Eurovision Song Contest: As it happened

Eurovision organisers haven't yet explained exactly what happened with the voting in Macedonia and Montenegro tonight or whether their scores will stand.

The points a country awards are normally determined by a combination of a jury and a public vote.

If the two countries are excluded, the points totals will change - but the identity of the winner will not.

So Sweden’s Mans Zelmerlow wins Eurovision – he’s been the favourite pretty much all the way through, so not a huge surprise.

It’s the sixth time Sweden has won the competition. Pretty impressive.

The inspired graphics coupled with a contemporary Aviici-style dance track clearly appealed across the continent, not least in the UK, which was one of many countries to give it 12 points.

“I have so much to say... I’m so extremely happy,” Zelmerlow said as he accepted the award.

“We are all heroes, no matter who we love , who we are or what we believe in.”

It was yet another disappointing night for the UK, who managed to get just 5 points.

The UK's Electro Velvet finished 24th out of 27 with five points.

France came next and Germany and Austria were joint bottom with nul points - the first time since 2003 that any country has received zero points.

BBCCopyright: BBC

Here are the final scores at the top of the leaderboard:

1. Sweden - 365 points
2. Russia - 303
3. Italy - 292
4. Belgium - 217
5. Australia - 196

APCopyright: AP

In his acceptance speech, an ecstatic Mans Zelmerlow told the crowd: "I'm so happy and I want to say thank you for voting for me.

"I want to say we are all heroes, no matter who we love, who we are or what we believe in - we are all heroes."

Soon we'll know the winner - will it be Sweden or Russia?

BBCCopyright: BBC

Nigella Lawson has appeared to announce the results of the UK voting, and has shown off her German and French in the process.

The UK gave eight points to Italy, 10 to Australia and 12 to Sweden - putting Sweden back in the lead.

Turns our Mara Wilson - who played the youngest daughter in Mrs Doubtfire and the title role in Matilda - has been watching Eurovision tonight and as been tweeting - yes her, really!

Well, we’re about halfway through and the UK has got two points. It could be worse. Not much worse but...

We’ve already lost Portugal and Estonia’s presenters along the way, as the connection cut out. But a huge cheer went up as the presenters cross over to Australia for the first time.

Bit of booing when Russia was announced as being in the lead – and one of the presenters reprimanded the crowd: “It’s about the music, not the politics.”

The press room is full of Eurovision fan bloggers so the atmosphere is pretty electric, especially as the voting pattern starts to take shape. Huge cheers go up across the room from the relevant fans of each country as the scores come in.

BBCCopyright: BBC

A big cheer for the results of the Australian votes. Their top votes went to Sweden, Russia and Italy.

Russia's Polina Gagarina is getting emotional as she edges slightly ahead of Sweden's Mans Zelmerow.

Malta and Ireland, traditionally the UK's biggest friends in Eurovision, have given the UK one point each.

That may be it for the UK for the night.

It could be worse - Austria and Germany are still on zero.

Ten of the 40 countries have declared, and here are the top five so far:

1. Russia - 92
2. Sweden - 82
3. Italy - 80
4. Belgium - 40
5. Australia - 36

The UK still has 1 point...

It's close at the top but it already looks like a three-way battle between Sweden, Italy and Russia.

BBCCopyright: BBC

The results of the voting from the 40 (forty!) participating countries are coming in.

The UK has got its first point (singular) from Malta.

Conchita takes to the stage to perform two tracks, titled You are Unstoppable and Firestorm performance, both from her debut self-titled album. 

It’s make or break for Conchita and she’s getting a lot of exposure here – can she use this Eurovision final in her home country to sky rocket into the international musical stratosphere?

Our colleagues over at Radio 2 have been hosting a Eurovision digital pop-up service over the past couple of days.

If you fancy a listen, Paddy O'Connell will be fronting a show from 23:00 BST giving reaction to the voting and winners of this year's contest.

And thanks to those who have emailed to let us know who impressed you.

