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Eurovision final gets under way Eurovision acts singing in Russia
(about 1 hour later)
The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in Moscow, with 25 countries aiming for glory.The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in Moscow, with 25 countries aiming for glory.
The UK will be represented by Jade Ewen, who is singing Andrew Lloyd Webber's song It's My Time.The UK will be represented by Jade Ewen, who is singing Andrew Lloyd Webber's song It's My Time.
Norway's singer and violinist Alexander Rybak is the bookmakers' favourite to win, closely followed by Greece, Turkey, Azerbaijan and the UK.Norway's singer and violinist Alexander Rybak is the bookmakers' favourite to win, closely followed by Greece, Turkey, Azerbaijan and the UK.
Lithuania was the first act to take the stage, followed by Israel's Arab-Jewish duo Noa and Mira Awad. Lithuania was the first act to take the stage, followed by Israel's Jewish-Arab duo Noa and Mira Awad.
Graham Norton is making his debut as commentator for the BBC, replacing Sir Terry Wogan, who bowed out last year. Denmark's entry - Brinck singing Believe Again - was written by Boyzone's Ronan Keating and was performed in the Irish singer's style.
Germany's act featured US cabaret artist Dita von Teese, who used to be married to rock star Marilyn Manson.
Jade Ewen prepares for EurovisionJade Ewen prepares for Eurovision
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.
Graham Norton is 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: LadbrokesEUROVISION FAVOURITES Norway - 4/5Greece - 11/2Azerbaijan - 12/1Turkey (pictured) - 12/1United Kingdom - 12/1 Source: Ladbrokes
Andrew Lloyd Webber, who will play the piano for Ewen during her performance, said: "I really do believe that Jade is one of the greatest talents I have had the privilege of working with."Andrew Lloyd Webber, who will play the piano for Ewen during her performance, said: "I really do believe that Jade is one of the greatest talents I have had the privilege of working with."
He has 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.He has 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.
The UK will be among five countries who pre-qualified for the final and whose acts have not yet been seen. The UK are among five countries who pre-qualified for the final and whose acts have not yet been seen.
France - represented by renowned singer Patricia Kaas, Spain and host nation Russia are among them.
Germany's entry features US cabaret artist Dita Von Teese, who used to be married to rock star Marilyn Manson.
Other countries faring well in the odds include Malta, whose representative Chiara has competed in two previous occasions.Other countries faring well in the odds include Malta, whose representative Chiara has competed in two previous occasions.
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.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.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.Coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK begins at 2000 BST on BBC One.