Mesdames et messieurs...
..welcome to the...
Eurovision... ..Song Contest.
The Eurovision Song Contest has been
entertaining viewers across Europe
The Eurovision Song Contest has been
entertaining viewers across Europe
and beyond for more than 60 years.
and beyond for more than 60 years.
It's the biggest music extravaganza
in the world.
It's the biggest music extravaganza
in the world.
It's the biggest music extravaganza
in the world.
It's cheesy.
Extravagant.
Mad.
Crazy.
Bonkers. But we all love it.
Bonkers. But we all love it.
The ultimate appointment to view.
The ultimate appointment to view.
However, with such a wealth of
talent all on one stage,
However, with such a wealth of
talent all on one stage,
and the scale and production
of the live event,
and the scale and production
of the live event,
things aren't always plain sailing.
things aren't always plain sailing.
The margin for error is huge.
The margin for error is huge.
From presenters who don't have
a clue...
From presenters who don't have
a clue...
Israel eight points.
Israel seven points.
Israel seven points.
Seven points, then.
..to monumental pratfalls...
..to monumental pratfalls...
Bosh! Like that, she goes down!
Bosh! Like that, she goes down!
..and abominable interval acts.
..and abominable interval acts.
I could do that!
It's a live three-hour circus and
sometimes the animals escape.
It's a live three-hour circus and
sometimes the animals escape.
It's a live three-hour circus and
sometimes the animals escape.
Tonight's Eurovision entries...
Tonight's Eurovision entries...
..Britain's Belle and the Devotions
..Britain's Belle and the Devotions
shocked by their reception
in Luxembourg.
shocked by their reception
in Luxembourg.
BOOING AND WHISTLES
BOOING AND WHISTLES
That must be awful - to get booed.
That must be awful - to get booed.
It was reported that we were on
stage miming.
It was reported that we were on
stage miming.
Denmark's Birthe Wilke reminisces on
a lingering kiss
Denmark's Birthe Wilke reminisces on
a lingering kiss
that cost her the contest.
And we kissed and we kissed
and we kissed!
And we kissed and we kissed
and we kissed!
It was a full-on snog.
It was a full-on snog.
Because of this long kiss,
we didn't have any votes.
Because of this long kiss,
we didn't have any votes.
Because of this long kiss,
we didn't have any votes.
And Israel's diva Dana International
disappears backstage.
And Israel's diva Dana International
disappears backstage.
And Israel's diva Dana International
disappears backstage.
It was that famous
"Where's the artist?" moment.
It was that famous
"Where's the artist?" moment.
We've got the news to go to,
hurry up!
We've got the news to go to,
hurry up!
I'm Angela Rippon and tonight we've
assembled Eurovision royalty
I'm Angela Rippon and tonight we've
assembled Eurovision royalty
from across the entire history of
the contest.
from across the entire history of
the contest.
Thank you!
So, scoreboards at the ready and
prepare to be dazzled and delighted
So, scoreboards at the ready and
prepare to be dazzled and delighted
So, scoreboards at the ready and
prepare to be dazzled and delighted
as Eurovision Goes Horribly Wrong.
as Eurovision Goes Horribly Wrong.
May I congratulate you on this
wonderful show.
May I congratulate you on this
wonderful show.
In the good old days,
Eurovision was a no-frills singing
contest with very little
Eurovision was a no-frills singing
contest with very little
Eurovision was a no-frills singing
contest with very little
glitz and glamour.
Back in the '50s and '60s, you
know, it was all very proper.
Back in the '50s and '60s, you
know, it was all very proper.
Even the fact that Sandie Shaw went
on stage without shoes on
Even the fact that Sandie Shaw went
on stage without shoes on
was, "Argh!"
was, "Argh!"
But, as the number of
countries increased,
But, as the number of
countries increased,
competitors realised they needed
something to make
competitors realised they needed
something to make
themselves memorable.
They always say in showbiz,
you know, "You've got to have
a gimmick," but Eurovision
you know, "You've got to have
a gimmick," but Eurovision
takes that to the absolute extreme.
Gimmicks and Eurovision are two
words that just belong together.
Gimmicks and Eurovision are two
words that just belong together.
Gimmicks and Eurovision are two
words that just belong together.
There's always one act with
a gimmick.
For some, it worked beautifully.
For some, it worked beautifully.
# But if you want to see
some more... #
# But if you want to see
some more... #
If you want to be remembered,
you've got to get a gimmick.
If you want to be remembered,
you've got to get a gimmick.
The most famous one in the UK
is ripping off the skirt.
The most famous one in the UK
is ripping off the skirt.
Bucks Fizz brought the fun
element to it.
Bucks Fizz brought the fun
element to it.
# You're making your mind up... #
We won just by a few points.
Every country gave us a few points.
No-one left us out,
which is quite an unusual thing.
No-one left us out,
which is quite an unusual thing.
And if they didn't even like
the song or how we sung it,
And if they didn't even like
the song or how we sung it,
they kind of gave us a vote
for the skirt rip,
just because it was kind of fun.
Others were not so successful.
Others were not so successful.
Mouth and MacNeal from the
Netherlands tried in vain to outdo
Mouth and MacNeal from the
Netherlands tried in vain to outdo
ABBA in 1974.
MUSIC: "I See A Star"
by Mouth and MacNeal
MUSIC: "I See A Star"
by Mouth and MacNeal
Oh, they were spooky!
This isn't the Bride of Chucky.
Oh, they were spooky!
This isn't the Bride of Chucky.
Stick things that had lots and lots
of hair and very little body.
Stick things that had lots and lots
of hair and very little body.
Stick things that had lots and lots
of hair and very little body.
Very strange, very eerie.
We remember it, yeah.
Whether we remember it for the right
reasons is another thing.
Whether we remember it for the right
reasons is another thing.
The Ukraine tried adding an unusual
speciality act in 2014.
The Ukraine tried adding an unusual
speciality act in 2014.
MUSIC: "Tick - Tock"
by Mariya Yaremchuk
MUSIC: "Tick - Tock"
by Mariya Yaremchuk
He was actually in a hamster wheel
going round and round
He was actually in a hamster wheel
going round and round
and you're like, "What is going on?"
and you're like, "What is going on?"
Sometimes you think, "Am I still
watching that programme
Sometimes you think, "Am I still
watching that programme
"or is this an ad?"
You do see the bizarrest things
at Eurovision.
You do see the bizarrest things
at Eurovision.
One of the hot favourites of 2017
was Italy's Francesco Gabbani.
One of the hot favourites of 2017
was Italy's Francesco Gabbani.
One of the hot favourites of 2017
was Italy's Francesco Gabbani.
He belted out a catchy Euro dance
track in Italian
He belted out a catchy Euro dance
track in Italian
and enlisted Italy's top
choreographer, Filippo Rinaldi,
and enlisted Italy's top
choreographer, Filippo Rinaldi,
and enlisted Italy's top
choreographer, Filippo Rinaldi,
to bust some moves
in a gorilla suit.
to bust some moves
in a gorilla suit.
MUSIC: "Occidentali's Karma"
by Francesco Gabbani
MUSIC: "Occidentali's Karma"
by Francesco Gabbani
Sadly, not enough
to bring home the trophy.
Sadly, not enough
to bring home the trophy.
I thought it was someone
that had just stage-bombed,
I thought it was someone
that had just stage-bombed,
I thought it was someone
that had just stage-bombed,
I didn't realise that was actually
part of the act.
I didn't realise that was actually
part of the act.
It bore no relevance that I could
see to the actual song,
It bore no relevance that I could
see to the actual song,
It bore no relevance that I could
see to the actual song,
but a brilliant way to pull focus
if you hit a duff note.
but a brilliant way to pull focus
if you hit a duff note.
I think it's like,
who can be the weirdest?
I think it's like,
who can be the weirdest?
Not wishing to be outdone, Dihaj
from Azerbaijan followed with
Not wishing to be outdone, Dihaj
from Azerbaijan followed with
Not wishing to be outdone, Dihaj
from Azerbaijan followed with
a haunting, moody, electronica
song, skeletons,
a haunting, moody, electronica
song, skeletons,
and surprised us
with more animal magic.
and surprised us
with more animal magic.
MUSIC: "Skeletons"
by Dihaj
MUSIC: "Skeletons"
by Dihaj
OK...
I think it may be possible that he
was trying to make some kind of
I think it may be possible that he
was trying to make some kind of
existential statement
on the state of the world,
existential statement
on the state of the world,
or it might be possible that it
seemed a good idea at the time.
or it might be possible that it
seemed a good idea at the time.
He looked more like another part of
a horse's anatomy.
He looked more like another part of
a horse's anatomy.
I can't think offhand what is the
weirdest thing I've ever seen
I can't think offhand what is the
weirdest thing I've ever seen
because there's just too many.
because there's just too many.
Who actually makes these suggestions
and then the performer goes,
Who actually makes these suggestions
and then the performer goes,
"Yeah, that kind of works!"
"Yeah, that kind of works!"
Eurovision has been beamed live to
us for 62 years and counting.
Eurovision has been beamed live to
us for 62 years and counting.
The programme will be transmitted in
29 countries to an estimated
The programme will be transmitted in
29 countries to an estimated
500 million people.
Part of its attraction is
the immediacy and freshness
Part of its attraction is
the immediacy and freshness
of a live show, but, of course,
with spontaneity comes risk.
of a live show, but, of course,
with spontaneity comes risk.
Nobody wants anything bad to happen
on their watch.
Nobody wants anything bad to happen
on their watch.
The problem with doing anything live
is you just don't know what's going
The problem with doing anything live
is you just don't know what's going
to happen. It's what makes
Eurovision wonderful, in my opinion.
to happen. It's what makes
Eurovision wonderful, in my opinion.
to happen. It's what makes
Eurovision wonderful, in my opinion.
Eurovision is a golden opportunity
for unknown acts to find
Eurovision is a golden opportunity
for unknown acts to find
international fame.
One act hoping for their big break
was the UK's 1984 entry,
One act hoping for their big break
was the UK's 1984 entry,
girl group Belle and the Devotions.
girl group Belle and the Devotions.
They'd won a place in the final and
a chance to win the hearts
They'd won a place in the final and
a chance to win the hearts
of an entire continent.
I loved that number,
that's one of my favourites.
I loved that number,
that's one of my favourites.
I'm Belle. I'm Louise.
And I'm Laura.
ALL: And together we are
Belle and the Devotions.
ALL: And together we are
Belle and the Devotions.
A really strong song, that.
I liked that, Love Games.
It was really good.
I liked that, Love Games.
It was really good.
I was a big fan of
Belle and the Devotions.
I mean, it was 1984, I was
in the perils of pubescence,
I mean, it was 1984, I was
in the perils of pubescence,
so that's my excuse.
She did look a little bit like
Cyndi Lauper meets Liz McDonald,
She did look a little bit like
Cyndi Lauper meets Liz McDonald,
She did look a little bit like
Cyndi Lauper meets Liz McDonald,
but it was very much
the look of the time.
We were definitely tipped by lots of
people to win it, yeah.
We were definitely tipped by lots of
people to win it, yeah.
It was... It was... The thing is,
it was so popular, we were
already practically top ten.
it was so popular, we were
already practically top ten.
We were number 11, weren't we,
in England? Yes.
We were number 11, weren't we,
in England? Yes.
Bucks Fizz won in '81 and
so the next few entries all
Bucks Fizz won in '81 and
so the next few entries all
did fairly well because
then, you know,
did fairly well because
then, you know,
we were looked at
as potential winners,
we were looked at
as potential winners,
or at least we're going to be
in the top five.
The girls were on-trend,
on the rise and on their way to
the final in Luxembourg
on the rise and on their way to
the final in Luxembourg
to perform in front of an audience
of over 100 million.
to perform in front of an audience
of over 100 million.
It's a great opportunity, it's
a great avenue to try for success.
It's a great opportunity, it's
a great avenue to try for success.
It's a great opportunity, it's
a great avenue to try for success.
We'd gone on and done the
performance so much before we went,
We'd gone on and done the
performance so much before we went,
on British TV... Yeah. And when we
got there... So well-drilled.
on British TV... Yeah. And when we
got there... So well-drilled.
We were so well-drilled and we were
so rehearsed and I think we just...
We were so well-drilled and we were
so rehearsed and I think we just...
It was just, like, Belle and the
Devotions and we got up...
It was just, like, Belle and the
Devotions and we got up...
We went on to smash it.
We went on and did it.
We went on to smash it.
We went on and did it.
# You were only playin' love games
# You were only playin' love games
# You were only playin'
love games, baby
# You were only playin'
love games, baby
# You were only playin'
love games... #
You think, "Oh, my God, we're in the
middle of a massive sports stadium."
You think, "Oh, my God, we're in the
middle of a massive sports stadium."
We started our little act off
with our backs to the camera.
We started our little act off
with our backs to the camera.
Look at all those people!
And we don't face the front
Look at all those people!
And we don't face the front
for quite a while, so, yeah.
You were well into it by then.
for quite a while, so, yeah.
You were well into it by then.
# You could snap your fingers
and I'd run to you
# You could snap your fingers
and I'd run to you
# You were only playin'
love games... #
# You were only playin'
love games... #
Yeah, we felt like we did
really well.
Yeah, we felt like we did
really well.
Yeah. It was a very polished
performance.
Yeah. It was a very polished
performance.
It was, I watched it the other day.
We all did really well. It was foot
perfect. We sang well.
We all did really well. It was foot
perfect. We sang well.
Note perfect. We danced well.
Nothing went wrong.
We did our country proud.
Nothing went wrong.
We did our country proud.
# Baby, baby, baby! #
# Baby, baby, baby! #
BOOING AND WHISTLES
BOOING AND WHISTLES
We knew we'd done a great job
and, you know,
We knew we'd done a great job
and, you know,
we were getting
the applause we deserved.
And you hear the cheers. And then,
"Was there an underlying boo there?"
And you hear the cheers. And then,
"Was there an underlying boo there?"
Suddenly, there was boos.
Suddenly, there was boos.
That must be awful, to get booed.
That must be awful, to get booed.
They must've been thinking
to themselves, "Well, you know,
They must've been thinking
to themselves, "Well, you know,
"was we that bad?"
The boos came from the press
enclosure, so, we thought,
The boos came from the press
enclosure, so, we thought,
"It must be some
of the foreign press".
All sorts of theories abounded as to
why the gals were booed when they
All sorts of theories abounded as to
why the gals were booed when they
were representing Queen and country.
Which, let's face it,
were representing Queen and country.
Which, let's face it,
is a little bit harsh and hardly
in the spirit of Eurovision.
is a little bit harsh and hardly
in the spirit of Eurovision.
Yes, shockingly, Belle
and the Brits' performance
Yes, shockingly, Belle
and the Brits' performance
was met with boos.
CHEERING AND BOOING
But why? Several theories
circulated, including recent
But why? Several theories
circulated, including recent
violence in Luxembourg
from English football fans.
violence in Luxembourg
from English football fans.
In the '80s, we had a very,
very bad reputation.
In the '80s, we had a very,
very bad reputation.
It could've been to do with that.
Or that some felt the song
had been plagiarised.
Or that some felt the song
had been plagiarised.
MUSIC: "Baby Love"
by The Supremes
One or two of the guys
that interviewed us said, "So,
One or two of the guys
that interviewed us said, "So,
"you're ripping off a Diana Ross
and The Supremes song."
"you're ripping off a Diana Ross
and The Supremes song."
And I thought, "Well, it must be
because of that."
And I thought, "Well, it must be
because of that."
That was a lot of the criticism
levelled at them at the time,
That was a lot of the criticism
levelled at them at the time,
that it was verging on a cover,
but to get booed from the audience!
that it was verging on a cover,
but to get booed from the audience!
The other reason that was given was
apparently they had backing singers
The other reason that was given was
apparently they had backing singers
offstage. There was a rule in the
Eurovision Song Contest that each
offstage. There was a rule in the
Eurovision Song Contest that each
country could have six singers and
you could put the singers where you
country could have six singers and
you could put the singers where you
wanted, so if you had one singer
out the front,
wanted, so if you had one singer
out the front,
you could have up to five
backing singers.
You could stick them on the stage
or you could put them behind the
You could stick them on the stage
or you could put them behind the
scenes. So, there were three of them
onstage and three of them offstage,
scenes. So, there were three of them
onstage and three of them offstage,
that's OK. Wisely, the BBC chose to
put "Backing singers not in vision."
that's OK. Wisely, the BBC chose to
put "Backing singers not in vision."
I think the boos did come from the
fact that people could see
I think the boos did come from the
fact that people could see
offstage there were
loads of singers.
offstage there were
loads of singers.
If they knew how many massive stars
who are out there today have a whole
If they knew how many massive stars
who are out there today have a whole
band underneath the stage
and people in the wings,
band underneath the stage
and people in the wings,
you would be surprised.
Things didn't become clear
until the next day.
Things didn't become clear
until the next day.
We really couldn't work it out
at all until The Sun...
We really couldn't work it out
at all until The Sun...
We really couldn't work it out
at all until The Sun...
Oh, God, The Sun! Oh!
Oh, God, The Sun! Oh!
The "incident."
They were interviewed by reporters
and the headlines were
They were interviewed by reporters
and the headlines were
They were interviewed by reporters
and the headlines were
"The Eurovision CON-test."
"The Eurovision CON-test."
And I grabbed the phone from the bed
and I rang The Sun,
And I grabbed the phone from the bed
and I rang The Sun,
"I want to speak to the editor of
The Sun!"
