The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest officially begins in a few hours with the fun and festivities expected to be more camp and controversial than ever before as it once again becomes a stage for pomp, pageantry and politics.
What was born as a festival to unite Europe after the World War II has become a battleground for countries using its spotlight to make a stand on political agendas.
The 70th edition of the song contest being held in Vienna will already go down in history as perhaps the most divisive competition after months of protest over Israel's participation and its war on Gaza led to five countries choosing to boycott the proceedings.
There's been tight security around the venue and across the Austrian capital with pre-show demonstrations erupting. Israel remains one of the favourites along with Finland’s fiery fiddler Linda Lampenius and singer Pete Parkkonen.
But after an impressive performance in Thursday's second semi-final, will an underdog like Australia’s pop star Delta Goodrem finally take the competition down under?
