Andrew Lloyd Webber was in a jubilant mood after his newest protege Jade Ewen secured fifth place in this year's Eurovision Song Contest - Britain's best result in seven years.
"Jade performed brilliantly, as I knew she would. I am delighted with her fifth place finish. After so many years of disappointing results the UK can finally hold its head up high," said the composer, who accompanied the London-born singer on the piano during the Moscow sing-off.
"I am sure this will be a springboard for Jade and that she will go on to enjoy great success as an artist."
Twenty-one-year-old Jade, who wore a dress by British designer Amanda Wakeley to perform It's My Time, which was written by the music empresario, is expected to go on to great things.
Taking the top spot in the competition was Norway's entry, the folk-inspired Fairytale performed by singer and violinist Alexander Rybak. He beat 24 other contestants and broke the record for the most points awarded – an impressive 387.
Another high point of the competition - during which scoring was split for the first time between phone-in votes and panels of musical experts – was a special appearance from burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese.
The porcelain-skinned beauty performed a toned-down version of her usual striptease routine to the strains of Germany's entry by hip-swinging performer Alex Swings Oscar Sings. Dita has a huge following in the country, where the music of her former husband Marilyn Manson is extremely popular.
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
