Happy Ever After for Maggie Moone

Regular readers of this blog will know that we're great fans of Happy Everything, the song that came joint 1st in the UK's Song For Europe in 1980, but was pipped at the post by the vastly inferior Love Enough For Two.

Well it's taken nigh on 30 years, but some sort of justice has been done in the OGAE Retro 1980 Contest, which pitted songs that didn't make it to Eurovision in 1980 against each other. And coming out on top, quite rightly, is Happy Everything. You can find more details of the voting here

It's the 2nd year in a row that the UK has triumphed in the Retro Contest; last year Liquid Gold won with their 1981 entry, Don't Panic.

But back to 1980. Eurovision Express is confident that had Maggie actually been the UK's entry in that year, it would have given Johnny Logan a good run for his money.

Jade's up for a MOBO

Not content with 5th place in this year's Eurovision, UK entrant Jade Ewen has been nominated in the Best Newcomer Category at this year's MOBO Awards.

Just as she did in Moscow, Jade faces stiff competition, this time round from the likes of X Factor stars, JLS and Alexandra Burke. But unlike in Russia, where Jade's fate was decided on by both the jury and televoters, the MOBO award is purely decided by the public.

Good luck Jade!

Jessica Garlick and Martyn Baylay to appear at Eurobash 2009

OGAE UK - the British Eurovision fanclub - has announced 2 of the guests who will join around 100 fans at Eurobash 2009, the club's annual get-together in Birmingham on Saturday 3 October.

Jessica Garlick, who took the UK to an impressive equal 3rd place in 2002 with Come Back, will be joined by the song's composer, Martyn Baylay.

Jessica and Martyn will take part in The Guest List - a Q and A style event, giving Bash attendees the chance to hear more about the guests' experiences of Eurovision. They will also spend time mingling with fans - with the opportunity for more informal chats and photos. It's also hoped that Jessica and Martyn will be on hand to comment on the acts taking part in the popular Stars In Their Eurovision Eyes contest, which sees fans become their Eurovision heroes for the night!

Paul Marks-Jones, OGAE UK President and one of those organising the Bash, said: "We're really looking forward to welcoming Jessica and Martyn to the Bash. Jessica and Martyn achieved the UK's highest position this decade with a great song, and I'm sure they'll have plenty to talk about and be a real hit with the crowd."

More guests are in the pipeline. Keep your eyes peeled on this blog for more info soon!

Eurobash 2009 is now ‘sold out’ but anyone who wishes to be put on the waiting list should email eurobash@btinternet.com

Over the Moone?

Avid readers of this blog will remember how delighted we were when Liquid Gold won the OGAE Retro 1981 Contest with their Song For Europe entry, Don't Panic.

The Retro competition is an extension of the popular OGAE Second Chance Contest, held every year to give songs that didn't make it through the national finals the chance to compete for glory.

Second Chance began in 1987, and is still going strong. A few years back a bright spark had the additional idea of going backwards from 1986, so this year it's the turn of songs from national finals from 1980 to bid for glory.

And we reckon the UK's is with another fantastic chance with Maggie Moone's Happy Everything. This song actually tied for first place with Prima Donna's Love Enough For Two in that year's Song For Europe, so each regional jury had to be called up again to give the nod to one of the two songs. Sadly Prima Donna won through, leaving the vastly superior Happy Everything in 2nd place. Along with Scooch beating Cyndi, it's one of the biggest unjustices in UK Eurovision history.

Had Maggie made it to the Hague we're sure she'd have given Johnny Logan a run for his money.

So it's time to right a wrong, and for Maggie to come out on top where she belongs. You can check out Maggie's competition here (although you can only vote if you're registered via each nation's jury). Enjoy the song again below.

Mary knocks "Knock Knock"

Mary Hopkin, who came 2nd for the UK in the 1970 Eurovision, has revealed that she hated her entry, Knock Knock Who's There?

In an interview in The Daily Express, she explains that she only liked 2 of the 100 songs offered to her.

But it was Knock Knock Who's There? that Mary had to sing in Amsterdam, and, owing to its success, she also had to perform it in her summer season shows.

The interview also reveals that Mary had a little competition from Eurovision winner, Sandie Shaw. Mary's most famous song is Those Were The Days. Sandie had also recorded her own version of the song, and both records were released on the same date. Sandie's failed to chart, but Mary had a massive hit with her recording of the song.

