Yes I watch Eurovision. I’ve watched it every year since 1991. I really don’t know why and I’ve tried to figure it out. You can’t call it riveting TV. We’ve come bottom every year since 1991, so it’s not exactly British pride. But something makes it un-misable TV. So what exactly is the attraction of Eurovision? Why is it a party night for so many people?
Is it the many talents that appear on the show? There are times when I can’t help but ask myself: ‘What the hell…?’ I think the attraction of watching the acts is waiting to find out which one looks the weirdest. Which one is the strangest. Which one has the most outlandish costume. Which one has the strangest dance routine.
Is it the humorous comments of the late Terry Wogan, or the sarcastic, cynical, caustic jibes of Graham Norton? Their narration has certainly been entertaining, and at times annoying. Not afraid to voice their own opinions and blatantly say that they dislike an act. But Eurovision would not be the same without them.
Is it the stage sets? Some of them have been pretty spectacular. Some of them crap. The act from Israel this evening was interesting. It looked like a large cannabis leaf lit up under his feet. (Not that I would know what a cannabis leaf looks like. I’m just guessing.) While the Polish set in black and red reminded me of vampires.
Is it the way so many countries in Europe come together one night of the year to show off a talent? Or what they think is talent.
Is it the voting at the end? This never fails to annoy people. It makes me laugh. I think it’s hilarious. The Scandinavian countries voting for each other. Nobody voting for the UK. Countries ostracising countries they don’t like. Like it or not it’s political voting.
Is it the flag waving, cheering Europeans, screaming for their country representatives in the audience? The atmosphere is palpable. Even watching on the TV. I reckon being there in the arena would be an unforgettable experience.
Is it the fact that it’s European and the UK is part of the EU? Well other European countries in the contest are not part of the EU. For instance, Azerbaijan, Israel, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Australia. Hang on, that one’s not even found in Europe. Could this be a UK ploy to get votes?
Whatever the reason is it’s addictive viewing. One thing is for sure – if we leave the EU we’ll still be in Eurovision.
Eurovision Song Contest Stockholm 2016
The Very Best Of Eurovision Song Contest – A 60th Anniversary
The Good, the Bad and the Wurst: The 100 Craziest Moments from the Eurovision Song Contest
Natural Matrix 