The singer wasn't the problem (1)

With the Eurovision 2008 final on Saturday evening, a continent waited with bated breath. Indeed as I sat at my desk banging out these words I could feel the tension from within the United Kingdom and across the channel. Not for generations have the people of Europe felt such a feeling of anticipation.

If only this were true! Because it clearly wasn't!

This year I wanted to get an overall perspective of this creative multi-cultural feast. So I actually dedicated real time to viewing the semi-finals. Two hours each evening viewing the overzealous, the outright rubbish, the camp, the genuine talent and the darn-right stupid all blended into this screamingly silly waste of broadcasting air time.

I had my fiver placed firmly on Malta's entry - Vodka. An excellent, well-written, well-produced and superbly performed song swept away as an instant memory. When I see rubbish like the Latvian attempt - Pirates of the Sea - given preference to real talent then I know for sure I haven't lost my marbles altogether! It reinforces my overall opinion that this Song Contest has become a complete and utter waste of time.

So what is The Eurovision Song Contest these days? Is it a means of displaying genuine talent? Is it a method of bringing Eurovision member countries closer together? Maybe a way of projecting national and European identity?

Is it some sort of pan European joke? Or is it a vehicle for member nations to point fun and ridicule other nations?

It's a gross embarrassment for genuine entrants like the Maltese. It causes serious damage to the overall national image of countries who aren't universally recognised for their talent and especially for this small and well-meaning nation. Malta's position has nothing to do with the local selection board, its members or the talent that competes locally to represent the Republic. It's no good pointing fingers locally. It's no good bitching endlessly in the vain hope of gaining certain personal local kudos. Because of the international nature of the contest there are decisions taken outside Malta that are beyond Maltese control.

The fact of the matter is that the overall Eurovision Song Contest has turned into a total confusing fiasco during which the genuine talent should avoid like the plague for fear of professional tarnish.

In the meantime, the final was on Saturday. I wished my home country well while I commiserated with certain nations who must be asking themselves: Why?