Eurovision songs

The Eurovision song contest began in 1956 in Switzerland, only seven countries took part each submitting 2 songs each. Surprise surprise the host country won. However, from these small beginnings something wonderful grew, the greatest competition for songs in Europe. OK it's the only contest for songs in Europe, but at least that it something to be grateful for ; and now we know who to blame, the Swiss. The Eurovision song contest was first known as Eurovision Grand Prix, but the word 'Grand' seemed somewhat misleading, so it was dropped. Hunting high and low for a title that truly encapsulated the wonder of the event, 'The Eurovision song contest' was born. Still over the years the word 'song' became contentious and now this beloved programme is now known simply as 'Eurovision'. Perhaps in the future it might become just 'Euro', who's to say, or venture to guess.

The Brits first stormed onto the Eurovision stage in 1956 and came nowhere, it wasn't until 1967 that our dreams were fulfilled and Sandie Shaw won the contest with the world shattering song, 'puppet on a string.' You would have thought that this was enough, but the greed of the country grew, we wanted more. So in 1969 we let Lulu loose and won again with the unforgettable 'Boom Bang A Bang.' This victory was somewhat tarnished as we had to share first place with 3 other countries, this was not good enough. With our stiff upper lips we tried again and again and again. Victory was won by the UK in 1976 by the Brotherhood of Man with the thought provoking 'Save all your kisses for me.' After this, most countries would have been satisfied, and withdrew from the contest before more damage to music could be done. But no. The Uk wanted more, a kind of fever gripped the country , until in 1981 the Uk was victorious once more. This time, Bucks Fizz made the Eurovision experience complete with sickly grins and funny leg movements , while removing skirts, and singing 'Making your mind up' This should had been an omen for the UK and we should have' made our minds up' and left the contest while we were riding high. Since 1981 the UK has only won once more, in 1997 with 'Love shine a light' by Katrina and the Waves.

The rest of Europe played their part in the UK's victories , it might even been said that they deliberately tried to beat us. However we mustn't be selfish and share the blame for the success of the Eurovision song contest with others. Take for example 1974, when Sweden unleashed the full force of Glam rock on Europe with Abba singing the classic 'Waterloo'. I believe at this point Eurovision came of age and found itself an image and a standard to live up to. Dana from Ireland had tried to bring music to the Eurovision song contest in 1970 with 'All kinds of everything', but this proved too controversial and swept under the carpet by Eurovision entries and looked on as an embarrassment. Until of course in 1998 when her contribution to the Eurovision ideals were celebrated in song by the aptly named,Dana International, with the hit Diva. I think we all know what was being said. Things were soon back to normal and in 2006 Lordi from Finland won with "Hard Rock Hallelujah' For the first time since Abba in the 70's a group that truly summed up the image of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Well it seems that this years contestants could be split into two distinct groups. Soppy looking men and serious woman. Heading the soppy men group is the Spanish entry Algo Pequeñito Performed by: Daniel Diges. Putting their faith in the melodic sounds of the accordion, Spain has good chance of wooing the audience. Next in the soppy male category is the aptly named Josh from the UK. Who is perfecting the meaningful gaze down the camera lens, while moaning out lyrics. The women have some serious contenders, very serious. The leader of this group is from Azerbaijan, singing a song called "Drip Drop" is Safura. The lyrics are sang in a deep and meaningful way, however the desperation to win seems to be the only emotion that you can feel in this performance. The next contender worth a mention is from the fun loving Germans. With their entry,Satellite performed by Lena, the German's seem to be putting their hopes in a twelve year old.