What about that then?
So after over 30 years of trying, Greece finally manages to gain its first Eurovision win. I'm no fan of the song, as I think the lyrics are pretty dreadful, and the stage show was from a cruise ship floorshow, but at least its not Moldova or Malta, which I hated a lot more. I have the consolation of a 20 euro bet at 5/2 to console me. It will be interesting to see if the song will be as big a hit as the last two winners.

The results of the semi-final were leaked before we got into the venue, which caused a bit of consternation. People were shocked to see Romania had won, with Norway down in #6 and Switzerland as low as #8. It really blew the whole competition open. My suspicion that Moldova was going to do well was confirmed, when I found out that they finished 2nd in the semi. Ireland finished 14th which was about what I expected, but the Netherlands at #15 and Iceland down in #16 (one place ahead of  Portugal!) .  Poland just missed by 4 points to Latvia while Lithuania  were last  just behind Monaco. My two favourites Finland finished 18th and Belarus were only 13th.

As for tonight's  final, as I said on the day the draw was made Greece had really a great draw and when you then see that the songs that were top in the semi got early draws in the final it really helped the Greeks. If you want to see how important a good draw is compare the results of Latvia (10th in the semi and 5th in the final). The press conference is going on across the road now, but I have leart my lesson from last year, as these are pretty dull events at best. I can see it on the screen here in the  press centre. It's all pretty standard stuff.
 
The really big story is the big 4 being in the bottom 4. (I actually said last night that I thought they would take 4 of the last 5 places).  Surely there must now be a review of the big 4 rule? It is scandalous that the countries that sent the four worst entries this year qualify automatically for the final, while Croatia who have just missed out on being in the Top 10 once again, have to go the next year's semi. Ukraine's result is one of the worst ever for a host and Sweden are in the semi next year, which has pleased a lot of people here, Russia likewise.

So it's off to Athens next year, and I'm sure after the wonderful job their neighbours in Turkey did last year, that the Greeks will do a marvellous show. They have loads of good venues, after last year's Olympics and thee are even direct flights from Dublin (that hasn't happened for a Eurovision host city since 2001). So congratulations to Greece and I'm off to the after-show party. I'll update my site on Sunday night!

A HUGE thank you to Peter and Andrew and I hope you enjoyed our always honest reports.