"I want to speak to the editor of
The Sun!"
It was reported that we were
not singing,
It was reported that we were
not singing,
that we had backing singers behind
the stage and that we were on stage
that we had backing singers behind
the stage and that we were on stage
miming. So, they were basically
saying that they were a con group.
miming. So, they were basically
saying that they were a con group.
miming. So, they were basically
saying that they were a con group.
I said, "I want a retraction and an
apology immediately!", blah, blah,
I said, "I want a retraction and an
apology immediately!", blah, blah,
blah. And that was the start of it.
I have a very worn video cassette
at home of that 1984 Eurovision
I have a very worn video cassette
at home of that 1984 Eurovision
show and I believe the girls
hit every note.
show and I believe the girls
hit every note.
They may have only come seventh
in the song contest,
They may have only come seventh
in the song contest,
but there was one battle
they did win.
but there was one battle
they did win.
So, I took the lead in this
and I sued The Sun newspaper.
So, I took the lead in this
and I sued The Sun newspaper.
Successfully. It went on for about
two years and after two years they
Successfully. It went on for about
two years and after two years they
Successfully. It went on for about
two years and after two years they
then printed a full retraction, a
full apology and paid a substantial
then printed a full retraction, a
full apology and paid a substantial
then printed a full retraction, a
full apology and paid a substantial
sum... Yeah. ..in damages.
I just think it was a great number
and I think they were jealous of us.
I just think it was a great number
and I think they were jealous of us.
They were jealous of Belle,
and I'm devoted to the Devotions.
They were jealous of Belle,
and I'm devoted to the Devotions.
They were jealous of Belle,
and I'm devoted to the Devotions.
2011, Dusseldorf, Germany,
2011, Dusseldorf, Germany,
and Jedward's typically energetic
performance
and Jedward's typically energetic
performance
was enhanced by their iconic
blonde trademark quiffs -
was enhanced by their iconic
blonde trademark quiffs -
but theirs weren't the first
outlandish hairstyles
but theirs weren't the first
outlandish hairstyles
to rock the Eurovision stage.
Hair is a big factor
in Eurovision.
Hair is a big factor
in Eurovision.
You've got to stand out somehow.
SHE SINGS IN OWN LANGUAGE
SHE SINGS IN OWN LANGUAGE
Yes, throughout the years,
acts have used hair...
Yes, throughout the years,
acts have used hair...
..to draw attention
to their performances.
..to draw attention
to their performances.
They really go to an extreme
with Eurovision.
They really go to an extreme
with Eurovision.
SHE SINGS IN OWN LANGUAGE
SHE SINGS IN OWN LANGUAGE
From this seriously spiky...
HE SINGS IN OWN LANGUAGE
HE SINGS IN OWN LANGUAGE
..to the floppy and flicky...
..and the humongously hirsute.
..and the humongously hirsute.
..and the humongously hirsute.
Sometimes people use hair to stand
out, which is absolutely crazy.
Sometimes people use hair to stand
out, which is absolutely crazy.
Sometimes people use hair to stand
out, which is absolutely crazy.
But the hair didn't come any bigger
But the hair didn't come any bigger
than the Spanish entry
from Nina in 1989.
than the Spanish entry
from Nina in 1989.
# ..besame
# ..besame
# Hazme creer... #
# Hazme creer... #
It was like Cher and Whoopi Goldberg
from Sister Act...
It was like Cher and Whoopi Goldberg
from Sister Act...
All rolled into one.
Massive spiral curls.
All rolled into one.
Massive spiral curls.
She had a strand that decided,
"Mm, I wanna be a part
of this performance, man."
"Mm, I wanna be a part
of this performance, man."
# Nacida para amar... #
# Nacida para amar... #
# Nacida para amar... #
# Nacida para amar... #
She's really going for it, and it's
just attached and it won't come off!
She's really going for it, and it's
just attached and it won't come off!
She's really going for it, and it's
just attached and it won't come off!
# ..del que quisiera... #
# ..del que quisiera... #
Pfft! Pfft!
Pfft! Pfft!
Pfft!
Why didn't someone come and
just help her or something?
Why didn't someone come and
just help her or something?
# ..para amar. #
# ..para amar. #
# ..para amar. #
# ..para amar. #
By the end of the song it's kind of
in front of her nose,
By the end of the song it's kind of
in front of her nose,
and I think if she breathes in she
might just sneeze.
and I think if she breathes in she
might just sneeze.
Poor lady. Bless her.
Poor lady. Bless her.
And then, of course,
there was Palmi Gunnarsson,
And then, of course,
there was Palmi Gunnarsson,
one third of the Icelandic entry
ICY from 1986.
one third of the Icelandic entry
ICY from 1986.
one third of the Icelandic entry
ICY from 1986.
No, that's not him.
That's him!
HE SINGS IN ICELANDIC
The guy from Iceland who came on
The guy from Iceland who came on
with the biggest mullet you
have ever seen in your life.
with the biggest mullet you
have ever seen in your life.
It made us howl with laughter
because the camera just panned over
to this guy
because the camera just panned over
to this guy
who thought he was the bee's knees.
who thought he was the bee's knees.
HE SINGS IN ICELANDIC
HE SINGS IN ICELANDIC
And him looking
incredibly pleased with himself,
And him looking
incredibly pleased with himself,
like, "Yeah, look at me,
"I've got a mullet and it's ginger!"
What a calamity, huh?
And the idea of using outrageous
hair to impress has never gone away,
And the idea of using outrageous
hair to impress has never gone away,
And the idea of using outrageous
hair to impress has never gone away,
coming full circle with Montenegro's
entry from Slavko Kalezic in 2017.
coming full circle with Montenegro's
entry from Slavko Kalezic in 2017.
coming full circle with Montenegro's
entry from Slavko Kalezic in 2017.
# Rocket to the stars
# Rocket to the stars
# I have my suit on
no need to worry... #
# I have my suit on
no need to worry... #
# I have my suit on
no need to worry... #
The guy who had the huge plait,
The guy who had the huge plait,
whipping it around onstage
so you need like
a health and safety form,
so you need like
a health and safety form,
a huge disclaimer,
just for the hairstyles alone.
a huge disclaimer,
just for the hairstyles alone.
He's there, like, shaking his head
and trying to sing at the same time
He's there, like, shaking his head
and trying to sing at the same time
He's there, like, shaking his head
and trying to sing at the same time
and I do remember him,
so he kind of did a good job.
But this performance didn't swing it
for him,
But this performance didn't swing it
for him,
as Slavko failed to make it
past the semifinals.
as Slavko failed to make it
past the semifinals.
# We're taking off
# We're taking off
# We're taking off
# We're taking off
No need to worry... #
# We're taking off
No need to worry... #
# We're taking off
No need to worry... #
I think he wanted to leave his mark
on Eurovision - and he did.
I think he wanted to leave his mark
on Eurovision - and he did.
1998, now,
and the UK were hosting the
competition
and the UK were hosting the
competition
after Katrina and the Waves had
won the previous year.
after Katrina and the Waves had
won the previous year.
The host was old hand Terry Wogan,
The host was old hand Terry Wogan,
who welcomed Eurovision presenting
newcomer Ulrika Jonsson
who welcomed Eurovision presenting
newcomer Ulrika Jonsson
to the stage with a hug.
to the stage with a hug.
You think Eurovision in the UK and
you think of Terry Wogan, the icon.
You think Eurovision in the UK and
you think of Terry Wogan, the icon.
Sir Terry Wogan, the man's a legend.
# Viva la diva
# Viva Victoria... #
# Viva Victoria... #
Israel's entry that year
was a name that has become
synonymous with Eurovision -
was a name that has become
synonymous with Eurovision -
Dana International.
# Viva Victoria
# Cleopatra... #
# Cleopatra... #
This trailblazing Israeli singer
This trailblazing Israeli singer
was the first openly transgender
artist to enter,
was the first openly transgender
artist to enter,
paving the way for contestants
to become more open
paving the way for contestants
to become more open
about their sexuality and gender
identity.
about their sexuality and gender
identity.
Dana International was not the sort
of run-of-the-mill act
Dana International was not the sort
of run-of-the-mill act
that we traditionally expect
of Eurovision.
that we traditionally expect
of Eurovision.
She's actually why
I love Eurovision.
She's actually why
I love Eurovision.
I was ten years old and I saw Dana
and I was like, "OK, this is like...
I was ten years old and I saw Dana
and I was like, "OK, this is like...
I was ten years old and I saw Dana
and I was like, "OK, this is like...
"This is the world
where I want to be in."
"This is the world
where I want to be in."
Huge diva, huge star.
Huge diva, huge star.
Ground-breaking artist.
# Viva la diva... #
With her song Diva,
Dana International
With her song Diva,
Dana International
won the competition for Israel,
establishing her firmly
on the European stage.
establishing her firmly
on the European stage.
# Viva Victoria
# Viva Victoria
# Viva! #
CHEERING
It was very exciting because, of
course, this was Dana International,
It was very exciting because, of
course, this was Dana International,
It was very exciting because, of
course, this was Dana International,
the first transgender artist
who had won.
the first transgender artist
who had won.
And Terry announced the winner from
his backstage booth
And Terry announced the winner from
his backstage booth
in his usual unique style.
in his usual unique style.
Israel have won it by seven points
over the United Kingdom
Israel have won it by seven points
over the United Kingdom
and I'm afraid I've got to love
you and leave you.
and I'm afraid I've got to love
you and leave you.
I've other fish to fry.
Terry announced the winner...
And the crowd are going nuts and the
camera cuts to backstage
And the crowd are going nuts and the
camera cuts to backstage
and they're jubilant,
they're celebrating.
and they're jubilant,
they're celebrating.
The crowd may have been going wild,
The crowd may have been going wild,
but the winner of the competition
was nowhere to be seen.
but the winner of the competition
was nowhere to be seen.
Katrina, from Katrina and the Waves,
Katrina, from Katrina and the Waves,
took her position to present
the trophy.
took her position to present
the trophy.
And the trumpeters waited patiently
for their cue.
And the trumpeters waited patiently
for their cue.
And we were all in the audience
going, "Where is she, then?
And we were all in the audience
going, "Where is she, then?
"What's happened to her?"
It's like she's bolted from
the building.
It was that famous
"Where's the artist?" moment.
It was that famous
"Where's the artist?" moment.
What does every winner do
when they know they've just won?
What does every winner do
when they know they've just won?
You go out, you get your trophy,
you say thanks very much,
You go out, you get your trophy,
you say thanks very much,
you perform the song again.
Despite the fact that the winner had
failed to arrive on stage,
Despite the fact that the winner had
failed to arrive on stage,
Despite the fact that the winner had
failed to arrive on stage,
bizarrely,
the fanfare started anyway.
bizarrely,
the fanfare started anyway.
TRUMPET FANFARE
TRUMPET FANFARE
Whatever Terry said under his breath
to Ulrika was obviously amusing,
Whatever Terry said under his breath
to Ulrika was obviously amusing,
Whatever Terry said under his breath
to Ulrika was obviously amusing,
as the presenters hovered awkwardly
by the trophies.
as the presenters hovered awkwardly
by the trophies.
HE IMITATES A TRUMPE There's no sign
of Dana International!
There's no sign
of Dana International!
It was one of those quintessential
Eurovision moments,
It was one of those quintessential
Eurovision moments,
where we're off our seats at home,
just cheering along.
where we're off our seats at home,
just cheering along.
In your own time!
In your own time!
Terry used his decades of live TV
presenting experience
Terry used his decades of live TV
presenting experience
to expertly ad-lib
his way through the delay.
to expertly ad-lib
his way through the delay.
Just a moment's hiatus.
Obviously,
the winners are celebrating
Obviously,
the winners are celebrating
not wisely, but too well.
This is where you see hosts
at their best.
This is where you see hosts
at their best.
Ulrika Jonsson and
Terry Wogan doing the,
Ulrika Jonsson and
Terry Wogan doing the,
"Come on! Hurry up! Where are you?"
"Come on! Hurry up! Where are you?"
But that's the great thing about
Eurovision, it's live.
But that's the great thing about
Eurovision, it's live.
"We've got the news to go to,
hurry up!"
"We've got the news to go to,
hurry up!"
Come on, quickly!
Quickly, come on!
Come on, quickly!
Quickly, come on!
Forget the fact, Dana, that,
you know, Europe is watching.
Forget the fact, Dana, that,
you know, Europe is watching.
All these millions of people
are watching,
not to mention Sir Terry Wogan is
waiting on stage for you.
not to mention Sir Terry Wogan is
waiting on stage for you.
ULRIKA: They're coming.
Eventually - 2.5 minutes after the
winner had been announced -
Eventually - 2.5 minutes after the
winner had been announced -
Terry frantically waved Dana's
songwriting team onto the stage.
Terry frantically waved Dana's
songwriting team onto the stage.
Terry frantically waved Dana's
songwriting team onto the stage.
KATRINA: Who are they?
If you get this big trophy,
KATRINA: Who are they?
If you get this big trophy,
that's for the songwriting team.
Congratulations.
that's for the songwriting team.
Congratulations.
And you can hear Katrina going,
"Who are they?" under her breath.
And you can hear Katrina going,
"Who are they?" under her breath.
And I'm sure Terry Wogan is going,
"I don't know!"
And I'm sure Terry Wogan is going,
"I don't know!"
But where's Dana?!
We don't care about you,
songwriter man, get out of the way!
We don't care about you,
songwriter man, get out of the way!
Dana International finally flounced
out of her dressing room
Dana International finally flounced
out of her dressing room
wearing a completely
different outfit.
wearing a completely
different outfit.
Dana International decides,
"This would be a really good moment
to change my frock."
"This would be a really good moment
to change my frock."
That's OK.
Europe can wait.
The glamorous diva appeared
on stage...
The glamorous diva appeared
on stage...
Thank you!
..much to the delight
of the audience.
..much to the delight
of the audience.
You don't go into your dressing room
and go changing your dress
You don't go into your dressing room
and go changing your dress
and leave millions of people
out there and Terry going,
and leave millions of people
out there and Terry going,
"How do I ad-lib this one?"
She didn't care,
because she's a diiii-va!
She didn't care,
because she's a diiii-va!
The quest for British domination in
Eurovision has taken many forms.
The quest for British domination in
Eurovision has taken many forms.
The quest for British domination in
Eurovision has taken many forms.
Back in the '60s and '70s,
we relied on the big guns.
Back in the '60s and '70s,
we relied on the big guns.
We sent Sandie Shaw,
who did a great job and won.
We sent Sandie Shaw,
who did a great job and won.
# Like a puppet on a string... #
# Like a puppet on a string... #
# Like a puppet on a string... #
We started strong. We started with
Cliff, with Lulu, with Sonia.
We started strong. We started with
Cliff, with Lulu, with Sonia.
We started strong. We started with
Cliff, with Lulu, with Sonia.
They were really big hitters.
United Kingdom, 12 points.
United Kingdom, 12 points.
Since then,
it's gone downhill a lot.
Since then,
it's gone downhill a lot.
In fact, in 2012, it had been
15 years since our last win
In fact, in 2012, it had been
15 years since our last win
In fact, in 2012, it had been
15 years since our last win
and time for extreme measures.
and time for extreme measures.
He hasn't had a top-ten hit
for over 40 years,
He hasn't had a top-ten hit
for over 40 years,
but that hasn't stopped veteran
crooner Engelbert Humperdinck
but that hasn't stopped veteran
crooner Engelbert Humperdinck
being chosen to represent the UK at
the Eurovision Song Contest.
being chosen to represent the UK at
the Eurovision Song Contest.
being chosen to represent the UK at
the Eurovision Song Contest.
The UK decided to unleash
a living legend -
The UK decided to unleash
a living legend -
75-year-old Engelbert Humperdinck.
75-year-old Engelbert Humperdinck.
That was a strange choice.
I was in a hotel room drying my hair
I was in a hotel room drying my hair
and so I couldn't hear the TV,
but I could see the reflection
in the mirror.
It was the news, and Engelbert
Humperdinck's face appeared,
It was the news, and Engelbert
Humperdinck's face appeared,
and my first thought was,
"Ah, what a shame,
Engelbert Humperdinck's dead."
"Ah, what a shame,
Engelbert Humperdinck's dead."
Who is this guy and why are we
sending him?
I literally had to run to my
mum and dad to ask who he was.
I literally had to run to my
mum and dad to ask who he was.
Engelbert, now a stalwart
of the Las Vegas cabaret scene,
Engelbert, now a stalwart
of the Las Vegas cabaret scene,
had last stormed the
UK charts in the '70s
had last stormed the
UK charts in the '70s
with ballads like There Goes
My Everything and Release Me.
with ballads like There Goes
My Everything and Release Me.
# Please release me
# Please release me
# Let me go... #
# Let me go... #
Engelbert Humperdinck
was a great, big star.
Engelbert Humperdinck
was a great, big star.
Huge name within the music industry.
Huge name within the music industry.
An icon, up there with Tom Jones.
An icon, up there with Tom Jones.
I love Engelbert.
But Engelbert would have his work
cut out for him in Azerbaijan,
But Engelbert would have his work
cut out for him in Azerbaijan,
competing against acts ranging
from the Swedish songstress Loreen
competing against acts ranging
from the Swedish songstress Loreen
to some techno-loving Russian
old ladies.
to some techno-loving Russian
old ladies.
Six Russian grannies - probably
thinks it's his fan club walking in!
Six Russian grannies - probably
thinks it's his fan club walking in!
Who doesn't love a granny
that can get down?
