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2011 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final - Enjoy the mix of music and madness from Düsseldorf

Published by Ryan Gault

Looking for 2012 coverage?

Follow this year's Eurovision conversation here


Guten Abend Europe (and the rest of the world). I must say you all look fantastic tonight (or morning/afternoon).

It's that time of year again when 25 European nation battle each other on a Saturday night in the medium of song, to see who is supreme in this years competition. It only seems like 5 minutes since we did all of this back in Oslo, where we saw Jimmy Jump, Epic Sax Guy and a Heikki Kovalainen lookalike. In the end it was Lena, with her song 'Satellite', who took the stage and dominated the rest of the competition.

And that means Eurovision finds itself in the German city of Düsseldorf, in the 66,000 capacity Düsseldorf Arena (changed from the Esprit Arena for sponsorship reasons, of course the venue for last years Race of Champions, and that is your tenuous Motorsport link #1). It has been fourteen days of build-up for these three and a half hours, and unlike previous years, no one has the slightest clue who might be taking victory away tonight.

There are some stand out songs of course, France have sent Amaury Vassilli with 'Sognu' and are currently the bookies favourite, but in the end that means nothing. Because just behind them are Ireland, and Jedward, who I previously said would either finish 14th in the Semi Final or go on to win it. And well, they got through the semi final. (Dear Dustin the Turkey, please, please come back, all is forgiven).

The UK have decided to take it seriously again as well and have sent Blue, who have reunited in the aim to see Eurovision come to British shores for the first time since 1998. Blue aren't the only people from the UK competing, David Bryan, lead singer for Romania, is from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham and therefore is unbelievably awesome. I shouldn't use this power to persuade who you vote for.... but vote for Romania. Do it. And elsewhere you can find LED costumes, glass smashing, giant cone hats, unicyclists and of course so much pyrotechnics that if you take part in ESCInsights drinking game of drinking everytime there is a pyrotechnic, you will at least forget Jedward 'singing'.

And look out for tenuous Motorsport link #2 in the show as well, I'll have a moan about it when we get there.

You can find the order that everyone will be singing in on the official website, and if you live in a far away land (basically if you ain't in Europe or the Czech Republic), you can watch the whole thing there as well, sans commentary. Your hosts for this evening will be German newsreader Judith Rakers, comedian Anke Engelke and musician Stefan Raab, who comes from Cologne, the birthplace of Wolfgang von Trips (tenuous Motorsport link #3)

So, my predictions? I'd love to give you a final answer for sure, but I can't. But the top 3 will probably be Iceland, Ireland and France. In what order I have no idea.

Get your drinks out, sit back from 21:00 CET and enjoy Eurovision 2011.

As it happened: Eurovision Song Contest 2011

  • 19:30

    Hello and welcome to the Factbyte Factbox for the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest!

  • 19:33

    We're here to celebrate 25 songs from 25 countries who have made it through the rigorous sorting process to this, the Eurovision final.

  • 19:35

    This year everyone's favourite song contest is hosted by Germany, after their victory last year with Satellite by Lena.

  • 19:36

    Events kick off at 8pm GMT+1, live from the Espirit Arena in Düsseldorf.

  • 19:40

    If you haven't already, you should check out RG's excellent Eurovision Sofa: http://northernwaffler.wordpress.com/eurovision-sofa/

  • 19:40

    Great coverage, including a breakdown of the songs by country.

  • 19:40

    That is unless, like me, you are saving the songs as a surprise. The only one I have heard is our country's own by Blue.

  • 19:42

    Also, follow Noelinho who is trackside. Ringside? Stageside? http://twitter.com/#!/Noelinho

  • 19:43

    If you want to know who hasn't made the final, here's a quick run down.

  • 19:44

    Knocked out of Semi-Final 1 - Poland, Norway, Albania, Armenia, Turkey, Malta, San Marino, Croatia and Portugal.

  • 19:44

    Knocked out of Semi-Final 2 - Netherlands, Belgium, Slovakia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Israel, Belarus and Latvia.

  • 19:45

    The so called Big Five automatically qualified: UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy.

  • 19:46

    QuoteComment from The Boston Red Scott: yikes. fifteen minutes to go. The country with the most costume changes should always win.

  • 19:47

    Ah-ha, Noelinho also has live commentary: http://live.noelinho.org/

  • 19:47

    I think you can watch live here: http://www.eurovision.tv/esctv/main?program=24953

  • 19:49

    Germany's hosts are Anke Engelke, Judith Rakers and Stafan Raab. I hope that means something to someone.

