Ukrainian one).
Next year, back to Vienna (probably, if they don't choose another host city).
For those who follow it, Conchita Wurst, the 'bearded lady', triumphed for Austria in the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest, with the appropriately named song 'Rise Like a Phoenix'. Austria's only victory came 48 years ago in 1966, and it was a joy to see them finally claim a win again. The song was definitely one of my favourites -- I love a good power ballad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaolVEJEjV4
It was also good to see San Marino and Montenegro make it into the grand final for the first time, even if they didn't score too highly.
France, sadly, brought up the rear with a paltry 2 points -- it was a very oddball entry called 'Moustache'.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine was very evident, in the boos whenever Russia was awarded an 8, 10 or 12 (though I admit to liking the Russian entry as well, more so than the Ukrainian one).
Next year, back to Vienna (probably, if they don't choose another host city).
There's generally /something/ for everyone in the Contest. My music tastes lean towards catchy pop tunes and emotional power ballads. I really wish it'd show on TV here, so I didn't have to get up early for a 7am start (not as bad as the Sydney crowd who have to watch at 5am). I think it'd be great to have a voting system for those outside the participating countries too, but that'd be a nightmare of logistics.