Who doesn't love a granny
that can get down?
Techno...
SHE IMITATES TECHNO MUSIC
Techno...
SHE IMITATES TECHNO MUSIC
It was great!
The grannies may have hip-hopped
in the house,
The grannies may have hip-hopped
in the house,
but even stiffer competition arrived
in the shape of Irish act Jedward.
but even stiffer competition arrived
in the shape of Irish act Jedward.
It wasn't what you would call
a level playing field, was it?
It wasn't what you would call
a level playing field, was it?
Jedward, with the hair and
the bouncing,
Jedward, with the hair and
the bouncing,
and the really, really excited!
Boundless energy, going nuts,
going silly!
Boundless energy, going nuts,
going silly!
How's he going to compete with
that?
No-one should be taking on Jedward.
And then Engelbert comes out.
SOFT GUITAR MUSIC
# So graceful and pure
# So graceful and pure
# A smile bathed in light
# A smile bathed in light
# No matter the distance
# No matter the distance
# A miracle of sight... #
# A miracle of sight... #
He just went up in a suit,
was really crinkly,
He just went up in a suit,
was really crinkly,
and attempted to sing in that
old, cute man way.
and attempted to sing in that
old, cute man way.
# Though I should have known
# Though I should have known
# I could not turn away... #
# I could not turn away... #
It was either going to be
massively right or massively wrong
It was either going to be
massively right or massively wrong
It was either going to be
massively right or massively wrong
and, unfortunately,
it was the latter.
When I heard the song,
I just thought, "Oh, no, no!"
When I heard the song,
I just thought, "Oh, no, no!"
The clue is in the
title - SONG Contest -
The clue is in the
title - SONG Contest -
The clue is in the
title - SONG Contest -
and the song just wasn't there.
# If you love someone
# If you love someone
# Follow your heart
# Follow your heart
# Cos love comes once
# Cos love comes once
# If you're lucky enough... #
# If you're lucky enough... #
That kind of song had ceased to be
a Eurovision sort of song decades
earlier.
That kind of song had ceased to be
a Eurovision sort of song decades
earlier.
That kind of song had ceased to be
a Eurovision sort of song decades
earlier.
# Only love can set you free. #
# Only love can set you free. #
# Only love can set you free. #
It wasn't going to happen.
Social media wasn't
exactly sympathetic.
Social media wasn't
exactly sympathetic.
We didn't want that. We were like,
"Engelbert, this is for the gays,
move on."
Only five countries voted for him.
Only five countries voted for him.
It was almost humiliating.
He finished, I think
it was second to last.
He finished, I think
it was second to last.
BOTH: Oh, no!
He must have been so upset, poor
man.
Thank you, Ireland!
Only Norway scored lower,
in a year when Sweden won,
Only Norway scored lower,
in a year when Sweden won,
followed by runners-up...
..the Russian grannies.
So we're not completely ageist,
it's just,
So we're not completely ageist,
it's just,
you need to be a modern 90-year-old.
you need to be a modern 90-year-old.
I wish he'd placed higher.
I really do.
I wish he'd placed higher.
I really do.
It must have been,
at the time, just awful.
It must have been,
at the time, just awful.
He doesn't need Eurovision.
Do Las Vegas, Engelbert,
but not Eurovision.
Do Las Vegas, Engelbert,
but not Eurovision.
When Eurovision started,
every act was judged purely on
the merits of their performance.
every act was judged purely on
the merits of their performance.
But these days, political voting
is as much a part of Eurovision
But these days, political voting
is as much a part of Eurovision
as nifty dance routines,
bad fashions and key changes.
as nifty dance routines,
bad fashions and key changes.
as nifty dance routines,
bad fashions and key changes.
Cyprus and Greece constantly giving
each other 12 points, you know.
Cyprus and Greece constantly giving
each other 12 points, you know.
Cyprus and Greece constantly giving
each other 12 points, you know.
Greece, 12 points.
Greece, 12 points.
Greece, 12 points.
Grece, douze points.
Greece, 12 points.
Grece, douze points.
Not surprising. They understand
the language, I suppose.
Not surprising. They understand
the language, I suppose.
Croatia: "And our 12 points go to...
Croatia: "And our 12 points go to...
"..Russia!"
The 12 points
are going to...
..Russia.
Sweden: "And our
12 points go to...
Sweden: "And our
12 points go to...
"It'd be Norway."
12 points to Norge, Norway.
12 points to Norge, Norway.
Though it's also the case
that the UK and Ireland
Though it's also the case
that the UK and Ireland
have relied on each other's votes.
Ireland, 12 points.
Ireland, 12 points.
If it hadn't been for
Wogan's comedic cynicism,
If it hadn't been for
Wogan's comedic cynicism,
we might be less aware of
the bloc vote.
we might be less aware of
the bloc vote.
Indeed. And Terry couldn't
help but comment when, in 2003,
Indeed. And Terry couldn't
help but comment when, in 2003,
Indeed. And Terry couldn't
help but comment when, in 2003,
Cyprus and Greece awarded
each other maximum points,
Cyprus and Greece awarded
each other maximum points,
just as they had done
for the past five years.
just as they had done
for the past five years.
And finally, 12 points
from Cyprus to...
And finally, 12 points
from Cyprus to...
TERRY WOGAN: Guess who?
Greece!
Ah, do you know, I
sort of guessed that!
And Greece, 12 points
from Cyprus.
I think you'd have been better
to give us a song, son.
I think you'd have been better
to give us a song, son.
Thank you.
Thank you and
goodnight from Cyprus.
It's about time you
got a boo for that!
It's about time you
got a boo for that!
Terry Wogan used to lose
his mind about the bloc voting,
Terry Wogan used to lose
his mind about the bloc voting,
in his commentary, he used to get...
Sometimes, you could tell
he was getting in a right strop
Sometimes, you could tell
he was getting in a right strop
in that little booth.
Sir Terry was getting angry,
and things came to a head in 2008,
Sir Terry was getting angry,
and things came to a head in 2008,
when the UK's Andy Abraham
came joint last.
when the UK's Andy Abraham
came joint last.
He literally apologised to me.
He literally apologised to me.
I was like, you know,
"Well, what can you do?"
I was like, you know,
"Well, what can you do?"
Terry did the only thing he could
and quit the show,
Terry did the only thing he could
and quit the show,
citing bloc voting as the reason.
citing bloc voting as the reason.
It drove Terry Wogan crazy.
It drove Terry Wogan crazy.
Drove him mad. And he...
Drove him mad. And he...
That was it, he just said,
"I've had enough".
That was it, he just said,
"I've had enough".
The problem nowadays with the
voting,
The problem nowadays with the
voting,
and why we'll never, ever win,
and why we'll never, ever win,
is that they all hate us.
Because of the bloc voting,
there's always an opportunity
for us British,
there's always an opportunity
for us British,
increasingly so in this day
and age of Brexit,
increasingly so in this day
and age of Brexit,
to actually just go out and
put the kettle on,
because you know they've gone
to a country
that's going to give you nil points.
that's going to give you nil points.
As a Eurovision winner, you
can expect to be in great demand,
As a Eurovision winner, you
can expect to be in great demand,
and that's exactly what happened
to Toto Cutugno.
and that's exactly what happened
to Toto Cutugno.
Having won the competition in
Yugoslavia in 1990 for Italy,
Having won the competition in
Yugoslavia in 1990 for Italy,
Toto was invited back and given the
honour of hosting the competition
Toto was invited back and given the
honour of hosting the competition
in Rome in 1991.
His co-presenter for the evening
was Gigliola Cinquetti,
His co-presenter for the evening
was Gigliola Cinquetti,
Italy's winning entrant from 1964.
Italy's winning entrant from 1964.
One of the Eurovisions
which is worth remembering
One of the Eurovisions
which is worth remembering
simply because it was shambolic
was Italia.
simply because it was shambolic
was Italia.
simply because it was shambolic
was Italia.
Yes, Gigliola and Toto might both
have been wonderful singers,
Yes, Gigliola and Toto might both
have been wonderful singers,
but presenting a live TV show
in front of millions of viewers
but presenting a live TV show
in front of millions of viewers
is a very different kettle of pesce.
is a very different kettle of pesce.
HE SPEAKS ITALIAN
Helsinki. No, Belgium.
No, erm... Belgium.
To present a television programme
is an art and it's a skill.
To present a television programme
is an art and it's a skill.
To present a television programme
is an art and it's a skill.
Quels sont vos resultats?
You've gotta be on the ball
for every second.
You've gotta be on the ball
for every second.
You're on duty from the moment
that red light goes on
You're on duty from the moment
that red light goes on
until the moment it goes off.
until the moment it goes off.
But these two seemed to be
the masters of the awkward pause.
But these two seemed to be
the masters of the awkward pause.
But these two seemed to be
the masters of the awkward pause.
They would forget that they were
sort of on television
They would forget that they were
sort of on television
and they just sort of...
He's thinking that the camera's
not on him, he's looking round.
He's thinking that the camera's
not on him, he's looking round.
# Da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da! #
"What am I having for dinner?"
With over 100 million viewers
watching worldwide,
With over 100 million viewers
watching worldwide,
Toto's mind seemed to be
somewhere else entirely.
Toto's mind seemed to be
somewhere else entirely.
SHE SPEAKS ITALIAN
Toto is staring at Gigliola's
boobs for a couple of seconds...
Toto is staring at Gigliola's
boobs for a couple of seconds...
You're looking at mine,
I haven't got any!
Then he seems to come out of it.
His eyes were very definitely
where one really shouldn't
be that obvious.
where one really shouldn't
be that obvious.
And then an arm crept round her.
And then an arm crept round her.
He just slides his arm casually
round the back of her,
He just slides his arm casually
round the back of her,
and she doesn't blink an eyelid.
But then, he was Italian.
I mean, they're...
They're like that.
HE SPEAKS ITALIAN
HE SPEAKS ITALIAN
And what do you do if your interval
act outstays their welcome?
And what do you do if your interval
act outstays their welcome?
Ciao, Arturo, ciao!
And the presenter's sort of
shoving him off with one...
And the presenter's sort of
shoving him off with one...
If he'd have had a stick,
he'd have poked him off. Erm...
If he'd have had a stick,
he'd have poked him off. Erm...
360-odd - or more - million
people were seeing this!
360-odd - or more - million
people were seeing this!
It made the whole thing
a laughing stock.
It made the whole thing
a laughing stock.
But it was when voting started
that the poor presentation
really went to pot,
that the poor presentation
really went to pot,
and it was Toto who stood out as
the comedy half of this double act.
and it was Toto who stood out as
the comedy half of this double act.
and it was Toto who stood out as
the comedy half of this double act.
Suede, douze points.
Suede, douze points.
Grece, douze points.
Grece, douze points.
No. No, no, no. No, pardon...
No. No, no, no. No, pardon...
Non la Grecia, la Svezia. Suede.
La Suede. Sweden. Sweden.
Non la Grecia, la Svezia. Suede.
La Suede. Sweden. Sweden.
La Suede, si, la Suede,
douze points.
La Suede, si, la Suede,
douze points.
It was absolute chaos, wasn't it?
It was absolute chaos, wasn't it?
All he has to do is listen to
the result coming in and repeat it.
All he has to do is listen to
the result coming in and repeat it.
All he has to do is listen to
the result coming in and repeat it.
Israel, eight points.
Israel, eight points.
Israel, seven points.
Israel, seven points.
Israel, huit...? Seven.
Israel, huit...? Seven.
Israel, eight points.
Eight points. Eight.
Israel, eight points.
Eight points. Eight.
Eight points. Si.
"So, that is seven points, then!"
"So, that is seven points, then!"
"Seven points."
And she's like, "Oh, come on!"
"Seven points."
And she's like, "Oh, come on!"
And he's just been told eight!
And he's just been told eight!
Where's this man going?
I can hear you loud and clear.
Buonasera a tutti.
Winding up jurors.
Come on, wind it up!
Oh...
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Get on with it,
get on with it!
They're taking so long! He seemed to
not realise he was even on camera.
They're taking so long! He seemed to
not realise he was even on camera.
He was so nonchalant about
the whole thing.
No idea, obviously.
Luxembourg, quatre points.
Luxembourg, quatre points.
Luxembourg, quatre points.
Luxembourg, quatre points.
When they got four points,
he burst out laughing!
When they got four points,
he burst out laughing!
Luxembourg, quatre points.
Luxembourg, quatre points.
"Mamma Mia! Luxembourg, ha!"
"Mamma Mia! Luxembourg, ha!"
That's awful.
That's a mark of disrespect.
That's awful.
That's a mark of disrespect.
I wonder if he ever worked again!
# Unite, unite, Europe. #
# Unite, unite, Europe. #
Well, certainly, Toto never ventured
into the realm of live presenting
again.
Well, certainly, Toto never ventured
into the realm of live presenting
again.
Well, certainly, Toto never ventured
into the realm of live presenting
again.
Despite his fame and success
as a singer,
Despite his fame and success
as a singer,
one evening of things going
horribly wrong at Eurovision
one evening of things going
horribly wrong at Eurovision
was quite enough for him.
was quite enough for him.
If he ever watched it back,
he would have been very embarrassed.
If he ever watched it back,
he would have been very embarrassed.
In 1992, Linda Martin won the
Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden,
In 1992, Linda Martin won the
Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden,
In 1992, Linda Martin won the
Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden,
bringing home the trophy
for Ireland.
bringing home the trophy
for Ireland.
It was the fourth time the Irish had
won
It was the fourth time the Irish had
won
and meant that they would
host the competition in 1993.
and meant that they would
host the competition in 1993.
And where better to hold it than
in a specially-built studio
And where better to hold it than
in a specially-built studio
in Millstreet, County Cork?
The British entry that year
was Stock, Aitken and Waterman
prodigy Sonia.
was Stock, Aitken and Waterman
prodigy Sonia.
The 22-year-old Liverpudlian
was already well-established
on the UK pop scene,
was already well-established
on the UK pop scene,
with 11 top-30 hits,
including her number-one single
You'll Never Stop Me Loving You.
including her number-one single
You'll Never Stop Me Loving You.
# Even when you're home
# Even when you're home
# You won't pick up your phone
# And take my call. #
# And take my call. #
Sonia had the likeability factor.
Sonia had the likeability factor.
Whatever she does,
she gives her all.
Whatever she does,
she gives her all.
She's like a Little Miss Dynamite.
# But you'll never stop me
from loving you. #
# But you'll never stop me
from loving you. #
# But you'll never stop me
from loving you. #
I got a call from my agent to
say that the BBC had been in touch,
I got a call from my agent to
say that the BBC had been in touch,
I got a call from my agent to
say that the BBC had been in touch,
and would I be interested
in being in Eurovision?
and would I be interested
in being in Eurovision?
How many other countries have
come in? Tonnes.
How many other countries have
come in? Tonnes.
From a little, tiny girl, I used
to watch everyone every year,
From a little, tiny girl, I used
to watch everyone every year,
thinking, "Oh, I'd love to do that!"
I used to run up and down the stairs
singing Making Your Mind Up,
I used to run up and down the stairs
singing Making Your Mind Up,
you know, pretending to whip me
skirt off and everything.
you know, pretending to whip me
skirt off and everything.
I really felt honoured to be chosen.
# Baby, don't do things
that make me blue
# Baby, don't do things
that make me blue
# You know my love is
always true... #
# You know my love is
always true... #
Sonia's entry for the competition,
Better The Devil You Know,
Sonia's entry for the competition,
Better The Devil You Know,
had been chosen by the UK public
in a telephone vote.
had been chosen by the UK public
in a telephone vote.
She really sang her heart out.
She really sang her heart out.
She was fantastic.
# Better the devil you know
# Better the devil you know
# Than the devil you don't. #
I was very pleased with myself.
And when I went back to
the green room, I thought,
And when I went back to
the green room, I thought,
"Yeah, that was a good one,
that was a good one."
"Yeah, that was a good one,
that was a good one."
Sonia was the bookies'
favourite to win
Sonia was the bookies'
favourite to win
and allegedly even bet
500 on herself.
and allegedly even bet
500 on herself.
However, there were other
contenders for the top spot,
However, there were other
contenders for the top spot,
one of which was Ireland's entry,
Niamh Kavanagh,
one of which was Ireland's entry,
Niamh Kavanagh,
singing In Your Eyes.
# O-o-oh
# O-o-oh
# In your eyes. #
# In your eyes. #
Niamh Kavanagh is one of
the best singers
that Ireland have ever
sent to Eurovision.
that Ireland have ever
sent to Eurovision.
While we were enjoying the music,
the 25 international juries have
concluded their deliberations.
the 25 international juries have
concluded their deliberations.
When it came to the voting,
Ireland and the UK
When it came to the voting,
Ireland and the UK
had spent the night trading places
at the top of the scoreboard
had spent the night trading places
at the top of the scoreboard
in a nail-biting contest.
in a nail-biting contest.
It just seemed to go on and on,
and the agony of the waiting
It just seemed to go on and on,
and the agony of the waiting
and the waiting and the listening...
and the waiting and the listening...
Oh, it was an eternity.
Oh, it was an eternity.
Due to a technical problem
with phone lines,
Due to a technical problem
with phone lines,
Malta had been unable to vote
in their allocated time slot
Malta had been unable to vote
in their allocated time slot
earlier in the evening.
They couldn't contact Malta
for the vote.
They couldn't contact Malta
for the vote.
So they left Malta to the end.
So they left Malta to the end.