Email Message:

My favourites - Israel & Serbia

from Jerry Woolner

My favourites - Israel & Serbia

Email Message: My favourite is Spain as it was unexpected and very beautiful

from Tracey Burton

My favourite is Spain as it was unexpected and very beautiful

Email Message: Italy gets my vote

from Gretta

Italy gets my vote

Email Message: Cyprus was the only one not dependant  on dancers and the song was outstanding.

from Terry

Cyprus was the only one not dependant  on dancers and the song was outstanding.

Email Message: Like Estonia and Sweden so far.

from Marcia

Like Estonia and Sweden so far.

Here's a selection of tweets you've sent about your favourite acts from tonight's show.

At a quick glance, it looks good for Sweden.

Email Message: Celebrating Australia's entry! 8th Eurovision party in Brighton     

from Clare Warner

Celebrating Australia's entry! 8th Eurovision party in Brighton     

BBCCopyright: BBC

Now you've seen them, let us know your favourites.

I'm sticking with my prediction of Serbia to win - although Norway's song has really grown on me.

Tweet @BBCNewsEnts or email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.

That's all for the performances. Slovenia feels like a very long time ago.

The voting has begun and will be open for 15 minutes.

Any Il Divo fans out there? Some think the fact this is sung in Italian could go against it, but it’s a beautiful language so I can’t see it myself. 

Simple staging for this trio – the music speaks for itself. It’s been a favourite for months and should feature highly even if it doesn’t win. 

I doubt the boys will be too bothered if they don’t – they’ve already sold one million records and collaborated with Placido Domingo and Barbra Streisand. 

AFPCopyright: AFP

Pop opera trio Il Volo come with a strong pedigree and big global fanbase, and are among the favourites to win.

They started out as individual contestants on a TV talent show but were put into a group by the producers, One Direction-style.

In 2011, their debut album reached the top 10 in the US and several European countries including Austria, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

It was also nominated for two Latin Grammy Awards, and they won a Billboard Latin Music Award last year.

Gosh, that was a hard one to sing. The notes are all over the shop.  Elhaida Dani gives it a good crack though. The staging could have been a bit more interesting. Again, not a bad song but it’s probably going to get lost in the penultimate spot, especially sandwiched between big hitters Russia and Italy.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

With her crystal-encrusted cape, Albania's Elhaida Dani is performing I'm Alive - despite the fact it wasn't the song that won the national qualifying contest.

A belting ballad called Diell won the country's TV vote in December. But a dispute between the songwriters and broadcaster RTSH meant it was withdrawn and replaced with this life-affirming anthem.

As well as being a star in Albania, the elegant Elhaida will be hoping for some votes from Italy, where she won The Voice in 2013. Dodici points?

Some commentators in Vienna feel this sticks in the craw a little, given the song’s message of peace and tolerance opposite Russia’s handling of the crisis in Ukraine and its anti-gay stance. But that’s not Polina’s fault. 

It will be some turnaround if Russia do take the Eurovision crown after last year’s entry was booed by some members of the audience.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Despite the fact the Russian entry was greeted with boos last year in the wake of the Ukraine conflict, the Russian contestant is one of this year's front-runners.

Polina Gagarina is a well-known singer and actress at home - but actually spent much of her youth in Greece.

Her song A Million Voices is bestowed with a very Eurovision-friendly power chorus.

She wasn't booed during her semi-final - but if it happens tonight, organisers have reportedly said they will take measures to mask it and make sure it's not heard.

This isn’t a bad song but I’m afraid I was so distracted by the contemporary dancers  in harem pants swirling around Elnur Huseynov that it’s hard to comment. 

And one of them was bare-chested, shock, horror. But I do recall it had a hint of Hozier about it, at least in the verses. 

Some more of your emails:

Email Message:

Me and my girlfriend watching as we do every year, even on our anniversary. Loving the commentary as ever!!!!

from Graham and Tania

Me and my girlfriend watching as we do every year, even on our anniversary. Loving the commentary as ever!!!!

Email Message: The dogs have only just stopped howling after that Armenian entry...

from Nicki

The dogs have only just stopped howling after that Armenian entry...

