Every May, a dazzling and delightfully eccentric event captivates Europe and increasingly, the world. It’s the Eurovision Song Contest, a long-standing tradition that culminates in a live musical showdown of epic proportions. For many outside of Europe, Eurovision can seem bewildering, a spectacle so unique it often leaves onlookers wondering, “What exactly is Eurovision?”
The Core Concept of the Eurovision Song Contest
At its heart, Eurovision is an annual international song competition. Primarily featuring European countries, it also welcomes participants from nations geographically outside of Europe, like Israel and Australia, adding to its global appeal. Each participating country submits an original song to be performed live on television and radio, competing against entries from all the other nations. Think of it as the Olympics, but for pop music, with a healthy dose of pageantry and national pride thrown in.
The contest unfolds over three live shows: two semi-finals and a grand final. Countries are responsible for selecting their own entries. The selection process varies widely, ranging from elaborate national contests with public voting to decisions made by panels of industry experts. This national fervor to choose the best representative only amplifies the excitement surrounding the main event.
Key Components of the Eurovision Competition
Reaching the grand final is a significant achievement. Only 26 countries make it to the ultimate showdown. Ten countries from each of the two semi-finals qualify based on public votes from participating nations (viewers cannot vote for their own country in the semi-finals). Adding to the mix are the “Big Five” – Spain, France, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom – and the previous year’s winner, who automatically qualify for the grand final due to their substantial financial contributions to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organization behind Eurovision.
The grand final outcome is determined by a combination of jury votes and public votes. Each participating country assembles a jury of music industry professionals who rank the performances. This jury vote is then combined with the public vote from participating countries. In a recent expansion, 2023 marked the first year that votes from the “rest of the world” were also included, further broadening Eurovision’s global engagement.
In a unique situation highlighting Eurovision’s adaptability, the 2023 contest was hosted by the British city of Liverpool. This was on behalf of 2022 winner Ukraine, who were unable to host due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. This act of solidarity underscored Eurovision’s role as more than just a music contest; it’s a platform for cultural exchange and unity. The event was co-hosted by Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, British singer Alesha Dixon, and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, representing a blend of international talent and solidarity.
Eurovision’s Cultural Significance and Historical Context
Eurovision is more than just a song contest; it’s a cultural phenomenon, particularly in Europe. It stands as the world’s largest live music event, deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of many nations. Nordic countries, for instance, exhibit exceptional Eurovision enthusiasm. In 2016, a staggering 95% of television viewers in Iceland tuned in to the grand final, even though their nation hadn’t even qualified that year. Similarly, in Sweden, the host country for 2016, 85% of viewers watched.
Eurovision has served as a launchpad for numerous global music icons. ABBA, the legendary Swedish pop group, gained international recognition after winning Eurovision in 1974. Céline Dion, representing Switzerland, also won in 1988, demonstrating that artists don’t necessarily need to represent their home country. Other notable artists who have graced the Eurovision stage include Olivia Newton-John, Julio Iglesias, Flo Rida, and Bonnie Tyler, showcasing the contest’s diverse musical alumni.
While Eurovision strives to be apolitical, its history is peppered with political undertones and controversies. Ukraine’s 2007 entry, the flamboyant drag queen Verka Serduchka, sparked controversy in Russia. In 2019, Iceland’s act faced boos for displaying Palestinian flags during the final held in Tel Aviv. These instances highlight the delicate balance Eurovision navigates between entertainment and the geopolitical landscape of its participating nations.
How to Experience Eurovision
For those in the United States eager to experience Eurovision, streaming platforms provide access. Peacock notably streamed all three days of Eurovision 2023, and this is expected to continue. The grand finale typically streams live in the afternoon Eastern Time. Interestingly, for the first time in 2023, Americans were also able to participate in voting, engaging with the contest on a deeper level. Voting can be done through the official Eurovision app or website, making it easy for global audiences to have their say.
Eurovision: A Numbers Game
The sheer scale of Eurovision is staggering. In 2022, a reported 161 million viewers across the globe tuned in to watch the three live shows from Turin, Italy, according to the European Broadcasting Union. In many European markets, Eurovision dominates television viewership. In 13 out of 34 measured markets, the contest captured over half of the viewing audience share. The Nordic countries consistently lead in viewership share, with Iceland reaching over 96%, followed by Norway, Sweden, and Finland, demonstrating the contest’s immense popularity in this region.
What to Anticipate at Eurovision
Heading into any Eurovision year, there are always frontrunners and favorites. Sweden, for example, was heavily favored by bookmakers to win the 2023 contest. Their representative, Loreen, a previous winner in 2012 with “Euphoria,” returned with the song “Tattoo.” A victory for Sweden would tie them with Ireland for the most Eurovision wins in history. Other countries often tipped for success include Finland, Ukraine, France, Spain, and Israel, making each contest a thrilling race to the finish.
The Unexpected Eurovision Surge in America
For many Americans, their introduction to Eurovision came through the Netflix comedy film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. This movie became a surprise hit during the pandemic and is considered one of Will Ferrell’s most successful films in recent years. The film playfully depicted the Eurovision world and featured cameos from numerous past Eurovision stars, including Loreen, Alex Ryback, Jamala, Conchita Wurst, and Netta, bridging the gap between the contest and a broader American audience.
Delving Deeper into Eurovision
For those keen to explore Eurovision further, resources abound. Vice offers A Brief History of Eurovision Being a Political Hot Mess, providing insights into the contest’s political dimensions. Forbes also published an article titled Netflix’s ‘Eurovision’ Is Will Ferrell’s Most Successful Movie In Years, examining the film’s impact. These resources offer different perspectives on the multifaceted phenomenon that is Eurovision.
In conclusion, Eurovision is a vibrant, sometimes bewildering, but always captivating event. It’s a unique blend of music competition, national representation, and over-the-top spectacle that has carved a distinctive place in global culture. Whether you’re drawn to the music, the drama, or the sheer eccentricity of it all, Eurovision is an event worth experiencing.
