Live Blog: Eurovision Song Contest final

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Patrick Reilly, 00.36

So we are off to Austria next year. It's been a fun night on the blog. This is The Local signing off. See you next year in Vienna. 

Austria'a Conchita Wurst has won the Eurovision Song Contest after a fabulous night in Copenhagen. Sweden's Sanna Nielsen placed a creditable third. Over to you Conchita...

Austria have won the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest! 

Looks like we are off to Austria next year with the bearded lady romping into the lead. 

Right, we've seen neighbourly voting over the years with the Nordic countries etc voting for each other. This year we've seen something new, the vote of fear, with former Soviet states tripping over themselves to give Russia points. Don't invade us please! 

Patrick Reilly, 00.15 

So the state of play currently is; 3) Sweden 137 points, 2) Netherlands 159 points, 1) Austria 171 points 

And just in case you missed it. Here is the Austrian song 'Rise like a phoenix' being sang by the current leader Conchita Wurst 

Patrick Reilly, 00.10 

Hard-hitting journalism being practised here in Copenhagen. "Conchita, how do you feel?" Watergate doesn't get a look-in round these parts. 

Ahem, may I just repeat my message from 23.05; "Going to make a daring switch and opt for Austria followed by Armenia and then the Dutch." Looking good so far!

Patrick Reilly, 00.02

Sweden gives Austria 12 points, meaning the woman with a beard edges ahead of Sanna in the Eurorace. 

Patrick Reilly, 00.01

Sweden still in second place and looking good. France on course for the dreaded nul points. 

Plenty of boos in the house as Armenia give 10 points to Russia. Calling in favours perhaps?

It's tight at the top with Austria narrowly Sweden with Armenia close behind. 

Patrick Reilly, 23.52 

Another 12 points to Sweden this time from Romania! 

Patrick Reilly, 23.50

Tack Danmark! 12 points from the Danish neighbours rockets Sanna and Sweden into the lead. 

Patrick Reilly, 23.49

Rush of Swedes making bookings to San Marino after the tiny country gave Sweden 10 points. Get in there. 

Patrick Reilly, 23.48

Sweden yet to score any big points with the early leaders Hungary and Russia tied on 22 points each. 

Patrick Reilly, 23.44

Ahead of the Nordic votes here is the definitive proof that the Nordic countries vote for each other ALL the time. 

The likely winner in Lego...

Time for a quick fika as we say here in Sweden. Be sure to have the kettle on ahead of the voting results which are imminent. Last year's winner Emmelie de Forest is currently keeping the crowd entertained with a rendition of Only Teardrops and a new track. 

Patrick Reilly, 23.31 

Bit of symmetry for the Swedes looking for an omen. They won in 1974 with Abba and then ten in 1984 with the Herrey brothers. Okay, they did nothing in 1994 or 2004 but Sanna is in with a fighting chance this year 

Patrick Reilly, 23.27 

Having heard the Danish song a few more times it is certainly growing on me. Catchy and fun which is what Eurovision is all about. Nobody has retained the Eurovision since Ireland's three-peat of 1992/93/94. The Irish won again in 1996 but has done nada since. 

Paul O’Mahony, 23.25

In case you are wondering who is behind the microphone on the Swedish TV coverage, it is kids TV presenter Malin Olsson. We ranked her at number three in our list last year of Sweden's hottest women. 

"Five years on, Norway is still basking in the glory of 'Fairytale' by the violin-toting Belarusian Alexander Rybak, a song which stormed to victory with the highest score in Eurovision history. But after trying and failing to repeat Rybak's success with a Kenyan and a Persian Norwegians, this year's entry Carl Espen Thorbjørnsen, a stocky ex-bouncer from Bergen, brings a shift in tack. The worry in Norway is that 'Silent Storm', the song, is too slow and plaintive, and Carl Espen too serious and nervous. It's a far cry from the usual bouncy Europop, but when Carl Espen does it right, it's a hell of a song."

Alex Dunham, The Local Spain 23.15 

"Former UK X Factor contestant Ruth Lorenzo will represent her native Spain in this year’s Eurovision song contest. Not only is she a bigger name in Blighty than in her country of birth, Lorenzo’s decision to sing her power-ballad ‘Dancing in the Rain’ almost entirely in English has angered Spain’s proud National Language Academy. Spaniards will undoubtedly tune in to the Copenhagen contest in their droves, but the prospect of an all-Spanish Champions League football final is what's really on people's lips."

"Austrians of nearly every political stripe are strangely united in their support for Conchita Wurst, the drag persona of the talented Tom Neuwirth.  As one supporter wrote on her Facebook page: "Put down the glass, put aside the popcorn, cell phone, tablet and glossy magazines - because as of now, cross your fingers, press your thumbs and stroke all your four-leafed clovers."