Email Message: These songs are actually pretty good. Sweden let down by the guy's previous homophobic comments. Serbia, Estonia both good, and the UK's entry is fab!

from David Roundtree

These songs are actually pretty good. Sweden let down by the guy's previous homophobic comments. Serbia, Estonia both good, and the UK's entry is fab!

Email Message: Montenegro gets the most sinister moustache award this year.

from AF Potter

Montenegro gets the most sinister moustache award this year.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

This is Elnur Huseynov's second attempt at Eurovision glory - he was one half of Azerbaijan's first ever Eurovision act, Elnur and Samir, who came eighth in 2008.

Since then, Azerbaijan finished in the top 10 every year until last year, when they ended up a disappointing 22nd.

Look out for the accompanying contemporary dancers, who look like they've been seconded from The Lord of the Rings: The Ballet.

Nina Sublatti looks pretty scary as belting out her anthem wearing a Goth-style leather jumpsuit with thigh high boots. And she’s taken epaulettes to a whole new level – frankly, it looks like two ravens are poking out of her capped sleeves. 

She says her song is about feminism, Georgian women’s history, and honesty. Good on her. And it’s another entry that’s offering something different from the pop and ballads on offer. I just wouldn’t want to be the one to tell her she hasn’t won.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

For her look, Nina Sublatti seems to have gone for Bjork meets Morticia Addams meets Xena Warrior Princess.

She is another one of tonight's contestants who have gained national fame on a TV talent contest.

She won Georgian Idol in 2013 and penned this song Warrior as a feminist anthem. It's got a bit of Eurovision clout behind it - she worked on the track with Swedish writer Thomas G;Son, who co-wrote Sweden's 2012's winning song Euphoria.

After all that drama, Hungary’s delicate and soulful ballad comes as something of a relief. It’s got a traditional Eurovision peace message (clue is in the title) which could go in its favour. Again, it’s all about the voices but there is a very impressive constellations image projected on to the floor during the first half of the song. Thank goodness for aerial cameras.

APCopyright: AP

As the title suggests, Wars For Nothing by Boggie is a classic Eurovision hymn to peace and love.

Boggie (real name Boglarka) made waves last year with her song Neauveu Parfum, which reached number one in her home country.

Her debut album also reached the top three of the US world music chart.

Now this, folks, would be just another ballad if it wasn’t for the costume gimmicks! Bring it on! Edurne starts off by climbing over a man lying on the stage. Good start. 

And it gets better - Kylie-style snood hood, a bit of wind machine action and the man who was lying on the floor has recovered himself sufficiently to pull the train, resulting in Edurne’s dress flying off to reveal a glittery gold number underneath! 

I was worried there might be a Madonna moment as he tugged on the train but they must have sensibly opted for Velcro. Well, it worked of Buck’s Fizz. Not only that, there are also some ambitious dance lifts a la Strictly (Len would definitely NOT approve).

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Edurne is a singer, actress, TV host and girlfriend of Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea.

De Gea is a transfer target for Real Madrid and some have suggested the player's future at Old Trafford could hinge on Edurne's Eurovision result tonight.

Edurne didn't move to Manchester with De Gea in 2011 because she wanted to focus on her singing career.

The theory goes that if she wins tonight, she will stay in Spain for the sake of her career and therefore De Gea will rejoin her. If not, she may decide to move to be with him.

Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea fans - does that sway your vote?

Good work by Dan Berry, aka @thingsbydan, who's sketching all the contestants as the show goes on.

Yet another pared-down set. The stage is scattered with strategically placed suitcases - is he hoping to make a quick getaway? But I like the way he chops and changes between Romanian and English throughout his performance. The song is about supporting children whose parents have to leave their homeland to work abroad and he finishes with a message to the audience: “Don’t leave the children behind”. Er, I think he might be aiming this at me. Kids, I’ll be back from Vienna on Sunday. Promise.

APCopyright: AP

Voltaj have been stalwarts of the Romanian music scene for almost 20 years.

Their entry De La Capat (All Over Again) is a heart-tugging tribute to the children who have been left behind by Romanians who have moved abroad to work.

