All about Eurovision

By Paul Lambis

As one of the most-watched musical extravaganzas in Europe and the US (largely due to Will Ferrell’s movie about the talent show), the Eurovision Song Contest was finally held in Rotterdam after a year’s postponement due to the global pandemic.

Crammed with infinite supplies of indoor pyrotechnics, dry ice, sequins and hallucinatory visual effects the three-hour display of catchy, alternative, trendy and Middle Eastern-esque vibes, including some cringe-worthy numbers I could happily go without ever hearing again, the annual Eurovision party is certainly a time to come together and appreciate the diverse talents of our neighbouring countries, and Australia.

Of course, the whole business is extremely subjective, one man’s Vivaldi is another’s Snoop Dogg. The Eurovision 2021 odds pushed Italy all the way to the top of the betting table, with Måneskin’s rock spectacle scoring victory on the continent’s biggest stage. Yet, back in 2018 when bookmakers considered Cyprus the favourite to win the 63^rd Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon and, despite an energetic performance of the song Fuego by Eleni Foureira (with enough hair flicking to make even Beyonce proud), Cyprus failed to clinch first place, coming in second to Israel. Although this year’s song lacked the bottomless charisma and energy of Foureira, El Diablo had all the ingredients that would add up to Eurovision success.

So how did a hard-edged Italian rock number outperform this year’s glittery line-up of bops, anthems and ballads? Aside from Cyprus’ entry, which is insanely catchy (or controversial, if you believe the song is a tribute to the evil one), my tastes ran towards Malta’s hugely joyous belter, San Marino’s high-spirited Adrenalina, France’s Edith Piaf lookalike, and even Russia’s woman-power anthem that had me watching their YouTube video on repeat while Portugal and Spain performed their ‘bathroom breaks’. Yet, on the back of the public vote, Måneskin fought off stiff competition from France and Switzerland, and surged to victory with their song Zitti e Buoni.

I have often questioned the appeal of heavy metal over other genres of music that are easier on the ears. It is fine to critique any sort of music, and as previously mentioned, musical appreciation is an entirely subjective experience, however, I am unable to warm up to this particular type of music. Driven by the aggressive sounds of the distorted electric guitar, Måneskin’s win certainly brought metal to the masses, replicating Finland’s triumphant success when Lordi won the contest back in 2006 with Hard Rock Hallelujah. The Finnish also did their best to pull out all the stops this year, and see their act Blind Channel through to the final. Their rock number, Dark Side, secured a sixth-place finish.

Italy’s win, however, was temporarily overshadowed following online speculation of cocaine snorting after footage showed the lead singer of the glam rock band leaning over a table during the show. The band strongly refuted the allegations of drug use, and after a voluntary drug test that produced a negative result, Måneskin returned home to the adulation of fans and reporters. Case closed.

As we allow the dust to settle, let us turn back the clock to 1956 when the Eurovision Song Contest made its first broadcast. The European Broadcasting Union first introduced the competition as a way to cheer Europe up after World War II. Described as a “light entertainment programme,” the show was part of the spiritual integration of Europe; however, it has always reflected the political situation of the day. Politics have always played a significant part in the contest, including the voting system. The quality of an act does not necessarily influence the outcome of the competition, as political alliances are far more important. The Scandinavians, the Balkan countries, and the post-Soviet states often stick together. Greece votes for Cyprus, Cyprus votes for Greece. As for this year, the United Kingdom’s Embers got ‘nil points’ and came in last. Is Brexit to blame?

Fast forward and all eyes will be on Italy in 2022 when the winning nation hosts the 66^th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. It will be the third contest to be held in Italy, after Naples in 1965 and Rome in 1991. On May 23, 2021 representatives from the cities of Bologna, Milan, Pesaro, Naples and Turin expressed their interest in hosting the contest.

Cyprus has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 37 times since making its debut in 1981. As of 2021, Cyprus holds the record for the most times participating in the Eurovision Song Contest without winning. Back in September, it was heavily rumoured that Eleni Foureira was in discussions about a potential Eurovision comeback for Cyprus in 2021. In her answer to the question, Eleni reiterated her love for Cyprus and for Eurovision and that declining the invitation for Eurovision 2021 was purely a matter of timing. Perhaps 2022 might be our year. Fingers crossed.