  • 19:49

    If you're live commenting with us and want a super fab solution, try the Dashboard: https://sidepodcast.com/dashboard

  • 19:52

    If you want any more information about the voting, the official site has some great bullet points: http://www.eurovision.tv/page/dusseldorf-2011/about/voting

  • 19:54

    Wikipedia sums it up quite well though: The voting system used will be the same as used in the 2010 contest, with a combination of televotes and jury votes selecting the winner. Viewers will be able to vote during the performances; the voting window will end 15 minutes after the conclusion of the songs.

  • 19:54

    Then we get the fun and games of throwing to the local presenters. I'm sure there's a drinking game for all the "you're doing a great job and you both look lovely" comments.

  • 19:58

    The BBC have a rather fabulous scorecard if you want to mark your favourites: http://www.bbc.co.uk/eurovision/party/scorecards.shtml

  • 20:00

    Green flagIt's starting!

  • 20:00

    Graham Norton is doing the BBC voiceover. He doesn't sound drunk yet.

  • 20:01

    35,000 fans in the audience today, and the theme for the show is: "Feel your heartbeat."

  • 20:01

    Not sure if that is an instruction or not.

  • 20:03

    A shoutout to the Australians who are up at 5am. Anke even attempted a "G'Day mate" with a German accent.

  • 20:03

    Eurovision HostsAnke, Stefan and Judith.

  • 20:04

    Tradition dictates the previous winner sings their winning song but as Lena is participating in the contest tonight, Stefan is doing a rock version instead!

  • 20:05

    It's... interesting. Potentially better than her version anyway.

  • 20:06

    QuoteComment from Lukeh: Trumpets are awesome. Music needs more trumpets.

  • 20:06

    Stefan was singing, playing the guitar, now he's drumming. Is there anything he can't do?

  • 20:07

    Lena has appeared on stage to do a final chorus bit.

  • 20:08

    Graham Norton: "What's that about? She could have done it the whole time."

  • 20:10

    Eurovision StadiumPyrotechnics!

  • 20:13

    The phone lines are open. To vote, you'll need the number 09015 22 22 XX.

  • 20:13

    XXs being the number of your chosen country, obviously.

  • 20:13

    Song 1 - Finland.

  • 20:14

    AudioDa Da Dam sung by Paradise Oskar.

  • 20:15

    He seems like a nice young chap, blond hair, white shirt and a guitar.

  • 20:15

    QuoteComment from RG: He's the youngest and the performer next is the oldest.

  • 20:16

    He's all by himself up on stage. Behind him, the screens are showing a massive globe slowly rotating.

  • 20:16

    To vote for Finland: 09015 22 22 01

  • 20:16

    It's not the most powerful opening, particularly after the rocking Lena tribute we just saw.

  • 20:17

    He really is singing: "da da da, da da da, da dum."

  • 20:17

    Song 2 - Bosnia & Herzegovina.

  • 20:18

    AudioLove in Rewind sung by Dino Merlin.

  • 20:18

    Dino is an older gent, with a checked jacket on and a red guitar. He also has others on stage with him.

  • 20:19

    The others are a band, a lady is jigging about with a tambourine.

  • 20:19

    Not much more beat to it than the previous song, though.

  • 20:20

    QuoteComment from Lukeh: This is my fvaourite so far. Maurice Hamilton, a miming pianoer, a triangle and a guy running about for no reason

  • 20:21

    To vote for Bosnia & Herzegovina: 09015 22 22 02

  • 20:21

    Song 3 - Denmark.

  • 20:21

    AudioNew Tomorrow song by A Friend in London.

  • 20:23

    This looks like a boy band - two guitars, a drummer, and a bassist.

  • 20:23

    The singer has massively spikey hair and the song isn't rocking enough to suit it.

  • 20:24

    He has nice eyes though.

  • 20:24

    To vote for Denmark: 09015 22 22 03

  • 20:24

    The singer has run out on the stage extension. There's a little round mini stage. He just ran there and ran back again. Sounds out of breath now.

  • 20:25

    Song 4 - Lithuania.

  • 20:26

    AudioC'est ma vie sung by Evelina Sasenko.

  • 20:26

    This is a nice looking lady in a sparkly dress. Lots of dry ice and a white grand piano.

  • 20:28

    She did a bit of sign language there, which is very cool. The song is not so inspiring though.

  • 20:28

    To vote for Lithuania: 09015 22 22 04

  • 20:29

    Song 5 - Hungary.

  • 20:30

    AudioWhat About My Dreams? sung by Kati Wolf.

  • 20:30

    QuoteComment from RG: This was terribly sung in the semi finals, good song but amazed it qualified.

  • 20:30

    A blond lady with a small electric blue dress on. Already this song is more upbeat.

  • 20:30

    She has two backing singers, who are doing the most excellent side to side finger click.

  • 20:31

    Some men have appeared to throw themselves around the stage.

  • 20:32

    The lights go down and the backing singers and dancers have lights on. Glow in the dark dancing!