Tom Bristow, The Local Germany 23.11 

"Germany's Eurovision win in 2010 was like the Sommermärchen (summer fairytale) of 2006 which united the nation in a feeling of joy and positivity which can normally only be provided by success in football tournaments. Unfortunately this year’s entry isn't very inspiring and a poll earlier this week showed most Germans hadn’t heard of it." 

Angela Giuffrida, The Local Italy 23.09

"Italians might give the impression they couldn’t care less about the Eurovision, but many will still tune in. Music is a huge part of their culture, and if Emma wins, there’ll be partying in the streets.”

Going to make a daring switch and opt for Austria followed by Armenia and then the Dutch. Sweden will go bust if they have to host it again! 

Oliver Gee, 23.02

I've changed to Sweden after all that! Now it's Sweden/Austria/Spain for me. 

Patrick Reilly, 10.59 

So we've heard all 26 songs now with the Brits rounding us off. Ireland had the dreaded last spot in 2013 and tanked in the voting process. The UK will be hoping the going last curse doesn't strike again. 

Patrick Reilly, 10.55

Nobody gave San Marino a prayer of making the final. The bookies have them as rank outsiders at 250/1 to go all the way. Not sure how the whole Eurovision circus would fit into tiny San Marino though...

Here's Switzerland's Sebalter giving his violin a good go on stage just moments ago. 

Patrick Reilly, 22.46

I think we can safely say we won't be back in Denmark next year after the Danes' entry Cliche Love Song. Not fit to lace the boots of last year's superb Only Teardrops. 

Patrick Reilly, 22.42

"This song is as contagious as tonsillitis at daycare." What the Swedish commentators make of the Danish entry this year. No love lost there then. 

Patrick Reilly, 22.37 

For all you Americans tuning in to our live blog you'll be pleased to know there is a US presence at the Eurovision. The Hungarian entrant András Kállay-Saunders grew up in New York and got his break on a Hungarian talent show whilst visiting a family member back home. 

Patrick Reilly, 22.35

Bit of a Norwegian flashback with the Swiss entry. Guy with a violin, cheeky smile and a waistcoat. That went all the way five years ago. Can the Swiss do the same this year? 

Malcolm Curtis, The Local Switzerland, 22.32

"After numerous disappointments in the Eurovision contest in recent years, the Swiss weren't paying much attention to the semifinals. So fiddler Sebalter's qualification for the final caught people offguard. Suddenly, his compatriots are taking the 28-year-old Ticino lawyer's chances a little more seriously." Blick newspaper summed up the general response: "Unbelievable". Judges will have to look past the Italian-speaking musician's heavily-accented English if he is to reach the top.

Patrick Reilly, 22.29

Spanish entry with singing in the rain with wet hair but, get this, perfect mascara. Bit of controversy in Spain as she is singing in English and not Spanish. Here is a rundown of Spain's greatest Eurovision moments. 

Patrick Reilly, 22.25

Decent tune from the Finns but not a patch on their 2006 winner from Lordi. Remember this one everybody. 

Anyone else think this is how the Evil Queen entertains herself when she thinks no one is watching? #Slovenia #Eurovision

Patrick Reilly, 10.14

Here are those Russian sisters with some hair-raising antics

The French are very patriotic about singing in their native tongue about moustaches. Yes, really. Here they tell The Local France why it is tres importante to sing in French and not English. 

Patrick Reilly, 10.07

Plenty of home support in Copenhagen for super Sanna. Local commentators feeling very positive. Have the bookies called it right again as they did last year with the Danes? 

Patrick Reilly, 10.04

Everybody quiet. Sweden are up next with the hot favourite Sanna Nielsen. Ssshhh. 

Patrick Reilly, 10.00

The Germans round off the first part of the acts. It's a song which apparently most in Germany has never heard of

Patrick Reilly, 9.56 

Rave reviews all around for the Austrian entry. The second favourites behind Sweden to go all the way. 

Patrick Reilly, 9.53pm 

We are back after some minor technical problems. Austria now up with the very unique Conchita Wurst. 

 

”Imagine six middle managers having sex with the same number of Teletubbies. That’s what Iceland’s entry looks like”.

Tänk er sex mellanchefer ha gruppsex med lika många teletubbies. Så ser Islands bidrag ut. #esc

— Johan Hilton (@JohanHilton) May 10, 2014

Patrick Reilly, 10.12

 

The French are very patriotic singing about their moustaches. Here they tell The Local France why it is tres imporante to sing in French and not English. 

 

Patrick Reilly, 10.07

 

Plenty of home support in Copenhagen for super Sanna. Local commentators feeling very positive. Have the bookies called it right again as they did last year with the Danes? 

 

 

Patrick Reilly, 10.04

 

Everybody quiet. Sweden are up next with the hot favourite Sanna Nielsen. Ssshhh. 

 

Patrick Reilly, 10.00

 

The Germans round off the first part of the acts. It's a song which apparently most in Germany has never heard of

 

Patrick Reilly, 9.56 

 

Rave reviews all around for the Austrian entry. The second favourites behind Sweden to go all the way. 

