Eurovision 2019

Megalolz.

Sweden tends to get the balance right between fun and taking the competition seriously (with the exception of last years Melodifestivalen when I think it went too far in one direction). The last two finals held in Sweden were IMHO the funniest, most enjoyable and also the best produced: of course having Queen Petra helps

We're stuck in an endless cycle now where the majority of UK viewers want it to be fun and all boom bang a bang and the more passionate followers (I count myself as one) want a serious contender with a relevant song and a left hand side of the scoreboard result. Unfortunately I fear never the twain shall meet

Problem is the show has moved on. Yes it's self aware still in some of its humour but it's a lot more than "haha foreigners lolz". There's a deeper narrative there. It's about bringing together. I know the B word is generally banned but: Yes, we are leaving a political bloc, but we are not leaving Europe. Geographically we can't for a start! Eurovision quite literally unites by diversification. Actually, Freaks is almost an apt lyric. We're all frankly bonkers, but united by a love of this wonderful television show. And that is what the BBC needs to start celebrating.

What brings us together? Television presentation.

What brings football fans together? A love of their club.

A church can take many forms. It can be a stone structure with a steeple, a stadium, a website - and for some come May, it'll be a convention centre in Tel Aviv.

Blooming heck .... France ....

Don't be surprised in the slightest if this finishes near the top on the left hand side...

I know, but it was so so refreshing to see ....

(Garou stole the show with his Legrand tribute though)

The results

Le top 8 de la finale de #DestinationEurovision :

🥇 @iambilalhassani
🥈 @seemonemusic
🥉 @chimeneofficiel
4. @EmoireOff
5. @silvanaregoff
6. @TheDivaz4
7. @aysatofficiel
8. @Doutson_music

Qu'en pensez-vous ? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/m6vNue7i1b

— Eurovision France 🇫🇷 (@EurovisionF2) January 26, 2019

I don’t think much of the performance. The song is good but his vocals are flat and weak. It’ll die a death in a large arena. And the rest of Europe won’t give a hoot about his sob stories about LGBTI bullying.

I agree. France, when watched in isolation, always seems pretty good. Amongst the rest of the songs on the night though, it disappears.

I prefered Seemone, but Bilal is more modern 'Eurovision' than another French ballad.

Live allocation draw:

The UK will vote in the Second Semi Final. Bit annoying for the BBC who like to load that semi up with Scott Mills' attempts at an acting career and will have to broadcast both recaps.

Eurovision 2019 Draw
SF 1 First Half
Belarus
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Finland
Hungary
Montenegro
Poland
Serbia
Slovenia

SF 1 Second Half
Australia
Belgium
Estonia
Georgia
Greece
Iceland
Portugal
San Marino
Ukraine

SF1 Voting and Showing
France
Israel
Spain

Eurovision 2019 Draw
SF 2 First Half
Armenia
Austria
Denmark
Ireland
Latvia
Moldova
Romania
Sweden
Switzerland

SF 2 Second Half
Albania
Azerbaijan
Croatia
Lithuania
Malta
North Macedonia
Norway
Russia
The Netherlands

SF 2 Voting and Showing
Germany
Italy
United Kingdom