Here at Eurovision Express, we're a little sad that Mary didn't like her entry. We actually think that, despite its somewhat cheesy title, Knock Knock Who's There? is one of the UK's better entries!

Venue confirmed! It's Fornebu!

The venue for the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest has been confirmed by NRK. The options were the Spektrum (1996 venue) in the city centre, and the Telenor Arena in Fornebu (west of Oslo). Thankfully the larger arena - the Telenor - has been chosen. This will easily accommodate the thousands of fans who will travel to Oslo in May.

Due to advertising restrictions, the Telenor Arena will be known as the Fornebu Arena for the duration of the 2010 contest. The last time Eurovision Express was in Fornebu was in 1996 when it was the site of the old Oslo airport. We are very much looking forward to returning for another Norwegian Eurovision!

You can learn all about the home of the next Eurovision here

Sounds great to us!

Eurovision Express has just caught up with Sounds Like Teen Spirit - the film that revolves around some of the participants at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2007.

Jamie J Johnson's film concentrates on the entrants from Belgium (Trust), Cyprus (Yiorgos Ioannades), Georgia (Mari Romelashvili) and Marina, one of the girls from the Bulgarian group, Bon Bon.

It's a great little film - by turns funny, sad, hopeful and uplifting. The Cypriot singer talks candidly about being bullied, and the Bulgarian girl seems especially upset since her father left home. The girl from Georgia carries the weight of her whole country on her shoulders and is delighted when she comes 5th.

The Belgians, thankfully, add a bit of light relief, seeming a little less stressed and concerned about winning - which is just as well because they came 15th!

Although the film deals with disappointment, ultimately it reveals the joy of being a kid and taking part in Eurovision.

Highly recommended! Check out the trailer below!

Eurobash is back!

The date for the very popular annual get together of the OGAE(UK) fan club - known as the EUROBASH - has been set. Mark it in your calendars - it's Saturday 3rd October. Once again, it's in the centre of the country - in Birmingham.

This event has sold out for the past two years so if you want to be there on the day - book now!

The EUROBASH will keep to the tried and tested formula -
· The Euroquiz
· A contest where attendees vote on selected ESC songs.
· The Guest Panel – Eurovision celebrities answer your questions.
· Stars In their Eurovision Eyes - LIVE ESC performances by attendees.
· A Euro Disco – where you pick the songs.

If you have any questions about the event, please email the organisors here

..and Su can tell everybody...this is Your Song!

Rumour has it that Elton John is to write next year's UK song for Eurovision. And even more bizarre, the rumour goes on to suggest that the singer would be UK actress Su Pollard - of Hi-De-Hi and Christmas Panto fame! What would Miss Cathcart say??

It must be the sunstroke, this surely can't be true, can it??

By the way that's Elton on the right!

Eurovision Dance Contest Postponed!

In a statement from the EBU, it has been confirmed that the 2009 Eurovision Dance Contest, originally scheduled for Baku Azerbaijan on the 26th September this year, has been postponed until next year! The official reason is that there aren't enough countries taking part!

Could the same thing be about to happen to the Junior contest (due to take place in Ukraine)? We think this a strong possibility as countries are also dropping out of that competition! Also, by this stage of the year we would hear of some national final plans for the JESC, but as yet, nothing!

You can read the statement here

ESC 2010 Final: 29 May in Oslo

Eurovision 2010 will take place somwhere in Oslo - the exact venue has yet to be announced. The final will take place on Saturday 29 May, with the 2 semis on Tuesday 25 and Thursday 27 May. This avoids a potential clash with The Champions League football final (taking place 22 May).

Bring it on!

Fairytale enters the charts!

The 2009 Eurovision winner has become a huge hit across Europe. In the UK it has reached no.10. This is the highest chart entry for a Eurovision winner in the UK for over 10 years.

Other UK chart entries are home-grown Jade at no.27 and Yohanna from Iceland at no.49. Across Europe Alexander's Fairytale has entered most charts, making it one of the most successful winners in years! In Ireland it has reached no.2 in the singles charts.

Congratulations Alexander!

Jury Vote revealed!

