The show has suffered from accusations of block voting, which was blamed by some for leaving Britain's 2008 contestant, Andy Abraham, with only 14 points. Wogan said, "I've had 35 wonderful years commentating on the Eurovision for radio and television. From my first, in a small musichall in Dublin, to my last, in the huge arena in Belgrade, it has been nothing but laughter and fun... The silly songs, the spectacle, the grandiose foolishness of it all."
Awards News (1) - For the first time in the 50-year history of the Grammy Awards, the 2009 nominations were announced during a special live concert on US television. It featured performances by Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, and John Mayer, who did a duet with the veteran blues singer, BB King. US rapper Lil' Wayne has been nominated for eight Grammy awards, including album of the year for Tha Carter III. British rock band Coldplay followed close behind with seven nominations, while rappers Kanye West and Jay-Z, and R&B singer Ne-Yo each received six. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 8 February.
Awards News (2) - Barbra Streisand, Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who, choreographer Twyla Tharp and singer George Jones were among the stars to receive Kennedy awards for their contribution to US culture at a gala in Washington. The event was attended by President George W Bush and his wife. All the honourees were treated to surprise performances in their tributes. In a video message, Queen Latifah said Streisand "threw out the rule book" to chart her own career. "She took to the stage like butter on a bagel," she added.
The honours, now in their 31st year, are awarded to recipients for their lifetime contribution to American culture through the performing arts - whether in dance, music, theatre, opera, film or television. Tickets to the gala sell for as much as $4,000 (£2,700). Last year, the event raised $5m (£3.6m) to support the Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts. The show will be broadcast in the US on 30 December.
Not So Good News - Sony has announced plans to cut 8,000 electronics jobs - 5% of the division - as well as shutting 10% of its manufacturing sites. The company said the jobs would be cut by April 2010 but did not say in which countries the staff would go. Sony said it had been trying to reduce production because of the downturn but warned it still had to do more. The news came as Japan said its economy had shrunk between July and September by much more than initially estimated.
(Jim Evans)
