Wir Lieben "Eurovision!"

Well, maybe 'lieben' is a little strong. I don't LOVE the Eurovision, but I am strangely compelled by it - every year I swear I won't watch it, then I end up sitting through the entire thing while nervously trying to calculate the points when it gets down to the last few votes.

The Eurovision Song Contest began in 1956 and is the most-watched non sporting event in the world. It is broadcast live to an audience of over 600 million. Leaving aside the political voting that seems to have gripped the contest in the last few years (neighbouring countries voting for each other), the Eurovision is a treasured annual event, especially for countries like Ireland who have won it 7 times.

The Irish entry this year is Marmite - sorry, Jedward - who bring a burst of manic teen hyper energy to the stage - and the other European countries seem to love it. Jedward (twins John and Edward Grimes) were competitors in the 2009 series of the TV singing competition "The X Factor", and have gained many fans (and many haters) since then. Their debut album, "Planet Jedward", was the best-selling album in Ireland in 2010. I'm going to be honest here and tell you that I'm disgusted at the level of hate directed towards them in Ireland over the past few weeks. The begrudgery is shocking, and at times far too personal and hateful. Think about it like this: They're a pair of teenage twin brothers doing what they love and having fun. Who is that harming?!! No-one. So lay off the hate, okay? If there's one thing this country needs at the minute, it's something positive. If that positivity comes in the form of two hyperactive quiffed brothers, then so be it. C'mon Jedward!

Now, enough with the ranting, and down to something a little more "me". In the 55 years of Eurovision, there have been a wide variety of acts - from the sweet, homely Dana to the all-singing, all-rocking (slightly scary) Lordi. There are enough blogs and sites that celebrate both the good and the bad of the Eurovision acts - so, leaving aside drag queens, turkeys, & Donna and Joe, I give you my top 5 favourite things about the Eurovision.

5: There's Always One...
I love watching the voting. In fact, I think I enjoy it more than watching the actual show. BUT - there's always one announcer who wants to break tradition, break the rules, and stand out during the results. This is Björn Gustafsson. He's a Swedish "comedian". In 2008, he thought it would be absolutely hilarious to deliver the results of the Swedish vote as if he was drunk. Hahaha, hohohoho, hehehehe, etc. Remember boys and girls, this man is a COMEDIAN. Being funny is his JOB.



4: The Hotness of Europeans
Yes, this is completely superficial, but it has to be said, because it's true. How many of you watch the Eurovision just to have a little perv over some of the....shall we say...more aesthetically-pleasing entrants? I've had a quick look at some of the entrants and here's my pick of the hot boys and girls due to perform tonight. Just before I do that, can I just say: Portugal, are you MAD? You send THIS when you could have sent Rui Andrade??

Instead, I'll be keeping my eye on Italy's Raphael Gualazzi:

And Slovenia's Maja Keuc:

3: The "Eccentric"Act
From the embarrasingly hilarious to the just plain embarrassing, Eurovision wouldn't be the same without the odd novelty act thrown in. This year, it's the wacky and weird Moldovan act Zdob și Zdub (think a Beastie Boys tribute act in wizard hats):



2: The Interval
A lot of people choose the interval as the time to make a sandwich, have a flick through the other channels, or have a cup of tea - but if you had done this in 1994, you would have missed this. Even after 17 years, it still gives me shivers. Will the 2011 German interval be as memorable? Time will tell...



1: The Commentary
I know that some people prefer the UK commentary, but for me, nothing can beat Marty Whelan on RTE.

Marty has been providing the Irish population with hilarious, witty Eurovision commentary since 2000, and it just wouldn't be the same without him.  Here's a little personal (and very weird)Marty fact: as a child, I took an awful dislike to Marty after I had a dream that he tried to break into our house. It took me years to be able to watch him on anything. Sorry, Marty.

As I write, there are only a few hours left until the Eurovision 2011 Final kicks off - so whether you're watching it in the comfort of your own home, at a party, following the online commentary (Eurovision Fact: Much more fun to watch it and simultaneously follow the commentary on twitter #eurovision) or at the pub, have fun and enjoy.