UK national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest had hit with "Walking On Sunshine", to enter a new track, "Love Shine A Light". This produced a win in the Eurovision Contest itself for the United Kingdom and for Katrina and the Waves in 1997, and followed with a second place for Imaani in 1998, but disappointment in 1999 for the all-girl band Precious. In 2000, the same format continued, but the final four songs were performed live in "A Song For Europe", still shunted to a graveyard Sunday afternoon slot. The result proved disappointing. Nicki French gave what author John Kennedy O'Connor describes in his book The Eurovision
Eurovision Song Contest 1997 was determined by order of performance in the contest. The spokespersons are shown alongside each country. Eurovision Song Contest 1997 The Eurovision Song Contest 1997, was the 42nd edition of the annual Eurovision Song Contest. It took place in Dublin, Ireland, following Eimear Quinn's win at the 1996 contest in Oslo, Norway with the song "The Voice". This was a record seventh hosting of the event for Ireland, and the fourth in five years. The contest was held at the Point Theatre on 3 May 1997. Carrie Crowley and Boyzone member Ronan Keating were the presenters of the show. Twenty-five