NG
Didn't think BBC World News took it, and don't think it airs on BBC World Service radio does it? Think he may have been doing lives and packages for BBC World News - didn't think there was a commentating role?
noggin
Founding member
When he and Ken Bruce where interviewed by Richard Bacon, he said Paddy was commentating on the final for BBC World.
I suspect he'll get the Radio 2 gig, if Ken ever decides to stop doing it.
I suspect he'll get the Radio 2 gig, if Ken ever decides to stop doing it.
Didn't think BBC World News took it, and don't think it airs on BBC World Service radio does it? Think he may have been doing lives and packages for BBC World News - didn't think there was a commentating role?
JO
Didn't think BBC World News took it, and don't think it airs on BBC World Service radio does it?
Not as far as I know, I was just repeating exactly how his role was described by Richard Bacon. I guess that was him just making an assumption based on the facts given to him.
When he and Ken Bruce where interviewed by Richard Bacon, he said Paddy was commentating on the final for BBC World.
I suspect he'll get the Radio 2 gig, if Ken ever decides to stop doing it.
I suspect he'll get the Radio 2 gig, if Ken ever decides to stop doing it.
Didn't think BBC World News took it, and don't think it airs on BBC World Service radio does it?
Not as far as I know, I was just repeating exactly how his role was described by Richard Bacon. I guess that was him just making an assumption based on the facts given to him.
UK
Didn't think BBC World News took it, and don't think it airs on BBC World Service radio does it?
Not as far as I know, I was just repeating exactly how his role was described by Richard Bacon. I guess that was him just making an assumption based on the facts given to him.
Possibly on BBC Entertainment. Certainly can remember Wogan a few years ago welcoming viewers on BBC Prime. If they're still carrying it then it'd be (at least fairly) new for them to have a different commentator.
When he and Ken Bruce where interviewed by Richard Bacon, he said Paddy was commentating on the final for BBC World.
I suspect he'll get the Radio 2 gig, if Ken ever decides to stop doing it.
I suspect he'll get the Radio 2 gig, if Ken ever decides to stop doing it.
Didn't think BBC World News took it, and don't think it airs on BBC World Service radio does it?
Not as far as I know, I was just repeating exactly how his role was described by Richard Bacon. I guess that was him just making an assumption based on the facts given to him.
Possibly on BBC Entertainment. Certainly can remember Wogan a few years ago welcoming viewers on BBC Prime. If they're still carrying it then it'd be (at least fairly) new for them to have a different commentator.
NG
Didn't think BBC World News took it, and don't think it airs on BBC World Service radio does it?
Not as far as I know, I was just repeating exactly how his role was described by Richard Bacon. I guess that was him just making an assumption based on the facts given to him.
Possibly on BBC Entertainment. Certainly can remember Wogan a few years ago welcoming viewers on BBC Prime. If they're still carrying it then it'd be (at least fairly) new for them to have a different commentator.
Very much doubt BBC Worldwide would have funded a separate gallery operation to mix in Paddy's commentary.
Think this is an assumption made by FiveLive/Richard Bacon and not accurate.
noggin
Founding member
When he and Ken Bruce where interviewed by Richard Bacon, he said Paddy was commentating on the final for BBC World.
I suspect he'll get the Radio 2 gig, if Ken ever decides to stop doing it.
I suspect he'll get the Radio 2 gig, if Ken ever decides to stop doing it.
Didn't think BBC World News took it, and don't think it airs on BBC World Service radio does it?
Not as far as I know, I was just repeating exactly how his role was described by Richard Bacon. I guess that was him just making an assumption based on the facts given to him.
Possibly on BBC Entertainment. Certainly can remember Wogan a few years ago welcoming viewers on BBC Prime. If they're still carrying it then it'd be (at least fairly) new for them to have a different commentator.
Very much doubt BBC Worldwide would have funded a separate gallery operation to mix in Paddy's commentary.
Think this is an assumption made by FiveLive/Richard Bacon and not accurate.
JO
Didn't think BBC World News took it, and don't think it airs on BBC World Service radio does it?
Not as far as I know, I was just repeating exactly how his role was described by Richard Bacon. I guess that was him just making an assumption based on the facts given to him.
Possibly on BBC Entertainment. Certainly can remember Wogan a few years ago welcoming viewers on BBC Prime. If they're still carrying it then it'd be (at least fairly) new for them to have a different commentator.
