Backstage at Eurovision 2008

British fans, Mark Eastwood and Carol Wright at the Eurovision song contest in Belgrade, Serbia. Whoever said Geri Halliwell wasn't influential? Photograph: Gary Calton/Gary Calton

The Latvian entrants, Pirates of the Sea, during the final. They dress like this at home, too. Photograph: Gary Calton/Gary Calton

French entrant Sebastien Tellier performing Divine. He wanted to impress the judges, sure, but did he really have to get down on his knees and beg? Photograph: Gary Calton/Gary Calton

The Azerbaijan entrants Elnur Huseynov and Samir Javadzade. We'd like to say "no animals were hurt making this costume" but we don't actually know. Photograph: Gary Calton/Gary Calton

Laka, the Bosnia and Herzegovina entrant. Moustache on loan from John Waters. Photograph: Gary Calton/Gary Calton

75 Cent, the rapper who performed with Kraljevi for Croatia in the final Photograph: Gary Calton/Gary Calton

The Bosnia and Herzegovina performers in the artist preparation room prior to the final. Look at how many TVs are in this room. There are people starving in Africa etc Photograph: Gary Calton/Gary Calton

Sebastien Tellier in his changing room before his performance. Being this cool is listed on his CV as a full-time job. Photograph: Gary Calton/Gary Calton

Fans singing along to the Serbian entrant. Where were you when Andy Abraham was on? Photograph: Gary Calton/Gary Calton

The Greeks celebrate getting 12 points after their performance. The guy sitting down is clutching the table leg to stop him weeing himself with excitement. Possibly. Photograph: Gary Calton/Gary Calton

The Spanish performer Rodolfo Chikilicuatre celebrate their points in the green room. Sadly, the judges did not award extra wacky points for the tiny new-rave guitar. Photograph: Gary Calton/Gary Calton

Sebastien Tellier in the green room after his performance of Divine. Like Mickey Mouse at Disney Land, the guy on the right was sacked shortly after for being spotted without a beard. Photograph: Gary Calton/Gary Calton

The Russians celebrate getting 12 points in the green room. They don't look overly happy, but in Russia joy is expressed by placing a small glass of red wine near a television, rather than cheering. Photograph: Gary Calton/Gary Calton

Fans awaiting the Eurovision song contest in Belgrade, Serbia Photograph: Gary Calton/Gary Calton

The Russian entrant Dima Bilan celebrates winning. This gallery has been emotional. Sniff. Photograph: Gary Calton/Gary Calton