Maximus Decimus

Maybe it was just the best song? Personally, I think it demonstrated how the juries were very reluctant to give Israel any points for political reasons. Very pleased with the song that won though. Thought Croatia's was a bit too obvious and very pleased Ireland's didn't really challenge. As I said earlier, the UK's chance of winning bombed after the first showing on the semi-final. For all the talk of an amazing set-up by the commentators, it really turned people off. And when Israel got over 300 votes in the public jury, we can hardly use the 'Europe hates us' line as an excuse.

The staging is amazing nowadays. I'd recommend watching the semis, makes it more enjoyable IMO being familiar with the songs.

I'm an old fuddy but it was too much IMO. And I'd say the same if it was heterosexual people simulating it.

I wouldn't trust a word they say. If you've real what the Israeli media actually said, it was barely anything.

Yes 'allegation of intimidation' is what is being used. However, if police are investigating it then you'd have to think it is more than shouting. After all, it's not Scotland...

Apparently, it's related to an assault on a female production crew member after the semi-final. Can't believe owt on social media .

Well my post aged well. Have they given reasons? If it seen as being Israel's fault, there is going to be carnage. The irony is that they probably have the best actual song.

It's a sad situation and I feel for the EBU they are in an almost impossible situation. I wouldn't worry about the robbing of Finland, this year's favourites have basically just copied their formula.

Pretty sure he hasn't been disqualified yet? He wasn't allowed to perform in last night's Jury vote. From what I can piece together, he made an off comment at a press conference and was planning on doing some form of a protest. Whether related to this or not, a member of the Israeli delegation has insulted his dead parents and he has hit them. Very ugly scenes all round.

I used to religiously leave it till the Saturday. However, I found it more enjoyable last year knowing the songs quite well. Sadly, last night had the Eurovision semi and the Piers Morgan interview at the same time, that the rugby was well relegated in my house...

Much better semi-final tonight. Restored my faith in the Eurovision . Standouts were Switzerland, Israel and Austria.

I'd heard good things about the UK staging etc, but sadly the odds seem to have collapsed since last night and it's now out to 100-1. Apparently Olly said his microphone pack fell off, so hopefully that explains the pitchy vocals. Compared to last year, I was disappointed by the songs in general. As I'm married to an Irishwoman, I'd already heard it and didn't love their song, but I hated it after the performance. I have a sneaky feeling however that it will win. The eruption after it ended was telling. I'll be disappointed if it does, unlike many other acts over the years that were controversial for their time (Dana, Lorde, Conchita) their songs were genuinely good along with it. To sound like a prude as well, I felt like it went a bit too far last night. My children watched the first hour last night, and there were moments I nearly switched off. It's always been a bit suggestive without being too overtly sexual but it didn't seem that way at times last night. One minute I was defending the use of scantily-clad men, the next they were basically gyrating. Then a woman comes out wearing basically nothing. And then there was Windows-95 man...

Inoue knocks him clean out. Fair play to Nery, he didn't shy amd kept throwing bombs. Sometimes getting knocked down can help a boxer's image. I'm more impressed seeing how he was in trouble and then totally dismantled the guy. Some of his shots are sickening. Nery will have whiplash from a few of those straight rights.

Now Nery's down!

Monster Inoue live on a Monday afternoon against Nery. Down in round one, manages to get through but struggling.