Heute abend in Düsseldorf . . .

Well, I've spent a couple of weeks following some excellent blogs (take a bow All Kinds of Everything, Schlagerblog and OnEurope) and have to admit - I'm none the wiser!

Back in the day, when I attended such things, by the end of Eurovision rehearsals, I never had a clue who was going to win. Suddenly everything sounds wonderful and everything has a chance. You spend days at press conferences, listening to enthusiastic delegates and to the singers themselves, often finding yourself warming to them all. There are some exceptions but let's not spoil the mood!

As I approach tonight's grand final, I can only ruminate on the following:

Europe - you have been warned . . .

• Blue have put in rehearsals of a varying quality so I'm not sure they can come out on top.
• Jedward are scarily popular and victory is (almost) theirs for the taking.
• France seems to be the only obstacle to an Irish victory.
• The Swedish entry is rather annoying.
• Why is Moldova in the final? Fairy on a bike? Pointy hats? Let's all shout . . . yawn.
• I used to love the Danish entry but now, for some reason, I don't.
• Lithuania's entry continues to sound like an unloved track from a forgotten musical.
• I have a sneaking regard for the Swiss entry.
• Austria's Nadine Beiler wins this year's SONIA award (the singer being far better than the actual song).
• I have no idea how old Hungary's Kati Wolf is. 28? 35? 63?
• Are the Azerbaijan act 'mother and son'?
• Ukraine. Why?
• Georgia - stop shouting. Now.
• I have ten quid on Iceland to win. Money well spent?

And so I approach this 56th contest as confused as ever. Here's wishing one and all the very best of luck and for those in attendance, a memorable and drunken after-party!