Welcome to London
"Gothic Grandeur by the River"
Welcome to London, a city where centuries of history blend seamlessly with the pulse of modern life. From the iconic landmarks to the hidden gems, this metropolis is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered. The heart of the British Empire, London is a living museum, where every cobblestone and corner has a story to tell. Towering over the River Thames, the majestic Tower of London is a sentinel of the past, safeguarding the Crown Jewels. The Gothic spires of Westminster Abbey resonate with the echoes of royal coronations and historic events. Discover the world-famous Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. Witness the Changing of the Guard, a ceremonial spectacle that has captivated visitors for generations. Stroll through the lush greenery of Hyde Park, a tranquil oasis amidst the urban hustle and bustle. The River Thames weaves through London like a liquid ribbon, and a leisurely cruise along its waters offers breathtaking views of the city's skyline. As you pass under the Tower Bridge, you'll feel the city's energy course through you. London is a global culinary capital, boasting a diverse array of restaurants, street food markets, and quaint pubs. Savor a traditional English breakfast, indulge in a proper afternoon tea, or explore international cuisines in neighborhoods like Chinatown and Brick Lane. The West End beckons with world-class theater productions, where the magic of the stage comes alive in venues like the Royal Opera House and the Globe Theatre. Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene at the Tate Modern, the British Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. London's shopping is legendary, from luxury boutiques in Knightsbridge to quirky finds in Camden Market. Oxford Street, with its department stores, is a shopaholic's paradise, and Carnaby Street is a fashion mecca. For Harry Potter fans, a visit to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is an enchanting journey into the wizarding world. Step into the Great Hall and explore the magic behind the beloved films. London's neighborhoods each have a unique character, from the trendy streets of Shoreditch to the historic charm of Notting Hill. Experience the electric nightlife in Soho, where clubs, bars, and live music venues keep the city alive after dark. London's parks and green spaces provide a tranquil escape from the urban jungle. From the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew to the serene beauty of Hampstead Heath, nature lovers will find solace in the city's natural oases. London is a city that never sleeps, a city that embraces tradition and innovation, and a city that welcomes visitors with open arms. So, embark on an adventure in the heart of the British capital, where history and contemporary culture merge, and every street is an invitation to explore. Your journey begins in London, a timeless city of dreams!
Host City / London, United Kingdom
Venue / Wembley Arena
Hosts / Helen Mirren and Jonathan Ross
Participating countries / 30
Debuting countries / None
Returning countries / France, Hungary, Sweden and Turkey
Withdrawing countries / Lebanon, Luxembourg, Norway, Puerto Rico, Russia, South Korea and USA
Debuting players / Harri for Hungary
Venue / Wembley Arena
Hosts / Helen Mirren and Jonathan Ross
Participating countries / 30
Debuting countries / None
Returning countries / France, Hungary, Sweden and Turkey
Withdrawing countries / Lebanon, Luxembourg, Norway, Puerto Rico, Russia, South Korea and USA
Debuting players / Harri for Hungary
Returning Artists
Bea Bronchal / for Andorra / placing 9th
Beth / for Andorra / placing 8th Elena Risteska / for Macedonia / not placing Gökhan Özen / for Turkey / Silver Medallist Lara Fabian / for Belgium / Silver Medallist Maria José / for Mexico / placing 25th Peggy Zina / for Greece / placing 17th Trijntje Oosterhuis / for Netherlands / placing 19th |
The Result
Countries receiving most 12 points / Italy, 4
Countries giving 12 points to the winner / Brazil, Finland, France and Turkey
Countries receiving points from most juries / Denmark, 17
Highest placing country not scoring a top mark / Belgium in 4th place with 10 points from Argentina and Sweden as highest marks
Lowest placing country scoring a top mark / Croatia in 23rd place getting 12 points from Mexico
Eight countries took the lead at some point during the voting procedures, but in the end it was Italy who stood the tallest to claim their first gold medal. In a not so distant runner-up position, Denmark took home the silver, while the bronze was sent to Germany - their second in a row. Belgium and Spain rounded out the top 5. Interestingly, the top 10 was made up intirely of European nations.
Italy debuted in GM08 and had a bumpy start in the contest. During their first 13 participations, Italy had 5 different HoDs, and the lack of consistency lead to dismal results and only once did Italy end up in the top 10. After a short break, Italy returned with their 6th HoD, Krikor, just last edition, and immediately achieved their best result, winning the silver medal with Laura Pausini. And the very next edition, Nek takes the last step up the podium to claim Italy's first gold medal. Well done Italy, Nek and Krikor!
Countries giving 12 points to the winner / Brazil, Finland, France and Turkey
Countries receiving points from most juries / Denmark, 17
Highest placing country not scoring a top mark / Belgium in 4th place with 10 points from Argentina and Sweden as highest marks
Lowest placing country scoring a top mark / Croatia in 23rd place getting 12 points from Mexico
Eight countries took the lead at some point during the voting procedures, but in the end it was Italy who stood the tallest to claim their first gold medal. In a not so distant runner-up position, Denmark took home the silver, while the bronze was sent to Germany - their second in a row. Belgium and Spain rounded out the top 5. Interestingly, the top 10 was made up intirely of European nations.
Italy debuted in GM08 and had a bumpy start in the contest. During their first 13 participations, Italy had 5 different HoDs, and the lack of consistency lead to dismal results and only once did Italy end up in the top 10. After a short break, Italy returned with their 6th HoD, Krikor, just last edition, and immediately achieved their best result, winning the silver medal with Laura Pausini. And the very next edition, Nek takes the last step up the podium to claim Italy's first gold medal. Well done Italy, Nek and Krikor!
The Winner
Scoreboards and Live Voting
Voting
12, 10, 8...1 point for your top 10
In the final you also have to choose 3 substitutes
The voting forms are here / Semi final and Final
In the final you also have to choose 3 substitutes
The voting forms are here / Semi final and Final
Watching the Videos
All the videos are in the YouTube playlist at TVGlobalMusic