Saturday, 14 May 2011
Everyone has their own memories of this unique competition which launched the careers of Abba and our own Dana, and which was also won by Sandie Shaw with a song written by Phil Coulter and Bill Martin.
One of the winners every year was the veteran broadcaster Terry Wogan, with his characteristic satire. However, it was not difficult to make fun of a contest which had some wacky songs and some even wackier performers.
The voting also tended to be political as well as musical, and votes were cast not only for ideological allies, but also in order to keep others out. The dreaded verdict of "null points" ruined many a career, but there was a back-handed claim to fame by coming last in the competition.
The Eurovision Song Contest will loom large again on our screens this evening, and there will be the same misgivings about the impartiality of the judging, as well as astonishment perhaps at the song which won, coupled with the disappointment that a more worthy entry slipped down the ratings.
This year's contest has an added spice, with the songs from Ireland and the UK attracting attention. The Irish entry might do well with Jedward, who apparently have the backing of the British Prime Minister David Cameron.
The UK entry features the group Blue, but as yet there is no indication that they have received reciprocal backing from the Taoiseach Enda Kenny. In the week before the Queen's visit to Ireland, however, there might even be some fraternal voting across the Irish Sea.
In such a competition where music itself is often the loser, virtually any entry might win, but it would be reassuring if a really good song which everyone likes actually comes out on top.
Whatever the result, however, don't worry - it's only the Eurovision Song Contest.
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