Didn't having Wogan on commentary course some problems?
When he and Ken Bruce where interviewed by Richard Bacon, he said Paddy was commentating on the final for BBC World.
I suspect he'll get the Radio 2 gig, if Ken ever decides to stop doing it.
I suspect he'll get the Radio 2 gig, if Ken ever decides to stop doing it.
Didn't think BBC World News took it, and don't think it airs on BBC World Service radio does it?
Not as far as I know, I was just repeating exactly how his role was described by Richard Bacon. I guess that was him just making an assumption based on the facts given to him.
Possibly on BBC Entertainment. Certainly can remember Wogan a few years ago welcoming viewers on BBC Prime. If they're still carrying it then it'd be (at least fairly) new for them to have a different commentator.
Didn't having Wogan on commentary course some problems?
DE
BBC Prime (Entertainment) hasn't taken Eurovision for a number of years AIUI but it used to take the BBC One feed with Wogan's commentary. That only really started causing slight problems when televoting became a big part of the contest. When I was involved in transmitting the 2003 contest from Riga, we took a clean version of the vision so the UK Phone numbers wouldn't appear, then I mixed in Wogan's commentary separately, taking it out for the voting reprises so Prime viewers didn't hear all the UK phone numbers and costs details and so-on. Worked rather well. I also got a feed of Terry's talkback from Riga to London TC4 which provided some interesting insights into what was going on in the hall.
GS
Oooh, and you kept a tape of it, yes?
Gavin Scott
Founding member
I also got a feed of Terry's talkback from Riga to London TC4 which provided some interesting insights into what was going on in the hall.
Oooh, and you kept a tape of it, yes?
NG
noggin
Founding member
Probably boring to bang on about it - but I've realised 2010's contest from Oslo is still on the Sky+. Just watched it back. Sooo much better than this year's in pretty much every way.
Sounds better (the 5.1 mix is massively more "involving"), more interesting staging, more dynamic coverage (massively better use of moving cameras), better presenters... I hadn't realised it - but Oslo 2010 probably matches Stockholm 2000. A really great show. (And assisted by some higher energy songs as well - which always make for better telly. Albania followed by Iceland - great!)
Dusseldorf was very well executed - and was nothing to be embarassed by - but I'm surprised the Germans didn't do better. But then also, I'm not surprised at all. They did Athens, and that was a low point.
Sounds better (the 5.1 mix is massively more "involving"), more interesting staging, more dynamic coverage (massively better use of moving cameras), better presenters... I hadn't realised it - but Oslo 2010 probably matches Stockholm 2000. A really great show. (And assisted by some higher energy songs as well - which always make for better telly. Albania followed by Iceland - great!)
Dusseldorf was very well executed - and was nothing to be embarassed by - but I'm surprised the Germans didn't do better. But then also, I'm not surprised at all. They did Athens, and that was a low point.
JO
And if you wanted to see some of this years entries interpreted through the medium of dance.......
http://www.youtube.com/user/TumbleTower
http://www.youtube.com/user/TumbleTower
TT
Review of 2011 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final - Saturday 14 May 2011
Host country: Germany (NDR)
Venue: Esprit Arena, Düsseldorf
Hosts: Anke Engelke, Judith Rakers, Stefan Raab
Winner: Azerbaijan - Ell/Nikki "Running Scared" (221 points)
The Opening
After the usual Eurovision ident accompanied by Te Deum, the final began with the three hosts performing a livened-up version of last year's winning entry "Satellite". Quite frankly, they totally murdered it with that style. Why couldn't they have sung it properly, in its original style? Towards the end 43 Lena look-alikes joined in, each one representing a participating country (including the 18 who failed to qualify from the semi-finals). Even Lena herself joined in at the end for Germany.
This was followed by a 90 second film of how the Esprit Arena was transformed from football stadium to Eurovision arena in just six weeks. I've watched that on video a few times since, it's interesting how they did such a major transformation just for Eurovision 2011. It's a pity all that will have to be removed afterwards to restore it to a football stadium. Does anyone know how they'll be able to get all the sand up off the ground before re-turfing it? To the best of my knowledge, they've not previously shown a time lapse film of how they've transformed other venues from their original state just for Eurovision.