The performance is accompanied by visuals of suitably forlorn-looking kids, and the band are trying to drum up support for children's charities.

This is very different to everything else on offer. I reckon Aminata could be Latvia’s answer to La Roux. She certainly sounds like Elly Jackson, particularly during the verses. 

Aminata is wearing a red dress that wouldn’t look out of place on Diana Ross but she does own the stage (I’m back in Cowell mode). And she should be applauded for entering something unusual. 

EPACopyright: EPA

Latvia's has one of the more cutting-edge songs in this year's contest.

Aminata's delicate and ethereal Love Injected sounds and looks as if it was influenced by the futurism of British singer FKA Twigs.

The 22-year-old has helped Latvia qualify from the semi-final for the first time since 2008 - but will she be too cool for Eurovision?

In the Name of Love, written by Monika herself, about how she overcame the trauma she suffered. The melody is pretty run-of-the-mill but it’s hard not to feel moved by the sincere performance. And she blows a little kiss to the audience at the end. Nice touch.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Poland have ditched the singing milk maids they memorably sent in 2014 and opted for a slow-burning love song by Monika Kuszynska.

Monika, who was partially paralysed in a car crash in 2006, is the first Eurovision contestant to use a wheelchair. She says her entry is about how "you can overcome almost all difficulties and obstacles in life".

She is accompanied on piano by her husband and co-writer Kuba Raczynski.

The song isn’t unpleasant but it all feels just a little bit dated. And she spends the entire first verse with her back to the audience – how rude. “We’re only left with black smoke,” Sophie Ann smoulders. I’m still worrying about that piano.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Eurovision is no stranger to drama, but the circumstances in which Ann Sophie was chosen for Germany take some beating.

She was a wildcard entry for the national qualifying contest after winning a club concert for unknown artists.

She then came second in the televised national final - but winner Andreas Kummert immediately declined the Eurovision spot, saying he wasn't "in the right shape".

The news was received with boos from the studio audience - leading Ann Sophie to ask them: "Do you even want this?"

Like it or not, they've got it. Black Smoke is a classic pop song about the death of a long-term relationship.

Those desperately looking for British links will be pleased to learn that Ann Sophie was born in London, although she was raised in Hamburg and then studied at New York's Lee Strasberg theatre school.

This has a traditional regional feel, featuring a folky instrumental opening that transports you straight to the shores of the Adriatic. And actually, that’s no bad thing. A bit of old school Eurovision never hurt anyone. We were also treated to some traditional dancing with his five lovely backing singers. What’s not to like?

Here's a selection of what you've been sending us via email:

Email Message: Is there some weird rule that contestants have to sing in English? The French must be having a total sense of humour failure....

from Guy Leaf

Is there some weird rule that contestants have to sing in English? The French must be having a total sense of humour failure....

Email Message:

Can Graham Norton stop putting down the Australian song – we know he isn’t thrilled that Australia got to be in Eurovision but all the same do we need his opinions on the song and the artist?  As a Kiwi here in the UK I am thrilled Australia is in Eurovision and I liked the song and the performance.  

from Denice Spratt

Can Graham Norton stop putting down the Australian song – we know he isn’t thrilled that Australia got to be in Eurovision but all the same do we need his opinions on the song and the artist?  As a Kiwi here in the UK I am thrilled Australia is in Eurovision and I liked the song and the performance.  

Email Message: Australia or Lithuania to win! Absolutely adore your commentary Graham.

from Tracy and Bobby

Australia or Lithuania to win! Absolutely adore your commentary Graham.

Email Message: Please say a shout out for Karina, Amita, Tomo and Ben (from Australia), and Lefty, Crusty and Millsy (UK) watching in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Please say a shout out for Karina, Amita, Tomo and Ben (from Australia), and Lefty, Crusty and Millsy (UK) watching in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Email Message: Watching from Marrakech on some French Channel.  Can't understand what is going on. Need Graham Norton to host an international programme. 

from Steve Ryan

Watching from Marrakech on some French Channel.  Can't understand what is going on. Need Graham Norton to host an international programme. 

