We asked on Twitter whether Electro Velvet had done the UK proud. I regret to report that Twitter is (mostly) not impressed.

Emma Saunders
Entertainment reporter

Genealogy had to change their song title after it was deemed too political - not quite sure what the point was given the lyrics remain unchanged. 

But anyway, it’s a powerful rock ballad sung by a six-strong group, featuring opera-style warbling plus your more standard pop voices. There’s some pretty impressive harmonies here, too.

Emma Saunders
Entertainment reporter

Rolling Stones tribute act singer Alex Larke and vocalist Bianca Nicholas are really enjoying the ride here in Vienna. Their song has been the subject of much debate on social media and Alex himself has described it as a “Marmite” song i.e. you either love it or hate it. 

But it’s a fun ditty and in a Eurovision Song Contest sadly lacking in gimmicks this year, Electro Velvet’s performance should stand out. Don’t forget, Sandie Shaw won in Vienna in 1967 with Puppet On A String. Let’s hope it’s a good omen.

Emma Saunders
Entertainment reporter

Goodbye to Yesterday has some pretty odd lyrics in places (“I’m all alone, lying here naked waiting by the phone” for starters). Songwriter Stig rarely sings himself, he usually just writes for other people. And you can tell.

Don’t get me wrong, he can hold a tune but Elina definitely has the stronger voice. However, the song is strong and the pair will be hoping for a second win for Estonia in Vienna. The piece de resistance is a clever illusion which sees Stig “disappear” into thin air at the end of the performance. Hurrah, the first real gimmick of the night!

Emma Saunders
Entertainment reporter

Golden Boy, Nadav Guedj, certainly lives up to his name here in the press centre. They absolutely love the 16-year-old bundle of energy who intends to prove he’s “the king of fun”. 

For his tender years, he oozes confidence and totally owns the stage (I’m channelling my inner Simon Cowell). And check out his bling-winged gold trainers. 

His track covers all angles, with a ballad-like solo, morphing into a Justin Timberlake-style dance track and then a Middle Eastern-influenced chorus. Hold on to your hats.

Emma Saunders
Entertainment reporter

Not one act who has been placed second in the line-up at Eurovision has ever won. So it’s a tough ask for France’s Lisa Angell. Let’s hope her lucky routine is in place – when her daughter is backstage with her, Lisa kisses her on the forehead and if she’s not there, she keeps a picture of her close by. Bless. 

Lisa’s a fantastic and powerful singer live but I can’t see this ballad doing the business, despite the men in uniform flanking her on either side. It’s one of the few entries this year to be sung in a native tongue, titled N’oubliez Pas. Or Don’t Forget. Sorry Lisa, we just might.

Emma Saunders
Entertainment reporter

This was a slick opening performance from married duo Marjetka and Raay. Here For You has a genuine contemporary edge with a catchy chorus that should see it do well tonight. And it can’t be easy kicking off a show watched by nearly 200m people on TV. 

Not sure if the huge headphones paired with a wedding dress is a good look but anything goes at Eurovision.  Their act also features a very energetic dancer playing an imaginary violin, plus Raay making love with the camera from his piano seat. Whatever floats your boat.

Here is the BBC's entertainment news team in Vienna, snapped by a BBC cameraman. Taking Eurovision very seriously.

Emma Saunders
Entertainment reporter

We've just met Australians Guy, Syd and Jon awaiting the start of the show in the arena.

Emma Saunders
Entertainment reporter

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more - I've arrived at the press centre and will be here for the duration.

Just before leaving the hotel, I saw Electro Velvet dashing back out, presumably on their way to the arena.

And I literally bumped into Graham Norton as I came out of the lift - or should I say, he bumped into me. He looked in a bit of a rush. For your information, the beard is looking well-groomed ahead of the final.

I've just been introduced to Terry Vision - a puppet who is a reporter for unofficial Eurovision website ESC Insight.

Hmmm. Do you think he might be based on someone closer to home with a strong Eurovision association?