The Songs
Thirteen minutes in, and the singing began. Each song was preceded by a short postcard film. Furthermore UK BBC One / BBC One HD viewers had Graham Norton's commentary over the postcard films.
N.B. Just like last year, the EBU separated all tied positions. There was only one tied position to separate under tie-break rule: Russia (16th) and Romania (17th) on 77 points each. I've taken all points and placings from the official 2011 results list, which I believe and trust as the only official source.
Song 1: FINLAND - Paradise Oskar "Da Da Dam" (21st place, 57 points)
A beautiful ballad, well sung by a talented male soloist playing the guitar whilst singing. A song I most wanted to qualify from semi-final 1; in fact I voted for it in semi-final 1. Its only downside was its "save our planet" theme, which made it a protest song. I've said before, protest songs generally flop in Eurovision. Nonetheless, this deserved much higher than 21st place and 57 points, it should have been top ten.
Song 2: BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA - Dino Merlin "Love In Rewind" (6th place, 125 points)
A bouncy ballad with a catchy beat. I wanted this to qualify from semi-final 2, and still liked it in the final, but not as good as Finland IMO. 6th place and 125 points was a bit generous, 8th to 10th would have been better.
Song 3: DENMARK - A Friend In London "New Tomorrow" (5th place, 134 points)
A good ballad with a strong beat and catchy chorus, and very well sung. I liked the way the singer raced around the arena during the middle eight, just like in the semi-final. One I most wanted to qualify from semi-final 2, this definitely deserved its top five placing.
Song 4: LITHUANIA - Evelina Sašenko "C'est Ma Vie" (19th place, 63 points)
A ballad I least wanted to qualify from semi-final 1. The chorus is half catchy, but verses are somewhat boring. This featured Evelina singing plus a pianist on the grand piano. Hardly surprising Graham Norton said "Obviously inspired by Andrew Lloyd Webber's performance two years ago" just before this performance. 19th place and 63 points was more than it deserved, it should have finished 20th or below. Quite frankly, I'd sooner Norway, Croatia or Portugal had qualified instead of this.
Song 5: HUNGARY - Kati Wolf "What About My Dreams?" (22nd place, 53 points)
The first of a series of up-beat dance-along songs. A good song with a very lively chorus and catchy outtro. Good dance routine, especially the person flipping over. One I most wanted to qualify from the first semi-final, I danced along with this. Grossly under-rated at 22nd place and 53 points; it deserved top fifteen, if not top ten.
Song 6: IRELAND - Jedward "Lipstick" (8th place, 119 points)
One I most wanted to qualify from semi-final 2, a lively song with a powerful beat. I loved the arm movements in time with the beat. That and the rest of the dance routine were irresistible to copy. I had great fun joining in and copying the dance routine, and no doubt countless other ESC fans must have too. Definitely a Boogie Beebies big video for adult kids. I'm glad it got its top ten placing; I think it was good enough for top five.
Song 7: SWEDEN - Eric Saade "Popular" (3rd place, 185 points)
Another song with a catchy chorus, and good arm movements by the backing group. One of my "in reserve" ones to qualify from semi-final 2, I'm glad it went through now. I enjoyed dancing along with this, did anyone else? Another adult kids' Boogie Beebies big video, which definitely deserved its top five placing. It's a shame Italy pushed it to third right at the post, this was better than Italy's entry.
Song 8: ESTONIA - Getter Jaani "Rockefeller Street" (24th place, 44 points)
A great song with a very catchy chorus, and a fun-to-copy dance routine. One I most wanted to qualify from semi-final 2, I'm so glad it reached the final. I joined in and copied the dance routine, and tried singing bits of the chorus. I agree with Graham Norton's comment about the London Eye at the end of the song, what was that doing on stage if they were trying to create a New York scene? 24th place and 44 points was an insult for this adult kids' Boogie Beebies big video, it should have finished on the left hand side of the scoreboard.
Song 9: GREECE - Loucas Yiorkas feat. Stereo Mike "Watch My Dance" (7th place, 120 points)
A song with an excellent, powerful chorus; the rest was passable in my opinion. This was one I most wanted to qualify from semi-final 1 just for its super dance routine, as well as the chorus. I enjoyed dancing along with this. 7th place and 120 points was about right, it wasn't good enough for top five.
