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Eurovision Song Contest 2008 |
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Eurovision Song Contest 2008
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Introduction
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Belgrade beckons as Andy Abraham competes in the 53rd Eurovision Song Contest, which will be broadcast live on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One at 8pm on Saturday 24 May 2008. Eurovision veteran Terry Wogan provides the commentary.
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Andy and his self-penned funky love song, Even If, were chosen by the UK public in Eurovision: Your Decision after fighting off stiff competition from Michelle Gayle, The Revelations, LoveShy, Rob McVeigh and Simona Armstrong.
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After losing his head-to-head sing-off Andy was saved by Terry Wogan's wildcard which put him through to the public phone vote, where he triumphed.
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A record 43 countries will compete this year and, for the first time, the contest will feature two semi-finals which will be broadcast live on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Three at 8pm on Tuesday 20 and Thursday 22 May.
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Ten countries from each semi-final will go through to Saturday's final, along with the big four – the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Spain – and last year's winners, Serbia.
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Paddy O'Connell returns for a fifth year to give commentary on the semi-finals, joined by co-presenter Caroline Flack.
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2008's entries will be sung in more than 20 different languages and range in style from heavy rock to classic ballads, taking in Europop from Ireland's winged wannabee winner Dustin the Turkey.
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Two countries – Azerbaijan and San Marino – will be participating for the first time.
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The Eurovision Song Contest is executive produced by Kevin Bishop and Phil Parsons, and produced by Helen Tumbridge.
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The Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals are produced by Andrew Cartmell.
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AC2/AG2
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