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Montenegro's contestant Knez comes from one of the country's most famous musical families - and is fulfilling some unfinished family business at Eurovision.

His father tried out for the contest a few times - but was never chosen.

The crooner has dedicated his song Adio, which has a strong traditional Balkan flavour, to his father, who died six years ago.

However, Knez is one of this year's outsiders.

Phew. They’ve either put out the piano fire or they’ve wheeled in another for Maria Elena Kyriacou’s entry. This is another typical Eurovision ballad, with a predictable 80s-style drum beat joining in for the second verse. She’s got a fine pair of lungs on her though and the wind machine is in full action as she builds up to the finale. 

Before winning a Greek talent show, she was a professor so at least that’s something to fall back on if the wind doesn’t blow in her favour (sorry!)

APCopyright: AP

Maria Elena Kyriakou is another TV talent show graduate - she won The Voice of Greece last year.

She was actually born in Cyprus, and is guaranteed at least 12 points - Greece and Cyprus have given each other the maximum score every time since the 1990s.

But will her entry One Last Breath win sympathy from other nations?

Some have concluded the ballad, in which she sings about her "struggle to survive" and how she has "nothing left" apart from "one last breath" is a veiled message about the country's financial bail-out.

The MakeMakes are giving it a good crack. It’s pretty low key after the whirlwind that was Conchita but they certainly haven’t disgraced themselves on the big stage in front of a home crowd. And they do all have facial hair to keep the beard theme going. And we have another gimmick – woo hoo! The piano is set on fire! Er, health and safety anyone? Where are the EU regulations when you need them?

APCopyright: AP

Conchita Wurst is a hard act to follow. After she won for Austria last year, the task falls to three hairy blokes in a soft rock trio called The Makemakes.

The fact their entry I Am Yours sounds a lot like Coldplay's The Scientist will probably do them no harm.

It was written with US hitmaker Jimmy Harry, who has worked with the likes of Madonna, Pink and Kelly Clarkson.

But history is not on their side. No country has won the title twice in a row since Ireland in the 1990s.

Rhythm Inside is a bold effort and has more than a touch of Lorde’s hit Royals about it. Australian artist Sia recently re-tweeted Loic’s version of her hit Chandelier, which must say something. 

There’s a teetering pirouette in the middle which looks pretty risky plus one of the dancers appears to be doing a floor workout gym-style for some inexplicable reason. The track might be too cool and edgy for Eurovision’s audience though.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Belgium's 19-year-old Loic Nottet is riding the zeitgeist with Rhythm Inside, which more than slightly recalls Lorde's hit Royals.

The multi-talented singer, who came second in the country's version of The Voice, has written the stripped-back, hypnotic track, collaborated on the choreography and co-designed the visuals.

He was originally an outside bet, but saw a surge of support after his semi-final performance on Tuesday.

Could he become the most/only famous Belgian singer since Jacques Brel?

This is the perfect antidote to Cyprus (no offence but there are a LOT of ballads in this year’s contest). This year’s wildcard has split opinion in terms of whether it should have been allowed to enter but lighten up people! 

This is a really decent pop song. We’re not quite sure why he’s got the M6 backdrop behind him – it’s not saying exotic Gold Coast to me – but we’re loving the jaunty hat and the dancing’s not bad either. Tonight Again could land top five.

APCopyright: AP

Australia have sent one of their big guns for their first ever official go at Eurovision.

Guy Sebastian won Australian Idol in 2003 and has since gone on to have 11 top 10 singles and sold more than three million albums in his home country.

And with his catchy R&B track Tonight Again, he's one of tonight's favourites.

But even if he does win, Eurovision bosses have said Australia cannot host the contest next year. It will be fascinating to see whether voters embrace this cheerful antipodean incursion.

John Karayiannis says his influences are Ed Sheeran and John Mayer, although to be honest, you wouldn’t know it by listening to his Eurovision entry. Personally, I think he sounds more like Will Young. 

John looks like he’s about to cry by the end of the song. Oh dear. John says his eyesight is so bad he can’t see further than the end of his nose but he has 9 spare pairs so he should be alright.