Song 10: RUSSIA - Alexej Vorobjov "Get You" (16th place, 77 points)
One of my borderline songs in semi-final 1. A catchy chorus and middle eight, verses not up to much though. Its best bit was the well co-ordinated arm and leg movements, which I enjoyed copying. Definitely one to be valued more for the dance routine than the song. 16th place and 77 points was as good as it deserved, it wasn't good enough for top fifteen.
Song 11: FRANCE - Amaury Vassili "Sognu" (15th place, 82 points)
Now for a change of pace to a sombre ballad, a chance for me to rest after dancing to the previous six songs. The first Big Five nation France took the unusual step of singing in Corsican. Well sung, it deserved better than 15th place and 82 points; top ten would have been more appropriate. Indeed, when I watched the preview video online, and listened to it on the ESC 2011 CD album, I favoured this being France's first win since 1977.
Song 12: ITALY - Raphael Gualazzi "Madness Of Love" (2nd place, 189 points)
The second Big Five nation Italy, back after 14 years. A bit jazzier than France. Well done Raphael playing the grand piano whilst singing. Well if the likes of Liberace are anything to go by, Italians are talented pianists. Second place and 189 points was too generous though, it was fine for top ten but not top five. I personally was less keen on this than France.
Song 13: SWITZERLAND - Anna Rossinelli "In Love For A While" (25th place, 19 points)
One of the best songs in, and one I most wanted to qualify from, semi-final 1. I'm glad this catchy ballad reached the final, after Switzerland had failed to qualify 2007 to 2010 inclusive. I'm shocked it finished last with 19 points; it deserved to finish on the left-hand side of the scoreboard.
Song 14: UNITED KINGDOM - Blue "I Can" (11th place, 100 points)
The third Big Five nation, the UK. Strongly tipped to be top three, if not win! From the start I had my doubts about that, the first verse was a bit flat, but the chorus was catchy and powerful, including arm movements which I joined in with. I'm so glad it finished on the left hand side of the scoreboard with a 3-digit score. It's a pity it just missed the top ten though, I expected 6th to 10th.
Song 15: MOLDOVA - Zdob și Zdub "So Lucky" (12th place, 97 points)
Quite frankly, I'm disgusted this nauseating trash was chosen as Moldova's entry, let alone reached the final! The song I least wanted to qualify from semi-final 2; I bet this got through just because of the pointed hats and piping unicyclist (both unnecessary gimmicks in my opinion). Were the two lots of strobe lighting really necessary? I shouted "boo" and "off" several times during the performance. It's diabolical this finished 12th place with 97 points; I wanted it to finish joint last with Georgia on nul points. Israel or Belarus deserved the place this took.
Song 16: GERMANY - Lena "Taken By A Stranger" (10th place, 107 points)
The fourth Big Five contender, last year's winner and this year's host nation Germany. Lena who won for Germany with "Satellite" last year was back, this time singing "Taken By A Stranger". She was accompanied by the dancers in silver suits, whose routine I enjoyed dancing along to. A rather weak song really, was this a subtle attempt not to win two years running? Grossly over-rated at 10th place and 107 points, 16th to 20th would have been more appropriate.
Song 17: ROMANIA - Hotel FM "Change" (17th place, 77 points)
Another song I most wanted to qualify from semi-final 2, a bouncy song with catchy chorus. Good beat too, I'm glad this reached the final. It deserved better than 17th place and 77 points, top 15 if not top 12 is where this belonged.
Song 18: AUSTRIA - Nadine Beiler "The Secret Is Love" (18th place, 64 points)
Is this the best they could come up with after their 2008 to 2010 absence? A gospel style ballad with a female soloist and backing singers. One I preferred not to have qualified from semi-final 2, but I wasn't as appalled about its Saturday night presence as Moldova's. 18th place and 64 points was more than it deserved, I'd have liked it to have been placed 20th or below.
Host country: Germany (NDR)
Venue: Esprit Arena, Düsseldorf
Hosts: Anke Engelke, Judith Rakers, Stefan Raab
Winner: Azerbaijan - Ell/Nikki "Running Scared" (221 points)
The Opening
After the usual Eurovision ident accompanied by Te Deum, the final began with the three hosts performing a livened-up version of last year's winning entry "Satellite". Quite frankly, they totally murdered it with that style. Why couldn't they have sung it properly, in its original style? Towards the end 43 Lena look-alikes joined in, each one representing a participating country (including the 18 who failed to qualify from the semi-finals). Even Lena herself joined in at the end for Germany.
