Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

Today back in 1981 Europe made their mind up and United Kingdom's Bucks Fizz with their revolutionary choreography won the 26th Eurovision song contest at Simmonscourt Pavilion of the Royal Dublin Society. All of 20 countries were present with Cyprys debuting. Israel returned after winning 1978 and 1979 and declining to host and participate in 1980. Also Yogoslavia returned but Italy stayed home and would only return two years later, as did Morocco and we haven't seen them since.... A lot of returnees in this edition: the 1961 winner Jean Claude Pascal (LUX), Björn Skifts (SWE), Tommy Seebach (DEN), Cheryl Baker (UK) and Maxi from Sheeba (IRE). Both Cheryl and Maxi were once again present in groups while Maerty Brem (AUT) now presented himself as solo artist. And most notably the Swiss Peter, Sue & Marc returning for the fourth time - and singing in fourth language! This time they opted for Italian after trying in French, English and German and scored 4th place with Io...

Remember Johnny Blue , the blind singer Lena Valaitis sung back in 1981? He lives on in a musical staged in Czech Republic based on the music and songs by Ralph Siegel. The musical, written and directed by Stanislav Moša and arranged by Karel Cón, features countless Eurovision entries by Siegel from Dschingish Khan and Theater to more recent Crisalide and Maybe . This is in the German speaking world what Mamma mia!  is for Scandinavian – soundtrack of the life of those who grew up in the 1970s-1980s. The world premiere took place in Brno, Czech Republic on March 28, 2015 with many familiar artists attending the event: Katja Ebstein, Dorkas of MeKaDo fame, Valentina Monetta and Penny Mc Lean just to name a few. "For me it's a real priviledge that people still sing my songs, which I started to write 50 years ago. It's quite a long time ago but I still enjoy writing! It was a wonderful evening. It was my dream to see and hear what we have done. I love Eurovision for 20...

Is German schlager your thing, with a little Eurovision thrown in? Want a different schlager party experience? Why not dropping your clothes and joining the Schlagernacktparty ? Oh ja! You won't be alone, as about 200 naked party people have joined for some naked schlager already for ten years and 49 times. The 50th party coincides with the 10th anniversary on August 15, 2013. All this happens at SchwuZ, Mehringdamm 61 in Berlin and people come also abroad for the fun. More info here . There's also a voting for the favorite songs and list of songs and singers includes gems like these (some of them might need somewhat acquired taste): Dschingis Khan - Moskau , Lena Valaitis -  Da kommt José , Nicole - Allein in Griechenland , Roland Kaiser - Amore mio , Udo Jürgens: Ich weiss was ich will , Imca Marina: Eviva Espana , Ingrid Peters - Afrika  Nothing like ring dancing to Moscow in the nude, I suppose!

Ralph Siegel celebrates some round years this year: 40 years since his first Eurovision song, 30 years since his first victory and his 20th entry. He talks about his Eurovision past and his biggest wish. How he got hooked on Eurovision, his happiest and saddest memories and the German selection process. And many other things. My flying reporter Robert had a chance to talk to the legend and Mr Eurovision himself, who is happily back on track after some difficult years. Blogilkar congratulates him for this incredible 40+30+20 and takes a pow.... What does Eurovision mean to you? First of all let me tell you that I'm celebrating my 40 th anniversary since my first Eurovision song in 1972. I came second but it was my first appearance. My first entry was in 1974 when ABBA won and I came 4 th . for Luxembourg. It was very promising. Then I said to myself hopefully this is going to get better and then 1979 I was 4 th again, then 1980 2 nd and 1981 also 2 nd . And then i...