When the late Terry Vaughan retired from his 35-year tenure as the voice of the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest, many fans felt that hope for the United Kingdom had been lost.
But then Graham Norton appeared on our screens, bringing his sarcastic, ridiculous comments. It felt like the perfect match. All doubts that Norton could not fill Wagon’s shoes quickly disappeared into the fluffy confetti.
This year, Norton will be back in the commentary on the BBC’s grand final coverage (May 14).
Meanwhile, Rylan Clark and Scott Mills held the fort, presenting the semifinals this week (May 10 and 12).
Norton is known for making fun of the length of the four-hour final, as well as noticing when “someone got dressed” to announce results from each participating country. Hopefully, Sam Ryder will be more supportive of the UK’s involvement in 2022.
Let’s recall some of Norton’s fiercest remarks:
“This is Marmite, if everyone hated Marmite.” – at the German performance “I do not feel hatred” by Gendrik (2021)
“Less Destiny’s Child. Destiny’s still inappropriate aunt. ” – for the performance of Serbia by the pop trio Hurricane (2021)
“Now is the time for the flag ceremony. This is a new tradition. That’s the way to make the show a little longer. ” – on the length of the opening ceremony (2018)
“He came back with a song called ‘That’s How You Write a Song’ … Ironically, the song is not great.” – on the presentation of Norway (2018)
“I liked the little one when she stopped the music. – on the representation of Slovenia falsifying a technical problem (2018)
“If you’re going to make someone dress like a gorilla, at least get some decent clothes. It looks like two old car seats sewn together. – on the entry of Italy “Karma of the West” (2017)
Graham Norton took over from Terry Wagon in 2009
(PA)
“The producers put together the line-up, and given that no song that won second place ever won, I guess they didn’t think much about it. Sorry for France, the singer is Lisa Angell, the song is ‘N’oubliez Pas’, which means let’s not forget. Unfortunately, I’m afraid we will. “- on France’s performance in the grand final (2015)
“He said he did something terrible as a boy. We don’t know what it was. Maybe it was to write this song. “- for the Norwegian record” A Monster Like Me “(2015)
“Okay… These are three minutes we’ll never go back, but look at it this way: we’ll never have to hear this song again.” – Albania’s performance of “I’m Alive” (2015)
“Well, that wasn’t awkward at all, well done.” – reacting to the surprising rap provided by the reader of the Finnish results (2014)
“Oh, thank you, it’s so much fun! It’s like a gay wedding I’ll never have! It’s not in my wine! ” – responding to the hosts of Eurovision, who showered him with confetti in his special commentary booth (2014)
“If you’ve just joined us and thought, ‘Oh, Denise van Outen’s released,’ no, this is Cascada representing Germany,” Cascada said after her performance of Glorious (2013).
“If you are watching with pets or sensitive elderly people, maybe now is the time to put them in the service room.” – Commentary before Cezar’s high, strobe-filled performance of “It’s My Life” for Romania (2013)
“It will instill fear in your heart – she is a dedicated experimental jazz musician. She can do extraordinary things with her voice … not pleasant, but extraordinary. “- Presentation of Albania’s Eurovision Song Contest Rona Nishliu performing” Suus “(2012)
Will Norton be so rude about the UK’s entry in 2022, Sam Ryder?
(AFP via Getty Images)
“He looks like a good boy who got into the wrong game, doesn’t he?” – about Eric Saade’s performance of “Popular” for Sweden (2011)
“They drink a lot. It’s almost as if they think they won’t introduce themselves again. ” – for the back dancers of the United Kingdom (2010)
“The bad news is that you will be watching Albania. She is only 17, so please keep that in mind. Where was her mother? Why didn’t he step in and say “no?” – on Albania’s performance of ‘Carry Me in Your Dreams’ performed by Kejsi Tola (2009)
The grand final of Eurovision takes place on Saturday, May 14, BBC One from 20:00. Here’s everything you need to know about the race here.
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