Eurovision 2012

[duncan]

The BBC have gone and done it again and picked our entry for us. After last years instantly forgettable effort by Blue, the Beeb this year are sending the one, the only Englebert Humperdink.

http://http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ent...-arts-17222934

At 75, he will be the competition's oldest ever contestant and is pretty well known on the european circuit.

Meanwhile, Ireland have gone for Jedward for a second year running.

[Nyder]

If they can pick a good song then maybe there's a chance ...... what am I saying? No-one ever votes for us anyway!

[Dirk Gently]

No, no-one ever votes for us. But they might vote for Englebert.

Ireland obviously don't want to win again.

[Rob McCow]

75 has always been Britain's lucky number!

"1975 2nd place with 138 points - The Shadows"

So expect RESULTS.

[Richard Brinck-Johnsen]

See I always assumed the point was that we didn't want to win as the BBC already pays for most of the damned thing and hosting it would be a massive extra expense but last year in particular was a disappointing performance from Blue.

However, I do actually think Engelbert could go down really well with the international viewing audience.

[duncan]

If the song is right.

[Si Hunt]

They've got a guy who writes with Adele and Lana Del Ray onto it. Looking good!

Si.

[Dirk Gently]

Does this mean that the UK are actually trying to win this year?

[Richard Brinck-Johnsen]

Well I guess it'll give us something to look forward to next year aside from the pallava about Doctor Who

[duncan]

The song has now been revealed to be a gentle ballad called Love Can Set You Free.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=01SQXjlhTuE

[Nyder]

I really like this! Quite a brooding song, but it's got a key change so it should keep the Eurovision purists happy!

[duncan]

It's not bad is it? With all of his years of experience, he should sing it very well on the live stage.

[Simon R]

It's very Spanish or Portuguese. It's a grower which is fine for us getting to know it over the weeks but might lack impact on the night. We could do with a later position in the running order. As with last year, I'm voting for Sweden.

[duncan]

I'm not really liking Sweden's effort this year. It sort of promises a lot but delivers little.

[Simon R]

It took me a couple of listens. She dances likes Kate Bush! Not much else has grabbed me yet this year. Cyprus and Greece are quite bouncy.

[duncan]

I'm not really liking Sweden's effort this year. It sort of promises a lot but delivers little.

Having said that, I have just listen to Jedward.

Oh dear.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni133caQ9Dw

This brings Gemini to mind

[Richard Brinck-Johnsen]

I prefer to be surprised by what all the other countries are doing on the night.
Have to say I'm not feeling the love for Sweden but I think that's the Norwegian in me expressing some friendly rivalry. Just don't mention that awful Bellarussian boy from a few years ago.

I do like the Hump song. It could've fitted in on the Spanish Teacher episode of Glee last week

[Simon R]

Engleburp is performing first on the night it's been revealed. I can't see that helping our chances.

[duncan]

Oh no, what a bad draw! Has anyone won when they have sung first?

[duncan]

To answer my own question, both the Brotherhood Of Man and Sweden’s 1984 winners Herreys kicked off their respective contests. No act has ever won the contest when singing second.

[Llordllama]

It's hardly a show stopping memorable number though. More people will end up voting for the Eurovision Anthem by mistake and it's more thrilling. That said the Wife says the tune has stuck in her mind, so maybe it's not on a male wavelength!

[duncan]

Funnily enough, my wife has been singing it after hearing it only twice.

[Simon R]

I've heard it three times and can almost remember it. It'll probably do well with the juries but not so much the viewing public.

[Si Hunt]

We won't even be pissed by the time it comes on!

Si.

[Richard Brinck-Johnsen]

If Eurovision doesn't persuade me to start drinking again then nothing will...