  • 20:32

    To vote for Hungary: 09015 22 22 05

  • 20:33

    QuoteComment from @fourstar: Choose any key you like, love. #Hungary #eurovision

  • 20:33

    Song 6 - Ireland.

  • 20:34

    AudioLipstick sung by Jedward.

  • 20:34

    Lots of lights. Jedward have big glittery red jackets with massive shoulderpads.

  • 20:34

    It's quite bouncy, they also have a dance routine going on. Plus the hair, obviously. They are so Eurovision!

  • 20:35

    They also have some quite complex motion graphics on the big screen. Lots of red and black going on.

  • 20:35

    If their dancing was a bit more synchronised, it'd almost be acceptable!

  • 20:36

    Jedward singalongYou can press the red button on the BBC if you want to singalong. Maybe not to Jedward.

  • 20:37

    They ended with a jump and a high five. Not bad!

  • 20:37

    Song 7 - Sweden.

  • 20:38

    AudioPopular sung by Eric Saade.

  • 20:38

    The intro to this sounded just like the X Files.

  • 20:39

    Good looking singer in a red leather jacket, some backing dancers body popping around some black frames.

  • 20:39

    I'm not sure this is 100% in tune.

  • 20:39

    Their dancing is synchronised though, so I can't complain.

  • 20:40

    QuoteComment from Amy: boyband danciiiiing

  • 20:40

    They've but the singer in a glass cage now.

  • 20:40

    Strobe lighting and he smashes his way out to keep on singing.

  • 20:41

    Song 8 - Estonia.

  • 20:42

    AudioRockefeller Street sung by Getter Jaani.

  • 20:42

    A girl in a bright pink dress amongst a set of cardboard houses. I think she just did magic too.

  • 20:43

    I must admit, I have forgotten to give you voting numbers. Let me catch up.

    To vote for Ireland: 09015 22 22 06

    To vote for Sweden: 09015 22 22 07

  • 20:44

    And to vote for this one, Estonia: 09015 22 22 08

  • 20:44

    This is quite a simple little ditty, quite cute really. I want more magic.

  • 20:44

    She has a couple of backing singers in bright yellow and bright blue, plus three matching boy dancers.

  • 20:45

    Song 9 - Greece.

  • 20:46

    AudioWatch my Dance sung by Loukas Giorkas featuring Stereo Mike.

  • 20:47

    This is a chap in a t-shirt and suit jacket, with a gravelly voice. It might be rapping, I'm not really sure.

  • 20:47

    Now to Loukas, who is in a proper suit.

  • 20:47

    He's beardy, and is more like an opera singer. A very odd pairing.

  • 20:48

    We should have had a drinking game for backflips.

  • 20:48

    To vote for Greece: 09015 22 22 09

  • 20:49

    Song 10 - Russia.

  • 20:49

    We're on ten already??

  • 20:50

    AudioGet You sung by Alexey Vorobjov.

  • 20:51

    A dramatic opening . A man in a white vest and denim jacket stands between screens showing forks of lightning.

  • 20:51

    He shouts: "Do you feel my heart beat Europe?"

  • 20:51

    I'm gonna say no.

  • 20:51

    He has three backing dancers, and they are also engaging in some epic boyband dancing.

  • 20:52

    QuoteComment from Alex Andronov: i would like to make it abundantly clear that I do NOT feel his heartbeat.

  • 20:52

    To vote for Russia: 09015 22 22 10

  • 20:53

    They had lights on their backs spelling out Alex!

  • 20:53

    Song 11 - France.

  • 20:54

    AudioSognu sung by Amaury Vassili.

  • 20:55

    He's a young chap in a military style jacket. Low backing, no stunts, just singing.

  • 20:55

    It's quite classical in style.

  • 20:56

    He has some beautiful vistas on the screens behind him too. It's quite engaging for a song without gimmicks, but equally a bit dramatic.

  • 20:56

    QuoteComment from Maverick: started out as Bolero, seems to have turned into Les Miserables

  • 20:56

    To vote for France: 09015 22 22 11

  • 20:57

    Ooh, pyrotechnics! That counts as a gimmick, I reckon.

  • 20:57

    Song 12 - Italy.

  • 20:58

    AudioMadness of Love sung by Raphael Gualazzi.

  • 20:58

    This appears to be jazz. A guy sat at a piano with a band behind him.

  • 21:00

    Italy haven't participated for 14 years, and they've come back with... this. It's different but not outstanding.

  • 21:00

    TweetTweet from @lookingspiffy: Could've done without that unexpected squawky bit. #Eurovision

  • 21:01

    Eurovision F1 CarTenuous F1 link in the intro VT for Italy.

  • 21:02

    A half time break, and Judith is backstage chatting to Dino.

