1991: No Dutch entry (date of contest coincided with our national remembrance day)

1985: No Dutch entry (date of contest coincided with our national remembrance day)


Quite honestly, you'd have thought whoever organises this whole affair would take this into account... :-\\

Quite honestly, you'd have thought whoever organises this whole affair would take this into account... :-\\


Well, you can't please them all...After all, there were some 25 countries involved (in those days).

Well, you can't please them all...After all, there were some 25 countries involved (in those days).


But would it have broken the organisers' hearts (and minds!) to shove the contest back or forward a week?  ???

Certainly an exhaustive list, Henk...I'm currently ploughing my way through the 'golden period'! Thanks for posting!  :)

But would it have broken the organisers' hearts (and minds!) to shove the contest back or forward a week?  ???


I don't think the hosting countries would've been the ones complaining, but maybe one or two other participating countries (like maybe Germany or Spain).

Not that it matters much, in retrospect - it only saved us the embarrassment.  ;)


Certainly an exhaustive list, Henk...I'm currently ploughing my way through the 'golden period'! Thanks for posting!  :)


The 'golden period'...? Now when was that? :-\\

The 'golden period'...? Now when was that? :-\\


It's only a matter of personal opinion, but I perceive it to be 1970-83/4...

It's only a matter of personal opinion, but I perceive it to be 1970-83/4...


Ah! I thought you meant our golden age.

Ah! I thought you meant our golden age.


Heh! Can't speak for you, but that is my golden age!  ;)

Heh! Can't speak for you, but that is my golden age!  ;)


Sorry, I meant to say: the Dutch golden period in ESC. Which we haven't had... ;)




2000: Linda – No goodbyes
(13th place of 24) This could’ve worked out SO much better…if only.



Not a lot of people have seen this performance live in The Netherlands.
Reason being that the transmission of the ESC on Dutch television was interrupted because on that very evening (May 13, 2000) an entire residential area in Enschede got blown to smithereens when a fireworks depot exploded, killing 22.

I remember we switched to German television that evening. Talk about priorities...

Not a lot of people have seen this performance live in The Netherlands.
Reason being that the transmission of the ESC on Dutch television was interrupted because on that very evening (May 13, 2000) an entire residential area in Enschede got blown to smithereens when a fireworks depot exploded, killing 22.

I remember that! I believe the event also disrupted The Netherlands points results...

Sad to hear that 22 people perished... :\'(

Catchy enough tune, but I'll have to agree that it's not a winner... :-\\

I suppose you now know what our dirge is!

And hey, she looks a bit like Leona...perhaps we can fool Eastern Europe into thinking that's who it is!  ;)

Mind you, she'll have to polish up that performance a bit!  :D

Catchy enough tune, but I'll have to agree that it's not a winner... :-\\


You know what the really sad thing is...? It was revealed today that the singers were lip syncing. So we have no idea what the song will sound like at all when performed live.


I suppose you now know what our dirge is!

And hey, she looks a bit like Leona...perhaps we can fool Eastern Europe into thinking that's who it is!  ;)

Mind you, she'll have to polish up that performance a bit!  :D



Told you it was gonna be her. ::) I wish her the best of luck, but I don't see a winner there too. Well, at least she was singing live. ;)

You know what the really sad thing is...? It was revealed today that the singers were lip syncing. So we have no idea what the song will sound like at all when performed live.


Hoboy! Just pray that it isn't as bad as Jemini's 'live' effort!  :P

Hoboy! Just pray that it isn't as bad as Jemini's 'live' effort!  :P


Or how about these girls...  ::) :D Oh yes, we've tried the whole twin thing once too, you know. Unfortunately, these girl weren't as talented. :-[

I don't know why they got applauded... :-\\

There's some interesting news on the draw for the semi finals...

The Dutch entry was given a wild card, which meant we could pick any spot in the lineup. And which spot did the "Toppers" pick? ...Dead last!  :D (Which means we're gonna be the last entry in the second semi final)

So, if it doesn't work out, we can't blame it on the draw...

I sometimes think being towards the end is good because your entry is more in the minds of the voting public.

I sometimes think being towards the end is good because your entry is more in the minds of the voting public.


I don't think so - I know so.

I've done some research on the matter in the past, and being one of the last artists to perform (final five) definitely gives you an advantage over artists that sing somewhere in the middle. Not saying that every song towards the end always scores better, but it helps - big time!