The Jury-only vote from Saturday's final has been revealed. Some interesting changes, UK and France moved up, whereas Azerbaijan and Turkey moved down.

1. Norway (312 points)
2. Iceland (260 points)
3. United Kingdom (223 points)
4. France (164 points)
5. Estonia (124 points)
6. Denmark (120 points)
7. Turkey (114 points)
8. Azerbaijan (112 points)
9. Israel (107 points)
10. Greece (93 points)
11. Moldova (93 points)
12. Bosnia & Herzegovina (90 points)
13. Malta (87 points)
14. Germany (73 points)
15. Armenia (71 points)
16. Ukraine (68 points)
17. Russia (67 points)
18. Portugal (64 points)
19. Croatia (58 points)
20. Lithuania (31 points)
21. Romania (31 points)
22. Sweden (27 points)
23. Albania (26 points)
24. Finland (12 points)
25. Spain (9 points)

Compare this with the combined Televote/Jury vote...

1. Norway (387 points)
2. Iceland (218 points)
3. Azerbaijan (207 points)
4. Turkey (177 points)
5. United Kingdom (173 points)
6. Estonia (129 points)
7. Greece (120 points)
8. France (107 points)
9. Bosnia-Herzegovina 106 (points)
10. Armenia (92 points)
11. Russia (91 points)
12. Ukraine (76 points)
13. Denmark (74 points)
14. Moldova (69 points)
15. Portugal (57 points)
16. Israel (53 points)
17. Albania (48 points)
18. Croatia (45 points)
19. Romania (40 points)
20. Germany (35 points)
21. Sweden (33 points)
22. Malta (31 points)
23. Lithuania (23 points)
24. Spain (23 points)
25. Finland (22 points)

Cпасибо Mockba! Thank You Moscow!

We've arrived back from our Eurovision experience in Moscow and it has certainly been one of the best contests we've attended in recent years. We were very impressed with the city and the people of Moscow as well. The organisation was excellent, as was the arena, and the Euroclub! Most of the attendees were also suitably impressed. And it looks like the new jury system was worked very well. Could we actually be heralding the return to a "Song" contest? We hope so!

Thank you to Iceland for the best Eurovision party (again) as well as providing the best song, and a special thanks to our new friend - Hera Bjork! She told us at the aftershow party that she would get a tattoo of the number "2" on her backside as this was the second "2nd" for her this year (as lead singer in the DMGP with "Someday" and of course as backing singer for Yohanna on Saturday). We feel sure that Hera will be back soon and make it to number 1!

We are also thrilled that our blog received more visitors than EVER during the Eurovision fortnight in Moscow, so thank you for reading the blog and we hope you stay with us as we turn our attentions to Norway 2010!

Long Live Eurovision!

What a Fairytale!!!!

We are HAPPY...Very happy! Norway has won as we predicted and our favourite - Iceland - came a very respectable 2nd. And to crown it all, the UK is back in the top 5.

Results of Final HERE

Results of Semi-Final 1 HERE

Results of Semi-Final 2 HERE

The first Semi-Final started with a Fairytale and we have certainly got a Fairytale ending! A great Eurovision result! Well done NORWAY! Off to party like it's 2010 now!

From Moscow.....Goodnight!

VOTE ICELAND!

Just about to go into the arena for tonight's Eurovision Song Contest final and we would ask you all to vote for our favourite song this year - Is It True - from Iceland! It is Song number 7!

Good luck Yohanna!

...And the Winner is......

Prediction time now....Having seen all the rehearsals, and the running order, we think tonight's winner of the 2009 Eurovison Song Contest will be....

NORWAY

This has been the favourite from Day 1 and has shone through in the semi-final. It's got it all - an eastern connection with the singer, a dance routine , a fiddle, a good looking singer and a memorable performance that you don't get bored with througout the 3 minutes.

Oslo 2010? We think so!

Happy Eurovision Day 2009!

The day has finally arrived and Moscow is awash with all things Eurovision. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Russian capital, and have been pleasantly surprised by its charm, warmth and friendliness. The metro system is fantastic and the people have been really helpful. Thankfully, if you stay away from the hotel bars/cafes, it hasn't been as expensive as we expected.