By that time phone lines
were back up,
By that time phone lines
were back up,
Ireland and the UK were the
only countries
Ireland and the UK were the
only countries
still in the running
for the top spot.
still in the running
for the top spot.
"Oh, it's Malta, man.
English-speaking.
"Oh, it's Malta, man.
English-speaking.
"You know, we...we've got
a good rapport with them."
"You know, we...we've got
a good rapport with them."
And I'd actually been to Malta
to do shows, so I thought,
And I'd actually been to Malta
to do shows, so I thought,
"Oh, they're going to give me
a good mark here, you know?"
"Oh, they're going to give me
a good mark here, you know?"
Only 11 points separated
the two countries,
Only 11 points separated
the two countries,
so everything hung on
the Maltese vote.
so everything hung on
the Maltese vote.
If Ireland took the ten points
on offer for second place,
If Ireland took the ten points
on offer for second place,
they would be the clear winners.
The tension is crazy.
The tension is crazy.
My sister was one of my
backing vocalists
and we were just clutching
each other's hands,
looking at each other.
"Carol, we can actually do this."
looking at each other.
"Carol, we can actually do this."
It was starting to become a reality
that it could happen, you know?
It was starting to become a reality
that it could happen, you know?
Luxembourg...
CROWD ROARS
Luxembourg, ten points.
But, in a strange twist,
the ten points went to
neither of the leaders.
the ten points went to
neither of the leaders.
With the places unchanged,
there were still 12 points
on offer for first place.
there were still 12 points
on offer for first place.
Sonia would have been like that...
Wondering whether she's
got a win, like.
"Come on. We can do this,
we can do this."
"Come on. We can do this,
we can do this."
And finally...
Who's going to get the 12?
Who's going to get the 12?
..Ireland.
CROWD CHEERS
Ireland, 12 points.
Ireland, 12 points.
Oh, no!
Oh, my God. We've lost.
Oh, my God. We've lost.
Oh, I was devastated.
Absolutely devastated.
Absolutely devastated.
No!
You just can't believe it,
because you think Malta
are usually nice to us.
because you think Malta
are usually nice to us.
And then they go
and give it to Ireland!
And, bless her, Sonia was
just left there like going, "Oh,"
And, bless her, Sonia was
just left there like going, "Oh,"
cos she's come second.
We pipped Sonia on the last vote.
We pipped Sonia on the last vote.
You did feel for poor little Sonia,
I mean, cos she's only two foot six.
You did feel for poor little Sonia,
I mean, cos she's only two foot six.
We went over and I was like,
"Congratulations."
We went over and I was like,
"Congratulations."
Deep down, I was thinking, "No!"
Deep down, I was thinking, "No!"
I'm sure she thought she had
it in the bag, you know?
I'm sure she thought she had
it in the bag, you know?
Shame, wasn't it?
Ireland won instead. BOTH: Yeah.
Shame, wasn't it?
Ireland won instead. BOTH: Yeah.
Sonia had come so close to the win,
Sonia had come so close to the win,
only to have it snatched away
from her at the last minute.
only to have it snatched away
from her at the last minute.
Despite continuing to build
a successful career,
Despite continuing to build
a successful career,
she would never quite recover
from the trauma
she would never quite recover
from the trauma
of being pipped at the post.
I'd come second, which was great,
but I couldn't see that.
I'd come second, which was great,
but I couldn't see that.
I just couldn't snap
out of this trance.
You know, everyone was saying,
"Son, snap out of it."
You know, everyone was saying,
"Son, snap out of it."
Oh, I feel for you, girl.
I really do feel for you.
Oh, I feel for you, girl.
I really do feel for you.
The second year of Eurovision
in 1957 was hosted by Germany,
The second year of Eurovision
in 1957 was hosted by Germany,
just 12 years since the end
of the Second World War.
just 12 years since the end
of the Second World War.
These were gentler times,
before rock and roll was invented
and "pop" was just a word.
before rock and roll was invented
and "pop" was just a word.
Ten countries had entered
and, for the first time,
Ten countries had entered
and, for the first time,
the contest wasn't restricted
to solo artists.
the contest wasn't restricted
to solo artists.
One country to take advantage
of the rule change was Denmark.
One country to take advantage
of the rule change was Denmark.
One country to take advantage
of the rule change was Denmark.
In 1957, they changed the rules.
In 1957, they changed the rules.
It was the first year
duos were allowed.
It was the first year
duos were allowed.
Beforehand, it had to be
solo singers.
Beforehand, it had to be
solo singers.
Birthe Wilke and Gustav Winckler
were the hot favourites.
Birthe Wilke and Gustav Winckler
were the hot favourites.
Birthe, who was known as Denmark's
Doris Day,
Birthe, who was known as Denmark's
Doris Day,
was paired with Gustav,
an experienced crooner,
was paired with Gustav,
an experienced crooner,
who was ten years her senior.
During rehearsals, the feeling
in the studio
During rehearsals, the feeling
in the studio
was that the Danish duo were
odds on to win the contest.
was that the Danish duo were
odds on to win the contest.
SHE SPEAKS GERMAN
SHE SPEAKS GERMAN
..Skibet Skal Sejle I Nat.
..Skibet Skal Sejle I Nat.
The title of the song
The title of the song
was Skibet Skal Sejle I Nat.
was Skibet Skal Sejle I Nat.
It means, if I can translate it,
The Ship...
It means, if I can translate it,
The Ship...
..Are Leaving Tonight.
..Are Leaving Tonight.
Birthe Wilke and Gustav Winckler!
Birthe Wilke and Gustav Winckler!
1,200 were there in this
Frankfurt Radio Hall.
1,200 were there in this
Frankfurt Radio Hall.
1,200 were there in this
Frankfurt Radio Hall.
1,200 were there in this
Frankfurt Radio Hall.
We felt so small.
We felt so small.
# Farvel da min tos
# Farvel da min tos
# Og hold dig nu kvik
# Og hold dig nu kvik
# Jeg tilstar, mit hjerte
# Jeg tilstar, mit hjerte
# Gi'r li'som et stik... #
Gustav was dressed in a kind
of uniform and I was in a coat.
Gustav was dressed in a kind
of uniform and I was in a coat.
Gustav was dressed in a kind
of uniform and I was in a coat.
# Men skibet skal sejle i nat... #
A pretty little song,
and they'd been tipped to win.
# Men skibet skal sejle i nat... #
# Men skibet skal sejle i nat... #
# Men skibet skal sejle i nat... #
The lyrics are about
what happened in life,
The lyrics are about
what happened in life,
how we met, and we fell in love,
how we met, and we fell in love,
and we end up to say goodbye.
and we end up to say goodbye.
# Og du blev alting for mig... #
It was beautiful words.
# Nu er der kun dig
# Men skibet skal sejle i nat... #
# Men skibet skal sejle i nat... #
That reminded me
of a David Lean film.
That reminded me
of a David Lean film.
# Men skibet skal sejle i nat. #
# Men skibet skal sejle i nat. #
The Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly
on the boat moment.
The Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly
on the boat moment.
He's wearing a sailor's hat.
He's leaving.
You know, I thought he was a
bus conductor when I first saw him.
You know, I thought he was a
bus conductor when I first saw him.
# Og nu kan jeg larme
# Og saette mig op
# Mod det, jeg ved
der skal ske... #
# Mod det, jeg ved
der skal ske... #
He does put a ring on it and
she's delighted by that, obviously.
He does put a ring on it and
she's delighted by that, obviously.
He does put a ring on it and
she's delighted by that, obviously.
Men skibet skal sejle i nat.#
Men skibet skal sejle i nat.#
# Men skibet skal sejle i nat... #
# Men skibet skal sejle i nat... #
# Men skibet skal sejle i nat... #
The plan was just a small kiss
to finish the number.
The plan was just a small kiss
to finish the number.
The plan was just a small kiss
to finish the number.
The plan was just a small kiss
to finish the number.
I was so young.
I was about 20, 21 years old.
I was about 20, 21 years old.
I didn't know how to kiss.
I didn't know how to kiss.
Really. You know, this time,
it was not like today.
Really. You know, this time,
it was not like today.
You started very late at that time.
You started very late at that time.
And I was a little shy
and I didn't know what to do.
And I was a little shy
and I didn't know what to do.
And I was a little shy
and I didn't know what to do.
You know what I did? I went
to the movie, different movies,
You know what I did? I went
to the movie, different movies,
You know what I did? I went
to the movie, different movies,
where I knew they had love stories,
and I was looking the way.
where I knew they had love stories,
and I was looking the way.
where I knew they had love stories,
and I was looking the way.
How do they kiss?
How do they kiss? How do they kiss?
How do they kiss? How do they kiss?
And I tried to do it the same way.
And I tried to do it the same way.
# Men skibet skal sejle i nat... #
I had to be an actor,
and I am not an actress.
I had to be an actor,
and I am not an actress.
# Men skibet skal sejle i nat. #
# Men skibet skal sejle i nat. #
We just stood there and we kissed,
and we kissed, and we kissed.
We just stood there and we kissed,
and we kissed, and we kissed.
It went on and on and on.
It went on and on and on.
Oh.
They're still going.
APPLAUSE
Get a room!
It wasn't just a kiss,
it was a full-on snog.
It wasn't just a kiss,
it was a full-on snog.
It wasn't just a kiss,
it was a full-on snog.
Full-on tonsil tickler.
Mmmm!
Bit racy for 1957
Eurovision audiences.
Bit racy for 1957
Eurovision audiences.
These people kissed for 11 seconds.
These people kissed for 11 seconds.
A full 11 seconds! Oh, my God!
A full 11 seconds! Oh, my God!
It's a long time.
Certainly, during that period
in Hollywood,
Certainly, during that period
in Hollywood,
you could have a kiss
but it could go on for no more
than three seconds.
but it could go on for no more
than three seconds.
Nobody told us we were finished.
Nobody told us we were finished.
Allegedly, they didn't
hear the cue to stop.
Allegedly, they didn't
hear the cue to stop.
Why's that an excuse?
"We didn't hear anyone say cut."
Just stop it!
"We didn't hear anyone say cut."
Just stop it!
But the majority of
the countries in the contest
But the majority of
the countries in the contest
were predominantly Roman Catholic,
so such overt displays of sexuality
possibly didn't go down well.
so such overt displays of sexuality
possibly didn't go down well.
so such overt displays of sexuality
possibly didn't go down well.
It was too much for them, this kiss.
It was too much for them, this kiss.
It didn't belong to that time.
It didn't belong to that time.
They were mavericks.
With the audience not knowing
where to look,
With the audience not knowing
where to look,
it was time for the voting.
And back in the '50s,
it was all down to the judges.
And back in the '50s,
it was all down to the judges.
Hello.
THEY SPEAK IN GERMAN
THEY SPEAK IN GERMAN
After the fifth judge,
it was obvious
that the hot favourites' cheeky snog
hadn't tickled anyone's fancy.
that the hot favourites' cheeky snog
hadn't tickled anyone's fancy.
They were still on nil points.
They were still on nil points.
Because of this long kiss...
..we didn't have any votes.
The Catholic countries
did not give us any votes.
The Catholic countries
did not give us any votes.
With the final votes in, the
Netherlands were clear winners,
With the final votes in, the
Netherlands were clear winners,
leaving Birthe and Gustav
trailing in third.
leaving Birthe and Gustav
trailing in third.
Their 11-second lip smacker caused
a scandal, hitting the headlines.
Their 11-second lip smacker caused
a scandal, hitting the headlines.
Their 11-second lip smacker caused
a scandal, hitting the headlines.
The Danish press were outraged.
The Danish press were outraged.
They were writing about,
"The kiss destroyed everything."
They were writing about,
"The kiss destroyed everything."
They were favourites to win,
and I think their 11-second
kiss scuppered it.
and I think their 11-second
kiss scuppered it.
It was too racy for them, I guess.
It caused outcry.
I think Birthe and Gustav
actually led the way,
I think Birthe and Gustav
actually led the way,
and I think it's a shame that they
got all this controversy for it.
and I think it's a shame that they
got all this controversy for it.
The young people don't
know me but, if you say,
The young people don't
know me but, if you say,
The young people don't
know me but, if you say,
"Skibet Skal Sejle I Nat
and the kiss..."
"Skibet Skal Sejle I Nat
and the kiss..."
"Oh, you are the one!"
In hindsight, not that big a deal.
In hindsight, not that big a deal.
I mean, we've all been to Tiger
Tiger, Leeds, on a Saturday night
I mean, we've all been to Tiger
Tiger, Leeds, on a Saturday night
and we've seen much worse happening
for longer than 11 seconds.
and we've seen much worse happening
for longer than 11 seconds.
Eurovision has always been the
spectacle that keeps on giving,
Eurovision has always been the
spectacle that keeps on giving,
especially once we get to
the voting.
Good evening, Yugoslavia.
Could I have your votes, please?
Good evening, Yugoslavia.
Could I have your votes, please?
Good evening, Yugoslavia?
"Hello. Are you there?"
With scores coming in from all
over Europe and indeed the world,
With scores coming in from all
over Europe and indeed the world,
it can be a technical nightmare.
it can be a technical nightmare.
If anything's going to go wrong,
it's going to go wrong now.
If anything's going to go wrong,
it's going to go wrong now.
There is a tremendous
amount that can go wrong,
There is a tremendous
amount that can go wrong,
particularly when you're
going live to other countries.
particularly when you're
going live to other countries.
We'll try once again.
Good evening, Yugoslavia.
Could I have your votes, please?
You see the fear in the
presenter's eyes.
You see the fear in the
presenter's eyes.
You can imagine the voice
just rattling in their ear.
You can imagine the voice
just rattling in their ear.
No sign of Yugoslavia.
I would rather be rolled around
in cut glass
I would rather be rolled around
in cut glass
than present that section
of the show.
than present that section
of the show.
The more you rely on technology,
the more can go wrong.
The more you rely on technology,
the more can go wrong.
I think...
Ah, Yugoslavia.
Good evening, Yugoslavia.
Could I have your votes, please?
I don't have it. Yeah.
LAUGHTER
Thank you very much.
LAUGHTER
Thank you very much.
That, for me, is the
money shot of Eurovision.
That, for me, is the
money shot of Eurovision.
You were never too sure whether
the line would work.
You were never too sure whether
the line would work.
I can't hear you any more.
Who are you giving three points to?
Who are you giving three points to?
Three points.
I did that once for Ireland.
Kiev.
Can we rely on Ireland
for a point or two?
Can we rely on Ireland
for a point or two?
I was that gap.
Croatia, five points.
Er, Romania, seven points.
Er, Romania, seven points.
I think...Romania.
That's right?
What people don't realise
when you're reading those votes
What people don't realise
when you're reading those votes
is that there's a big delay,
going into your ear.
is that there's a big delay,
going into your ear.
Yeah, seven points. But six points.
Yeah, seven points. But six points.
Yeah. I think I made
a little mistake.
Yeah. I think I made
a little mistake.
You say, "France, ten points",
You say, "France, ten points",
you then say "Belgium, 12 points."
As you're saying, "Belgium 12
points,"
As you're saying, "Belgium 12
points,"
in your ear, you're hearing,
"France, ten points."
in your ear, you're hearing,
"France, ten points."
You've got to kind of judge
it and not fall over yourself.
You've got to kind of judge
it and not fall over yourself.
Croatia, six points.
Croatia, six points.
Croatia... Austria, five points.
Wait... So...
Croatia... Austria, five points.
Wait... So...
It was wonderfully confusing.
Sorry. We have to start it from
the beginning. OK, I'm sorry.
Sorry. We have to start it from
the beginning. OK, I'm sorry.
It's only a minute's worth but,
by golly, it's hard work.
It's only a minute's worth but,
by golly, it's hard work.
Then in 2011, Slovenia's Peter Poles
Then in 2011, Slovenia's Peter Poles
tried to get the most
from his 15 seconds of fame
tried to get the most
from his 15 seconds of fame
with this cringeworthy performance.
with this cringeworthy performance.
HE SINGS
HE SINGS
# I have results from Slovenia. #
# I have results from Slovenia. #
The judges who give the
scores are very, very funny.
The judges who give the
scores are very, very funny.
They're an act on their own.
And they take more than
their allotted 20 seconds
And they take more than
their allotted 20 seconds
because they want to be funny.
because they want to be funny.
And this, as the kids say,
is "totes cringe."
And this, as the kids say,
is "totes cringe."
Nothing street about
Redrama from Finland.
Nothing street about
Redrama from Finland.
HE RAPS
HE RAPS
HE RAPS
Just read the damn scores!
I think everyone wants screen time.
That's what's happening there.
I think everyone wants screen time.
That's what's happening there.
Everyone wants to make it big.
Or they want to be smarmy.
Hello, Riga. It's nice
to see you, Latvia.
Hello, Riga. It's nice
to see you, Latvia.
We just love what
you are doing.
We just love what
you are doing.
"And can I just say to Vienna,
"what a fantastic show you
have put on tonight?"
"what a fantastic show you
have put on tonight?"
"Oh, Helga, you're marvellous."
"Oh, Helga, you're marvellous."
And, the first...
I would like to say that you
all in Latvia,
I would like to say that you
all in Latvia,
you've done a great job.
"Such a wonderful show that
you're doing tonight!"
"Such a wonderful show that
you're doing tonight!"
"It has been spectacular."
And, in 2014, Carolina Casado
may have been looking spectacular,
And, in 2014, Carolina Casado
may have been looking spectacular,
And, in 2014, Carolina Casado
may have been looking spectacular,
but seemed to be having trouble
relaying the scores.
but seemed to be having trouble
relaying the scores.
