Istanbul's Abdi Ipecki stadium is usually a sweaty basketball stadium, but was transformed into a stage fit for one of the biggest musical events in the world. With an enthusiastic capacity crowd flying flags of many nations, the atmosphere was electric - clearly this contest was shaping up as a night to remember.  Last year's Turkish victor Sertab Erener set the stadium ablaze with a rousing rendition of her winning song, surrounded by a coterie of gold-dusted nymphs and then the magical whirling dervishes. Presenters Meltem Cumbul and Korhan Abay followed the Eurovision tradition for elaborate costumes, indulging in cheesy banter and slightly stilted delivery. But the crowd had turned out to see 24 live performances, cheer on their favourites and see who could live up to the big occasion.

This year's contest turned out to be a melting pot of musical flavours, with many worthy of winning - and the

others being relegated to musical also-rans. The winning performance was enough to cause a riot in the stadium, with Ukraine's Ruslana packing a fur-clad, whip-cracking punch which bowled over the audience and Europe alike. Serbia and Montenegro's captivating folk tune was the first that really drew a response from the stadium crowd, with an intense hush followed by a thunderous reception for singer Zeljko Joksimovic and a deserving runners-up spot.  Greece and Turkey were also huge crowd-pleasers in Istanbul, with Sakis Rouvas providing some great moves and a touch of deft undressing, and local heroes Athena sending the arena into a cacophony of chanting, clapping and pogoing - but it wasn't quite convincing enough for Eurovision voters. The UK's James Fox inspired some patriotic flag-waving from the British camp, but the stadium seemed to find him just too gentle and easy-going and the do-or-die Eurovision vote left the Welshman languishing in the doldrums of 16th place. The Turks put on a riotously colourful and scintillating interval act which filled the stage and was a clever Anatolian take on Ireland's Riverdance. Instead of being a time filler, this was true entertainment which won the unanimous approval of Abdi Ipecki's Eurovision devotees - quite unlike some of the competing songs.

The voting this year was the biggest in Eurovision history and seemed to show that regional biases fail to diminish. Cyprus and Greece gave one another maximum votes, prompting howls of derision in the stadium, and Balkan neighbours stuck firmly together. It appears that the UK and Ireland only have each other for company now. Experiencing Eurovision in the flesh is on occasion not to be forgotten and a million miles away from watching it on the small screen at home - even if it means missing Terry Wogan's legendary commentary. Turkey's first contest was a huge success with few hitches, and will ensure Eurovision survives well beyond its 50th year in 2005 - in Kiev.-Michael Osborne.

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