SCENE 45

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INT. LÁSZLÓ PAPP ARENA - NIGHT

Valerie's song kicks off with a huge cheer.

EXT. BUDAPEST STREETS - CONTINUOUS

Over the song, a much braver Ali gets on his bike and starts riding towards the arena.

INTERCUT BETWEEN VALERIE AND ALI

Valerie performs the song brilliantly as Ali rushes through the streets, passing by giant screens showing the contest and people watching and dancing.

As the song comes to an end, Ali nears the arena; dismounts from his bike, shows his ticket to the security and runs to the doors.

Valerie gets into the final high note of the song and just as she nails it, Ali pushes the doors open and throws himself into the arena. The song ends with a huge cheer from the crowd.

VALERIE

I love you, Europe!

The charming ovaticon with Valerie and Loukas appears on the screens. Ali looks on at the stage breathlessly, knowing he is too late.

BY THE UK BROADCASTER BOOTH

GRAHAM NORTON

Next on is Loukas. For a short time after the semi-final, he was the favorite to win. Let's see if he can bring the contest to Greece and become a national hero.

He takes his headset off.

GRAHAM NORTON

Or he'll be eaten up by Valerie and become a Greek gyro. (suddenly sad) I should have said this on air. I'll never be as mean as Terry.

BY THE ARENA FLOOR

Ali is trying to get to the front through the crowd.

ALI

Sorry, I need to get through. Excuse me.

Lights go down and the crowd goes silent. Loukas comes onto the stage and starts singing. The ballad is about how the singer can't hold his loved one in his arms and declare his love. Ali manages to inch his way a bit further.

ALI

Excuse me, my friends are over there.

MAN #3

(mocking) Who's your friend, Loukas?

Ali gives a dirty look at the guy. After the first verse, he starts to see that Loukas isn't holding back.

By the chorus, Loukas is giving the best performance, wowing the crowd. As Ali makes his way to the front, Loukas notices him from the stage and they smile at each other. There are tears in Ali's eyes. As the song's final climax arrives, Loukas is singing his heart out. The song ends with a huge cheer.

LOUKAS

Thank you Europe! (in Greek) Thank you so much!

Loukas and Ali look at each other. Ali is applauding.

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