This was followed by a 90 second film of how the Esprit Arena was transformed from football stadium to Eurovision arena in just six weeks. I've watched that on video a few times since, it's interesting how they did such a major transformation just for Eurovision 2011. It's a pity all that will have to be removed afterwards to restore it to a football stadium. Does anyone know how they'll be able to get all the sand up off the ground before re-turfing it? To the best of my knowledge, they've not previously shown a time lapse film of how they've transformed other venues from their original state just for Eurovision.
The Songs
Thirteen minutes in, and the singing began. Each song was preceded by a short postcard film. Furthermore UK BBC One / BBC One HD viewers had Graham Norton's commentary over the postcard films.
N.B. Just like last year, the EBU separated all tied positions. There was only one tied position to separate under tie-break rule: Russia (16th) and Romania (17th) on 77 points each. I've taken all points and placings from the official 2011 results list, which I believe and trust as the only official source.
Song 1: FINLAND - Paradise Oskar "Da Da Dam" (21st place, 57 points)
A beautiful ballad, well sung by a talented male soloist playing the guitar whilst singing. A song I most wanted to qualify from semi-final 1; in fact I voted for it in semi-final 1. Its only downside was its "save our planet" theme, which made it a protest song. I've said before, protest songs generally flop in Eurovision. Nonetheless, this deserved much higher than 21st place and 57 points, it should have been top ten.
Song 2: BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA - Dino Merlin "Love In Rewind" (6th place, 125 points)
A bouncy ballad with a catchy beat. I wanted this to qualify from semi-final 2, and still liked it in the final, but not as good as Finland IMO. 6th place and 125 points was a bit generous, 8th to 10th would have been better.
Song 3: DENMARK - A Friend In London "New Tomorrow" (5th place, 134 points)
A good ballad with a strong beat and catchy chorus, and very well sung. I liked the way the singer raced around the arena during the middle eight, just like in the semi-final. One I most wanted to qualify from semi-final 2, this definitely deserved its top five placing.
Song 4: LITHUANIA - Evelina Sašenko "C'est Ma Vie" (19th place, 63 points)
A ballad I least wanted to qualify from semi-final 1. The chorus is half catchy, but verses are somewhat boring. This featured Evelina singing plus a pianist on the grand piano. Hardly surprising Graham Norton said "Obviously inspired by Andrew Lloyd Webber's performance two years ago" just before this performance. 19th place and 63 points was more than it deserved, it should have finished 20th or below. Quite frankly, I'd sooner Norway, Croatia or Portugal had qualified instead of this.
Song 5: HUNGARY - Kati Wolf "What About My Dreams?" (22nd place, 53 points)
The first of a series of up-beat dance-along songs. A good song with a very lively chorus and catchy outtro. Good dance routine, especially the person flipping over. One I most wanted to qualify from the first semi-final, I danced along with this. Grossly under-rated at 22nd place and 53 points; it deserved top fifteen, if not top ten.
Song 6: IRELAND - Jedward "Lipstick" (8th place, 119 points)
One I most wanted to qualify from semi-final 2, a lively song with a powerful beat. I loved the arm movements in time with the beat. That and the rest of the dance routine were irresistible to copy. I had great fun joining in and copying the dance routine, and no doubt countless other ESC fans must have too. Definitely a Boogie Beebies big video for adult kids. I'm glad it got its top ten placing; I think it was good enough for top five.
Song 7: SWEDEN - Eric Saade "Popular" (3rd place, 185 points)
Another song with a catchy chorus, and good arm movements by the backing group. One of my "in reserve" ones to qualify from semi-final 2, I'm glad it went through now. I enjoyed dancing along with this, did anyone else? Another adult kids' Boogie Beebies big video, which definitely deserved its top five placing. It's a shame Italy pushed it to third right at the post, this was better than Italy's entry.
Song 8: ESTONIA - Getter Jaani "Rockefeller Street" (24th place, 44 points)
A great song with a very catchy chorus, and a fun-to-copy dance routine. One I most wanted to qualify from semi-final 2, I'm so glad it reached the final. I joined in and copied the dance routine, and tried singing bits of the chorus. I agree with Graham Norton's comment about the London Eye at the end of the song, what was that doing on stage if they were trying to create a New York scene? 24th place and 44 points was an insult for this adult kids' Boogie Beebies big video, it should have finished on the left hand side of the scoreboard.
