The Vikings all set to invade Eurovision

The Vikings all set to invade Eurovision

Southport journalist Martin Hovden gives his predictions for tonight‘s Eurovision Song Contest (BBC1 8pm-11.15pm-ish): Cans of Fosters (yes, Australia is in tonight‘s final) all lined up, to be followed by a few glasses of Blossom Hill white wine (although the wine is American, the US don’t have anyone in the contest – can you imagine President Trump’s reaction if they did…. and they lost: Fake news! fake news!).

As the longest-serving judge of the Band Royale battle of the bands competition in Southport’s Fox and Goose (maybe one day this excellent contest will make a return), it’s in my nature for events like Eurovision to grab pen and paper, mark each contestant and predict the winner.

So here goes. I watched both semi-finals earlier this week on BBC4 and I have to say the one song that has stayed with me since then is the Danish entry Rasmussen (pictured). This modern-day Viking struts across the stage with his comrades, determined to grab victory at whatever cost. I notice from his CV, he has appeared in musicals including Les Miserables – hence the flag-flying sequence towards the end of his very catchy song.

But now I declare an interest. I have a soft spot for the Scandinavians as my father was Norwegian (my middle name is Helge). And despite the betting odds being in favour of Cyprus and Israel, I’ve a feeling that Norwegian singer/songwriter Alexander Rybak (pictured) is on course to win the title. You’ll recognise him as he won nine years ago..remember his violin? And my prediction was backed by one of the BBC’s Eurovision experts earlier this week.

A few years ago I was on a cruise along the Norwegian coastline and it was Eurovision night. The bar was packed with north Europeans and there was complete silence once the contest got under way. They take it so seriously and genuinely enjoy every minute.

So let’s enjoy tonight‘s 26 songs – but I’ve a feeling we won’t take it too seriously. And watch out for Norway and Denmark – the Vikings are coming!