So, down to business.......who's going to be the 2009 winner! Well, we think at the moment, we have narrowed it down to about 4 countries:

GREECE


NORWAY


UNITED KINGDOM


BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA



Our own personal favourite (no surprise) is Yohanna from Iceland with the incredible Is It True? which we would love to win but we dare not dream that one!



There can only be one winner, we will reveal our prediction later.....

Final thoughts on the dress rehearsal

So we've seen all 25 songs in order. The best song is definitely Iceland, but our heads say that it's between Greece, Norway, UK, Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Ukraine. We'll whittle them down tomorrow.
It's going to be a very interesting Saturday night!
Goodnight form Moscow on Eurovision eve!

Finland and Spain

Finland -

They were still getting the UK's staircase off this afternoon during the start of the UK's song, but it looks like they've sorted that out for tonight. This actually sounds better than we remembered (although there are some off notes!), but is still something we prefer to hear on record in a club. A good reaction.




Spain -

There were also problems this afternoon assembling Soraya's staircase, but they seem to have been sorted for tonight. Visually pleasing, but not vocally perfect. A nice end to the Contest. Does the night belong to Soraya? We're not sure.

Short break then United Kingdom

United Kingdom -

There were major problems getting the UK set ready this afternoon, which have not been rectified for this evening either, as we've cut back the Green Room. The UK employs a complicated staircase, which is in 4 pieces. Looks like they will definitely have to include a break between Romania and the UK.

Anyway, we're off and running. Jade is accompanied on the staircase by 4 violinists in white, and there are a lot of shots of Andrew Lloyd Webber. A very good performance of a good (but not amazing) song. A nice reaction. Doesn't quite sound like a winner, though, but, you have to hand it to the UK - they've really tried!

Ukraine and Romania

A little pause when the hosts remind us how to vote (giving the stage crew the necessary time to set up Svetlana's massive hell wheel).

Ukraine -

Another trip to the circus with Svetlana's polished performance. We love the 'Bom' bits in this song. Another contender, and maybe another win or 2nd place for Ukraine. Good vocals and continually visually interesting. Will the juries go for it? I suppose that just depends on who is on the juries!



Romania -

We do love the "gin, tonic and lime" line near the start of this song, but even this didn't mean it should have qualified. We think this is in contention for last place.

Albania and Norway

Albania -

We like this song a lot, but we don't like the man in the mask and the strange Joker lookalikes. It makes us want to hide behind the sofa. But, unlike some acts, Albania probably didn't have that much cash to splash on what happens on stage. We'd like this to do well, and a friend from another blog thinks it's a winner....not sure we'd go that far....




Norway -

A strong sense of expectation for this. Alexander is confident and knows how to sell the song - he should do, though, as the routine is the MGP one. This is the hottest favourite in years, and we'd be very happy if it won, but it's not definitely in the bag. The ending is very strong, and this should do well with both televoters and the juries. A great reaction.

Germany and Turkey

Germany -
We've just had the postcard for Germany but it's switched to some Green Room commentary with Dmitriy telling us how great the bar is there. We wish someone would get us a drink now.

Anyway we're then straight into the song, without the postcard, which must be a mistake. Alex is dressed is some bright shiny trousers which are a tad camp. We preferred what he wore at the rehearsals (although we can't quite remember what that was - a jacket we think). Dita von Teese doesn't really make any impact, and again the original stand-in who rode the 'lips' sofa was better. This afternoon Dita showed some nipple tassles, but tonight she keeps herself covered up. This song has gone down in our estimation. Go back to the original rehearsals guys!



thanks to AKOE for this photo

Turkey -

This is a good song, but we've become a bit bored with it. It's Turkey by numbers (a little like the Greek by numbers entry). There were microphone problems this afternoon, but Hadise is coming through loud and clear tonight. This will, of course, do well, but we can't see it winning. Good reaction though.

Estonia and Denmark

Estonia -

We like this song! It has a hypnotic quality and will do better than we first thought. A good reaction in the hall.



Denmark -

At this afternoon's rehearsal they forgot to put on Brinck's chair, but not this evening. A great modern pop song that Western Europe will love. Comes at the right time after a Balkan ballad, a Mediterranean ballad and a Baltic new-age song. As always we don't always trust that Brinck will quite hit the high notes, but it's a foot-tapper that should end up mid-table. Reasonable reaction from the audience.