The last contest of the Century took us to Israel, 20 years after they last hosted. In a first, they employed the services of 3 presenters, including former entrant Dafna Dekel.
For the first time since 1977 the rule about having to sing in a language native to your country was abolished, hence many countries opting to sing in English. Also it was the first contest that completely did away (on grounds of cost if memory serves) with the Orchestra.
The UK entry was sang by all-girl group Precious. Indeed, our NF was pretty much of a muchness, with neither Sister Sway, Jay or Alberta really installing much confidence. The better song go through, but I wasn't expecting victory. Indeed, it was lead singer Louise Rose who made more headlines on the night, due to a slight wardrobe malfunction.
The winner was a slice of pure-schlager. Charlotte Niellsen for Sweden with the Abba-esque "Take Me To Your Heaven" (exactly 25 years to the day that Abba had won in Brighton) scored a comfortable victory ahead of Icelands Selma with "All Out Of Luck".
Now, I have a question for you all. What was the last song in the 1999 Eurovision? Croatia? No! Dana International with "Free" in the interval - wrong again! It is a bit of a trick question in all honesty, as the correct answer is "Hallelujah" sang by everyone at the end, sang in tribute to victims of the Balkan War, but more than that I felt a fitting end to the Contest in the 20th Century.
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