Saturday 23 May 2015

Electro Velvet Failed to Shock Vienna Favourite




   Bar managers at the Bier & Bratwurst style large-screen public viewing area outside the Rathaus (City Hall)  were hoping for sizzling weather and crowds of thirsty spectators. Spirits will be dampened if the current deluge continues for much longer. A few hardy souls huddling under umbrellas was not what the organizers were wishing for.

The best they can realistically hope for is that there will be a favourable break in the weather later this evening for those vital two or three hours. (Fortunately the weather improved and 25,000 fans joined the party).

Along with 200 million other TV viewers throughout the world, literally from Austria to Australia, I shall take pleasure in watching the performances and then enjoy the nail-biting suspense of the voting. 

It all begins at 21:00 in Austria. That's 20:00 in the UK. 

Austria's drag queen Conchita Wurst victorious in the 2014 Eurovision with Rise Like a Phoenix will give a repeat performance, this time supported by the Sängerknaben - the youngsters of the Vienna Boys Choir.

The home country's representatives The Makemakes are rank outsiders (100/1). Earlier there was a rumour that  they had something special up their sleeves.

Austrian press coverage has tended to focus on last year's winner Conchita, now known as the Queen of Austria. 

Electro Velvet's 'Still in Love With You' (50/1) is an upbeat and stylish number and may just be able to accumulate sufficient points to shock the critics, the experts, and all those confident punters shoveling their money onto Sweden's Heroes (11/8 Fav.). 

A sample selection of the odds on offer this morning at William Hill:

11/8 Sweden WINNER
11/4 Russia SECOND 
7/2 Italy THIRD 
7/1 Australia
8/1 Belgium
25/1 Estonia
25/1 Israel
50/1 United Kingdom NOWHERE 
50/1 Spain
100/1 Austria
100/1 Cyprus
100/1 Hungary
150/1 Montenegro



4 comments:

  1. Is that a caldera in your header? I think Nigella has got herself involved tonight so there will be a few people watching in the UK. Maybe not me though.

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    1. It's small tarn on the slopes of Coniston Old Man. There's a second one in the background. There are some old mine workings in the area from the days of the gold rush in the Lake District, so it might be something to do with that.

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  2. The farmer and I studiously avoid looking at the Eurovision Song Contest Gwil, we just can't do with all the hype.

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    1. Pat, I can't say I blame you. The hype is certainly getting over the top, as it is in almost every facet of our daily existence. On the other hand I think sports, music, etc. can bring people and nations closer together and maybe better understanding, that we all get along with each other being the goal. We can't change the world with war. Sport and music is a possible way.

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