³ÉÈËÂÛ̳

"Moscow last year broke records for spending on the contest. It was one of the biggest shows ever seen on Television - the Beijing Olympics of Song. It was said at one point that half the specialised stage lights in half the continent were on the stage.

It even seemed as if Ukraine's gas supply had been re-routed to the performance. It was a giant and spectacular show.

But in these financial times of woe, no country can stage such an event again. Moscow was probably the high-water mark of spangled splurge.

Norway is hosting a smart small stage using three experienced and funny hosts to take the mickey out of themselves. There's even a joke about ash, when in truth that Volcano threatened much about the show's preparations.

Many nations have such a parlous state of finances at home that this is probably
Wonderland. It's a brief moment of glee, which ends late on Saturday night, when the argument over who won and why will quickly give way to other concerns."

"UK entrant, Josh, (centre) with a big microphone above his head"

"Helen, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ producer, mends UK dancers outfit at midnight."

"Oslo's new opera house"

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