EPACopyright: EPA

The Cypriot Michael Buble? John Karayiannis is certainly a very smooth operator.

But Cyprus have never won Eurovision. They didn't even take part last year - and before that had not come in the top 10 since 2004.

Whatever happens, 20-year-old Karayiannis will relocate to London after the contest to pursue his music career.

It’s not hard to see why this is the favourite. The Aviici-style track is being belted out by Eurovision fans across Vienna (including on a tram last night on the way back the press centre) but its trump card is the stunning background graphics. 

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Sweden's Mans Zelmerlow has been the bookies' favourite, and it's not hard to see why.

He's a very likable singer, actor and TV presenter, and his song Heroes is a proper Calvin Harris-esque pop banger that would not sound out of place near the top of the charts.

Look out too for his extremely clever visuals.

But could his chances be harmed by a controversy about comments he made last year about homosexuality?

Norway’s entry is a real grower and duo Morland and Debrah Scarlett have to be one of the coolest acts in this year’s final. Some songs don’t need gimmicks and this is one of them. (Don’t tell anyone but this is my favourite).

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Morland and Deborah Scarlett are another duo trying to tug on some heartstrings.

Morland - full name Kjetil Morland - was the frontman of British-based indie band Absent Elk, who supported the likes of Girls Aloud and sounded a bit like The Hoosiers or The Script.

Adele sound-alike Deborah Scarlett spent most of her youth in Switzerland. Their intense song could win fans with its spine-tingling crescendo.

Serbia’s entry has the perfect ingredients for a Eurovision hit. Big diva voice, spooky dancers with masks who strip off to reveal new costumes, reminiscent of Bucks Fizz, and an “I am what I am” message from its plus-size singer, Bojana Stamenov.

Hats off to the backing vocalists/dancers for presenting the chorus in sign language while leaping around the stage. This could be a surprise winner.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Serbia's Bojana Stamenov has gathered huge support since Tuesday's semi-final.

Beauty Never Lies begins as a decent power ballad about how it's OK to be different and how beauty comes in all shapes and sizes - the kind of positive message that Eurovision loves. But we defy you not to jump around when it gets to the euphoric disco meltdown.

It's been co-written by US lyricist Charlie Mason, who also co-wrote Conchita Wurst's winning entry last year.

Another winning combination?

Yet another male/female duo. The song can certainly hold its own and there’s definitely chemistry here. The kiss seemed to go down very well with the audience.

We asked on Twitter whether Electro Velvet had done the UK proud. I regret to report that Twitter is (mostly) not impressed.

Genealogy had to change their song title after it was deemed too political - not quite sure what the point was given the lyrics remain unchanged. 

But anyway, it’s a powerful rock ballad sung by a six-strong group, featuring opera-style warbling plus your more standard pop voices. There’s some pretty impressive harmonies here, too.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

This Time is a jaunty romantic duet between Monika Linkyte and Vaidas Baumila - musically unadventurous, but it could create one of the night's talking points.

Monkia and Vaidas share a mid-song kiss - and two pairs of same-sex backing dancers do the same.

Monika and Vaidas entered the national qualifying contest separately and Lithuania was originally looking for a solo entrant, but it was decided that they would make a good couple.

EPACopyright: EPA

You won't notice it, but there's a subtle political point behind Armenia's anthem of peace and love Face the Shadow.

The group Genealogy contains one Armenian and five others of Armenian heritage whose families scattered around the world 100 years ago.

They include soprano Mary-Jean O'Doherty, who has Australian, Greek and US citizenship - and currently lives in Cardiff, Wales.

Essai Altounian is from France, Tamar Kaprelian from the US, Stephanie Topalian made her name in Japan and Vahe Tilbian was born in Ethiopia.

The song was originally called Don't Deny - but the title was changed because it could be taken as a reference to those who deny that the mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks took place in 1915, or that it was a genocide.

Political? Eurovision?

Rolling Stones tribute act singer Alex Larke and vocalist Bianca Nicholas are really enjoying the ride here in Vienna. Their song has been the subject of much debate on social media and Alex himself has described it as a “Marmite” song i.e. you either love it or hate it. 

