But the Irishman's plans to lubricate his commentary box performance suffered a blow after he broke his ribs in a post-Baftas fall at his home.

BBC: Norton takes the Eurovision mic

Met general manager Peter Gelb said in an announcement from the stage that de Niese was in the New York area and planned to watch the performance from his box, and that he called her Tuesday morning and asked her to sing instead.

WSJ: De Niese steps into Met 'Cesare' on short notice

Inexpensive standing room seats are sold 80 minutes before the performance at a separate box office on Operngasse street.

BBC: Finding your rhythm in Vienna