I'm afraid I've thrown away the paper work to prove it, though. :-\\

I haven't analysed it but that was always my 'gut' feeling on it

I have still yet to hear the Biritsh entry for this year...

...if it is worth it?

I have still yet to hear the Biritsh entry for this year...

...if it is worth it?


I dare you... ::)

I don't see it winning, but it would also surprise me if it would end up with zero points.

I dare you... ::)

I don't see it winning, but it would also surprise me if it would end up with zero points.
Andrew Lloyd Webber had his hand in composing it, so if it does do well our lesson has been learnt, but we still have to overcome the Eastern Block.

Bumping this one, 'cause we're getting closer to the semi-finals (next Tuesday and Thursday).

Bumping this one, 'cause we're getting closer to the semi-finals (next Tuesday and Thursday).


Thanks, so that means next week (Saturday) will the (final) main contest.

Thanks, so that means next week (Saturday) will the (final) main contest.


Indeed, and I'll be watching.

I'll be missing most of the first semi-final, though. Tuesday evening is choir practice.

Indeed, and I'll be watching.

I'll be missing most of the first semi-final, though. Tuesday evening is choir practice.
The semis may be on BBC tv, but the final (for the UK) will not be the same for this year there will be no Sir Terry Wogan.

Tonight was the night of the first semi-final. Like I already announced, I missed most of it (only got to hear the last two songs live).

But when the voting started and short clippings of the songs were shown, it became quite obvious that I didn't miss an awful lot. Most of the songs were pretty mediocre, and some were even worse.

In the end, 10 countries/songs made it to the final (because those are the rules). They are (in no particular order): Sweden, Armenia, Turkey, Israel, Iceland, Rumania, Finland, Portugal, Malta en Bosnia-Herzegovina.

So no Belgium... but I didn't like their entry anyway.


Next semi-final (with the Netherlands) next Thursday. Fingers crossed...

Today was the day of the second semi-final. Long story short: we didn't make the cut. :\'(

So for the fifth year in a row, no final with Holland.

Today was the day of the second semi-final. Long story short: we didn't make the cut. :\'(

So for the fifth year in a row, no final with Holland.


Comiserations, Henk...

(To be fair, if not for the fact that we (as a nation) keep throwing shedloads of cash at this Eastern-European vote-fest, we wouldn't get anywhere near the finals either!  :P)

I might watch a bit of it, but the magic went out of it years ago!

Comiserations, Henk...


Thanks, Paul. I find some consolation in the fact that Ireland (for instance) didn't make it either.


(To be fair, if not for the fact that we (as a nation) keep throwing shedloads of cash at this Eastern-European vote-fest, we wouldn't get anywhere near the finals either!  :P)


True dat!


I might watch a bit of it, but the magic went out of it years ago!


Oh, yes: the good old days of nuclear warfare and secret rendez-vous' are long gone... ;)

You know...the latter isn't actually a bad composition. They were just a bit ahead of their time.

So who DID make the final (from the second semi-final)? The following countries: Croatia, Norway, Denmark, Azarbaijan, Greece, Lithunia, Moldova, Albania, Ukraine en Estonia.

Along with the winners from the first semi-final and the five largest financial contributors (Spain, UK, Germany and France, who are automatically qualified), as well as last years' winner Russia, they'll be making up the field for the final on Saturday.

Back in the day, you could always rely on Luxembourg to give us all a good laugh!  :D

(Mind you, we had Prima Donna that year, which was almost as bad!)

Back in the day, you could always rely on Luxembourg to give us all a good laugh!  :D


Still, they ended up in 9th place...


(Mind you, we had Prima Donna that year, which was almost as bad!)


Not that bad, considering you came in 3rd place. ;)

So I've had a (short) listen to all the songs competing tonight...

Keeping in mind that we have a 50/50 public and jury vote this year, these are my suggestions for the top 10 spots (in alphabetic order):

Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Estonia, France, Greece, Malta, Norway, Sweden, Ukraine and...United Kingdom. :o

Yes, UK too, because a) you're #23 in starting order, and b) you'll get high jury votes no doubt.


Now if it was up to me, I'd like to see Bosnia & Herzegovina and Norway compete for first place, with Estonia in third place.

Just discovered I can watch the Eurovison Song Contest online.

After seven songs my money is on Iceland's Is It True? by Johanna

Now if it was up to me, I'd like to see Bosnia & Herzegovina and Norway compete for first place, with Estonia in third place.