But it’s a fun ditty and in a Eurovision Song Contest sadly lacking in gimmicks this year, Electro Velvet’s performance should stand out. Don’t forget, Sandie Shaw won in Vienna in 1967 with Puppet On A String. Let’s hope it’s a good omen.

APCopyright: AP

Flying the flag for the UK are Electro Velvet, AKA Alex Larke and Bianca Nicholas, whose catchy retro duet is called Still In Love With You.

Alex is a primary school teacher and Mick Jagger is an impersonator in a Rolling Stones tribute band.

Bianca auditioned on The Voice UK last year - although none of the judges turned around.

Let's face it, Electro Velvet are likely to be plucky losers rather than heroic victors. The UK hasn't won since 1997. It hasn't even come in the top 10 since Jade Ewen in 2009.

Let's just hope they don't come last. Please.

Goodbye to Yesterday has some pretty odd lyrics in places (“I’m all alone, lying here naked waiting by the phone” for starters). Songwriter Stig rarely sings himself, he usually just writes for other people. And you can tell.

Don’t get me wrong, he can hold a tune but Elina definitely has the stronger voice. However, the song is strong and the pair will be hoping for a second win for Estonia in Vienna. The piece de resistance is a clever illusion which sees Stig “disappear” into thin air at the end of the performance. Hurrah, the first real gimmick of the night!

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Estonia's Elina Born and Stig Rasta are serious contenders for the title with their wistful duet about a doomed affair.

Stig, a successful songwriter and producer, got together with Elina after spotting her singing on YouTube.

Their song, Goodbye to Yesterday, got a whopping 79% of the vote in the Estonian national heat.

Golden Boy, Nadav Guedj, certainly lives up to his name here in the press centre. They absolutely love the 16-year-old bundle of energy who intends to prove he’s “the king of fun”. 

For his tender years, he oozes confidence and totally owns the stage (I’m channelling my inner Simon Cowell). And check out his bling-winged gold trainers. 

His track covers all angles, with a ballad-like solo, morphing into a Justin Timberlake-style dance track and then a Middle Eastern-influenced chorus. Hold on to your hats.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Aged just 16, Nadav Guedj has become known as the Justin Timberlake of Israel - yes really, he's 16.

The golden boy, who is singing a cheeky R&B number called Golden Boy, earned his place at Eurovision by winning the country's talent contest The Rising Star.

Guedj was actually born in France but lives in Israel and has lyrics "celebrating the inspiring freedom of Tel Aviv".

Not one act who has been placed second in the line-up at Eurovision has ever won. So it’s a tough ask for France’s Lisa Angell. Let’s hope her lucky routine is in place – when her daughter is backstage with her, Lisa kisses her on the forehead and if she’s not there, she keeps a picture of her close by. Bless. 

Lisa’s a fantastic and powerful singer live but I can’t see this ballad doing the business, despite the men in uniform flanking her on either side. It’s one of the few entries this year to be sung in a native tongue, titled N’oubliez Pas. Or Don’t Forget. Sorry Lisa, we just might.

EPACopyright: EPA

After last year's humiliation, in which their novelty rap trio Twin Twin came last with deux points, France has gone back to basics.

This year's entrant Lisa Angell channels Edith Piaf for her stirring ballad N'Oubliez Pas (Don't Forget).

France hasn't won since 1977. That's unlikely to change.

This was a slick opening performance from married duo Marjetka and Raay. Here For You has a genuine contemporary edge with a catchy chorus that should see it do well tonight. And it can’t be easy kicking off a show watched by nearly 200m people on TV. 

Not sure if the huge headphones paired with a wedding dress is a good look but anything goes at Eurovision.  Their act also features a very energetic dancer playing an imaginary violin, plus Raay making love with the camera from his piano seat. Whatever floats your boat.

EPACopyright: EPA

The first performance of the night is from Slovenia's headphone-wearing husband-and-wife duo Maraaya, accompanied by a backing dancer playing air violin.