Eight points from Spain go to...
Eight points from Spain go to...
Any time you like, Carolina.
We are live.
That's suspense, Spain, please
let us have your top points.
That's suspense, Spain, please
let us have your top points.
It's a leap of faith, isn't it,
trying to work out this
voting system?
Can't we just do it on an app?
Everyone just do it on an app
at the same time.
Everyone just do it on an app
at the same time.
I'm telling you,
that is a genius idea.
Every country wants to triumph
at Eurovision
Every country wants to triumph
at Eurovision
because it means it gets to host
the following year's competition,
because it means it gets to host
the following year's competition,
and a chance to show off to the
world its organisational and
technological prowess.
and a chance to show off to the
world its organisational and
technological prowess.
and a chance to show off to the
world its organisational and
technological prowess.
In 1976, Brotherhood of Man
In 1976, Brotherhood of Man
brought the trophy home
to the United Kingdom,
brought the trophy home
to the United Kingdom,
but no-one could have predicted then
but no-one could have predicted then
what would be happening
a year later.
what would be happening
a year later.
As we won in 1976, of course,
it comes back to the UK.
As we won in 1976, of course,
it comes back to the UK.
As we won in 1976, of course,
it comes back to the UK.
The nation was thrilled
because we'd won.
The nation was thrilled
because we'd won.
It was down to the United Kingdom
to stage it the following year.
It was down to the United Kingdom
to stage it the following year.
The Eurovision Song
Contist...Song Contest
The Eurovision Song
Contist...Song Contest
is definitely off for the moment.
is definitely off for the moment.
The whole thing was delayed because
there was a technicians' strike.
The whole thing was delayed because
there was a technicians' strike.
They'd had to put the show off
for five weeks.
They'd had to put the show off
for five weeks.
The BBC are arranging with
the European Broadcasting Union,
The BBC are arranging with
the European Broadcasting Union,
which runs Eurovision,
for the contest to go ahead
in London after all.
for the contest to go ahead
in London after all.
You'd think, with five weeks
to kind of prepare for it,
You'd think, with five weeks
to kind of prepare for it,
the show would be a slick machine.
Being world leaders in
broadcast technology, the BBC
Being world leaders in
broadcast technology, the BBC
would have been expected to put on
a VERY professional production.
would have been expected to put on
a VERY professional production.
But, due to various problems
in the lead-up to the show,
But, due to various problems
in the lead-up to the show,
the UK's Eurovision did not turn out
to be quite so slick as expected.
the UK's Eurovision did not turn out
to be quite so slick as expected.
the UK's Eurovision did not turn out
to be quite so slick as expected.
In fact, as I remember, it turned
out to be a bit of a shambles.
In fact, as I remember, it turned
out to be a bit of a shambles.
In fact, as I remember, it turned
out to be a bit of a shambles.
The United Kingdom entry now,
which, as we all know,
The United Kingdom entry now,
which, as we all know,
or should know by now, anyway,
is Rock Bottom.
or should know by now, anyway,
is Rock Bottom.
One major problem was that,
because of a legal hitch,
One major problem was that,
because of a legal hitch,
they weren't able to use any
of their pre-recorded inserts
they weren't able to use any
of their pre-recorded inserts
that introduced each country's act.
that introduced each country's act.
So, all we were left with were shots
of the audience and a commentary.
So, all we were left with were shots
of the audience and a commentary.
As we see, they are
practically set now.
As we see, they are
practically set now.
They've had to move the grand pianos
onto the stage and they're all
They've had to move the grand pianos
onto the stage and they're all
They've had to move the grand pianos
onto the stage and they're all
looking absolutely splendid -
calm, cool and collected.
looking absolutely splendid -
calm, cool and collected.
Still, we did get to see
what glamorous people
in 1977 looked like.
what glamorous people
in 1977 looked like.
All they could do was play
musical interludes.
All they could do was play
musical interludes.
They'd got nothing to show.
It really was a bit of a mess.
It really was a bit of a mess.
That year, the Brit entry from
Lynsey de Paul and Mike Moran
That year, the Brit entry from
Lynsey de Paul and Mike Moran
unluckily seemed to pre-empt the
BBC's problems
unluckily seemed to pre-empt the
BBC's problems
with their song subject
and title, Rock Bottom.
with their song subject
and title, Rock Bottom.
# Where are we?
# Rock bottom
# Tragedies?
# We got 'em... #
Our entry that year
was actually a song
Our entry that year
was actually a song
about all the strikes in the UK.
about all the strikes in the UK.
About how difficult it was to
get anything done in Britain
About how difficult it was to
get anything done in Britain
because everyone was on strike.
Mesdames, mesdemoiselles,
messieurs...
Mesdames, mesdemoiselles,
messieurs...
Angela is now explaining the
voting procedure
Angela is now explaining the
voting procedure
to the French-speaking audience.
I'm sure most people know it,
but then again, maybe they don't.
I'm sure most people know it,
but then again, maybe they don't.
VOICEOVER: With hundreds of millions
around the world watching,
VOICEOVER: With hundreds of millions
around the world watching,
it was all looking a bit sloppy.
it was all looking a bit sloppy.
But it was when it came to
the score board
that the UK's problems really began.
Now, let's go to Hilversum and say,
"Good evening, Netherlands.
Could we have your votes, please?"
"Good evening, Netherlands.
Could we have your votes, please?"
First of all, we think that Holland
has six points up till now
First of all, we think that Holland
has six points up till now
and not five points. You've given
our jurors a problem here, I think.
and not five points. You've given
our jurors a problem here, I think.
We're counting here.
You're counting.
So are they!
THEY LAUGH
I'm sorry.
Shall we go on with our votes?
Shall we go on with our votes?
Why don't we let them sort out
their problems? Yes, OK.
Why don't we let them sort out
their problems? Yes, OK.
You give us your votes, OK?
All right. OK.
You give us your votes, OK?
All right. OK.
Angela Rippon being
a bit schoolmarmy,
telling everybody off,
"Can we have your votes, please?
telling everybody off,
"Can we have your votes, please?
"Please, can we have your votes?
Have you got your votes? Come on!
"Please, can we have your votes?
Have you got your votes? Come on!
Which isn't very Angela Rippon,
she's a lovely woman.
Which isn't very Angela Rippon,
she's a lovely woman.
Belgium... I'm sorry. Can we stop
a moment? Can we just hold on one
second?
Belgium... I'm sorry. Can we stop
a moment? Can we just hold on one
second?
I think we're having a bit of
trouble with the scoreboard again.
I think we're having a bit of
trouble with the scoreboard again.
Still a mistake on the scoreboard.
For Netherlands, it should be seven.
Still a mistake on the scoreboard.
For Netherlands, it should be seven.
Allemagne, deux points.
Allemagne, deux points.
Allemagne, sept points.
Deux points. Finlande, six points.
Deux points. Finlande, six points.
Finlande, dix points.
It became very stressful
and she became very tense.
It became very stressful
and she became very tense.
It became very stressful
and she became very tense.
And so therefore, she came across
perhaps a little bit Joyce Grenfell.
And so therefore, she came across
perhaps a little bit Joyce Grenfell.
Angela Rippon, in a fabulous dress,
must be thinking inside,
Angela Rippon, in a fabulous dress,
must be thinking inside,
"I'm certainly earning
my money tonight."
"I'm certainly earning
my money tonight."
The winner of the
Eurovision Song Contest for 1977
The winner of the
Eurovision Song Contest for 1977
is France.
Marie Myriam.
Marie Myriam.
I think she's celebrating behind,
with all the other artists.
I think she's celebrating behind,
with all the other artists.
Can you hear us, Marie?
They bring on the man
who runs the BBC.
They bring on the man
who runs the BBC.
They've got Angela Rippon and
they can't find the French winner.
They've got Angela Rippon and
they can't find the French winner.
They've got Angela Rippon and
they can't find the French winner.
The winner, the French girl,
went missing!
The winner, the French girl,
went missing!
Is she with us?
APPLAUSE
"Is she coming now?
"Can we find her?"
Is she coming on or isn't she?
I can imagine the scene
backstage now,
I can imagine the scene
backstage now,
someone rushing to find
the winning artist.
someone rushing to find
the winning artist.
Where is she?
Has someone bought her a bottle
of champagne, is that what it is?
Has someone bought her a bottle
of champagne, is that what it is?
The French singing bird, the oiseau,
she's nowhere to be found.
The French singing bird, the oiseau,
she's nowhere to be found.
The French singing bird, the oiseau,
she's nowhere to be found.
They couldn't find her.
RUNNING FOOTSTEPS
RUNNING FOOTSTEPS
Feet running up the stairs,
along the back.
Feet running up the stairs,
along the back.
There she is.
APPLAUSE
APPLAUSE
They get all excited and they're
hugging each other
They get all excited and they're
hugging each other
and they lose track of time.
Everyone was unrehearsed.
The Grand Prix has
been won by France.
The Grand Prix has
been won by France.
Would you like to go and sing?
The nice thing about winning
is you get to sing it again.
The nice thing about winning
is you get to sing it again.
What a shame! I mean, you know,
What a shame! I mean, you know,
they should have just paid the
cameraman and the lighting crew
they should have just paid the
cameraman and the lighting crew
and everybody double money.
After the disappointment of
Cliff losing out to Spain in 1968,
After the disappointment of
Cliff losing out to Spain in 1968,
After the disappointment of
Cliff losing out to Spain in 1968,
the UK decided to send another
star to Madrid the following year.
the UK decided to send another
star to Madrid the following year.
the UK decided to send another
star to Madrid the following year.
# We-e-e-ell
# We-e-e-ell
# We-e-e-ell
# You know you make me want to shout
# Look, my hand's jumping... #
We've sent a big hitter,
we've sent Lulu to represent the UK
We've sent a big hitter,
we've sent Lulu to represent the UK
in the Eurovision Song Contest.
She was a huge star.
The Scottish pocket rocket had
already had five UK top ten singles
The Scottish pocket rocket had
already had five UK top ten singles
The Scottish pocket rocket had
already had five UK top ten singles
and a number one in America
to her name,
and a number one in America
to her name,
as well as having established
herself as a TV star.
as well as having established
herself as a TV star.
It was on her show, Lulu,
that she showcased various
Eurovision song entries.
that she showcased various
Eurovision song entries.
# Ooh, come on now... #
# Ooh, come on now... #
Songwriting duos Elton John
and Bernie Taupin
Songwriting duos Elton John
and Bernie Taupin
and Andrew Lloyd Webber and
Tim Rice were in the running.
and Andrew Lloyd Webber and
Tim Rice were in the running.
But the public chose this
as their song for Europe.
But the public chose this
as their song for Europe.
# Come closer and cuddle me tight
# Come closer and cuddle me tight
# My heart goes
# Boom bang-a-bang
Boom bang-a-bang
# When you are near... #
Boom Bang-A-Bang.
I mean, what a track!
# My heart goes
Boom bang-a-bang
# Boom bang-a-bang
# When you are near. #
Loved it.
# When you are near. #
Loved it.
# Boom bang-a-bang-bang
all the time... #
# Boom bang-a-bang-bang
all the time... #
I remember watching it
with real interest.
I remember watching it
with real interest.
# Boom bang-a-bang-bang
I love you. #
# Boom bang-a-bang-bang
I love you. #
I thought, she's bound to win it.
Back then, each country had
a jury of ten
Back then, each country had
a jury of ten
with each member voting for
their favourite song.
with each member voting for
their favourite song.
So the scores weren't as
ridiculously high as they are today.
So the scores weren't as
ridiculously high as they are today.
United Kingdom, three votes.
United Kingdom, three votes.
As the votes came in,
Lulu took an early lead.
As the votes came in,
Lulu took an early lead.
She must have thought,
"Yeah, we'll do this. Great song!"
She must have thought,
"Yeah, we'll do this. Great song!"
She must have thought,
"Yeah, we'll do this. Great song!"
But with France, Spain and
Netherlands also grabbing votes,
But with France, Spain and
Netherlands also grabbing votes,
it was neck and neck at the top.
Counting the votes
is almost finished.
Counting the votes
is almost finished.
In a nail-biting finish,
it came down to the final vote.
In a nail-biting finish,
it came down to the final vote.
It was a three-way tie between
Spain, France
It was a three-way tie between
Spain, France
and the Netherlands on 18,
and the Netherlands on 18,
with Lulu one point behind.
with Lulu one point behind.
Her fate now lay with Finland.
Her fate now lay with Finland.
United Kingdom, one vote.
United Kingdom, one vote.
United Kingdom, one vote.
United Kingdom, one vote.
We realise we have four winners.
We realise we have four winners.
We won it, along with
France, Spain and Holland.
We won it, along with
France, Spain and Holland.
That completes the voting
of the Finnish jury.
That completes the voting
of the Finnish jury.
That completes the voting
of the Finnish jury.
The poor host was pretty flummoxed
when she realised there
was four 18s on the board.
when she realised there
was four 18s on the board.
Now, what the heck's
she going to do?
Oh, cool, there's four winners!
Now what happens?
Nobody really knew quite
what to do about that.
Nobody really knew quite
what to do about that.
So, how do we pick the winner?
So, how do we pick the winner?
They don't.
Embarrassed Eurovision officials
realised they didn't have a Plan B.
Embarrassed Eurovision officials
realised they didn't have a Plan B.
They didn't have rules in
place, did they,
They didn't have rules in
place, did they,
to take care of an event like that?
SHE SPEAKS FRENCH
SHE SPEAKS FRENCH
SHE SPEAKS FRENCH
"So, I am going to say that
there are four winners, yes?"
"So, I am going to say that
there are four winners, yes?"
She's smiling and she seems
really happy.
She's smiling and she seems
really happy.
I bet deep down she was thinking,
"Oh, my God, this is awful."
I bet deep down she was thinking,
"Oh, my God, this is awful."
There were four winners.
What can you do?
There were four winners.
What can you do?
Para entregar...
Para entregar...
..los cuatros premios.
..los cuatros premios.
Can I celebrate or not?!
Lulu.
Eurovision chiefs had another issue.
Eurovision chiefs had another issue.
Four winners but only one trophy.
Four winners but only one trophy.
Just take the trophies from the
songwriters and give them to the
performers.
Just take the trophies from the
songwriters and give them to the
performers.
Just take the trophies from the
songwriters and give them to the
performers.
You're not going to have anything,
we need those to give out
to these people.
we need those to give out
to these people.
The poor songwriters had the right
hump, going home empty-handed.
The poor songwriters had the right
hump, going home empty-handed.
I bet they weren't happy that year.
I bet they weren't happy that year.
Keeping with tradition, the four
winners then sang their songs again,
Keeping with tradition, the four
winners then sang their songs again,
leaving the audience sitting through
a quarter of the show once more.
leaving the audience sitting through
a quarter of the show once more.
After that debacle, red-faced
Eurovision chiefs
After that debacle, red-faced
Eurovision chiefs
changed the rules to allow
for a re-vote.
changed the rules to allow
for a re-vote.
However, five countries
were so furious at the 1969 fiasco
were so furious at the 1969 fiasco
that they refused to enter
the following year.
that they refused to enter
the following year.
People got in a huff about it.
Maybe they felt they had more
chance of winning
Maybe they felt they had more
chance of winning
if there were going to be joint
winners.
That narrows your odds, doesn't it?
That narrows your odds, doesn't it?
To the UK, Lulu will always
be a winner.
To the UK, Lulu will always
be a winner.
I always remember in my head that
Britain won with Boom Bang-A-Bang.
I always remember in my head that
Britain won with Boom Bang-A-Bang.
I always remember in my head that
Britain won with Boom Bang-A-Bang.
She sort of share won Eurovision.
She sort of share won Eurovision.
# Boom bang-bang-bang
I love you. #
# Boom bang-bang-bang
I love you. #
We still remember her song.
I can't remember the other three.
Somehow, we seem to erase
that from our memory.
Somehow, we seem to erase
that from our memory.
# My heart goes boom bang-a-bang
Boom bang-a-bang
# My heart goes boom bang-a-bang
Boom bang-a-bang
# When you are near
# Boom bang-a-bang-bang
I love you. #
# Boom bang-a-bang-bang
I love you. #
Ole!
After scoring a dismal nil points in
2003 and coming in 16th place
After scoring a dismal nil points in
2003 and coming in 16th place
After scoring a dismal nil points in
2003 and coming in 16th place
in 2004, Britain in 2005
in 2004, Britain in 2005
were in desperate need of a
strong contender.
were in desperate need of a
strong contender.
2005 was a great Song for
Europe for the UK.
2005 was a great Song for
Europe for the UK.
It was star-studded.
Hi, I'm Javine.
Hi, I'm Andy Scott-Lee.
Hi, I'm Andy Scott-Lee.
Hi, I'm Gina G.
Hi, I'm Jordan, AKA Katie Price.
Hi, I'm Jordan, AKA Katie Price.
Yes, you heard her right.
The peroxide blonde glamour model
The peroxide blonde glamour model
wanted to put her best assets
forward for the singing contest.
wanted to put her best assets
forward for the singing contest.
You see this name on the list
and you're a bit like,
You see this name on the list
and you're a bit like,
Katie Price?
Oh, you know what...
Oh, you know what...
It's unusual for me, but words
fail me.
It's unusual for me, but words
fail me.
We face, as a nation,
the absolutely terrifying prospect
of Katie Price possibly being
the absolutely terrifying prospect
of Katie Price possibly being
the absolutely terrifying prospect
of Katie Price possibly being
our entrant for Eurovision.
our entrant for Eurovision.
