If you’ve been reading Eurovision Blog for some time (and if you have we congratulate you on your fine effort and for not throwing things at your computer) then you might recall last year we conducted a special experiment which involved sending interview questions by email to all the contest participants, to see how many would respond. Last year only four did – all hail Ukraine, Sweden, Moldova and Bulgaria (and a note to the rest of 2008’s participants: if you’ve finished with those questionnaires now could we have them back please?)
Anyway due to our, er, amazing success with last year’s effort we thought we’d try again this year, and sure enough within 24 hours we got some answers back. Step forward, Netherlands’ representatives The Toppers and prepare to shout “FIRST!”
This is what they had to say for themselves, incidentally…..
NETHERLANDS – THE TOPPERS
How does it feel to be representing your country at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest?
It is great! We hope we will bring success for Holland once again!
What are you most looking forward to about taking part?
Getting to the finals and hopefully win.
What can we expect from your performance? Are you planning a lavish stage show?
It is going to be an over the top spectacle with beautiful costumes and a great act.
Have you ever been to Moscow and are you looking forward to it?
No, this is going to be the first time and we are really looking forward to it.
Which of this year’s other songs do you rate?
We like Norway, France, England and Russia very much.
Which is your favourite Eurovision song of all time, and which is your favourite from your home country?
Favourite song of all time is Ding-a-dong which happens to be a Dutch entry.
What do you think about the debate over so-called ‘political’ voting?
If you look at the results of the last 5 years, you see that the best song has won most of the time. So we do not think it is a political question.
How do you think the return of jury voting might influence the final result?
Not! We think that everyone votes for the best song/act.
Why do you think Eurovision is still so popular, even after all these years?
Because it is the biggest musical event in the world and it just looks great on television.
Have you heard the UK’s song this year and what do you think? Any chance your country could give us some points this year (please…….? 
)
Yes we have and we really love it. Our country will definitely award you some songs.
