Thank you Vienna for what was overall an excellent Grand Final experience. Unfortunately the weather was beyond the control of the organisers. The rain just poured down all day without a break – just like Grand Final day in Copenhagen, last year. Sadly, my sequins had to hide under my Goretex rain jacket until I was safely inside. Unlike Copenhagen last year, there was much better control of the queue with security stopping late arrivals pushing in where their friends were holding places in the line, much to the dismay of the Spaniards, who really didn’t understand what the issue was. Then once the doors to the auditorium opened, we were able to stand close to the front, without any squashing, pushing or crowding. We could just relax and enjoy the show. And what a show it was!
Could there be a better way to start the show than with a flying Conchita wearing bright pink sequins? I think not! There is still so much love in the room for Conchita.
And what about those balls? There are actually hundreds of balls suspended above our heads that drop down to make those wave patterns.
The light-up stage is also spectacular, although the shape of it concentrates the audience in the middle, as anyone standing too far to the right has their view of the stage blocked. Should the stage lights be found in a shed in Austria in 15 year’s time and sold on e-bay, as per the Olympic Rings, I think that a set of three lights in graduated heights would look great at my place.
And so on to the pre qualified acts. Yes the French always sing in French, but Lisa’s delivery was very passionate, and the backing video just made this act very compelling to watch. The additional drummers were particularly moving and gained a huge reaction from the audience.
The UK’s jazz number brought some much needed scat and lindy hop to Eurovision and was a possibility for the novelty vote. Yet despite the light-up costumes, the gorgeous props (with the ambitious combination of stairs and high heels introducing an added risk for injury) and the back up dancing, the act just lacked something in the execution, and didn’t quite have the energy or enthusiasm needed for ESC success.
This is one tough act to follow. Need I say any more? Australia’s first ever official Eurovision entry is a clear crowd favourite. Guy did us proud! Whatever the result, we have shown that we are serious about this competition and can do whatcha whatcha whatcha want to succeed.
Oh come on now, this was a pleasant enough, sing along tune from the host country. Surely they deserved some points for the pyrotechnic piano!
And Germany’s Ann Sophie put in a strong performance too. Even if she does sound like Anastasia. This was a much better version than her original video recording of the song.
Don’t we just love a costume reveal? Spain is one country that knows how to do the big ballad well. And they have really enthusiastic fans!
Italy is another country where the passion of their fans outdoes the passion of their performers. There were many fears for Il Volo. They were the last performance of the show – a position that historically has led to low scores, as well as one of the ‘Big 5’, so people haven’t already heard the song at a Semi Final. Their result of third place just goes to show that a stellar performance will stand out regardless of the odds. These guys just ooze talent, passion and charisma. They just give you goosebumps!
And so the voting begins! What a unique act Austria put on. This was really effective live, with the ever-changing percussion line up on the stage, the individual instruments coming from either side and the choir up the back. The whole audience had to keep moving to see the whole thing, which is a good thing when you’ve been standing in one spot for so long!
Once again, Conchita demonstrates her worthiness for the crown, ‘Queen of Austria’. Such a polished performer with such an amazing voice. We could just listen to her all night, but the votes are in!!!
After the first few votes were announced, I felt just a little deflated. Despite all the support for Guy and his song in Vienna, which had raised our hopes for its popularity, it seemed that maybe Europe was not yet ready to embrace Australia as serious competitor. Then finally points from Denmark, possibly helped along by votes from the Royal Family. It was fun to be able to wave an Australian flag for once when points were announced. (Usually CJP and I pick countries to back, preferably places we would like to go to, last year we supported Sweden and Austria.) But for me, the highlight was receiving 12 points from Sweden, when of course our 12 points went to them too. I felt that all the love we have had for Sweden for so long – Abba and Roxette included – was returned! Our love is not unrequited! It didn’t matter to me whether we received any further points, we are in a voting block with Sweden!
Seeing Lee Lin Chin on the big screen was also a thrill. Her trademark no-nonsense style saw her complimented by other countries as the most professional of all the points presenters. On her appearance, all the Aussies went completely crazy while the thousands of attendees from every other country had absolutely no idea who she was. Overall, the most popular of all presenters was of course Nigella! What a clever choice from the UK.
So at the end of a very long day, everyone was happy with the result overall. The crowd parted respectfully to let the Swedish fans through to enjoy their moment at the front of the stage. Heroes was a great, catchy song well presented. There was some controversy that it sounded a lot like a David Guetta song (seriously France, if you want to win…) but that was all forgotten. Plus it’s a country that does
Eurovision well (although later on some will start to complain that it’s expensive, particularly the alcohol).
Eurovision seems to be getting better and better. There are many songs from this year that will remain on my playlist. The top 6 songs were all very different, but all excellent performances so it was certainly no shame for Australia to be placed 5th. Guy has certainly done us proud.
Until 2016, Sweden!