Katie Price, the model, author and
horse rider
Katie Price, the model, author and
horse rider
formerly known as Jordan,
was about to unleash her singing
talents on the world.
was about to unleash her singing
talents on the world.
Katie Price, she's everywhere.
She had the attention of the world
on her.
She had the attention of the world
on her.
She's over every paper.
She's over every paper.
She's on telly constantly.
She's with Peter Andre.
A couple of days before the
Song for Europe,
A couple of days before the
Song for Europe,
she'd announced that she was
pregnant.
She was having Peter
Andre's baby at the time.
She was having Peter
Andre's baby at the time.
She was getting all the headlines,
which did not please Javine.
She was getting all the headlines,
which did not please Javine.
She was getting all the headlines,
which did not please Javine.
Annoyingly for Katie Price,
Popstars: The Rivals star Javine
was also in the contest,
Popstars: The Rivals star Javine
was also in the contest,
and Katie knew everyone knew that
she COULD sing.
and Katie knew everyone knew that
she COULD sing.
# Touch my fire
Can you feel the heat? #
# Touch my fire
Can you feel the heat? #
Meow!
A few spats, it's fair to say, in
the red tops between the girls.
A few spats, it's fair to say, in
the red tops between the girls.
I want to scratch your eyes out.
She really wants this gig because
this is a chance for her
She really wants this gig because
this is a chance for her
to sort of like reignite
her career again.
to sort of like reignite
her career again.
# ..Touch my fire... #
# ..Touch my fire... #
Soon, it was going to be Katie's
turn.
Soon, it was going to be Katie's
turn.
The viewing nation and studio
audience waited with bated breath.
The viewing nation and studio
audience waited with bated breath.
Was she going to pull it off?
With the amount of fans that Katie
Price had at the time, you know,
With the amount of fans that Katie
Price had at the time, you know,
she probably thought that she had a
great chance of winning it.
she probably thought that she had a
great chance of winning it.
As Jordan sat sexily on her chaise
lounge in a pink sparkly catsuit,
As Jordan sat sexily on her chaise
lounge in a pink sparkly catsuit,
As Jordan sat sexily on her chaise
lounge in a pink sparkly catsuit,
the audience waited in anticipation
for her song to begin.
the audience waited in anticipation
for her song to begin.
# Dance with me, dance with me
# Dance with me, dance with me
# Lay yourself bare
# Lay yourself bare
# Move with me, groove with me
# Move with me, groove with me
# Till I don't care... #
# Till I don't care... #
I was in the audience at the time
with some of my friends
I was in the audience at the time
with some of my friends
and we just couldn't believe what we
were hearing. She can't sing.
and we just couldn't believe what we
were hearing. She can't sing.
# ..I know that everybody that
feels it like me
# ..I know that everybody that
feels it like me
# ..I know that everybody that
feels it like me
# Would love you like this... #
The outfit that Katie wore was quite
astonishing, you know.
The outfit that Katie wore was quite
astonishing, you know.
It was bright pink.
She looked like a flamingo.
# ..Temptation
# ..Temptation
# Celebration... #
# Celebration... #
It was unbelievable. My ears were
bleeding.
It was unbelievable. My ears were
bleeding.
Her song was SO embarrassing.
Her song was SO embarrassing.
# ..I'm not just anybody
# ..I'm not just anybody
# I feel like I'm ready to go... #
# I feel like I'm ready to go... #
# I feel like I'm ready to go... #
Just vote for me!
But not everybody in the audience
was applauding the performance.
But not everybody in the audience
was applauding the performance.
The minute she stopped singing
we were booing.
The minute she stopped singing
we were booing.
It was the worst thing I've ever
heard in my entire life.
It was the worst thing I've ever
heard in my entire life.
Even Katie's dazzling outfit
couldn't disguise
Even Katie's dazzling outfit
couldn't disguise
her out-of-tune performance, but the
celebrity panel were all praise.
her out-of-tune performance, but the
celebrity panel were all praise.
her out-of-tune performance, but the
celebrity panel were all praise.
I'll be honest with you,
I think that is the best song
of the evening.
I think that is the best song
of the evening.
AUDIENCE BOOS
She got through it really well,
I thought,
considering she was up the duff.
Maybe that was the gimmick -
that Katie was pregnant.
Maybe that was the gimmick -
that Katie was pregnant.
We were all wondering, will it be
Katie, will it be Javine?
We were all wondering, will it be
Katie, will it be Javine?
It was a two-horse race.
You could feel the tension in the
room, you know,
You could feel the tension in the
room, you know,
from all the people
around their teams.
from all the people
around their teams.
I was like, "Oh, what's going to
happen here?"
I was like, "Oh, what's going to
happen here?"
Price was the bookies' favourite,
due to her having the highest
celebrity profile,
due to her having the highest
celebrity profile,
but Javine had the studio
audience on her side.
but Javine had the studio
audience on her side.
The excitement in the studio and the
green room was electric.
The excitement in the studio and the
green room was electric.
One minute Javine is at the top,
and then Katie is at the top.
One minute Javine is at the top,
and then Katie is at the top.
A nation divided over Eurovision,
A nation divided over Eurovision,
probably not for the first time and
certainly not the last.
probably not for the first time and
certainly not the last.
BOOING
BOOING
It certainly worked for the ratings,
though.
It certainly worked for the ratings,
though.
8 million viewers tuning in to see
which song would go forward.
8 million viewers tuning in to see
which song would go forward.
That's a good score.
It puts her in the lead, of course.
That's a good score.
It puts her in the lead, of course.
Oh, my goodness, Katie Price is
actually going to win this bloody
thing.
Oh, my goodness, Katie Price is
actually going to win this bloody
thing.
Like, this is the end of days!
Like, this is the end of days!
Did we want to see Katie, AKA
Jordan,
Did we want to see Katie, AKA
Jordan,
representing Queen and country and
busting out all over that stage?
representing Queen and country and
busting out all over that stage?
Javine is...
Javine is...
30%.
CHEERING
CHEERING
The nation could heave
a sigh of relief.
The nation could heave
a sigh of relief.
Glamour girl Katie Price had been
beaten by a bona fide singer.
Glamour girl Katie Price had been
beaten by a bona fide singer.
Glamour girl Katie Price had been
beaten by a bona fide singer.
When they announced that Javine had
won, it was like, "Ooh!"
When they announced that Javine had
won, it was like, "Ooh!"
When they announced that Javine had
won, it was like, "Ooh!"
She went up to shake hands with
Katie Price.
She went up to shake hands with
Katie Price.
It's the most insincere
media-trained handshake.
It's the most insincere
media-trained handshake.
It was more like...
HE CHUCKLES
Good try, babe. It was almost
Siberian temperature.
Good try, babe. It was almost
Siberian temperature.
So Katie's sexy gyrating and off-key
caterwauling didn't win her the
So Katie's sexy gyrating and off-key
caterwauling didn't win her the
So Katie's sexy gyrating and off-key
caterwauling didn't win her the
Eurovision crown, and Javine didn't
do much better
Eurovision crown, and Javine didn't
do much better
as, on Eurovision night,
she came in third from last.
as, on Eurovision night,
she came in third from last.
In fairness to Katie,
she admits it's the worst thing
she's ever done. Well, one of them.
she admits it's the worst thing
she's ever done. Well, one of them.
In 2014, The Late Late Show
hosted Euro Song,
In 2014, The Late Late Show
hosted Euro Song,
where Ireland decides on their
entrant
where Ireland decides on their
entrant
for the Eurovision Song Contest.
for the Eurovision Song Contest.
The panel of experts included
well-known TV talent judge
Louis Walsh
well-known TV talent judge
Louis Walsh
and Eurovision veteran Linda Martin,
who were there to discuss the acts
with host Ryan Tubridy.
who were there to discuss the acts
with host Ryan Tubridy.
But trouble was brewing between
rival management camps
But trouble was brewing between
rival management camps
right from the off.
right from the off.
Louis, a lot of talk in the last 24
hours about your closeness to one of
Louis, a lot of talk in the last 24
hours about your closeness to one of
Louis, a lot of talk in the last 24
hours about your closeness to one of
the acts because of X Factor. One of
the acts? I know all of the acts.
the acts because of X Factor. One of
the acts? I know all of the acts.
Was somebody trying to stir it up
or something?
Was somebody trying to stir it up
or something?
Not trying to stir it up. It was a
full discussion happening.
Not trying to stir it up. It was a
full discussion happening.
I wasn't involved. I know, I know.
Why would somebody do that?
I wasn't involved. I know, I know.
Why would somebody do that?
The stirring up had been caused by
mentor to one of the finalists,
The stirring up had been caused by
mentor to one of the finalists,
Billy McGuinness. His problem was
the potential conflict of interest
Billy McGuinness. His problem was
the potential conflict of interest
Billy McGuinness. His problem was
the potential conflict of interest
of panellist Louis' involvement
with some of the acts.
of panellist Louis' involvement
with some of the acts.
So you were the other half of
the story this morning on the radio
So you were the other half of
the story this morning on the radio
and you've been on the news and in
the papers in the last 24 hours,
and you've been on the news and in
the papers in the last 24 hours,
very unhappy and very vocal
about Louis' involvement
very unhappy and very vocal
about Louis' involvement
on the panel tonight, and in the
Eurovision, broadly speaking?
on the panel tonight, and in the
Eurovision, broadly speaking?
I went on a national radio station
that morning
I went on a national radio station
that morning
and I aired my grievances.
And it all kicked off.
Everything just went nuts.
If you want a level playing field,
Louis Walsh should not be
on that panel.
Louis Walsh should not be
on that panel.
Why? Because he's connected...
CHEERING
..to two of the acts. He managed
Kasey when she was in Wonderland,
..to two of the acts. He managed
Kasey when she was in Wonderland,
plus he also, through his
X Factor involvement...
plus he also, through his
X Factor involvement...
Completely bonkers
because me and Louis
Completely bonkers
because me and Louis
had absolutely no relationship.
had absolutely no relationship.
There's no way that Louis should be
on the panel,
There's no way that Louis should be
on the panel,
because Louis and Linda
are going to influence the judges.
because Louis and Linda
are going to influence the judges.
He felt that that would jeopardise
his own contestant, Laura,
He felt that that would jeopardise
his own contestant, Laura,
He felt that that would jeopardise
his own contestant, Laura,
from getting through.
Actually, Billy... I'm talking to
Ryan here!
Actually, Billy... I'm talking to
Ryan here!
..I used to book your band
as well. Excuse me!
..I used to book your band
as well. Excuse me!
Excuse me, I'm talking to Ryan!
Excuse me, I'm talking to Ryan!
I am talking to Ryan!
Louis, I will give you right
to reply.
Louis, I will give you right
to reply.
I was outraged at this.
I just went, "Look, this isn't
fair."
I just went, "Look, this isn't
fair."
He just played on that.
Tried to sabotage our chances,
He just played on that.
Tried to sabotage our chances,
says it was unfair. If you wanted
someone with Euro credentials,
says it was unfair. If you wanted
someone with Euro credentials,
why not put Niamh Kavanagh
or Paul Harrington there?
why not put Niamh Kavanagh
or Paul Harrington there?
You do not need Louis Walsh because
he's involved with the acts.
You do not need Louis Walsh because
he's involved with the acts.
He shouldn't be there.
It's not fair on us. He'd say he has
no involvement in the acts now.
It's not fair on us. He'd say he has
no involvement in the acts now.
Ryan, my second point is,
and it was validated today,
Ryan, my second point is,
and it was validated today,
when One Direction's
Niall tweeted...
He has 17 million followers.
..vote for Eoghan Quigg.
With 17 million followers,
With 17 million followers,
who got Niall to tweet vote
Eoghan Quigg today? Not me.
who got Niall to tweet vote
Eoghan Quigg today? Not me.
who got Niall to tweet vote
Eoghan Quigg today? Not me.
So Billy thought that Louis
had set this all up, which...
So Billy thought that Louis
had set this all up, which...
So Billy thought that Louis
had set this all up, which...
I know myself, it wasn't.
I know myself, it wasn't.
It was supposed to be a level
playing field.
It was supposed to be a level
playing field.
All the songs are supposed to have
a level chance.
All the songs are supposed to have
a level chance.
I don't know what Billy is on,
but he's on something
and it's not a good thing.
but he's on something
and it's not a good thing.
To say that I was on something was
very unprofessional of Louis on live
TV. Linda?
To say that I was on something was
very unprofessional of Louis on live
TV. Linda?
To say that I was on something was
very unprofessional of Louis on live
TV. Linda?
You are an odious little man.
You are an odious little man.
Oh, Linda, Linda.
The only person...
That bounces off Louis Walsh like
water off a duck's back.
That bounces off Louis Walsh like
water off a duck's back.
That bounces off Louis Walsh like
water off a duck's back.
I have not made one comment
about you.
The only person you were damaging up
there was your act.
The only person you were damaging up
there was your act.
Did I mention the fact...
Hold it there.
Don't bring me into it.
Hold it there.
Don't bring me into it.
You shouldn't be on the panel
neither,
You shouldn't be on the panel
neither,
because you are on Louis' payroll.
Let me tell you something...
You shouldn't be there neither.
Let me tell you something...
You shouldn't be there neither.
Let me tell you something.
Let me tell you something.
CHEERING
Let me tell you something.
Something's going on here.
What's she doing?
Who's rattled her cage?
What's she doing?
Who's rattled her cage?
She got out of her chair
and you are at home like this...
She got out of her chair
and you are at home like this...
She's going in for one.
Walks across to Billy McGuinness
with these fiery eyes.
Walks across to Billy McGuinness
with these fiery eyes.
Let me tell you something.
Let me tell you something.
I stood up and it looked like I was
a bouncer in a club
I stood up and it looked like I was
a bouncer in a club
refusing her entry to
the nightclub.
refusing her entry to
the nightclub.
You may not be used
to dealing with women with brains,
You may not be used
to dealing with women with brains,
but I have a brain.
Excuse me.
My gob opens and then I speak.
Excuse me, excuse me.
What the hell is going on here?
I would not argue with her.
She's scary. She's going to give me
a slap.
She's scary. She's going to give me
a slap.
She's going to hit him one here.
Hang on, excuse me.
Go back to your seat.
The only person... Excuse me.
Were you not involved...?
Hang on. Hold it there.
Hang on. Hold it there.
The poor host, you literally you can
see him sweating.
The poor host, you literally you can
see him sweating.
He's standing in the middle trying
to referee it, get them all apart.
He's standing in the middle trying
to referee it, get them all apart.
This is good TV.
Keep it rolling, keep it rolling.
This is good TV.
Keep it rolling, keep it rolling.
Were you are not involved when Louis
was selecting his boyband
Were you are not involved when Louis
was selecting his boyband
and Eoghan Quigg came in
the final ten?
and Eoghan Quigg came in
the final ten?
Yes, you were. You...
Who was paying your wages then?
Yes, you were. You...
Who was paying your wages then?
That's enough now.
OK.
Gobshite! Get off the panel.
Gobshite! Get off the panel.
Folks! Folks, stop.
Folks! Folks, stop.
He loses the rag.
It's awful smiling now.
He loses the rag.
It's awful smiling now.
It was insane. It went from a
lovely, mellow, nice show to, like,
It was insane. It went from a
lovely, mellow, nice show to, like,
World War III.
Brian, we are happy to announce
that the tickets
Brian, we are happy to announce
that the tickets
for the charity naked
mud-wrestling match
between Linda and Billy now on sale!
between Linda and Billy now on sale!
Why don't we have telly like that
here?
Why don't we have telly like that
here?
But let's not forget this is
a song contest.
But let's not forget this is
a song contest.
After Eoghan Quigg's performance,
After Eoghan Quigg's performance,
Louis Walsh demonstrated just how
impartial he was.
Louis Walsh demonstrated just how
impartial he was.
This record is a worldwide hit,
absolutely.
This record is a worldwide hit,
absolutely.
Eoghan is fantastic. Carl and Mark,
I know how hard you've worked.
Eoghan is fantastic. Carl and Mark,
I know how hard you've worked.
Eoghan is fantastic. Carl and Mark,
I know how hard you've worked.
This could win the Eurovision.
This could win the Eurovision.
OK. Absolutely.
I hope you say that about some of
the other songs tonight.
I hope you say that about some of
the other songs tonight.
After the song, the panel had a
chance to say whether it was good,
After the song, the panel had a
chance to say whether it was good,
whether it should represent Ireland,
you know.
whether it should represent Ireland,
you know.
Obviously, Louis and Linda were
pushing Eoghan Quigg.
Obviously, Louis and Linda were
pushing Eoghan Quigg.
I feel like we had the best song.
I feel like we had the best song.
# You know you got me... #
# You know you got me... #
Unfortunately for Billy McGuinness,
Unfortunately for Billy McGuinness,
his live on-air rant probably didn't
do much to help Laura O'Neill's
his live on-air rant probably didn't
do much to help Laura O'Neill's
performance of
You Don't Remember Me.
performance of
You Don't Remember Me.
But then it's probably hadn't helped
Eoghan Quigg's much either.
But then it's probably hadn't helped
Eoghan Quigg's much either.
Song three, Heartbeat,
is the clear winner.
Song three, Heartbeat,
is the clear winner.
Come on, lads. Congratulations.
Come on, lads. Congratulations.
Well done.
