Eurovision 2015: A preview and prediction for tonight's Grand Final
Molly's sterling performance on Thursday night was not enough to get Ireland into tonight's Eurovision final but it won't dampen our enthusiasm on what is a historic night for this country.
Eurovision in the last 15 years has been a beacon of tolerance and acceptance for the LGBT community and has a huge gay following. Tonight's contest will feel like a massive celebration of the yes referendum result and the whole of Europe is invited.
Reigning champion Conchita has gone on record saying that tonight's show is going be an "over the top celebration of fabulousness". I for one cannot wait to join in the fun.
27 finalists will battle it out for the crown tonight in Vienna. In previous posts I reviewed all the semi-finalists.
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Lets have a look at the host's entry and the other six pre-qualified countries in the mix tonight.
The Makemakes are a soul band who have a big following in Austria and Switzerland. The song is a soft rock number with more than a hint of John Legend.
"I am yours" is the home entry and will get the biggest cheer of the night. it is not a winner but it is a fabulous song. Great effort for Austria.
The Makemakes - I Am Yours (Austria) 2015 Eurovision Song Contest
Australia were given a wild card entry and added to the finalists to celebrate to 60th anniversary of the Eurovision.
Guy Sebastian is their artist - a huge star in Australia and his song is very modern, radio and cool, a sort of Bruno Mars / Justin Timberlake mash-up.
Currently 3rd favourites to win Australia will co-host the contest in a European city should they win - don't panic, we won't all have to head to the other side of the world.
Have a listen
Guy Sebastian - Tonight Again (Australia) 2015 Eurovision Song Contest
The French entry is a classic ballad by a classic chanteuse. In many ways the song is old school Eurovision but in it's genre it is very, very good,
The staging is a triumph and Lisa Angel sings with power. I wouldn't be surprised if this was top ten tonight.
Lisa Angell - N'oubliez pas (France) 2015 Eurovision Song Contest
After a massive drama in the German national final, Ann Sophie, who was the initial runner-up takes to the stage for Germany.
Again hints of Duffy and Amy Winehouse here.
The song is called "Black Smoke" and to be honest it took me some time to warm to it - probably not a good thing when it comes to a public vote. Nonetheless it is a strong entry from Germany
Ann Sophie - Black Smoke (Germany) 2015 Eurovision Song Contest
Il Volo are the singers - a sort of young, cool ( ans I use that word lightly) version of Il Divo.
The song has all the characteristics of a big, dramatic Italian opera ballad and it soars with perfect vocals from the guys.
By all accounts this is the one that can beat Russia or Sweden to the crown tonight. They are performing last which may actually be a hindrance but it will be in the mix for the win.
Il Volo - Grande Amore (Italy) 2015 Eurovision Song Contest
Edurne, the Spanish artist is the girlfriend of Man Utd goalkeeper, David De Gea.
She is a stunner and has thrown everything at her performance, including the kitchen sink!
The song is called "Amanacer" which translates as Dawn and was written by the same team that gave us the massive winner form 2012 "Euphoria".
Edurne - Amanecer (Spain) 2015 Eurovision Song Contest
The UK have become the self proclaimed whipping boys of Eurovision - no one votes for us, we will never win again .... bla bla.
The thing is if they actually entered a song that was any good people would vote for them. They take the mick and therefore people are kind of sick of them
Their entry "Still in love with you " by Electro Velvet is fun and a bit different and is an uptempo number in a ballad heavy line-up. Still I fear another last place is on the cards.
‘Still In Love With You’ Electro Velvet (UK entry for Eurovision 2015) - BBC One
Eurovision 2015 looks set to be a very close contest. A number of entries have emerged as favourites including Sweden, Russia and Italy, with the entries from Latvia and Belgium throwing surprise spanners in the works.
It will be a tricky one to call but I reckon Sweden is heading for its 6th victory and that Russia will be second.
I have a sneaky suspicion that the beautiful song from Hungary will surprise many and that Belgium and Italy will fill out the top five.
Onwards to the big show. Happy birthday Eurovision.
Here's to the next 60
xx
