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Yep. That about sums up the whole contest.
Eurovision is like The Hunger Games for European countries. Except instead of arrows and knives, your arsenal consists of pyrotechnics, enthusiastic backup dancers and glittery pants. (Think Europeanized k-pop). Like The Hunger Games, a whole continent becomes emotionally-invested in this one contest and citizens of countries are able to contribute to the competition's outcome by voting for their 'favourites'. I put favourites in brackets because mostly, countries just vote for their neighbours and the whole contest becomes like a glorified experiment in politics. Also, no-one ever votes for Britain or France.
My extreme love for this annual song contest cannot be expressed in words. I love how unapologetic it is about its glorious tackiness. I love that some countries actually send forward their 'best' acts in the hopes of making their nation proud. I also love that others are like 'fuck it, we ain't hosting this damned contest next year' so they send in a mediocre singer with a lackluster song. That's the other thing; if you win Eurovision, your country has to host it the following year.
Anyhow, the final is airing in Australia tomorrow night at 7:30pm on SBS ONE. Australians aren't allowed to vote (plus it won't be airing 'live' from Copenhagen) but it's still worth a watch. Below are some acts entering this year, which in my opinion, capture the whole glorious Eurovision spirit. If you're not going to watch the contest, at least have a look at these. Trust me, you won't regret it.
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Country: Armenia
Song: 'Not Alone' by Aram Mp3
Eurovision Spirit: Even though it's been heralded as a strong fan favourite, it's got a slow and vaguely boring start. The real magic happens at 1:50 when the dubstep and pyrotechnics kick in. Then he really starts going for it.
Likelihood of Winning: Hard to say. I mean, he definitely made good use of the fire machines but maybe his lack of backup dancers will let him down. However, the song's not terrible enough to be written off as a half-assed entry and neither is it great enough to turn voters off. (If you haven't guessed already, genuinely good songs rarely ever win Eurovision).
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Country: France
Song: 'Moustache' by Twin Twin
Eurovision Spirit: Way to go France! A++ for accurately capturing the spirit of Eurovision and not taking yourselves too seriously (as you've always seemed to do in previous years). Plus, who doesn't like a song about moustaches? And great touch at the end with that blond chick fondling the giant moustache.
Likelihood of Winning: It is a sad but accepted face that no-one ever votes for France. But with this entry, who knows? Maybe history will be made.
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Country: Austria
Song: 'Rise Like a Phoenix' by Conchita Wurst
Eurovision Spirit: YAAAAAS YAAAAAAAAAAAAAS GOOOO AUSTRIA!
Likelihood of Winning: I don't even care. She is a winner in my books. And just listen to that crowd!
Disclaimer: I've only watched one semi-final. (We lag over here in Australia). Who knows what other brilliant acts there are in the next one?
P.S. I've made an adventure list. You can click on it at the top of the 'popular posts' banner.
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