This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/entertainment/8052636.stm

The article has changed 17 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 11 Version 12
Voting begins in Eurovision final Norway voted Eurovision winners
(40 minutes later)
The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in Moscow, with 25 countries aiming for glory. Norway has emerged as the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest, held in the Russian city of Moscow.
The UK is represented by Jade Ewen, who sang Andrew Lloyd Webber's song It's My Time as he accompanied her on piano. Singer and violinist Alexander Rybak smashed the record for the most points awarded during the competition.
Norway's singer and violinist Alexander Rybak is the bookmakers' favourite to win, closely followed by Greece, Turkey, Azerbaijan and the UK. Iceland came second in the vote, followed by Azerbaijan which took the third place.
The countries are now casting their scores, with Norway proving to be the runaway favourite. The UK's Jade Ewen, singing an Andrew Lloyd Webber song, ended in fifth position - a marked improvement on last year's finish at the foot of the table.
Lithuania was the first act to take the stage, followed by Israel's Jewish-Arab duo Noa and Mira Awad. For the first time, voting in the final was split between televoting and panels of musical experts, which was supposed to reduce the incidence of predictable and neighbourly votes.
Denmark's entry - Brinck singing Believe Again - was written by Boyzone's Ronan Keating and was performed in the Irish singer's style. A total of 42 countries voted on the 25 songs, with Norway scoring a record 387.
Germany's act featured US cabaret artist Dita von Teese, who used to be married to rock star Marilyn Manson. The previous biggest points haul was scored by Finland's Lordi with Hard Rock Hallelujah in Greece in 2006.
Jade Ewen prepares for Eurovision Advertisement
Her costume was slightly more demure that her outfit at the dress rehearsal after she was reportedly told to cover up by the European Broadcasting Union, which runs Eurovision, because it was unsuitable for a family audience. Jade performs UK's eurovision song
Graham Norton is making his debut as commentator for the BBC, replacing Sir Terry Wogan, who bowed out last year. Graham Norton was making his debut as commentator for the BBC, replacing Sir Terry Wogan, who bowed out last year.
'Greatest talents''Greatest talents'
Speaking in the Russian capital, Norton revealed that he had spoken to his predecessor, who commentated on every Eurovision final from 1980.Speaking in the Russian capital, Norton revealed that he had spoken to his predecessor, who commentated on every Eurovision final from 1980.
"Terry rang me to wish me good luck," said the TV presenter. "He advised me to resist having a drink until the fifth song," he added."Terry rang me to wish me good luck," said the TV presenter. "He advised me to resist having a drink until the fifth song," he added.
EUROVISION FAVOURITES Norway - 4/5Greece - 11/2Azerbaijan - 12/1Turkey (pictured) - 12/1United Kingdom - 12/1 Source: Ladbrokes
Jade Ewan was chosen to represent the UK through a TV talent contest, with the winning song written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Diane Warren.Jade Ewan was chosen to represent the UK through a TV talent contest, with the winning song written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Diane Warren.
Lord Lloyd-Webber said: "I really do believe that Jade is one of the greatest talents I have had the privilege of working with." Speaking before the contest Lord Lloyd-Webber said: "I really do believe that Jade is one of the greatest talents I have had the privilege of working with."
He downplayed the UK's chances of winning, but bookmakers and song contest pundits are confident that the country's last place in 2008 will not be repeated.
For the first time, voting in the final will be split between televoting and panels of musical experts, which is thought may reduce the incidence of predictable and neighbourly votes.
The panels, which made their decisions based on Friday's dress rehearsal, were expected to look for song quality and musical performance over dance routines and props.
Coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK begins at 2000 BST on BBC One.