Scoring

Moss Bros. in Elys was open this morning. An extensive range of morning suits is not kept in stock and will be delivered. They said I'd be fine, but it will arrive the day before it is needed. Fingers crossed. The fitting took longer than I expected, but it was very thorough. I tried multiple waistcoats and trousers on, but the main jacket fitted the first time. I was concerned I'd start to look like a funeral director, but I was reassured that the classic outfit was black. I am not convinced that I need a top hat. I certainly have no clue how to wear one, but, in the end, I was persuaded that I should have one, and I am glad I do. Even if I only wear it for pictures, it will be fun.

We were there to watch the final of the Eurovision Song Contest. The news was full of rumours of all sorts of things happening backstage. Many were tied to the existence of the Israeli performer, who some people think should have been barred from competing because of the ongoing attacks on Gaza. The Netherlands were disqualified, although for some other type of incident. I did wonder if there would be any protests in the arena. There were no physical protests but much booing of Martin Österdahl, Eurovision's executive supervisor, whenever he was on screen. I suspect any audible protest during Israel's performance was replaced by applause by the broadcasters.

As we were not entertaining, and as P&W provided a helpful scorecard, we watched every song, which is not something we do when entertaining at home. Some songs felt longer than three minutes, but generally, it was a decent mix.

In the end, I scored the winner as second in my list. Nemo performed it, and it was called The Code. The initial clue that it would do well was that some of the hosts presenting the different countries' votes did a quick little sing-along to the hook. They may all have seen it a few times, but it was catchy enough to be memorable. Twenty-two of the juries gave it the total top 12 point score, but it was much closer when the audience televoting came in (with Croatia's Baby Lasagna attempting to win the show for the first time for their country with "Rim Tim Tagi Dim"). Olly Alexander's "Dizzy" (the UK entry) was cleverly staged but did not resonate with TV audiences or juries. The applause in the arena suggested it might do well, but it was pointed out several times that people from the UK were the most significant contingent in the crowd. No points from any televote feels harsh.

I was frustrated by the online commentary falling into the usual message of 'what do we have to do to win' when we were second only two years ago and, arguably, would have won if geopolitics had not intervened.

I was frustrated by the online commentary falling into the usual message of 'what do we have to do to win' when we were second only two years ago and, arguably, would have won if geopolitics had not intervened.