EUROVISION host Graham Norton thanked production team Rotterdam for staging and live audience preparation in an emotional speech at a venue that was a hospital last year.
As last year’s contest was axed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Rotterdam took on the challenge of hosting this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in front of a live audience of 3,500.
Graham got emotional while he explained the enormous efforts the Dutch production team did as we were shown exclusive behind-the-scenes shots.
Graham said: “Tonight they deserve this film, what they’ve done is remarkable.
“Against all the odds they have brought you a live final with an audience here in Rotterdam.
“Just bear in mind, that the easing of lockdown in the UK hasn’t happened here, protocols are much stricter in the Netherlands. There has been so much testing.”
He added: “A year ago, this venue was a hospital and tonight it’s bringing us all together.
“I feel weepy now. Weepy! I’ll stop talking but I do think it’s just lovely how people have gone not just the extra mile but the extra ten hundred miles to get this show on tonight.
“And it’s extraordinary how corona has only affected the Icelandic entry in the show.”
He ended: “For the last few hours, you might have forgotten what is going on in the world, it really has been exceptional.”
“So, congratulations to the Dutch team and our hosts here in Rotterdam.”
Fans praised James Newman’s performance as he flew the flag for the United Kingdom.
The 35-year-old performed his song Embers impressing viewers who said it one of the UK’s best entries.
Amanda Holden announced the United Kingdom voting results tonight.
The 50-year-old wore a stunning long dress nude dress with feather and sparkling sequin detailing.
She announced the twelve points went to France.
But who will win?