Not exactly much 'competing' going on, was there?  ;)

Still, at least it wasn't an 'eastern' country walking off with the honours...not really heard the winning song in full, but it has to be better than 'La det swinge'!

Top marks to Holland once again for letting a lovely young thing announce their votes!

After seven songs my money is on Iceland's Is It True? by Johanna


Iceland finished second, so you were in good company. I didn't expect it to do so well, to be honest.


Not exactly much 'competing' going on, was there?  ;)


I must say I was surprised by the overwhelming supremacy of Norway. Certainly didn't see that one coming.


Still, at least it wasn't an 'eastern' country walking off with the honours...not really heard the winning song in full, but it has to be better than 'La det swinge'!


Fixed!  ;) Alexander Rybak may not be the world's greatest singer, but the composition as a whole is excellent.


Top marks to Holland once again for letting a lovely young thing announce their votes!


That was the lovely Yolanthe Cabau van Kasbergen, and though she may have told Europe she fell in love with Alexander Rybak, her heart belongs to one of Holland's most popular singers, Jan Smit.

Keeping in mind that we have a 50/50 public and jury vote this year, these are my suggestions for the top 10 spots (in alphabetic order):

Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Estonia, France, Greece, Malta, Norway, Sweden, Ukraine and...United Kingdom. :o



And this is the Top 10 as it should have been:

01. Norway
02. Iceland
03. Azerbaijan
04. Turkey
05. United Kingdom
06. Estonia
07. Greece
08. France
09. Bosnia & Herzegovina
10. Armenia

So I got six out of ten. Not that bad, but I totally missed nrs 2, 3 and 4. :-[ I honestly expected the (low) jury marks to outweigh the (high) public marks for Azerbaijan and Turkey. Those two songs were hardly original.
Iceland on the other hand comes as a nice surprise. I expected it to drown in the crowd.

Future of ESC looks to be saved, with the reintroduction of jury votes. Norway winning, Iceland second, UK and France both in Top 10...and of course, the Turkish singer hails from Belgium. No reason to complain for western Europe anymore.

Spain (23rd) and Germany (20th) need to do their homework again.

Two songs last night sounded like other songs, the Swedish entry sound like Nessum Dorma and the German entry was very similar to "Minnie The Moocher".

Alexander Rybak may not be the world's greatest singer, but the composition as a whole is excellent.

Does nothing for me, I'm afraid...a very 'average' tune, but I see its cross-nation appeal!  :-\\

That was the lovely Yolanthe Cabau van Kasbergen, and though she may have told Europe she fell in love with Alexander Rybak, her heart belongs to one of Holland's most popular singers, Jan Smit.


Lucky sod!  >:(

For the benefit of our non-European red-blooded males...http://i00.bdbphotos.com/8L/74/0000307874-45884L.jpg

I knew there was a reason I was concentrating on this thread!

Two songs last night sounded like other songs, the Swedish entry sound like Nessum Dorma and the German entry was very similar to "Minnie The Moocher".


That's probably why both entries ended up in bottom-six (Sweden: 21st, Germany: 20th).


Some trivia:
- The Netherlands ended up 17th(!) in their semi-final. Umm...better luck next year? :-\\
- Finland ended dead last in the final. History repeating... ::)
- Malta's 22nd place is their worst result ever (although they ended last in 1971 and 1972 competitions).

I really didn't like the Norwegian entry.

Some terrible songs, some good ones again this year. I think the voting was much fairer with this new system.

I liked Estonia's and Portugal's songs the most I gotta say. I much prefer it when the artists don't sing in English - that's how it used to be and that was the show's appeal.

Future of ESC looks to be saved, with the reintroduction of jury votes. Norway winning, Iceland second, UK and France both in Top 10...and of course, the Turkish singer hails from Belgium. No reason to complain for western Europe anymore.


Also note that there is only one former Yugoslav republic in the Top 10.

Croatia ended in 18th place, while Serbia, Slovenia and Montenegro didn't even make the final.

Also note that there is only one former Yugoslav republic in the Top 10.

Croatia ended in 18th place, while Serbia, Slovenia and Montenegro didn't even make the final.
Cyprus who did not qualify for the finall still gave 12 points to Greece.

Cyprus who did not qualify for the finall still gave 12 points to Greece.


As they always do. And if Cyprus were in the final, Greece would have given them 12 points also.

