"It's a lengthy semi tonight"

...were the words of Scott Mills at last nights first Eurovision semis.  But boy it didn't feel long.  It was hilarious!  It proved that despite the whole voting process being turned sour by political divisions and alliances, it's still a bloody good laugh.

From the moment the first entry appeared on screen you knew you were in for a good night.  Montenegro's singer was a man who had a wild air to him as he began rapping.  Was it clear what he was rapping about? No.  But the banners with broken sentences on them seemed to point towards the topic on everyone's lips in the Euro zone - money.  But these banners in different languages were than used to wrap up a man, that came on stage, into a mummified-esque appearance and was carted off in the arms of two suited men akin to the Men in Black.  Bizarre barely crossed it.

This swiftly followed by Latvia who seemed to be fronted by the Loose Women cast.  A set of middle aged women hopefuls singing their hearts out for their nation.

And they weren't the only women at it as a set of seemingly retired older women from Russia took to the stage to represent their nation dressed in a Russian doll cum milk maid costume.

Finally, Greece delivered a pleasant performance that was unfortunately plagued with comments and jokes about their country's problems.

Altogether it was a wonderful night full of pregnant pauses from the Azerbaijan presenters and a tad inept presenting from the usual Radio 1 Presenters Sara Cox and Scott Mills.  But this is what makes it Eurovision, and I cannot personally wait for the final on Saturday!

Here's a taster of the songs from last nights Eurovision semi final.

All videos are embedded from Youtube.