Maraaya is a Brangelina-esque combination of their first names - Marjetka is the singer, and Raay is the pianist and producer.

Raay also co-wrote Slovenia's entry last year - which came second from last.

So why the headphones? Marjetka says she's more comfortable in the studio than on stage, so decided she'd always wear headphones to try to recreate the studio experience on stage

BBCCopyright: BBC

The last time Eurovision was in Vienna, the UK came away winners - but that was 1967.

A shoeless Sandie Shaw triumphed with Puppet On A String.

A good omen?

Slovenia's Maraaya will kick off the contest (fairly) shortly. The UK are fifth on the running order.

The full schedule is on the Eurovision website.

If you're in the UK, you can watch the show live on BBC One.

Or you can listen on BBC Radio 2.

The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra have begun the Eurovision broadcast from the garden of Schonbrunn Palace.

I don't think we can vote for them, unfortunately.

EPACopyright: EPA

Last year's winner Conchita Wurst is now performing with the Vienna Boys' Choir.

Around 200 million people are watching, apparently.

Our good friends at the BBC Eurovision website have put together a score card if you want to harness your inner judge.

Let's commence the festivities!

Here is the BBC's entertainment news team in Vienna, snapped by a BBC cameraman. Taking Eurovision very seriously.

If you're reading this from somewhere else in the world and wondering what on earth we're talking about, fear not.

For the first time, the contest is going to be streamed live internationally on YouTube, so if you're a Eurovision virgin, dip a toe in and see what it's all about.

We've just met Australians Guy, Syd and Jon awaiting the start of the show in the arena.

BBCCopyright: BBC

We asked some BBC folks who are covering Eurovision to give their predictions for tonight's results.

What do you think? Send us your predictions on @BBCNewsEnts or entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.

Don't ridicule us too much afterwards...

Bethany Bell, foreign correspondent:

• My head says: 1. Russia, 2. Sweden, 3. Serbia
• My heart says: 1. Italy, 2. Serbia, 3. Australia

John Galliver, video journalist:

• 1. Sweden, 2. Serbia, 3. Australia

Sam Singh, entertainment news producer:

• 1. Sweden, 2. Norway, 3. Israel

Ian Youngs, entertainment reporter:

• 1. Serbia, 2. Sweden, 3. Estonia

Genevieve Hassan, entertainment reporter:

• 1. Sweden, 2. Russia, 3. Australia, and France will come last

The Eurovision fans in Vienna are all set for the show. Here are a few pictures of the build-up - and the Aussies are certainly getting into the spirit.

APCopyright: AP

EPACopyright: EPA

EPACopyright: EPA

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more - I've arrived at the press centre and will be here for the duration.

Just before leaving the hotel, I saw Electro Velvet dashing back out, presumably on their way to the arena.

And I literally bumped into Graham Norton as I came out of the lift - or should I say, he bumped into me. He looked in a bit of a rush. For your information, the beard is looking well-groomed ahead of the final.

I've just been introduced to Terry Vision - a puppet who is a reporter for unofficial Eurovision website ESC Insight.

Hmmm. Do you think he might be based on someone closer to home with a strong Eurovision association?

BBCCopyright: BBC

If you're watching the show tonight, we'd love to hear from you. Tell us who you are backing to win and what you think of the performances.

Are you having a Eurovision party? If you are send us a picture and we'll post the best here.

Tweet @BBCNewsEnts or email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.

AFPCopyright: AFP

Sweden's contestant Mans Zelmerlow has become the clear bookmakers' favourite over the past few hours with his song Heroes.

He's followed by Russia and Italy, with Australia and Belgium level behind them. If the bookies are right, the UK will finish around 15th.

Here are the odds from one British bookie:

• Sweden - evens
• Russia - 3/1
• Italy - 9/2
• Australia - 8/1
• Belgium - 9/1

And g'day Australia!

Welcome to our Eurovision Song Contest page, bringing you live coverage of this year's competition.

We'll give commentary on all the songs, as well as the best reaction from around the world on who makes the grade and who flounders like a wet fish.

So stick with us for the next five hours - it's going to be a fun ride.