It's the same every year, but to be fair, Sakis is a massive star in both countries. My cousin who lives there is 14 and she's in love with him - she has him on her duvet!! I think it's a little bit creepy... :S  8-P

As they always do. And if Cyprus were in the final, Greece would have given them 12 points also.

It's the same every year, but to be fair, Sakis is a massive star in both countries. My cousin who lives there is 14 and she's in love with him - she has him on her duvet!! I think it's a little bit creepy... :S  8-P
This year it was different and the system worked.

Cyprus who did not qualify for the finall still gave 12 points to Greece.



As they always do. And if Cyprus were in the final, Greece would have given them 12 points also.


Sad, but true - even if the songs suck big time and they don't get points from anyone else...

I must admit though, that I liked this song better than Sakis Rouvas' 2004 entry "Shake It" (that earned him a 3rd place).


It's the same every year, but to be fair, Sakis is a massive star in both countries. My cousin who lives there is 14 and she's in love with him - she has him on her duvet!! I think it's a little bit creepy... :S  8-P


She does know he's old enough to be her father, right?  :-\\

This year it was different and the system worked.


I'm glad it worked beacuse it was getting ridiculous.

I find it kinda funny that they do it every year - and totally ignore Turkey. But then that's just Cypriot politics. I actually think Greece gave Turkey something like 3 points this year which was surprising.

Sad, but true - even if the songs suck big time and they don't get points from anyone else...

I must admit though, that I liked this song better than Sakis Rouvas' 2004 entry "Shake It" (that earned him a 3rd place).

She does know he's old enough to be her father, right?  :-\\


I thought 'Shake it' was awful also but I prefered it to this year's entry. I think Sakis needs to quit Eurovision now - he's entered 3 times now and needs to give it a rest. Same with Malta's Chiara - she didn't fair too well on Saturday either.

As I said - he's just this massive star over there. I'm sure she'll regret her teenage crush in the years to come!!! :)

I'm glad it worked beacuse it was getting ridiculous.

I find it kinda funny that they do it every year - and totally ignore Turkey. But then that's just Cypriot politics. I actually think Greece gave Turkey something like 3 points this year which was surprising.


Greece and Turkey have been ignoring each other for decades. But that has changed ever since the massive earthquake in Turkey in 1999 (when even Greece came to the rescue). Both countries have been exchanging points ever since (on and off).
Cyprus and Turkey on the other hand...

Greece and Turkey have been ignoring each other for decades. But that has changed ever since the massive earthquake in Turkey in 1999 (when even Greece came to the rescue). Both countries have been exchanging points ever since (on and off).
Cyprus and Turkey on the other hand...


The Cypriot/Turkish saga will be ongoing until something huge changes in Cyprus. It's embedded into the lives of many Cypriots to hate the Turkish people, which of course isn't right - but it's very difficult to contend with when you are from a Cypriot background. I don't think there will be an reconciliation from both parties until the Turks leave Cyprus - and that is not going to happen any time soon. Seeing that divide in Nicosia really does hit it home to you. My dad fought in the war in 1974 and he just can't bear to talk about it - he obviously saw too much.   

Whoa...this is getting all deep for a discussion on the Eurovision Song Contest...soooo...who wants to buy Svetlana's flat in the Ukraine?  ;)

Greece and Turkey have been ignoring each other for decades. But that has changed ever since the massive earthquake in Turkey in 1999 (when even Greece came to the rescue). Both countries have been exchanging points ever since (on and off).


I've done some quick research. Luckily I have the votes from 2000 onward at hand. ::)
In 2000, Greece didn't participate, so no points exchanged there. But in the following years (2001 - 2008), Greece has awarded Turkey with 27 points, while Turkey gave 49 points to Greece (including 12 in 2005). :o So there's not much left of the old controversy, or so it seems.


The Cypriot/Turkish saga will be ongoing until something huge changes in Cyprus. It's embedded into the lives of many Cypriots to hate the Turkish people, which of course isn't right - but it's very difficult to contend with when you are from a Cypriot background. I don't think there will be an reconciliation from both parties until the Turks leave Cyprus - and that is not going to happen any time soon. Seeing that divide in Nicosia really does hit it home to you. My dad fought in the war in 1974 and he just can't bear to talk about it - he obviously saw too much.   

Whoa...this is getting all deep for a discussion on the Eurovision Song Contest...soooo...who wants to buy Svetlana's flat in the Ukraine?  ;)


I have nothing against deep discussions on the subject, but maybe you're right - we have other sections to discuss those matters.

