Now, before we invite the winner up on stage, I'd like to invite on stage the man who makes all of this possible, an Angleteric EV hero, the one and only PETER MONTFORT!
Thank you, Nick. Tonight has been yet another wonderful display of the rich musical diversity of Europe, and, for the first time, beyond Europe. Angleter and Neomantua not only put on a great show tonight, we made history. I'd like to offer my particular thanks to Conch Kingdom for taking part in EuroVoice, and making this a truly global contest.
EuroVoice has been such a wonderful family to me, and such a big part of my life since I became Chief Executive of EuroVoice way back in 2015. The first time I stood on a EuroVoice stage was when I announced the results of EV 26 in Inquista - can you believe that?
But nothing stays the same. We all have to move with the times, and that includes EuroVoice, and you know, it includes me too. EuroVoice needs fresh ideas and fresh passion. So I'm announcing tonight that, sadly, EV 38 will be my final EuroVoice as Chief Executive, and I'll shortly be asking the EUBC to organise an election among the member broadcasters so my replacement can be in place before EV 39 in Icholasen this autumn.
[Groans and sad noises emanate from the audience. The cameras pan across and zoom in on a woman in floods of tears]
It gives me great pleasure to round out my EuroVoice journey with such a great and historic contest, and to do so right here in my home co---