Paula has pointed us at the latest excellent Eurovision filled Popbitch Update.

Amongst the important Eurovision stuff in this issue Popbitch have shared the following thoughts on the big Western European competitors [our comments in brackets]:

• France - have sent a cross between Hanson and Russell Watson. Big favourite and could walk it if people take to opera. [Not going to happen - his look is far too 1996!]
• Italy - first entry since 1997 and they seem to have sent their Jamie Cullum. Sings with his eyes shut though - will lose him votes. [Good description of the singing but they fail to mention his very strange video featuring film clips in the background. When your video makes Jedwards look better planned you have to wonder...]
• Denmark - catchy and anthemic pop. Wil llose the bookies a load of money if it wins (including to us as we took a punt when it was stupidly long odds.). [We respectfully disagree, it sounds like the dance remix of an album track from a later Human League album. And not in a good way.]
• Norway - would have been the perfect World Cup theme one-hit wonder [Yeah, fair enough. We love the Casio keyboard factor.]
  
• Germany - Lovely Lena is back to defend her crown. Love the song but no-one has ever done the double. [Actually your factoid isn't entirelytrue Popbitch... ]
  

You can view Popbitch's recommended countries here:
http://bit.ly/lKF7QD

Top PB betting/backing/selection tips

• Don't back Hungary (so say rehearsal spies)
  
• Azerbaijan are the big favourites for the first semi final [bit of a shame - sounds like ColdPlay meets Take That and Snow Patrol for a particularly rubbish Grey's Anatomy montage].
• Dana International's brother is called Nimrod.

In Blue News...
The band have arrived in Dusseldorf following an absolute schmoozefest around Europe. They've also recently become animated (yes, they always looked like they could be a lot more animated!):


On a related note: Blue have adopted an orangutan. He's called Blue.

And Finally...

We bet you are wondering what the food was like at the Eurovision opening party aren't you?!