  • 21:02

    He says his jacket is 15 years old, and finishes with: "Be happy, people!" We will!

  • 21:03

    Song 13 - Switzerland.

  • 21:03

    AudioIn Love for a While sung by Anna Rossinelli.

  • 21:04

    There's a guy sitting on a stool playing a ukelele type thing, but the singer is a pretty lady in a sparkly dark red dress.

  • 21:04

    QuoteComment from RG: The singer and the guitarist are actually in a relationship.

  • 21:05

    Classic lyrics, such as: "I love everything about you, I couldn't do without you."

  • 21:05

    To vote for Italy: 09015 22 22 12

    To vote for Switzerland: 09015 22 22 13

  • 21:05

    Tilt shift NurburgringTilt shift Nurburgring.

  • 21:06

    This is a simple little ditty, verging on catchy, but perhaps not quite powerful enough.

  • 21:06

    The ukelele man switched to a proper guitar.

  • 21:06

    She has a nice voice and sang in tune, which must be plus points.

  • 21:07

    Song 14 - United Kingdom.

  • 21:07

    AudioI Can sung by Blue.

  • 21:08

    Green lights and the boys appear in their blue suits.

  • 21:08

    QuoteComment from Pat W: If they are Blue why is it green?

  • 21:09

    This seems pretty strong as a Eurovision song, but the singing is perhaps a little weak/quiet.

  • 21:09

    It's a good slice of pop, which is all we can ask for.

  • 21:10

    We're not allowed to vote for this one, but if you're outside the UK: 09015 22 22 14

  • 21:10

    They didn't tell us the number but I worked it out with my great powers of deduction.

  • 21:11

    Eurovision BlueBlue... or green.

  • 21:11

    Song 15 - Moldova.

  • 21:11

    AudioSo Lucky sung by Zdob ?i Zdub.

  • 21:12

    Wow. Where to begin? They have strange pointed hats on their heads.

  • 21:12

    It's very shouty. Big drums. They kind of look like singing gnomes.

  • 21:12

    Now a lady in a white pointy hat on a unicycle. This is certainly special.

  • 21:14

    There's not much I like about this, but he does have purple trousers on.

  • 21:15

    Song 16 - Germany.

  • 21:15

    AudioTaken by a Stranger sung by Lena.

  • 21:16

    Lena in a black jumpsuit, with some people in skin-tight silver dancing around her.

  • 21:16

    It's all quite moody and sultry. Not a patch on her winning song.

  • 21:17

    QuoteComment from Adie: She's taking this too seriously. Get me some gnomes on unicycles.

  • 21:18

    To vote for Moldova: 09015 22 22 15

    To vote for Germany: 09015 22 22 16

  • 21:19

    Couldn't really follow that song at all, but the home crowd love it, as you would expect.

  • 21:19

    Song 17 - Romania.

  • 21:20

    AudioChange sung by Hotel FM.

  • 21:20

    This is a man with strong pin striped trousers, and a tartan waistcoat. He has two backing dancers in suits, and a grand piano.

  • 21:20

    It's a bit John Barrowman.

  • 21:21

    TweetTweet from @chrishughespr: John Barrowman on vocals, Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen on piano. #Romania #Eurovision

  • 21:22

    To vote for Romania: 09015 22 22 17

  • 21:22

    They're having a clapping interlude. Clap along!

  • 21:22

    Something cool via @f1enigma: http://www.google.com/landing/eurovision/index.html

  • 21:23

    Song 18 - Austria.

  • 21:24

    AudioThe Secret is Love by Nadine Beiler.

  • 21:24

    A lady with a sharp bob and a long black dress begins to warble.

  • 21:24

    Oh, it's a short black dress, my mistake.

  • 21:25

    She's on a podium in the middle of the stage, dry ice surrounds her, with three backing singers.

  • 21:26

    It's something of a nondescript tune, but she is belting it out.

  • 21:26

    To vote for Austria: 09015 22 22 18

  • 21:27

    Song 19 - Azerbaijan.

  • 21:28

    AudioRunning Scared sung by Ell and Nikki.

  • 21:28

    QuoteComment from RG: Ahh Azerbaijan, the age difference makes things interesting here.

  • 21:29

    Some dancers dressed in white move out the way, to reveal a male and female duo.

  • 21:29

    This is quite a floaty little number, wind machines aplenty.

  • 21:30

    To vote for Azerbaijan: 09015 22 22 19

  • 21:30

    It's pleasant but not special.

  • 21:31

    Song 20 - Slovenia.

  • 21:32

    AudioNo One sung by Maja Keuc.

  • 21:32

    Graham Norton: "Maja's very popular in Sweden. Known as a sort of local Christina Aguilera. You'll see what I mean."

  • 21:32

    A young brunette lady, with a voice just like Christina, and a short sparkly dress on.

