Eurovision 2013 semi final two

Better planning tonight. My friend Mouse has organised a party, where most of this recap was written. Alas, because there are many small people, we are watching downloaded clips rather than the televised show with commentary. This has been confusing. Which is why I have also watched my recording of the televised show since then to inject a little reality into my reflections.

It was worth watching the whole show, as the pre-contest dance act is quite splendid: dancers are recreating the old orchestra, each 'playing' an instrument … and now there are BMX and skaters on a slope. OK, I'm a bit confused, especially now the slope is a laptop mixing the music, but it was clever, dynamic and fun to watch, so YAY! Go Sweden!

Petra the hostess is back, with her legs on full display in a frock that is flat-out weird. Gaultier, allegedly. Look, he has issues, and they are all on full display here. Good structural couture work, though.

( And now, 17 acts, with about three big surprises … )

Eurovision 2013 final!

The finals are here! Twelve hours or so after they were there! The blessed ABC has not spoiled me, my social media blackout for most of the day and not checking any news sites has seen me reach this evening with NO IDEA WHO WINS! I am even ignoring Twitter. It's lovely.

Opening sequence is delightful, with a little caterpillar creeping through Europe (did the Minuscule team help there?) And now he spins a little cocoon and pupates into a beautiful Eurocaterpillar! Flying across the Orison Bridge and into the bright lights of Malmo in time for the anthem of the contest, which is surprisingly good – perhaps not that surprising given it was mostly written by half of ABBA. The choir is rich and sweet, just a lovely sound!

And now the contestants march in behind their national flags in a sort of EuroOlympics moment. Krista from Finland shows her knickers in her spin, bless. Birgit is still wearing her shower curtain. Oh Estonia, never change your brilliant oddness. And Armenia partying down the walkway, still in double denim. The Hungarians are apparently already drunk, the hottie from Iceland popped on a formal jacket for the occasion, because they know how to show respect for a big occasion in Iceland. And the tiny little man whose name I forget is making love hearts with his hands. He really is the sweetest.

And Petra Mede is in a giant fuchsia formal coat dress with thigh split and matching ankle boots. I do not pretend to understand her fashion choices, but I have been endlessly entertained by them! And another shout-out for Australia! Hi Petra! Great Australia joke! We love you guys!

And here we go!

( 26 songs, three years of voting … )