 

 

Patrick Reilly, 9.53pm 

 

We are back after some minor technical problems. Austria now up with the very unique Conchita Wurst. 

 

Patrick Reilly, 9.40

 

More dancing Teletubbies from Iceland. We couldn't resist....

 

 

Patrick Reilly, 9.36pm

 

And here as those Icelandic middle-aged Teletubbies we mentioned a few minutes ago. #dashing 

 

 

 

Patrick Reilly, 9.29pm

 

The Norwegian entry is sang by a former soldier who served in Kosovo. He's new on the scene and described as a prodigy at the age of 31. Here's a guide to Norway's history at the Eurovision. 

 

Patrick Reilly, 9.26pm

 

Sweden's Nordic neighbours Iceland are giving it plenty with 'No prejudice' and are bearing a striking resemblance to adults dressed as middle-aged Teletubbies. 

 

Patrick Reilly, 9.22pm

 

"Just like a real cheesecake, you are pretty fed up of it after three minutes." - What the Swedish TV commentary made of the Belarus song. Harsh. 

 

Oliver Gee, 9.21pm 

 

A Belarussian at my viewing party is literally jumping in her seat now. She says it's the best song Belarus has ever sent in. #Cheesecake

 

Patrick Reilly, 9.17pm

 

A rollicking entry from Ukraine to get us started. What was the deal with the guy in the hamster wheel wearing a microphone?

 

 

Paul O’Mahony, 9.15pm 

 

Evening all, I’m watching from a couch in Stockholm, the Capital of Scandinavia apparently. I’m plumping for an Austrian win, but have Spain down as a possible dark horse. Let the fun and games begin.

 

Patrick Reilly, 9.12pm

 

And here come our hosts who will be trying out some Danish humour on the international audience. Please welcome Pilou Asbaek, Lise Rønne and Nikolaj Koppel to the stage. 

 

 

Patrick Reilly, 9.10pm

 

Sweden's Sanna Nielsen got a great reception just now when she walked out on stage along with all the other contenders. Read how she fancies her chances in our interview with her on The Local's Swedish site. 

 

Patrick Reilly, 9.06pm

 

Bit of trivia for you. To get from last year's host city Malmö to this year's city of Copenhagen takes just 25 minutes by train which goes across the famous Öresund Bridge. 

 

Patrick Reilly, 9.05pm

 

Europe! Are you ready to join us? Yes, absolutely! 

 

Patrick Reilly, 8.54pm

 

And as for the Italians. Well they couldn't care less about Eurovision apparently according to The Local's Rome based team. 

 

Patrick Reilly, 8.50pm

 

Germany might have won Eurovision as recently as 2010 but Eurofever hasn't caught on for this year's entry with most Germans unaware of just who representing them tonight! 

 

Patrick Reilly, 8.46pm 

 

After much probing by Oliver Gee with his great big Aussie stick, here is my top three for glory tonight in Copenhagen. 

 

1) Netherlands, 2) Austria, 3) Armenia 

 

Patrick Reilly, 8.43pm

 

Sanna Nielsen may be the favourite but there is one act who has stolen most of the headlines. Yes, it's the Austrian entry, the very unique and, ahem, talented Conchita Wurst. Here's a pic of everybody's new favourite drag queen. 

 

 

Oliver Gee, 8.40pm

 

Evening folks, Oliver Gee here also known as The Uppsala Koala if you're tweeting. I'm at a viewing party in Uppsala with a Brit, some Swedes, a Belarussian, and an Australian (me). 

 

My top three: Austria, Sweden, France

 

Patrick Reilly, 8.30pm 

 

Right, so there is only 30 minutes to go before the show gets underway. Let's take a look at the running order for tonight's 26 songs. Ukraine are up first with the UK handed the dreaded closing slot. 

 

Ukraine

Belarus

Azerbaijan

Iceland

Norway

Romania

Armenia

Montenegro

Poland

Greece

Austria

Germany

Sweden

France

Russia

Italy

Slovenia

Finland

Spain

Switzerland

Hungary

Malta

Denmark

The Netherlands

San Marino

United Kingdom

 

The contenders for Eurovision glory 2014

 

Patrick Reilly 7.30pm CET

 

Sweden's Sanna Nielsen has been installed as the bookmakers' favourite to clinch the Eurovision tonight. We've compiled a picture gallery of some of the runners and riders for the show tonight including a fab shot of the much talked about Austrian candidate. 

 

Welcome to The Local's Eurovision Final Live Blog

 

Hello and welcome to The Local's live rolling coverage of tonight's Eurovision Song Contest final in Copenhagen. Our man in the south Patrick Reilly is keeping an eye on things across the water in Denmark, Oliver Gee is soaking up the atmosphere at a viewing party in Uppsala while Paul O'Mahony is doing the same at another festival in Stockholm. 

 

We've got lots to keep you entertained with plenty of insight from The Local's team of journalists from across our European network plus videos, pictures and plenty more besides. 

 

The Local