  • 21:33

    Four dancers join her on stage, although they have microphones, so they might be singers too.

  • 21:34

    They are backing singers too.

  • 21:34

    To vote for Slovenia: 09015 22 22 20

  • 21:34

    This is not so bad, she has a very good voice, but the song isn't quite Eurovision enough for me.

  • 21:34

    Has anyone actually defined what that is, I wonder?

  • 21:35

    Another mini-break down to the green room.

  • 21:36

    Just five more songs to go now.

  • 21:36

    Song 21 - Iceland.

  • 21:36

    AudioComing Home sung by Sjonni's Friends.

  • 21:37

    Sjonni's Friends are actually a tribute to the singer Sigurjón Brink who died before he got a chance to perform in the national final for the Eurovision.

  • 21:37

    These are a group of misfits, as you can imagine, but they have a certain charm.

  • 21:38

    They have matching jeans and grey waistcoats. The song is a nice, easy listening style number.

  • 21:39

    I like that they are not in regular band formation but a semi-circle. Each as important as the next.

  • 21:39

    Plus, it's an upright piano and not a grand. Modest.

  • 21:39

    To vote for Iceland: 09015 22 22 21

  • 21:40

    TweetTweet from @lookingspiffy: It's making me do an awwwwwwww. Backstory, tune, all. #eurovision

  • 21:40

    Song 22 - Spain.

  • 21:41

    Spain haven't won since 1961, but Lena sang in 22nd place last year and won!

  • 21:41

    AudioQue me quiten lo bailao sung by Lucía Pérez.

  • 21:42

    A lady in bright pink dress, with several dancers and backing singers dressed in white behind her.

  • 21:42

    This is a very, very happy tune. The chorus isn't really catchy enough, I think, but otherwise you can't fault it.

  • 21:44

    To vote for Spain: 09015 22 22 22

  • 21:44

    Song 23 - Ukraine.

  • 21:45

    AudioAngel sung by Mika Newton.

  • 21:45

    Bit of a technical problem but we soon get underway.

  • 21:46

    Singer is in a long beige dress, with lots of dry ice.

  • 21:46

    Joining her on stage is a sand artist, who appears to be drawing pictures of sleeping people.

  • 21:46

    Her work is being beamed to the big screens behind.

  • 21:46

    Occasionally, she clears away the sand and starts over again. It's hard to concentrate on the song.

  • 21:47

    To vote for Ukraine: 09015 22 22 23

  • 21:49

    Song 24 - Serbia.

  • 21:49

    Audio?aroban sung by Nina.

  • 21:49

    That's Caroban.

  • 21:49

    This is very sixties. Ladies in short dresses with bright tights and pixie haircuts.

  • 21:50

    The song is pretty catchy. The 60s style background graphics are quite a strain on the eyes!

  • 21:51

    To vote for Serbia: 09015 22 22 24

  • 21:52

    Song 25 - Georgia.

  • 21:53

    Graham Norton: "You know the old saying, save the best till last... ... that's not applicable in this case."

  • 21:53

    AudioOne More Day sung by Eldrine.

  • 21:54

    These look like some quite serious rockers. She has a black dress on with lime green highlights.

  • 21:54

    This is very Evanescence, that's probably the best way to describe it. Another man in luminous yellow is rapping.

  • 21:56

    It's rocking but I'm not getting much of the tune.

  • 21:56

    To vote for Georgia: 09015 22 22 25

  • 21:57

    A quick remind of them all next.

  • 21:57
    Vote Now
    UK number to call: 09015 22 22 ??
    (calls cost 15p from a UK landline, mobile costs will be higher)
    Finland01
    Bosnia and Herzegovina02
    Denmark03
    Lithuania04
    Hungary05
    Ireland06
    Sweden07
    Estonia08
    Greece09
    Russia10
    France11
    Italy12
    Switzerland13
    United Kingdom14
    Moldova15
    Germany16
    Romania17
    Austria18
    Azerbaijan19
    Slovenia20
    Iceland21
    Spain22
    Ukraine23
    Serbia24
    Georgia25
  • 21:57

    15 minutes of voting left.

  • 21:57

    A memory refresher of all 25 songs and then will be the interval entertainment. I'm hoping for Riverdance. Anyone else?

  • 22:01

    Turns out 25 songs takes quite a long time to recap.

  • 22:02

    QuoteComment from Pat W: This recap is so long I've forgotten the ones at the beginning.

  • 22:04

    And it's done. Recap over. Who did you vote for?

  • 22:04

    Now they are reshowing the intro VTs, with all that tilt-shift.

  • 22:08

    Another recap of the songs? I get the feeling there will be no Riverdance.

  • 22:13

    A countdown for the voting over.