In the end, the public plumped for
neither act
In the end, the public plumped for
neither act
and instead chose the band Can-Linn,
and instead chose the band Can-Linn,
featuring 24-year-old Kasey Smith
on vocals,
featuring 24-year-old Kasey Smith
on vocals,
who just happened to be the other
act
who just happened to be the other
act
that Louis had been involved with.
that Louis had been involved with.
He had two horses running
in the race.
He had two horses running
in the race.
Maybe Louis won in the end after
all.
Here they come.
Was all the argument worth it?
Was all the argument worth it?
Probably not, as it still went
horribly wrong for Ireland
Probably not, as it still went
horribly wrong for Ireland
when they didn't get past
that year's semifinal.
when they didn't get past
that year's semifinal.
Still in Ireland now,
Still in Ireland now,
this tiny Celtic tiger may only have
a population of 4.7 million,
this tiny Celtic tiger may only have
a population of 4.7 million,
but in the mid-1990s,
it seemed like
but in the mid-1990s,
it seemed like
they may be the only horse running
in the Eurovision race.
they may be the only horse running
in the Eurovision race.
they may be the only horse running
in the Eurovision race.
It's a big thing in Ireland,
to be fair,
It's a big thing in Ireland,
to be fair,
I know that, growing up as a kid,
we always watched it.
I know that, growing up as a kid,
we always watched it.
Linda Martin and Johnny Logan kicked
off this run of luck
Linda Martin and Johnny Logan kicked
off this run of luck
with a victory in 1992.
with a victory in 1992.
In 1992, Ireland won, which meant
they had to host it
In 1992, Ireland won, which meant
they had to host it
the following year,
which is great news because it
brought in lots of tourism.
which is great news because it
brought in lots of tourism.
The traditional greeting to visitors
coming to Ireland
The traditional greeting to visitors
coming to Ireland
is cead mile failte -
a hundred thousand welcomes.
is cead mile failte -
a hundred thousand welcomes.
But even that extravagant greeting
is inadequate
But even that extravagant greeting
is inadequate
for this colossal event.
for this colossal event.
So they hosted the show in '93.
It was an amazing show.
So they hosted the show in '93.
It was an amazing show.
# Suddenly an open door
# Suddenly an open door
# I never saw before
# I never saw before
# I never saw before
# In your eyes, I see the light
leading me home again... #
# In your eyes, I see the light
leading me home again... #
# In your eyes, I see the light
leading me home again... #
As we've already seen,
Niamh Kavanagh won the contest that
year by a narrow margin over the UK.
Niamh Kavanagh won the contest that
year by a narrow margin over the UK.
Niamh Kavanagh won the contest that
year by a narrow margin over the UK.
Ireland. They won the Eurovision
song competition twice in a row.
Ireland. They won the Eurovision
song competition twice in a row.
Ireland. They won the Eurovision
song competition twice in a row.
We've made history here
in County Cork.
We've made history here
in County Cork.
Whenever Ireland have won it,
it's been that combination.
Whenever Ireland have won it,
it's been that combination.
It's been a great song and
a great singer.
It's been a great song and
a great singer.
It was a remarkable fifth win
overall, and the second in a row,
It was a remarkable fifth win
overall, and the second in a row,
meaning hosting duties weren't
going anywhere.
meaning hosting duties weren't
going anywhere.
I'm sure RTE were going, "Oh, no,
Jesus, here we go again.
I'm sure RTE were going, "Oh, no,
Jesus, here we go again.
"We have to host this again!"
You sit down and you pick it all
apart and you think,
You sit down and you pick it all
apart and you think,
do we really want to win this?
Because if you win it,
you bring it home.
Because if you win it,
you bring it home.
If you bring it home, you have to
stage it.
If you bring it home, you have to
stage it.
If you have to stage it, you have
to pay for it.
If you have to stage it, you have
to pay for it.
The cost of hosting Eurovision had
been an issue for years,
The cost of hosting Eurovision had
been an issue for years,
even when Dana won in 1970.
even when Dana won in 1970.
I walked off the stage, went by all
these photographers,
I walked off the stage, went by all
these photographers,
I passed by a very wonderful
I passed by a very wonderful
head of light entertainment,
Tom McGrath, and he just,
head of light entertainment,
Tom McGrath, and he just,
head of light entertainment,
Tom McGrath, and he just,
leaning up against a door frame,
and he said,
leaning up against a door frame,
and he said,
"How dare you win!
"How dare you win!
"We can't afford it."
# I was yours
and you were mine
# I was yours
and you were mine
# I was yours
and you were mine
# That was once upon a time... #
# That was once upon a time... #
Having won it twice,
many in the Irish media were hoping
that 1994 would bring a change in
many in the Irish media were hoping
that 1994 would bring a change in
Eurovision fortunes with their
low-key ballad
Eurovision fortunes with their
low-key ballad
called the Rock 'n' Roll Kids,
tipped to come in a respectable
but inexpensive third.
tipped to come in a respectable
but inexpensive third.
I'd say there was fear and trembling
in the organisation of RTE.
I'd say there was fear and trembling
in the organisation of RTE.
I'd say there was fear and trembling
in the organisation of RTE.
What will we do if we win it?
What will we do if we win it?
I'd say now there was a lot of
people wishing and hoping
I'd say now there was a lot of
people wishing and hoping
and praying that we do OK,
but not win.
and praying that we do OK,
but not win.
Please don't let us win.
Please don't let us win.
Ireland.
We broke 200.
We broke 200.
We must continue to vote.
We must continue to vote.
They have won this several juries
ago.
And that's the result.
Ireland in first place.
And that's the result.
Ireland in first place.
The curse of the luck of the Irish
struck again.
The curse of the luck of the Irish
struck again.
Winning three times in a row was a
triumph for national pride,
Winning three times in a row was a
triumph for national pride,
Winning three times in a row was a
triumph for national pride,
but a financial disaster for the
national broadcaster RTE
but a financial disaster for the
national broadcaster RTE
and its director-general Joe Barry.
and its director-general Joe Barry.
Joe Barry and his wife there
celebrating, if that's the word,
Joe Barry and his wife there
celebrating, if that's the word,
our victory.
Part of the contract in this regard,
Part of the contract in this regard,
if you agree to participate
in the contest,
if you agree to participate
in the contest,
you must also sign on the dotted
line, that you may well be,
you must also sign on the dotted
line, that you may well be,
that it could be bad for
the competition
that it could be bad for
the competition
that we do it three times
in a row, but that's the deal.
that we do it three times
in a row, but that's the deal.
There was panic in the press that
RTE would have to make drastic cuts
There was panic in the press that
RTE would have to make drastic cuts
There was panic in the press that
RTE would have to make drastic cuts
elsewhere to afford the cost.
elsewhere to afford the cost.
Raidio Teilifes Eireann is pleased
to welcome you once again
Raidio Teilifes Eireann is pleased
to welcome you once again
Raidio Teilifes Eireann is pleased
to welcome you once again
to the Point Theatre in Dublin
for what has almost become the
annual Eurovision Song Contest
for what has almost become the
annual Eurovision Song Contest
for what has almost become the
annual Eurovision Song Contest
from Ireland.
And questions were raised when
little-known music teacher
And questions were raised when
little-known music teacher
Eddie Friel was chosen as
Ireland's 1995 entry.
Eddie Friel was chosen as
Ireland's 1995 entry.
And there is Eddie himself
having a look round.
And there is Eddie himself
having a look round.
I'm in the music business 25 years
and I'd never heard of Eddie Friel.
I'm in the music business 25 years
and I'd never heard of Eddie Friel.
Compared to previous years, the song
was a little bit on the dreary side.
Compared to previous years, the song
was a little bit on the dreary side.
# Dreaming
# Dreaming
# Dreaming on a silver sea... #
# Dreaming on a silver sea... #
You listen to it and you think, ah,
I can see what you're doing here.
You listen to it and you think, ah,
I can see what you're doing here.
You listen to it and you think, ah,
I can see what you're doing here.
You're desperately hoping that
no-one's going to vote for you.
You're desperately hoping that
no-one's going to vote for you.
# ..When I'm dreaming... #
# ..When I'm dreaming... #
Are they purposely setting out not
to win Eurovision?
Are they purposely setting out not
to win Eurovision?
# ..Dreaming... #
Put it this way,
he was no Johnny Logan.
I'd say throughout that competition
there was a lot of anxiety.
I'd say throughout that competition
there was a lot of anxiety.
The people watching were anxious
that we'd win
The people watching were anxious
that we'd win
and the organisation putting it on
in Ireland
and the organisation putting it on
in Ireland
was really anxious if
we'd win.
was really anxious if
we'd win.
Norway, 12 points.
Norway, 12 points.
CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
Thankfully, though, at the fourth
time of asking,
Thankfully, though, at the fourth
time of asking,
Ireland had finally done it
Ireland had finally done it
and managed to come 14th.
Well, I suppose in a way,
Ireland have done it again.
Well, I suppose in a way,
Ireland have done it again.
This is the most desirable outcome
from our point of view.
This is the most desirable outcome
from our point of view.
At the end of the day,
the artist sang well.
At the end of the day,
the artist sang well.
At the end of the day,
the artist sang well.
It was a good song.
You do your best.
It was a good song.
You do your best.
We didn't win.
We didn't win.
Everybody wins.
Everybody wins.
In 62 years of Eurovision, we've had
everything from sweet folk songs to
In 62 years of Eurovision, we've had
everything from sweet folk songs to
In 62 years of Eurovision, we've had
everything from sweet folk songs to
full-on power ballads to Finland's
gods of rock looking
full-on power ballads to Finland's
gods of rock looking
like Game Of Thrones meets Lord Of
The Rings blasting out heavy metal.
like Game Of Thrones meets Lord Of
The Rings blasting out heavy metal.
like Game Of Thrones meets Lord Of
The Rings blasting out heavy metal.
Lordy. But there's one genre that
always feels a little out of place.
Lordy. But there's one genre that
always feels a little out of place.
Lordy. But there's one genre that
always feels a little out of place.
Love City Groove rapped their way to
tenth place back in 1995, confirming
Love City Groove rapped their way to
tenth place back in 1995, confirming
Love City Groove rapped their way to
tenth place back in 1995, confirming
that rap and Eurovision are not
good bedfellows.
that rap and Eurovision are not
good bedfellows.
# Baby, baby, baby
You got me going crazy
# Baby, baby, baby
You got me going crazy
# I'm feeling kind of high
My mind is getting hazy. #
# I'm feeling kind of high
My mind is getting hazy. #
Is there a place in Eurovision
for rapping? In my opinion, no.
Is there a place in Eurovision
for rapping? In my opinion, no.
# ..You're picking me up
with a kiss... #
# ..You're picking me up
with a kiss... #
It's just so out of place.
It's just so out of place.
It's Eurovision trying to be
relevant.
It's Eurovision trying to be
relevant.
# ..Number one to rock your world
# ..Number one to rock your world
# Cos honey, yeah
# In the morning when the
sun shines... #
# In the morning when the
sun shines... #
# In the morning when the
sun shines... #
The idea of combining rap
with Eurovision
The idea of combining rap
with Eurovision
has always been
spectacularly disastrous.
has always been
spectacularly disastrous.
Denmark's Kolig Kaj had a stab at
busting some rhymes
Denmark's Kolig Kaj had a stab at
busting some rhymes
about directory enquiries
back in 1997.
about directory enquiries
back in 1997.
SHE LAUGHS
HE SINGS IN DANISH
HE SINGS IN DANISH
Scandinavian Eurovision rap is to be
avoided at all costs.
Scandinavian Eurovision rap is to be
avoided at all costs.
Denmark, Eurovision, rapping,
directory enquiries,
Denmark, Eurovision, rapping,
directory enquiries,
on no level does that work.
Is he on the phone to a sex line?
Is he on the phone to a sex line?
Is he trying to get a hook-up for
after the Eurovision?
Is he trying to get a hook-up for
after the Eurovision?
The UK didn't learn their lesson and
sent Daz Sampson in 2006,
The UK didn't learn their lesson and
sent Daz Sampson in 2006,
The UK didn't learn their lesson and
sent Daz Sampson in 2006,
resplendent in yellow jacket, backed
by a bevvy of singing schoolgirls.
resplendent in yellow jacket, backed
by a bevvy of singing schoolgirls.
resplendent in yellow jacket, backed
by a bevvy of singing schoolgirls.
Yeah, come on.
# What did you learn at school
today? What did you learn?
# What did you learn at school
today? What did you learn?
# That's what the teachers
used to say... #
It's rapping with a capital C
at the front.
It's rapping with a capital C
at the front.
I'm not feeling the rapping at all,
Daz.
I'm not feeling the rapping at all,
Daz.
# Dwelling on the past from back
when I was young
# Dwelling on the past from back
when I was young
# Thinking of my schooldays
and trying to write this song
# Thinking of my schooldays
and trying to write this song
# Classroom schemes and dreams, man
# They couldn't save me because my
days were numbered
# They couldn't save me because my
days were numbered
# When I signed down... #
It's like a middle-aged
guy shaking a fist bump.
It's like a middle-aged
guy shaking a fist bump.
Daz bobbed up and down into
19th spot.
Daz bobbed up and down into
19th spot.
# And now I'm looking back
I'll tell you what I know
# And now I'm looking back
I'll tell you what I know
# Do you listen to your teacher?
No, I don't think so. #
# Do you listen to your teacher?
No, I don't think so. #
You want the whole thing to be
stopped.
You want the school bell to ring.
You want the school bell to ring.
Despite the lack of interest in rap,
Despite the lack of interest in rap,
some countries still want to spit
out some lyrics.
some countries still want to spit
out some lyrics.
some countries still want to spit
out some lyrics.
In 2000, Germany cranked up the
high camp factor to 11,
In 2000, Germany cranked up the
high camp factor to 11,
added an enormous topping of cheese,
added an enormous topping of cheese,
to give us Wadde Hadde Dudde Da?
to give us Wadde Hadde Dudde Da?
HE RAPS IN GERMAN
HE RAPS IN GERMAN
If you're not from South Central
Los Angeles,
If you're not from South Central
Los Angeles,
don't do it. Don't try.
don't do it. Don't try.
It's just uncomfortable.
I get embarrassed for them.
It's just uncomfortable.
I get embarrassed for them.
It's just awkward. Just leave it.
Just don't do it. Don't try.
Just don't do it. Don't try.
It was nonsense,
but for some astonishing reason
still came in fifth.
but for some astonishing reason
still came in fifth.
That's the problem with rapping.
It's too cool for Eurovision.
At Eurovision we want diddly dee,
dum dee dum,
At Eurovision we want diddly dee,
dum dee dum,
or a very, very lovely ballad where
someone dies at the end.
or a very, very lovely ballad where
someone dies at the end.
The 18th Eurovision in 1973 was held
in Luxembourg.
The 18th Eurovision in 1973 was held
in Luxembourg.
As always, an interval act was
booked to keep everyone amused
As always, an interval act was
booked to keep everyone amused
whilst the judges deliberated over
who would get their votes.
whilst the judges deliberated over
who would get their votes.
In 1973, Luxembourg came up with an
ingenious plan for an interval act.
In 1973, Luxembourg came up with an
ingenious plan for an interval act.
In 1973, Luxembourg came up with an
ingenious plan for an interval act.
They decided to get Charlie Rivel.
A very well-known Spanish
entertainer, who was a clown.
A very well-known Spanish
entertainer, who was a clown.
Born in 1896,
Born in 1896,
Charlie Rivel was a massive star
Charlie Rivel was a massive star
all across Europe between the 1920s
and '40s.
all across Europe between the 1920s
and '40s.
His act gave him celebrity
status around the world.
His act gave him celebrity
status around the world.
Even Charlie Chaplain was
a great fan.
Even Charlie Chaplain was
a great fan.
This is just weird.
A man dressed as a woman,
dressed as a clown.
A man dressed as a woman,
dressed as a clown.
He came on in a lady's outfit
He came on in a lady's outfit
like he was going to do some sort of
opera, and a big, big wig.
like he was going to do some sort of
opera, and a big, big wig.
Charlie Rivel looked like my mum
looks when she's lost in Asda.
Charlie Rivel looked like my mum
looks when she's lost in Asda.
They probably thought he's going to
have everyone in stitches
They probably thought he's going to
have everyone in stitches
or really lift everyone's
spirits in the break.
or really lift everyone's
spirits in the break.
The problem is, with a clown, you've
got to get a laugh in quite quickly.
The problem is, with a clown, you've
got to get a laugh in quite quickly.
It's a tough crowd.
LID SLAMS
LID SLAMS
There was a lot of setting up
with somebody
There was a lot of setting up
with somebody
before he got his hand caught in the
mic or in the piano lid.
before he got his hand caught in the
mic or in the piano lid.
It's just so slow.
It's just so slow.
HE STUTTERS
HE STUTTERS
What is he doing?
He's just making silly noises.
You're waiting for this big moment,
this clown to make everyone laugh,
You're waiting for this big moment,
this clown to make everyone laugh,
or something massive to happen,
and it just doesn't happen.
or something massive to happen,
and it just doesn't happen.
It is the greatest tumbleweed
I have ever, ever seen.
It is the greatest tumbleweed
I have ever, ever seen.
It is the greatest tumbleweed
I have ever, ever seen.
HE WHISTLES
You could hear a pin drop.
Ooh!
Ooh!
Whoo...
Whoo...
LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE
LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE
You just hear one little applause
break, which was probably his agent,
You just hear one little applause
break, which was probably his agent,
You just hear one little applause
break, which was probably his agent,
and even that person gave up.
and even that person gave up.
If there were really any Brits in
the audience,
If there were really any Brits in
the audience,
I'm sure there would have been
some heckling going on.
