Eurovision Song Contest winners

We refer to the front page report 'Solitary point for Malta' by Ariadne Massa (The Sunday Times, May 21).

First of all, we invite Ms Massa to listen carefully to Alice Cooper's Poison before claiming Finland's winner to be an "echo" of the song.

Secondly, if the Finnish song really "shocked Europe", as Ms Massa claims, then why did practically every country vote for Lordi, including Malta? Malta voted Finland's song fourth best and awarded it seven points. Also, Lordi have not taken out "the fluff of Eurovision" but have instilled a new meaning to 'song contest' as the event should have lately been renamed "Eurovision Pop Contest".

Thirdly, we agree that Lordi's performance was unusual, but why did Ms Massa have to describe it as a "freak act"? Lordi replaced dancers and backing vocals with exceptionally original costumes. Last year, Norway's Wig-Wam put on a similar performance, but no one commented, as they did not win.

Everyone complains about countries voting for neighbours. True, but did we not all vote for the Swiss? Despite their somewhat disappointing song, we still managed to give them the full 12 points. Why? We guess Keith Camilleri is the answer.

Be open-minded and do not rubbish unconventional musical preferences. Well done Finland. Rock on!

Ariadne Massa writes: I invite the writers of this letter to read the article again because I feel they have completely misunderstood the point!