The German and Eurovision - hysteria and laughter are quite close in this connection. What always counts is the fascination for this unique contest, the international atmosphere and the big question "How is Germany going to shape up?" In former times there was also the question of how many points Germany is going to receive from it's neighbour Austria. This question we can answer with a clear "no"! After not feeling accepted anymore, Austria has withdrawn from the contest like Italy. Nobody liked the Alpine sound of last years entry. Gracia also did not receive many points with her "Run & Hide" in Kiev. But from time to time everybody has to face up the fact being last. Finland, Norway and Portugal are already used to that feeling since years, but they are still encouraged every year. But if you think of the idea that every voting country can only vote for the ten best - one point is already the tenth best song in that country. Gracia received two points each from Monaco and Moldova. Nobody is allowed to say that this is a "bad result" then. The media is to blame for and made it even worse than it was.

This year the German broadcaster NDR has opened a new era in the predecision: a small and stylish show with live orchestra and glamour! Indeed it was a very entertaining evening with the right Eurovision atmosphere, which we heavily missed in Copenhagen during the 50th anniversary show last year. The convincing winner was Texas Lightening with the catchy tune "No, no never". If you think of the general cowboy-boom (Brokeback Mountain in the movies, cowboy-look in fashion) Germany might have a real good chance with a country band. The very sympathetic Australian singer Jane Comerford and Olli Dittrich at the drums have already entertained the audience in Hamburg and they also will in Athens. The song is has already reached the Top 10 in Germany! Originality combined with quality has always been highly awarded at Eurovision.