I'm sure there would have been
some heckling going on.
Get off! What are you doing?
Get off! What are you doing?
You're not funny!
Around 500 million people across
the globe watched the
Around 500 million people across
the globe watched the
77-year-old clown die a
death on stage.
77-year-old clown die a
death on stage.
HE SHOUTS OU HE SHOUTS OU The poor guy that's on stage with
him, the sort of straight man, yeah,
The poor guy that's on stage with
him, the sort of straight man, yeah,
he drew the short straw.
This guy's just been up there dying
for 20 minutes and all they give him
This guy's just been up there dying
for 20 minutes and all they give him
is like a...
It was one of those absolutely -
eh! - down the toilet acts.
It was one of those absolutely -
eh! - down the toilet acts.
It was one of those absolutely -
eh! - down the toilet acts.
Well, I've done some tough gigs,
but that one,
Well, I've done some tough gigs,
but that one,
I bet he's not thanking his agent
for that one.
I bet he's not thanking his agent
for that one.
Eurovision organisers hoped to
engulf the audience in a wave of
Eurovision organisers hoped to
engulf the audience in a wave of
nostalgia, but this massive star of
the 1930s was way past
nostalgia, but this massive star of
the 1930s was way past
nostalgia, but this massive star of
the 1930s was way past
his sell-by date. By about 40 years.
his sell-by date. By about 40 years.
I just imagine him getting off stage
and pulling that clown wig off.
I just imagine him getting off stage
and pulling that clown wig off.
I just imagine him getting off stage
and pulling that clown wig off.
It was the proper sort of
awfulness of clowns.
It was the proper sort of
awfulness of clowns.
Let's face it, clowns aren't
funny anyway.
Let's face it, clowns aren't
funny anyway.
In 2008, Dima Bilan,
In 2008, Dima Bilan,
accompanied by a violinist and an
ice-skating Olympic gold medallist,
accompanied by a violinist and an
ice-skating Olympic gold medallist,
accompanied by a violinist and an
ice-skating Olympic gold medallist,
captured the Eurovision crown for
Russia with a stirring performance.
captured the Eurovision crown for
Russia with a stirring performance.
captured the Eurovision crown for
Russia with a stirring performance.
# Yes, I get something
to believe... #
# Yes, I get something
to believe... #
However, Russia hit the headlines
for other reasons that year,
However, Russia hit the headlines
for other reasons that year,
However, Russia hit the headlines
for other reasons that year,
entering into a bloody conflict with
neighbouring Georgia.
entering into a bloody conflict with
neighbouring Georgia.
In 2008,
we had a war with Russia and it was
a horrible time for every Georgian.
we had a war with Russia and it was
a horrible time for every Georgian.
we had a war with Russia and it was
a horrible time for every Georgian.
The following year, with Eurovision
being staged in Moscow,
The following year, with Eurovision
being staged in Moscow,
one of Georgia's biggest stars
stepped forward
one of Georgia's biggest stars
stepped forward
to represent his country.
# Disco tonight
# Boogie with you... #
# Boogie with you... #
My band was Stephane and 3G,
with three girls.
My band was Stephane and 3G,
with three girls.
They are also very famous girls
in Georgia.
They are also very famous girls
in Georgia.
# Boogie with you
Boogie with you
# Boogie with you
Boogie with you
# Boogie with you
Boogie with you
# Boogie with you
Boogie with you
# Boogie with you... #
# Boogie with you... #
I did this project especially
for Eurovision.
I did this project especially
for Eurovision.
Now a judge on Georgia's X Factor,
Now a judge on Georgia's X Factor,
Stephane is no stranger to playing
massive events.
Stephane is no stranger to playing
massive events.
With sell-out gigs across
the country, he's a household name.
With sell-out gigs across
the country, he's a household name.
I decided to write some special song
and I did not want to go there and
I decided to write some special song
and I did not want to go there and
I decided to write some special song
and I did not want to go there and
I decided to write some special song
and I did not want to go there and
sing about love or happiness.
But I also didn't want to go there
and sing some tragedy song.
But I also didn't want to go there
and sing some tragedy song.
But I also didn't want to go there
and sing some tragedy song.
Stephane and 3G performed in
Georgia's Song for Europe
Stephane and 3G performed in
Georgia's Song for Europe
and the public liked
what they heard.
and the public liked
what they heard.
Georgians chose our song as
the Eurovision song.
Georgians chose our song as
the Eurovision song.
Georgians chose our song as
the Eurovision song.
But eyebrows were raised elsewhere.
But eyebrows were raised elsewhere.
I remember 2009, Eurovision is in
Moscow, Russia,
I remember 2009, Eurovision is in
Moscow, Russia,
I remember 2009, Eurovision is in
Moscow, Russia,
and Georgia has this song,
and Georgia has this song,
"we don't want put in".
"we don't want put in".
We don't want Putin.
# We don't wanna put in
# We don't wanna put in
# Negative move
# Negative move
# It's killing the groove
# It's killing the groove
# I'm going to try and shoot in... #
# I'm going to try and shoot in... #
Part of the lyric,
was we don't wanna put in.
Part of the lyric,
was we don't wanna put in.
But it was we don't wanna
P-U-T-I-N.
But it was we don't wanna
P-U-T-I-N.
We don't want a Putin.
When we won in Georgian competition,
When we won in Georgian competition,
our song became a very famous song
in Russia.
our song became a very famous song
in Russia.
our song became a very famous song
in Russia.
GUNFIRE
As relations between Russia and
Georgia were at an all-time low,
As relations between Russia and
Georgia were at an all-time low,
the lyrics to the song caused
controversy.
the lyrics to the song caused
controversy.
Georgia had a song that was really
rather too inflammatory.
Georgia had a song that was really
rather too inflammatory.
We don't want a Putin.
I mean, you know, it wasn't subtle.
I mean, you know, it wasn't subtle.
We get many, many letters from
Russians - do not come to Russia,
We get many, many letters from
Russians - do not come to Russia,
We get many, many letters from
Russians - do not come to Russia,
because maybe they would kill you.
because maybe they would kill you.
And the subject of their song, Prime
Minister of the time Vladimir Putin,
And the subject of their song, Prime
Minister of the time Vladimir Putin,
And the subject of their song, Prime
Minister of the time Vladimir Putin,
wasn't too happy either.
wasn't too happy either.
There was all manner of upset,
and Putin complained bitterly.
There was all manner of upset,
and Putin complained bitterly.
There was all manner of upset,
and Putin complained bitterly.
Putin's press speaker had a speech
about us that we are hooligans,
Putin's press speaker had a speech
about us that we are hooligans,
Putin's press speaker had a speech
about us that we are hooligans,
do not come to Russia.
With ominous noises coming from the
Kremlin, things were getting real.
With ominous noises coming from the
Kremlin, things were getting real.
Everyone was afraid about this
in Georgia also.
Everyone was afraid about this
in Georgia also.
Also, we were scared that
maybe they really would kill us.
Also, we were scared that
maybe they really would kill us.
Also, we were scared that
maybe they really would kill us.
Russia was now heaping pressure on
the European Broadcasting Union,
Russia was now heaping pressure on
the European Broadcasting Union,
who turned to the rule book for an
escape route
who turned to the rule book for an
escape route
and it went horribly wrong
for Stephane and 3G.
and it went horribly wrong
for Stephane and 3G.
In a few days, we get a letter from
Eurovision
In a few days, we get a letter from
Eurovision
that we must change the lyrics.
Everybody was trying to
smooth it over.
Everybody was trying to
smooth it over.
The European Broadcasting Union
finally said to Georgia,
The European Broadcasting Union
finally said to Georgia,
"Would you mind awfully
changing the lyrics?"
"Would you mind awfully
changing the lyrics?"
"Would you mind awfully
changing the lyrics?"
# We don't wanna put in... #
# We don't wanna put in... #
It was OK, right.
We don't wanna put in.
Normal, usual English words.
Normal, usual English words.
A stickler for the rules,
Eurovision announced that Georgia
had not complied
Eurovision announced that Georgia
had not complied
with section four rule nine
of the rules
with section four rule nine
of the rules
of the 54th Eurovision Song
Contest and could not take
of the 54th Eurovision Song
Contest and could not take
part in the competition.
We'll have no political lyrics,
thank you very much.
We'll have no political lyrics,
thank you very much.
We didn't want to change any lyrics
We didn't want to change any lyrics
because we understood that it's
normal words.
because we understood that it's
normal words.
because we understood that it's
normal words.
Maybe you saw straight through it.
Maybe you saw straight through it.
Eurovision blocked our project
on Eurovision.
Eurovision blocked our project
on Eurovision.
Eurovision blocked our project
on Eurovision.
With no desire to change
their lyrics,
With no desire to change
their lyrics,
the Georgians had no option but to
withdraw from Eurovision.
the Georgians had no option but to
withdraw from Eurovision.
the Georgians had no option but to
withdraw from Eurovision.
Georgia wouldn't back down.
Georgia wouldn't back down.
They said no.
It's "we don't wanna put in".
They said no.
It's "we don't wanna put in".
No, we're not going to change
any thing.
This is what we want to say.
This is what you want to do. If you
don't accept us, we're not coming.
This is what you want to do. If you
don't accept us, we're not coming.
This is what you want to do. If you
don't accept us, we're not coming.
# Boogie with you
Boogie with you... #
# Boogie with you
Boogie with you... #
Georgia pulled out, as it were.
Georgia pulled out, as it were.
We say, pulled out.
We say, pulled out.
I don't know. I haven't seen that
group since.
I don't know. I haven't seen that
group since.
He's not the kind of boy you want to
be messing about with,
He's not the kind of boy you want to
be messing about with,
especially in his own back yard
in Russia,
especially in his own back yard
in Russia,
so I think they did the right thing
to withdraw from the show.
so I think they did the right thing
to withdraw from the show.
# I'm going to try to shoot in
# I'm going to try to shoot in
# Some disco tonight
# Some disco tonight
# Boogie with you
# Boogie with you
# We don't wanna put in. #
# We don't wanna put in. #
I'm Stephane and we really don't
wanna put in.
I'm Stephane and we really don't
wanna put in.
We are on to the home stretch now
and, in true Eurovision style,
We are on to the home stretch now
and, in true Eurovision style,
We are on to the home stretch now
and, in true Eurovision style,
it's time for the winners to take
to the stage once more.
it's time for the winners to take
to the stage once more.
However, as we've already seen,
However, as we've already seen,
sometimes the star of the show is
nowhere to be found.
sometimes the star of the show is
nowhere to be found.
sometimes the star of the show is
nowhere to be found.
They announce the country and yet it
takes half an hour
They announce the country and yet it
takes half an hour
to get to the stage.
to get to the stage.
Just the strangest thing.
It's just mayhem. At the end.
Always mayhem.
It's just mayhem. At the end.
Always mayhem.
Basically, the artist can't
be found.
Basically, the artist can't
be found.
Nobody really knows where they are.
There's so many people involved
and they've got to find them all
for that moment at the end.
There's so many people involved
and they've got to find them all
for that moment at the end.
"Where are they?" "I don't know.
"He's having a wee."
"Where are they?" "I don't know.
"He's having a wee."
They are kissing someone.
They are drinking something.
They are kissing someone.
They are drinking something.
They may be doing both
at the same time.
Like trying to herd cats.
Shrieking, squealing, winning cats.
Like trying to herd cats.
Shrieking, squealing, winning cats.
The presenters must be twiddling
their thumbs
and just hoping to God someone's
going to hurry up on stage.
and just hoping to God someone's
going to hurry up on stage.
And watching the presenters struggle
to fill this agonising gap
And watching the presenters struggle
to fill this agonising gap
has almost become part of the
entertainment.
has almost become part of the
entertainment.
This is live TV.
So there's always going to be things
that go wrong
So there's always going to be things
that go wrong
and time that you need to fill.
and time that you need to fill.
It all adds to the drama, doesn't
it?
When ABBA won in 1974,
the BBC's Katie Boyle had a
challenge on her hands.
the BBC's Katie Boyle had a
challenge on her hands.
Benny comes on stage
and you can see him constantly
looking behind him for the others.
and you can see him constantly
looking behind him for the others.
ABBA were a long while
coming up to the stage.
ABBA were a long while
coming up to the stage.
Katie is standing there, serene.
Katie is standing there, serene.
SHE SPEAKS IN FRENCH
SHE SPEAKS IN FRENCH
You knew that she was in control.
You felt that she had it.
You felt that she had it.
Ad-libbing, I suppose, is an
art form.
Thank you very much.
With fewer entrants in the early
years, the presenters had it easier.
With fewer entrants in the early
years, the presenters had it easier.
But as the numbers soared,
so did the pressure to deliver
a smooth show.
so did the pressure to deliver
a smooth show.
You're going to want to make sure,
as the host nation,
You're going to want to make sure,
as the host nation,
that you've got presenters in place
who can hold the stage.
that you've got presenters in place
who can hold the stage.
In 2004 in Istanbul, Turkish actors
Korhan Abay and Meltem Cumbul
In 2004 in Istanbul, Turkish actors
Korhan Abay and Meltem Cumbul
In 2004 in Istanbul, Turkish actors
Korhan Abay and Meltem Cumbul
were given the job.
were given the job.
In Turkey, the Ukraine were the
winners,
In Turkey, the Ukraine were the
winners,
and obviously, backstage,
there's going to be pandemonium.
and obviously, backstage,
there's going to be pandemonium.
Congratulations, Ukraine!
Congratulations, Ukraine!
They've just won, so they want to go
and speak to their management,
They've just won, so they want to go
and speak to their management,
They've just won, so they want to go
and speak to their management,
high-five everyone, have a few hugs
and cuddles, and that's fine.
high-five everyone, have a few hugs
and cuddles, and that's fine.
It's OK. A small delay in making it
to stage is fine.
It's OK. A small delay in making it
to stage is fine.
It's acceptable.
Congratulations, Ukraine...
Congratulations, Ukraine...
As the main anchor, Korhan just
needed to fill the space
As the main anchor, Korhan just
needed to fill the space
until the winner, Ruslana, made it
to the stage.
until the winner, Ruslana, made it
to the stage.
A standard presenting task.
A standard presenting task.
He's an actor, as well.
So you'd think that he's going to be
well vested in improvisation.
So you'd think that he's going to be
well vested in improvisation.
Yes, it was a great,
great, great, great evening,
Yes, it was a great,
great, great, great evening,
Yes, it was a great,
great, great, great evening,
and Ukraine is the winner.
and Ukraine is the winner.
And now the winner is Ukraine.
And now the winner is Ukraine.
And now the winner is Ukraine.
Great show. Great evening.
Ukraine has won.
Great show. Great evening.
Ukraine has won.
Ukraine is trying to come to the
stage, but it's not easy.
Ukraine is trying to come to the
stage, but it's not easy.
Ukraine is trying to come to the
stage, but it's not easy.
Oh, my gosh.
Where is the artist?
Oh, my gosh.
Where is the artist?
Get her on stage.
..Evening from...you know...
..Evening from...you know...
He starts to slow that down.
He starts to slow that down.
..the winner on stage
to sing their winning song.
..the winner on stage
to sing their winning song.
..the winner on stage
to sing their winning song.
Spreading out all of his words.
Spreading out all of his words.
Spreading out all of his words.
HE SPEAKS IN FRENCH
HE SPEAKS IN FRENCH
He tried to go into French.
He tried to go into French.
He's looking at his co-host
for help.
He's looking at his co-host
for help.
The winner, it was the year of
the first, Meltem, isn't it?
The winner, it was the year of
the first, Meltem, isn't it?
Yes. It is.
She really doesn't care,
to be honest, I don't think.
She really doesn't care,
to be honest, I don't think.
She's like, "Yeah, it's great,
everything is good."
She's like, "Yeah, it's great,
everything is good."
Ad-libbing I don't think is their
speciality.
After what seemed hours, Ruslana and
her band finally made it on stage.
After what seemed hours, Ruslana and
her band finally made it on stage.
After what seemed hours, Ruslana and
her band finally made it on stage.
Just the prize-giving to go
and the programme could end.
Television stations all over Europe
are clamouring to get off air.
Television stations all over Europe
are clamouring to get off air.
Television stations all over Europe
are clamouring to get off air.
Then last year's winner comes up,
she has got to hand over the trophy.
Then last year's winner comes up,
she has got to hand over the trophy.
She's dressed to the nines,
looking so glamorous.
She's dressed to the nines,
looking so glamorous.
This is her moment to shine.
This is her moment to shine.
Here I come, the existing champion
handing over the baton.
Here I come, the existing champion
handing over the baton.
She is on stage but she had
a slight accident.
She is on stage but she had
a slight accident.
She is on stage but she had
a slight accident.
Never mind.
So they waited for ever for the
winner to come up on stage
So they waited for ever for the
winner to come up on stage
and then she gets stuck in these
grates. I despair.
and then she gets stuck in these
grates. I despair.
We get to the end of the
Eurovision Song Contest.
We get to the end of the
Eurovision Song Contest.
We get to the end of the
Eurovision Song Contest.
It was the 49th Eurovision
Song Contest.
It was the 49th Eurovision
Song Contest.
The director is thinking,
can we just cut to the news?
The director is thinking,
can we just cut to the news?
We can't have more of him
ad-libbing.
Let's go off-air immediately.
Roll the ads, roll the ads.
Au revoir. They're ready!
And...goodnight.
Au revoir. They're ready!
And...goodnight.
Au revoir. They're ready!
And...goodnight.