  • 22:13

    Chequered flagVoting over!

  • 22:13

    Ahh, the interval act comes now.

  • 22:15

    The live act is a man in a check suit singing, with some dancers in sparkly dresses.

  • 22:17

    Googles Eurovision prediction chart has Lena on top with Jedward second. Surely she can't make it two in a row?

  • 22:17

    Blue are not in the top ten, sadly. Although it might be tricky to count as someone could legitimately searching for the colour blue.

  • 22:18

    Graham Norton: "I mean it would be fine for a wedding."

  • 22:20

    Even the crowd seem slightly underwhelmed by this interval act, and they presumably know who he is.

  • 22:22

    I'm pretty sure the dancers were working hardest throughout that.

  • 22:23

    We're checking in with the Master of Numbers, Data and Rules. Otherwise known as Executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest - Jon Ola Sand.

  • 22:25

    Now something strange is happening. Stefan picked up Anke to get her on stage because she couldn't get across the grid in her high heels.

  • 22:26

    The big screens are splitting open to reveal the main screens, and Stefan is playing electric guitar again.

  • 22:26

    Green flagThe awarding of the points begins!

  • 22:28

    First up, Russia.

  • 22:28

    We got four points straight away!

  • 22:28

    Eight points to Greece.

  • 22:28

    Ten points to Ukraine.

  • 22:29

    Twelve points to Azerbaijan.

  • 22:29

    That was the age difference couple, in case you have forgotten.

  • 22:29

    2 of 43 - Bulgaria.

  • 22:29

    Eight points to Ukraine.

  • 22:29

    Ten points to Greece.

  • 22:30

    Twelve points to United Kingdom.

  • 22:30

    WHAT???

  • 22:30

    We've done better than last year and there have only been two votes.

  • 22:30

    3 of 43 - The Netherlands.

  • 22:30

    Eight points to Bosnia & Hezregovina.

  • 22:31

    Ten points to Sweden.

  • 22:31

    Twelve points to Denmark.

  • 22:31

    Denmark in the lead for now, then. That was the guy with nice eyes and pointy hair.

  • 22:31

    4 of 43 - Italy.

  • 22:32

    Eight points to Moldova - the gnomes!

  • 22:32

    Ten points to United Kingdom!

  • 22:32

    Twelve points to Romania.

  • 22:32

    UK leading! It'll never last! What a moment!

  • 22:33

    5 of 43 - Cyprus.

  • 22:33

    Eight points to Azerbaijan.

  • 22:33

    Ten points to Sweden.

  • 22:34

    Twelve points to Greece. No kidding!

  • 22:34

    6 of 43 - Ukraine.

  • 22:34

    Eight points to Russia.

  • 22:35

    Ten points to Azerbaijan.

  • 22:35

    Twelve points to Georgia.

  • 22:35

    Greece leading at the moment.

  • 22:35

    7 of 43 - Finland.

  • 22:35

    Eight points to Iceland.

  • 22:36

    Ten points to Ireland. Jedward!

  • 22:36

    Twelve points to Hungary.

  • 22:36

    8 of 43 - Norway.

  • 22:37

    Eight points to Iceland.

  • 22:37

    Ten points to Sweden.

  • 22:37

    Twelve points to Finland.

  • 22:37

    Bless the Finnish guy. First out, he's been waiting forever!

  • 22:37

    9 of 43 - Armenia.

  • 22:38

    Eight points to Russia.

  • 22:38

    Ten points to Georgia.

  • 22:38

    Twelve points to Ukraine.

  • 22:38

    Greece continue to lead by three points.

  • 22:38

    10 of 43 - F.Y.R Macedonia.

  • 22:39

    She looks just like Sian Lloyd!

  • 22:39

    Eight points to Serbia.

  • 22:39

    Ten points to Slovenia.

  • 22:39

    Twelve points to Bosnia & Herzegovina.

  • 22:39

    That's Dino and his 15 year old jacket.

  • 22:40

    11 of 43 - Iceland.

  • 22:40

    Eight points to Azerbaijan.

  • 22:40

    Ten points to Finland.

  • 22:40

    Twelve points to Denmark.

  • 22:40

    QuoteComment from Maverick: in one sense the UK is doing well. on the other hand we're behind greece's entry!

  • 22:41

    12 of 43 - Slovakia.

  • 22:41

    Eight points to Ireland.

  • 22:41

    Ten points to Sweden.

  • 22:41

    Twelve points to Ukraine.

  • 22:41

    Sweden currently in the lead now.

  • 22:42

    13 of 43 - United Kingdom. It's Alex Jones off The One Show.

  • 22:42

    Eight points to Moldova. Honestly.

  • 22:42

    Ten points to Switzerland.

  • 22:42

    Twelve to Ireland.