Song 9: GREECE - Loucas Yiorkas feat. Stereo Mike "Watch My Dance" (7th place, 120 points)
A song with an excellent, powerful chorus; the rest was passable in my opinion. This was one I most wanted to qualify from semi-final 1 just for its super dance routine, as well as the chorus. I enjoyed dancing along with this. 7th place and 120 points was about right, it wasn't good enough for top five.
Song 10: RUSSIA - Alexej Vorobjov "Get You" (16th place, 77 points)
One of my borderline songs in semi-final 1. A catchy chorus and middle eight, verses not up to much though. Its best bit was the well co-ordinated arm and leg movements, which I enjoyed copying. Definitely one to be valued more for the dance routine than the song. 16th place and 77 points was as good as it deserved, it wasn't good enough for top fifteen.
Song 11: FRANCE - Amaury Vassili "Sognu" (15th place, 82 points)
Now for a change of pace to a sombre ballad, a chance for me to rest after dancing to the previous six songs. The first Big Five nation France took the unusual step of singing in Corsican. Well sung, it deserved better than 15th place and 82 points; top ten would have been more appropriate. Indeed, when I watched the preview video online, and listened to it on the ESC 2011 CD album, I favoured this being France's first win since 1977.
Song 12: ITALY - Raphael Gualazzi "Madness Of Love" (2nd place, 189 points)
The second Big Five nation Italy, back after 14 years. A bit jazzier than France. Well done Raphael playing the grand piano whilst singing. Well if the likes of Liberace are anything to go by, Italians are talented pianists. Second place and 189 points was too generous though, it was fine for top ten but not top five. I personally was less keen on this than France.
Song 13: SWITZERLAND - Anna Rossinelli "In Love For A While" (25th place, 19 points)
One of the best songs in, and one I most wanted to qualify from, semi-final 1. I'm glad this catchy ballad reached the final, after Switzerland had failed to qualify 2007 to 2010 inclusive. I'm shocked it finished last with 19 points; it deserved to finish on the left-hand side of the scoreboard.
Song 14: UNITED KINGDOM - Blue "I Can" (11th place, 100 points)
The third Big Five nation, the UK. Strongly tipped to be top three, if not win! From the start I had my doubts about that, the first verse was a bit flat, but the chorus was catchy and powerful, including arm movements which I joined in with. I'm so glad it finished on the left hand side of the scoreboard with a 3-digit score. It's a pity it just missed the top ten though, I expected 6th to 10th.
Song 15: MOLDOVA - Zdob și Zdub "So Lucky" (12th place, 97 points)
Quite frankly, I'm disgusted this nauseating trash was chosen as Moldova's entry, let alone reached the final! The song I least wanted to qualify from semi-final 2; I bet this got through just because of the pointed hats and piping unicyclist (both unnecessary gimmicks in my opinion). Were the two lots of strobe lighting really necessary? I shouted "boo" and "off" several times during the performance. It's diabolical this finished 12th place with 97 points; I wanted it to finish joint last with Georgia on nul points. Israel or Belarus deserved the place this took.
Song 16: GERMANY - Lena "Taken By A Stranger" (10th place, 107 points)
The fourth Big Five contender, last year's winner and this year's host nation Germany. Lena who won for Germany with "Satellite" last year was back, this time singing "Taken By A Stranger". She was accompanied by the dancers in silver suits, whose routine I enjoyed dancing along to. A rather weak song really, was this a subtle attempt not to win two years running? Grossly over-rated at 10th place and 107 points, 16th to 20th would have been more appropriate.
Song 17: ROMANIA - Hotel FM "Change" (17th place, 77 points)
Another song I most wanted to qualify from semi-final 2, a bouncy song with catchy chorus. Good beat too, I'm glad this reached the final. It deserved better than 17th place and 77 points, top 15 if not top 12 is where this belonged.
Song 18: AUSTRIA - Nadine Beiler "The Secret Is Love" (18th place, 64 points)
Is this the best they could come up with after their 2008 to 2010 absence? A gospel style ballad with a female soloist and backing singers. One I preferred not to have qualified from semi-final 2, but I wasn't as appalled about its Saturday night presence as Moldova's. 18th place and 64 points was more than it deserved, I'd have liked it to have been placed 20th or below.