THE WINNER
------------
Russia was a disappointment, their singer was weak, and the famous ice skater was wasted on a rink smaller than the vocal range.

THE NOTABLES
-------------
Croatia - My favourite! The old ranting man (75 Cent, delightful pun), the lovely old jazz men and the flexible young lady in red were a great bunch, quirky and talented. The song was great, a real late night Parisienne affair, and it's nice to hear people sing in their own language at Eurovision. Look for the video filmed in Zargreb on Youtube.

Sweden - Charlotte Perrelli, the vocalist, did a great job with a signature Eurovision power diva song, and was only upstaged by her terrifying degree of plastic surgery, and the amazing lighting effects.

Serbia - An amazing ballad, Jelena Tomesevic has a powerful voice. Simple but amazing. It felt epic, and it was one of the more culturally authentic pieces.

Albania - A beautiful and powerful song, backed up by a detailed and fanciful background. The singer was a great girl, but someone should have told her costume designer you don't show that much stomach when you're going for elegance and beauty.

France - Almost came off too much like an indie Triple J piece, but the sense of humour and solid vocals saved it from silliness.

Latvia - Utter cheesiness, but it had pirates and competent singing. Oh and the female lead vocalist had breasts that could serve as missile shielding for most of Europe, thank god for plastic surgery and corsetry.

THE PAIN
--------
Turkey - Emo rock. 1950s US rock era guitars. Enough said.

Czech Republic - Rap. No thanks.

Denmark - Tried way too hard to be an amiable and cheery pub song. I definitely don't want to hear this "All Night Long".

Spain - Bad music, awful dancers, non-existant humour, ugly wigs, and just about everything else that makes for a bad 1980s parody song.

VERDICT?
----------
The dearth of R and B and mopey rock was made up for by the notables, but Russia's victory was perplexing. They were barely mediocre, Serbia was so beautiful it could make you cry, Croatia was witty and complex, and Sweden was the type of diva song that we'll be hearing in clubs for years to come.

Still, can't wait for 2009!