  • 22:43

    Eight points to the gnomes and twelve points to Jedward? I fear we're not taking this seriously.

  • 22:43

    14 of 43 - Denmark.

  • 22:43

    Eight points to Germany.

  • 22:43

    Ten points to Sweden.

  • 22:43

    Twelve points to Ireland.

  • 22:44

    Jedward now ahead of Blue!

  • 22:44

    15 of 43 - Austria.

  • 22:44

    Eight points to Azerbaijan.

  • 22:44

    Ten points to Germany.

  • 22:45

    Twelve points to Bosnia & Herzegovina.

  • 22:45

    16 of 43 - Poland.

  • 22:45

    There's quite a delay there.

  • 22:45

    Eight points to Azerbaijan.

  • 22:46

    She's doing the big pause thing.

  • 22:46

    Ten points to Italy.

  • 22:46

    Twelve points to Lithuania.

  • 22:46

    All that, and Lithuania were near the bottom anyway.

  • 22:46

    17 of 43 - Sweden.

  • 22:47

    Eight points to Bosnia & Herzegovina.

  • 22:47

    Ten points to Denmark.

  • 22:48

    Twelve points to Ireland. They're third now.

  • 22:48

    18 of 43 - San Marino.

  • 22:48

    Eight points to Greece.

  • 22:49

    Ten points to Azerbaijan.

  • 22:49

    Twelve points to Italy.

  • 22:49

    19 of 43 - Germany.

  • 22:50

    Eight points to Ireland.

  • 22:50

    Ten points to Greece.

  • 22:50

    Twelve points to Austria.

  • 22:50

    Azerbaijan in the lead now.

  • 22:50

    20 of 43 - Azerbaijan.

  • 22:51

    Eight points to Greece.

  • 22:51

    Ten points to Georgia.

  • 22:51

    Twelve points to Ukraine.

  • 22:52

    21 of 43 - Slovenia. Man in a snazzy suit.

  • 22:52

    Eight points to Denmark.

  • 22:53

    Ten points to Serbia.

  • 22:53

    Twelve points to Bosnia & Herzegovina.

  • 22:55
    Eurovision Standings
    PosCountryPts
    1Sweden91
    2Azerbaijan85
    3Denmark83
    4Ukraine83
    5Ireland79
    6Greece74
    7Bosnia & Herzegovina69
    8Germany59
    9Italy56
    10United Kingdom54
  • 22:55

    22 of 43 - Turkey.

  • 22:56

    Eight points to Georgia.

  • 22:56

    Ten points to Bosnia & Herzegovina.

  • 22:56

    Twelve points to Azerbaijan.

  • 22:56

    They are back in the lead.

  • 22:56

    23 of 43 - Switzerland.

  • 22:57

    Eight points to Germany.

  • 22:57

    Ten points to Iceland.

  • 22:57

    Twelve points to Bosnia & Herzegovina.

  • 22:57

    24 of 43 - Greece.

  • 22:58

    Eight points to Georgia.

  • 22:58

    Ten points to Italy.

  • 22:58

    Twelve points to France.

  • 22:59

    France was the big musical number, the bookies favourite!

  • 22:59

    25 of 43 - Georgia.

  • 22:59

    Eight points to Azerbaijan.

  • 22:59

    Ten points to Ukraine.

  • 23:00

    Twelve points to Lithuania.

  • 23:00

    26 of 43 - France. He just winked at us!

  • 23:00

    Eight points to Italy.

  • 23:01

    Ten points Sweden.

  • 23:01

    Twelve points to Spain.

  • 23:01

    All countries are off nil points, by the way. And three are up in the 100s.

  • 23:01

    27 of 43 - Serbia.

  • 23:02

    Eight points to Hungary.

  • 23:02

    Ten points Slovenia.

  • 23:02

    Twelve points to Bosnia & Herzegovina.

  • 23:02

    28 of 43 - Croatia.

  • 23:03

    Eight points to Serbia.

  • 23:03

    Ten points to Azerbaijan.

  • 23:03

    Twelve points to Slovenia.

  • 23:03

    29 of 43 - Belarus.

  • 23:04

    Eight points to Germany.

  • 23:04

    Ten points to Ukraine.

  • 23:04

    Twelve points to Georgia.

  • 23:04

    30 of 43 - Romania.

  • 23:05

    Eight points to Greece.

  • 23:05

    Ten points to Azerbaijan.

  • 23:05

    Twelve points to Molodova.

  • 23:05

    Moldova even.

  • 23:05

    31 of 43 - Albania.

  • 23:06

    Eight points to Azerbaijan.

  • 23:06

    Ten points to Greece.

  • 23:06

    Twelve points to Italy.

  • 23:06

    Azerbaijan building up a bit of a lead now, 151 to 133 for Ukraine.

