Another Eurovision is over. It’s time to say farewell to Kiev and to look forward to Athens, the host city of Eurovision 2006. This year’s Contest was great fun. Sure there were problems, and it certainly wasn’t the best organised Eurovision in living memory, but the Ukraine embraced the songfest in a way no other country has ever done. It knew that here was a prime opportunity to show off a vibrant, emerging democracy. Kiev became a true Eurovision city, with street parties and massive crowds watching rehearsals and the Contest on big screens. And when you saw the country’s president, Victor Yushchenko presenting the winners’ trophy you knew this was no ordinary year. Well done to Greece on their first win. Their song, “My Number One” is a modern, catchy pop tune, and although not my favourite, is a credible winner. And in a year where every other song seemed to feature some crazed performer banging on a drum, it was good to see an entry win that didn’t rely too heavily on gimmicks.
 | | Helena, who won the contest for Greece |
But what about the UK and Ireland? Poor Ireland, once the kings of the Contest, didn’t make it beyond the semi-final. And the UK was 3rd from last. It wasn’t Javine’s fault. She sang well, and “Touch My Fire” was tipped to do much better. There is a problem with voting. Countries do vote for their neighbours. Quite what you do about it, I don’t know. What I do know is that something has to be done, or Eurovision stalwarts will start to pull out. Countries like the Netherlands, who have been in the Contest since the beginning, are already questioning whether it’s worth entering any more. What can the UK do to make sure they gain a better position next year? One suggestion being floated amongst the fans is to enter Swedish pop group, Alcazar. They have had a few hits in the UK, and have entered their own national final twice with brilliant eurosongs, but never got to Eurovision. It seems to me that if they entered the UK selection, Making Your Mind Up, they would walk it, and we’d head to Athens with a strong chance. Anyway that’s it for another year. Let’s hope the Olympic city of Athens can pull off another great Eurovision, and, what’s more, the UK can pick itself up, get its act together, and regain its rightful place as one of the Contest’s most successful nations. Here’s hoping! | 
