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
Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest 1997 "Fiumi di parole" received 114 points, placing 4th in a field of 25. Italy withdrew from the contest after this entry, and did not return until 2011. Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest 1997 Italy returned to the Eurovision Song Contest at the Eurovision Song Contest 1997, after withdrawing in 1994. The Italian entry was "Fiumi di parole", performed by Jalisse. The Italian entry to the Eurovision Song Contest 1997, held in Dublin, Ireland, was the winner of the Sanremo Music Festival in Italy. The winner was Jalisse with the song "Fiumi di parole" (River of words), composed by Fabio