  • 23:06

    32 of 43 - Malta.

  • 23:07

    Eight points to Ireland.

  • 23:07

    Ten points to Italy.

  • 23:07

    Twelve points to Azerbaijan.

  • 23:08

    33 of 43 - Portugal.

  • 23:08

    Eight points to Azerbaijan.

  • 23:08

    Ten points to Italy.

  • 23:08

    Twelve points to Spain.

  • 23:09

    34 of 43 - Hungary.

  • 23:09

    Eight points to Greece.

  • 23:09

    Ten points to Sweden.

  • 23:10

    Twelve points to Iceland.

  • 23:10

    35 of 43 - Lithuania.

  • 23:10

    Eight points to Azerbaijan.

  • 23:11

    Ten points to Italy.

  • 23:11

    Twelve points to Georgia.

  • 23:11

    36 of 43 - Bosnia & Herzegovina.

  • 23:12

    Eight points to Azerbaijan.

  • 23:12

    Ten points to Serbia.

  • 23:12

    Twelve points to Slovenia.

  • 23:12

    37 of 43 - Ireland.

  • 23:13

    QuoteComment from Lukeh: Sad news guys - we can't mathematically win now. Don't be too upset everyone

  • 23:13

    Eight points to Moldova.

  • 23:13

    Ten points to Lithuania.

  • 23:13

    Twelve points to Denmark.

  • 23:13

    QuoteComment from RG: WE GAVE YOU 12.

  • 23:14

    38 of 43 - Spain.

  • 23:14

    Eight points to Romania.

  • 23:14

    Ten points to France.

  • 23:14

    Twelve points to Italy.

  • 23:15

    Italy have moved up to second now.

  • 23:15

    39 of 43 - Israel.

  • 23:15

    Eight points to Russia.

  • 23:15

    Ten points to Denmark.

  • 23:16

    Twelve points to Sweden.

  • 23:16

    Sweden are back into second place.

  • 23:16

    Four countries left to vote.

  • 23:16

    40 of 43 - Estonia.

  • 23:16

    Eight points to Azerbaijan.

  • 23:16

    Ten points to Denmark.

  • 23:17

    Twelve points to Sweden.

  • 23:17

    41 of 43 - Moldova.

  • 23:18

    Eight points to Ukraine.

  • 23:18

    Ten points to Azerbaijan.

  • 23:18

    Twelve points to Romania.

  • 23:18

    Two more to go.

  • 23:18

    42 of 43 - Belgium.

  • 23:19

    Eight points to Greece.

  • 23:19

    Ten points to Romania.

  • 23:19

    Twelve points to France.

  • 23:19

    Azerbaijan have technically won now, with one country still to vote.

  • 23:20

    43 of 43 - Latvia.

  • 23:20

    Eight points to Germany.

  • 23:20

    Ten points to Ireland.

  • 23:21

    Twelve points to Italy.

  • 23:21

    QuoteComment from Pat W: Triple figures! What an improvement.

  • 23:21

    Chequered flagAzerbaijan win the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest!

  • 23:22

    Graham Norton: "Selfishly, all I'm thinking is, do they have nice hotels in Azerbaijan?"

  • 23:23

    For reference, this is what I thought of the song: "This is quite a floaty little number, wind machines aplenty. It's pleasant but not special."

  • 23:24
    Eurovision Standings
    PosCountryPts
    1Azerbaijan221
    2Italy189
    3Sweden185
    4Ukraine159
    5Denmark134
    6Bosnia & Herzegovina125
    7Greece120
    8Ireland119
    9Georgia110
    10Germany107
  • 23:24

    United Kingdom finish 12th with a nice round 100 points.

  • 23:24

    Ell and Nikki now take to the stage to sing Running Scared for a second time, after much celebration.

  • 23:25

    Eurovision winnersAzerbaijan, winners!

  • 23:26

    They have been crying so the singing is not so great. Wonder if anyone is regretting their vote now?

  • 23:28

    Ell and NikkiEll and Nikki sing us out.

  • 23:28

    So, next year, the Eurovision Song Contest will rock up in Baku, Azerbaijan.

  • 23:29

    Eurovision says goodbyeEurovision says goodbye.

  • 23:29

    That was a great show all round. The songs were a good mix of slow ballads, cheesy pop, boybands aplenty, with just a touch of crazy.

  • 23:30

    The voting seemed to go by faster than usual, the UK did pretty well, and the race for the win was close until the end. What's not to like?

  • 23:30

    Thank you very much to all who joined in the fun this evening. Roll on 2012!




It's Eurovision time again! Join FBFB and the comments to watch 25 of the best songs Europe has to offer (no laughing back there) compete in the biggest song contest in the world. Possibly.

Event start

20:00GMT +01:00

14 May 2011