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Songwriter 'determined' despite Eurovision exit

EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Marko Bosnjak holding a microphone and singing with his mouth wide during his Eurovision performance. He is surrounded by four female dancers with very long swishing hair - two are blonde and two are dark. The dancers are wearing white lacy flared trousers and ruffled navy blue crop tops. Bosnjak has mid-length dark hair and is wearing a long-sleeved black and white lacy top with huge shoulder pads.EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Emma Gale described Marko Bosnjak's performance as "flawless"

A songwriter from Dorset says she has had the time of her life at the Eurovision Song Contest despite her song being knocked out in the semi-final stages.

Poison Cake, co-written by Emma Gale, was sung by Croatian pop star Marko Bosnjak in the first of two rounds ahead of Saturday's grand final.

Ms Gale, from Weymouth, was in Basel for the performance on Tuesday, which she described as "flawless".

Although Croatia failed to make it through, she said the "incredible" experience made her more determined to return next year.

Emma Gale Emma Gale with an excited expression and her mouth wide, peeping from behind a Croatian flag. Part of her face is obscured.Emma Gale
Emma Gale said she had the time of her life at the contest

Introducing Bosnjak to UK viewers, BBC presenter Scott Mills said: "He's the first openly gay person in Croatia to be at the Eurovision Song Contest.

"This is Poison Cake - it's a song about standing up for yourself and getting sweet revenge via karma."

The morning after the performance, Ms Gale told BBC Radio Solent's Dorset Breakfast show: "Going into that arena, with thousands of people all over the place listening to our songs, was absolutely incredible.

"I had to console my mum and my husband but I am genuinely not upset - I had the time of my life.

"It's made me more determined to get back there next year.

"I think we all knew we were never going to win but, after the performance last night, he was absolutely flawless, we thought we might have a good chance."

Reuters View of Bosnjak's performance from the back of the arena with the audience in the foreground. The stage is lit green and six tall flames are shooting into the air. Bosnjak is at the centre of the stage and is flanked by four female dancers.Reuters
Bosnjak's performance at Basel's St Jakobshalle featured pyrotechnics and dancers

Ms Gale had three songs shortlisted for this year's Eurovision.

Sulale, sung by Nora Jabri, came sixth in the Norwegian competition - Melodi Grand Prix.

A third song had been a favourite in the Latvian contest but the singer was unable to perform due to illness.

Ms Gale says she is now "back to square one" preparing for next year but hopes her Eurovision "brag status" will lead to more songwriting offers.

Tuesday's Eurovision semi-final is available to watch on BBC iPlayer

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