UK's veteran crooner comes second-to-last (way behind Jedward)

I didn't watch The Eurovision Song Contest. Actually, I'm not sure I've ever seen it, but I'm certain that it's not for me. For once, I agree with the government of Iran when it berated its little neighbour, Azerbaijan, for hosting this most peculiar of musical institutions. I did catch an airing of the Engelbert Humperdinck video, and that was enough to put me right off my breakfast. If the Iranians hear it, then I'm pretty sure they will invade immediately. In the subsequent interview, The Hump was being harassed by the loathsome Jedward, but he put up with them in a remarkably patient manner. As if the lobotomy twins weren't enough, The Hump was then asked to comment on the human rights situation in Azerbaijan. He played the "I'm only a lowly singer" card: he had been asked to come and sing a song and that's what he was going to do. The interviewer didn't even bother to question Jedward on their political views. As terrible as the regime's behaviour might be, I for one would turn a blind eye if Jedward were to be detained without trial for a prolonged period of time after their performance was over.

It is disappointing that the European Broadcasting Union, which oversees the contest, did not take a stand

Rights activists in Azerbaijan are hoping for support this evening

The prospect of breaking Russia's stranglehold on gas supplies to the West receded yesterday as the new Nabucco pipeline was thrown into doubt.

When the curtains open tonight for the start of the Eurovision Song Contest final, the host nation will be hoping that the world's gaze stays firmly fixed on the stage.

The cities of Doha and Baku have been cut from the list of candidates to stage the 2020 Olympic Games.

Iran has withdrawn its ambassador from Azerbaijan in a row about the Eurovision Song Contest.

Jedward have made it through to their second Eurovision Song Contest final.

If Engelbert Humperdinck can't rally the "grey vote", what chance does he have of Eurovision glory?

Crooner Engelbert Humperdinck has unveiled the "soaring ballad" that he hopes will restore the UK's reputation at this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

Britain's Eurovision bid is now in full flow, but the hosts remain out of tune with the contest's sunny image

A sex tape of a prominent Azerbaijani investigative journalist, filmed using a covert camera, has been released online in the latest disturbing sign of the perils that activists and independent journalists face in the country.