Eurovision Song Contest Draws in 114.5 Million Viewers

GENEVA: The live final of the 2011 Eurovision Song Content was watched by 70 million people, while the two semi-finals pulled in 24.8 million and 19.7 million viewers, respectively.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) reveals that the total for the three live shows was 114.5 million, up by 9 million from the year prior. The 2011 Eurovision Song Contest took place on May 10, 12 and 14 in Düsseldorf, Germany, hosted by broadcaster NDR. The live final at the Düsseldorf Arena was attended by 36,000 fans, and more than 2,000 journalists covered the event. Azerbaijan won the contest. Italy, returning after a 14-year absence, finished second.

Jon Ola Sand, the executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, said: "The Eurovision Song Contest is not just 7.5 hours of top-quality live entertainment, it is also a European ratings triumph. Several broadcasters saw audience records smashed, due to massive viewer interest."
 
Sand added: "There is something magical about so many people across Europe and around the world sharing the same experience at the same time."