Eurovision 2021: 6 biggest talking points, from Italy’s triumph to the UK receiving nul points
Rotterdam hosted Eurovision Song Contest in front of a live audience
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Italy triumphed in a spectacular and nail-biting Eurovision ceremony, emerging as the winners at a live event held in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The country’s 2021 entry, rock band Måneskin, achieved high scores from the jury with their performance of “Zitti e buono” but were initially left trailing behind Switzerland and France.
However, the public vote won the day, as they soared to the top of the board. Meanwhile the UK’s entry, James Newman, languished at the bottom with a devastating nul points.
Måneskin edged out other crowd favourites including Lithuania’s The Roop, Switzerland’s Gjon’s Tears, France’s Barbara Pravi and Ukranian delegation Go_A.
With the exception of Iceland, all acts performed live to an audience of 3,500 people at the Ahoy arena.
Here are the biggest talking points from the ceremony:
– Lithuania winning everyone over with “Discotheque”
Iceland were forced to pull out of their live performance after a bandmember tested positive for coronavirus. However, they remained one of the ones to watch at this year’s competition thanks to their catchy song and signature dance moves. But Lithuania drew favourable comparisons to this year’s Eurovision favourite with their own upbeat and quirky track, “Discotheque”, for which The Roop appeared in yellow outfits and performed a dazzling dance routine.
– The UK receiving nul points, again
Blame it on politics all you like, the UK’s entry just wasn’t up to scratch compared to the colourful, energetic performances from Italy, Switzerland and so many other countries competing this year. Bless James Newman for trying, though. It was clear from the roars of dismay in the Ahoy arena – as the presenters announced that both the public and the juries had awarded the UK nul points – that they felt it was too harsh. At least that’s something to soften such an embarrassment.
– An emotional opening ceremony
Eurovision is always a visually spectacular, joyous occasion. But tonight was particularly emotional for obvious reasons, as thousands of fans were able to gather in the Ahoy! Arena to watch the live ceremony. It seemed to motivate each country’s delegate to push themselves that bit harder and make that much more of an effort at an event where “over the top” is not in the vocabulary.
– Germany’s bizarre performance
In true Eurovision fashion, the TV event turned up some spectacularly strange performances but Germany’s entry without a doubt tops the list. The country’s representative, Jendrik, performed an upbeat number titled “I Don’t Feel Hate”. All eyes, however, were on his back-up singers and dancers – more specifically, the one dressed as a giant styrofoam hand. Viewers on Twitter described the scenes as “literally a horror film” as well as “a bizarre episode of Art Attack”. No doubt it’s the dancing hand that people will remember as the mascot of Eurovision 2021.
– Finland’s heavy metal
Finland’s Blind Channel stunned viewers with their performance of “Dark Side”. They say heavy metal is an acquired taste but the rock song – which harks back to the noughties era of Limp Bizkit – managed to win over both the arena crowd and viewers at home. Admittedly, much of the song’s appeal came from the comically aggressive change in tone that occurred when the leather outfitted, tattooed and black eyeliner-wearing Blind Channel followed straight after Germany’s uber happy fever-dream of a performance.
– Flo Rida supporting San Marino
Graham Norton said it best when he said: “That is Flo Rida, the multi-billion selling rapper… I don’t know why he’s here.” Reasons aside, the “Low” musician made a welcome, though unexpected, appearance at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The US rapper lent some star power to San Marino’s act, performing alongside singer Senhit on the track “Adrenalina”. Many users praised the international celebrity for his participation in the European competition. “Still not over the fact that a country smaller than Plymouth has come to Eurovision with Flo Rida,” wrote one user on Twitter. Although listeners weren’t too impressed with the song’s lyrics, which included: “I can’t blame it on the stove.” Yes, seriously.
The liveblog is now closed
From the archives... The 60 best and worst UK Eurovision contestants... ranked!
Best and worst UK Eurovision contestants - ranked
Our Eurovision Correspondent spent four hours in a pub with ex-contestants, journalists and super-fans scoring every single United Kingdom Eurovision entry. Here are the results...
“It’s that time of year again. Gloom-ridden Brits (usually of the male variety) pop up on TV to inform everyone that Eurovision is nothing more but an annual reminder that the UK is unanimously loathed across Europe. But for some – like me – it’s a time of unparalleled joy and sequinned brilliance.
“Picture this: It’s 1998 and my grandad and I are patiently (or, rather, impatiently) waiting for the Eurovision Song Contest to begin. Pencils and paper at the ready, and the curtains have been drawn to create a home cinematic effect. He loves it (my grandma says for the beautiful women) and I love it because it’s pure, unadulterated fun.”
Read more of why Jordan Tyldesley thinks it’s about time the UK takes Eurovision seriously.
Opinion: Eurovision is getting bigger and more brilliant – it’s time we took it seriously
It’s been 23 years since I first watched the Eurovision Song Contest – and I’m still smitten
Quick reminder...
When is Eurovision and how can I watch live?
Eurovision will be broadcast on BBC One this weekend, with the grand final airing on Saturday at 8pm, two days after the second half of the semi-final, which screens tonight (20 May) at 8pm on BBC Four.
If you’re wondering how you can watch Eurovision in the US (because you can this year!!), here’s a helpful guide:
James Newman will be hoping to improve the UK's (let’s face it, dire) reputation at Eurovision when he performs his song, “Embers”, tonight in Rotterdam.
The 35-year-old singer-songwriter is one of 26 acts competing for the top prize at the grand final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
The older brother of pop star John Newman had been ready to perform the ballad “My Last Breath” at the 2020 event, until it was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He will instead perform “Embers”, an upbeat dance-pop offering inspired by the end of lockdown, in front of a crowd of 3,500 fans at the Ahoy arena. Newman is ninth in the running order.
Read The Independent’s review of “Embers” here.
The winner takes it all: how Abba’s douze-points energy at Eurovision started a pop revolution (by Mark Beaumont)
The winner takes it all: how Abba’s douze-points energy at Eurovision started a pop revolution
Songwriting genius and satin came together to wow Europe with ‘Waterloo’. Mark Beaumont traces the road from Sweden to superstardom for Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid
Here are the latest odds, along with our favourites to win!
‘Eurovision is getting bigger and more brilliant – it’s time we took it seriously’ – comment
Opinion: Eurovision is getting bigger and more brilliant – it’s time we took it seriously
It’s been 23 years since I first watched the Eurovision Song Contest – and I’m still smitten
Watch a clip of Eurovision 2021 favourites, Maneskin (representing Italy) during rehearsals earlier this week
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