One of the few things that can make me smile at the moment is remembering that the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest is on next week. It's been one of my passions since the mid 90s when I lived briefly in England, where it's very popular. Australia doesn't enter, for obvious reasons (though these days the countries involved are further afield than traditional Europe!) but the contest has always been screened here, with a bit of a cult following. It's one of those mad, fun, weird things that I don't fully understand, but I love it. You never know what to expect from Eurovision -- some of the artists and songs are truly brilliant, and yet more are truly tragic. The voting is by telephone, by the public, and there's always some "bloc" voting (with neighbouring countries voting for each other, etc). The usual commentator, BBC's Terry Wogan, has retired after umpteen years, which is sad because he managed to be reverent yet slightly sarcastic in his comments. Often we would be laughing so hard at his commentary that we would miss some of the songs!
This year's contest is held in Russia, as they won it in 2008 (a very cute boy named Dima won with his song "Believe"). There are so many countries now that they have two semi-finals, which are on the 12 and 14 of May, with the final on the 16th. Mr Ex is also a huge fan, as is my family, so we usually have a party with international foodstuffs, quizzes, games, and costumes. Big, big deal! Last year, it was the weekend Mr Ex and I made the decision to part ways, which naturally put a dampener on celebrations. I'm hoping this year will be more enjoyable...
I've decided to put here on my blog some of my favourite Eurovision acts from last year. Bosnia & Herzegovina's entry came 10th...it's so weird and catchy! Makes me smile...
Latvia was one of the favourites last year, they've won the contest before - this entry came 12th. I absolutely love it.
Earlier today I really felt bereft. So hard to get motivated, crazy and harmful thoughts going through my mixed up head. I feel a lot better now, thanks to my litle Eurovision hobby/obsession. I have CDs of previous contests, and the last ten years on video, and youtube has stacks of clips. I think I will spend more time in Eurovision world this week.
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5 comments:
I really enjoyed the videos. I never heard of this contest before ... it seems very entertaining, no wonder you enjoy it so much.
That second one will be stuck in the head the rest of the day-- not a bad thing. :) Isn't our technology today fantastic? We have so many things to help us at the touch of a button. I'm glad you're feeling better. Thanks for sharing Lil.
We don't even get this here in Canada!
OK, I just watched the videos...they are nothing like what I was expecting...I can see why this would have a cult following! And it would have to be CULT - to me this looks so weird, in an entertaining kind of way!
I have to point out that a lot of the entries are fairly mainstream ballad or pop/dance style songs - the ones I like are the weirder and more quirky ones! So these two aren't an "average" selection I guess! Celine Dion was in it for France one year, and ABBA, so some of it is pretty ordinary. But to me, it's worth watching for the sheer wackiness and fun of the Eastern Bloc countries LOL.
Celine Dion for France? That traitor!!
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