One institution, the Eurovision Song Contest, has been drawing viewers from all around Europe and beyond for almost 70 years as they marvel at the talents of several vocalists. About 200 million spectators applaud and select their favorites among the competitors, showing pride in the artists as they represent their countries. In an otherwise apolitical contest, politics is infused into the celebration of unity and variety.
A spectacle of song and diversity
Something powerful has been awakened by the popularity of Käärijä’s mutant rave-rap hit Cha Cha Cha from the previous year’s competition. There’s a spirit of musical innovation and outrageous, risqué performance everywhere you turn in Malmö. The most popular dish is Croatia’s Baby Lasagna, whose absurdly catchy Rim Tim Tagi Dim is the current favorite to win according to the bookies. It tells the tale of a rural child bidding farewell to his milking stool and heading for the big city in a loud, aggressive, memorable, and enjoyable way. Rock and techno components are blended together. Each participating nation submits an original song written by a citizen to be sung by a chosen performer.
Vocalists do not have to be citizens of the nation they represent. Three live broadcasts comprise the competition: the grand finale, two semifinals, and one semifinal. Voting for artists from their own nation is not permitted. In addition to the glory, victors get a glass trophy and the opportunity to organize the tournament the following year. Ireland and Sweden each have seven victories to their names. ABBA, who won for Sweden in 1974 with their rendition of “Waterloo,” and Celine Dion, who won for Switzerland in 1988 with her rendition of “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi,” or “Don’t Leave Without Me,” both got their start in show business thanks to the Eurovision song contest.
Selection processes and contenders
Something powerful has been awakened by the popularity of Käärijä’s mutant rave-rap hit Cha Cha Cha from the previous year’s competition. There’s a spirit of musical innovation and outrageous, risqué performance everywhere you turn in Malmö. The most popular dish is Croatia’s Baby Lasagna, whose absurdly catchy Rim Tim Tagi Dim is the current favorite to win according to the bookies. It tells the tale of a rural child bidding farewell to his milking stool and heading for the big city in a loud, aggressive, memorable, and enjoyable way. Rock and techno components are blended together. This year’s participation total 37. As the name of the competition implies, singers from mostly European nations compete to win over the audience’s hearts. However, non-European nations are also eligible to take part. Any nation that is a current member of the European Broadcasting Union is eligible to submit songs for the Eurovision song competition.
Bright culture and eye-catching locations
Australia has long been a Eurovision lover, and in 2015, the country was invited to submit a performance as part of the contest’s 60th anniversary celebrations. Australia has persisted in taking part. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine led to its elimination from the competition. Israel and other non-European countries are allowed to participate since they are members of the EBU. Israel, which has participated in the Eurovision since 1973, was given permission to compete this year. Israeli singer Eden Golan, representing her country, was ordered to change her original song, “October Rain,” which appeared to be a reference to the previous year’s Hamas attacks, which resulted in the deaths of almost 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 240 more. The song has been renamed “Hurricane”.
Production secrets and stage design
The rapping and singing duet Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil, with their song “Teresa and Maria,” are Ukraine’s submission this year. They’ll play in the championship game. Three times, Ukraine has won Eurovision. The winner from the previous year advances directly to the final, therefore this year’s Sweden-representing twin brothers, Marcus and Martinus, from Norway, will sing on May 11 with their song “Unforgettable.” Additionally certain of a position are France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Known as the “Big Five,” these nations are the ones that give the European Broadcasting Union the most fees. The remaining nations are required to participate in two semifinals. The finals are then open to the top 10 nations from each semifinal. In other words, 26 nations will participate in the finals.
Exploring the diverse musical styles
The competing nations cast public votes to determine who advances to the semifinals. Viewers in each nation can cast their votes for as many or as few songs as they’d like using a phone or an app. The ultimate outcome is determined by a jury as well as by popular voting. International public votes will be counted this year for the first time.