One final comment, though: I'd hate to be living on the Turkish part of Cyprus, getting totally ignored by the entire world minus Turkey.


As far as Svetlana's flat is concerned: she can keep it, if she promises never to return to the ESC.

I've done some quick research. Luckily I have the votes from 2000 onward at hand. ::)
In 2000, Greece didn't participate, so no points exchanged there. But in the following years (2001 - 2008), Greece has awarded Turkey with 27 points, while Turkey gave 49 points to Greece (including 12 in 2005). :o So there's not much left of the old controversy, or so it seems.

I have nothing against deep discussions on the subject, but maybe you're right - we have other sections to discuss those matters.

One final comment, though: I'd hate to be living on the Turkish part of Cyprus, getting totally ignored by the entire world minus Turkey.


As far as Svetlana's flat is concerned: she can keep it, if she promises never to return to the ESC.


Wow research at hand! So Greece and Turkey are exchanging votes but it's not going to happen with Cyprus any tme soon!

That was the lovely Yolanthe Cabau van Kasbergen, and though she may have told Europe she fell in love with Alexander Rybak, her heart belongs to one of Holland's most popular singers, Jan Smit.


Latest news, made official yesterday: the couple broke up.

Latest news, made official yesterday: the couple broke up.


Right! If everyone would like to form an orderly queue...behind me!  ;)

Latest news, made official yesterday: the couple broke up.


...but rumour has it she's now dating soccer player Wesley Sneijder... ::) :P

...but rumour has it she's now dating soccer player Wesley Sneijder... ::) :P


Two years have passed, and the two have since married.

And FTR: No, the Netherlands didn't qualify for the final of ESC in 2010 AND 2011. That's SEVEN years in a row!! (A record, but not one to be proud of)


Oh, don't get me wrong: we hardly deserved a place in the final. Not this year, or any of the previous 6 years for that matter. Songs were mediocre at best. Maybe we should skip a year (or two...)

Ye Gods...not only have the awful Jedward snuck into the competition, but they've been placed as 2nd favourites!  :o

Ye Gods...not only have the awful Jedward snuck into the competition, but they've been placed as 2nd favourites!  :o


You know... the moment they "opened" the "envelope" revealing Ireland made it to the final, I was like "OK, that seals it. If they're through, we're definitely out!" (and I was right)  ;D


And for those not familiar with the Irish twins John and Edward (a.k.a. Jedward)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHRs-LWnpVo

For the sake of comparison, here's the Dutch entry of 2011:

3Js - Never Alone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlneiG2bGuE




...And to fill in the gaps, here's the Dutch entry of 2010 too:

Ik Ben Verliefd (Sha-La-Lie) - Sieneke

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aARooQAfy8

Regarding this year ESC, I have not heard Jedwood or Blue entries yet and I wish to keep it that way.

Regarding this year ESC, I have not heard Jedwood or Blue entries yet and I wish to keep it that way.


So I guess you won't be watching tomorrow evening then...? ???

So I guess you won't be watching tomorrow evening then...? ???
I am tempted to, I have been a fan of the show in the past, and probably will end up watching it.

You know... the moment they "opened" the "envelope" revealing Ireland made it to the final, I was like "OK, that seals it. If they're through, we're definitely out!" (and I was right)  ;D


Some folk couldn't have thought Ireland would sink much lower than that turkey puppet from a couple of years back...

No wonder the country's gone broke...

The Dutch entry was infinitely much better...very Del Amitri-ish...

I haven't watched either semi final yet. But I still have time! Muahahaha. Tomorrow is going to be fun!

I remember this song!

...and liked it!


A very strong field of songs that year...wonder what became of the group who won it?  ??? ;)

A very strong field of songs that year...wonder what became of the group who won it?  ??? ;)
They did not last long, split up in under ten years.

They did not last long, split up in under ten years.


Tru dat. Last I heard, they're planning a reunion. For real, this time!






























Wonder if they still have the suits... :-\\

I have just heard the French entry, Sognu sung by Amaury Vassili, the song is opera based and is the best I have yet, I do want it to win.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/52726000/jpg/_52726636_011978924-1.jpg

Jedward, the horror of Eurovision?

Azerbaijan wins the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 in Düsseldorf, Germany with the entry "Running Scared"

More tomorrow