Linda: Eurovision Has Lost Its Spark

Eurovision winner Linda Martin reckons the song contest has lost its spark and needs to go back to basics.

- Emma McMenamy

The 69-year-old singer said organisers need to concentrate on the songs rather than elaborate dance routines and costumes.

Belfast native Linda told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “It’s just gone too far for my liking.

“Getting rid of the orchestra was the first thing that went wrong in my book, I thought that took class away from it.

“Then they extended it to 43 countries and I just thought ‘Jesus Christ’, every time voting comes around I go away and come back towards the end.

“For me it’s just too much.”

She added: “It should all be focused on the song, not the costumes, not the dancing but the songs.

“I think they have to move away from all that and come right back.