May 14th 2011 we will do it all again!

Yesterday the date for Eurovision 2011 was confirmed. On May 14th we will once again be going crazy waving flags, partying, singing, laughing and dancing!

That's certainly what we did in Oslo! It was an amazing experience. A great city, wonderfully kind people, great restaurants and a city that totally absorbed the Eurovision experience. 2010 will be remembered for 2 great semis and final, professional presentation and camerawork and a deserving winner. Obviously Ireland's placing was a big disappointment and clearly it was not the year of the ballad as most of them finished towards the bottom.

I never thought Germany would do as well as expected but clearly it is a song that appealed to a mass audience and that is what makes a eurovision winner. It is a positive step forward for Eurovision and the style of music is modern and contemporary. It has been confirmed that Lena will return to defend her title in 2011 which is surprising but commendable. This hasn't happened since Lys Assia returned after winning in 1956!

The fate of Sweden was the biggest shock in the semis and Anna was stunned at the result. Many feel that Christer will be evaluating his approach to Melodifestivalen for what will apparently be his final year running the contest. When I met him at Club Latter I did excitedly tell him to bring back Nanne Gronvall!!

I also thought Croatia were in with a great shot at qualifying but it wasn't to be.

The moment Ireland came out of the envelope in Semi 2 will always stay with me! I almost choked on my feather bowa with all the excitement!
It felt so good to see Ireland qualifying and all the fans were so behind 'It's for You'

The buzz outside the arena on both nights was fantastic. We got so many pictures taken and sang so many songs to T.V. cameras from a selection of Melodifestivalen songs to the special 'Irish medley' on the hill on the Saturday night! We even began taking requests at one point!!

Going into the arena on final night there was a definate sense that about 14 songs could be in with a shot at winning. This added to the openness of the show in that there was not a clear winner and that is something I love.

It was great to see Belguim and Cyprus in the final. Both songs I have such a soft spot for.
Schlager was still strong with Denmark and Iceland proving so popular and at the beginning of the voting I thought Denmark were in with a definate shot.

I caught up with great friends, met many new friends, saw some eurovision legends perform (Bobbysocks), met some euro stars (Safura, Marcin, Thea, Graham Norton, Michael von der Heide, Josh, Rosman Pace and Christer Bjorkman to name a few!)

Oslo you were a star and I can't wait to return!

Thanks to everyone who made it so special especially young Mick!
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