There's always Eurovision
January 30, 2017 6:22 AM Subscribe
Through times of trouble, fire and ice, the Eurovision Song Contest remains an annual beacon of diversity, happiness, sparkly, demographics, hats, poultry, culture and erotic butter churning. With less than 100 days till the 2017 semi-finals, countries such as Latvia are beginning to select their artists, or artists and songs together, through processes quick or thorough. Finland, for example, this year did not chose the homage to Pete Burns, or to virtual reality "self love", as their chosen entry, and with Finnish efficiency are already looking for their 2018 entry. Meanwhile, Belarus are represented by Navi singing the uplifting Гісторыя майго жыцьця (Historyja Majho Zyccia), while for Albania Lindita Halimi will sing Botë.
The theme for 2017 is "celebrate diversity" and the logo is based around a traditional Ukrainian bead necklace called Namysto.
While few bookmakers are offering odds at this stage, the United Kingdom are already rank outsiders with their entry, Never Give Up On You by Lucie Jones (who came 8th in a previous serious of X-Factor). The UK has not won Eurovision since 1997, despite being an automatic finalist every year this century.
Political controversy is likely to be provided by Georgia. This year, Tako Gachechiladze is the chosen representative; she was a member of the group selected to represent the country in 2009. Their song, We don't Wanna Put In, was eventually withdrawn. The video playing in the background (note 1:27) of Tako's performance this year is interesting.
Eurovision 2017 will be held in Kyiv, Ukraine on the 9th and 11th (semi-finals), and the 13th of May. While there will (currently) be 43 contesting nations, there is no representation this year from Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Monaco, Slovakia or Turkey. As the five main funders, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom receive byes into the final, along with the hosts Ukraine. Australia will be entered at the semi-final stage. The draw for the semi-finals of Eurovision 2017 is tomorrow (31st January) 10am UK time, and is streamed live online.
The theme for 2017 is "celebrate diversity" and the logo is based around a traditional Ukrainian bead necklace called Namysto.
While few bookmakers are offering odds at this stage, the United Kingdom are already rank outsiders with their entry, Never Give Up On You by Lucie Jones (who came 8th in a previous serious of X-Factor). The UK has not won Eurovision since 1997, despite being an automatic finalist every year this century.
Political controversy is likely to be provided by Georgia. This year, Tako Gachechiladze is the chosen representative; she was a member of the group selected to represent the country in 2009. Their song, We don't Wanna Put In, was eventually withdrawn. The video playing in the background (note 1:27) of Tako's performance this year is interesting.
Eurovision 2017 will be held in Kyiv, Ukraine on the 9th and 11th (semi-finals), and the 13th of May. While there will (currently) be 43 contesting nations, there is no representation this year from Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Monaco, Slovakia or Turkey. As the five main funders, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom receive byes into the final, along with the hosts Ukraine. Australia will be entered at the semi-final stage. The draw for the semi-finals of Eurovision 2017 is tomorrow (31st January) 10am UK time, and is streamed live online.
Funny, I didn't think the U.K. would be participating.
posted by sexyrobot at 6:36 AM on January 30, 2017 [13 favorites]
posted by sexyrobot at 6:36 AM on January 30, 2017 [13 favorites]
If I remember, I'll try and post entrants as they are selected by their host country on here; many are chosen during February.
posted by Wordshore at 6:39 AM on January 30, 2017
posted by Wordshore at 6:39 AM on January 30, 2017
Funny, I didn't think the U.K. would be participating
Anyone taking bets on a clean sweep of null points for the UK?
posted by billiebee at 6:58 AM on January 30, 2017 [14 favorites]
Anyone taking bets on a clean sweep of null points for the UK?
posted by billiebee at 6:58 AM on January 30, 2017 [14 favorites]
One of the many casualties of 2016 was Sir Terry Wogan, the UK commentator and the voice for Eurovision for the Commonwealth for decades (getting a retransmitted UK feed). One of the saddest moments for me was when the SBS, on the retirement of Wogan, switched over to Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang. It was the end of a Eurovision era, and SBS have been quietly building up their new tradition, but it's never been quite the same as those years sitting in my bedroom, trying to fix the antenna to get decent reception of the SBS to watch a little slice of a much bigger community.
posted by Talez at 7:08 AM on January 30, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Talez at 7:08 AM on January 30, 2017 [3 favorites]
There's always Eurovision
Oh thank goodness. I appreciate the reminder of one of the good things involving a popular vote.
posted by asperity at 7:10 AM on January 30, 2017 [9 favorites]
Oh thank goodness. I appreciate the reminder of one of the good things involving a popular vote.
posted by asperity at 7:10 AM on January 30, 2017 [9 favorites]
What a prime excuse to share my all-time favorite Eurovision video with you, MetaFilter! I hope Russia competes this year...
posted by Mooseli at 7:11 AM on January 30, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by Mooseli at 7:11 AM on January 30, 2017 [5 favorites]
You had me at erotic butter churning.
I remember watching that video for the first time, unaware, and thinking "Good start with the horn blast; lots of clapping, upbeat, good. Huh, dairy products. And some focus on cleavage. Unexpected. Um, more cleavage. I'm confused. Heck, that is a lot of cleavage - why? - wait, I thought this was Eurovision?"
Anyway, I rewatched it several more times to ensure I accurately knew what I was talking about and did a post about it.
posted by Wordshore at 7:15 AM on January 30, 2017 [4 favorites]
I remember watching that video for the first time, unaware, and thinking "Good start with the horn blast; lots of clapping, upbeat, good. Huh, dairy products. And some focus on cleavage. Unexpected. Um, more cleavage. I'm confused. Heck, that is a lot of cleavage - why? - wait, I thought this was Eurovision?"
Anyway, I rewatched it several more times to ensure I accurately knew what I was talking about and did a post about it.
posted by Wordshore at 7:15 AM on January 30, 2017 [4 favorites]
You have no idea how pleased I am to see this thread. I really need me some Eurovision right now.
posted by JanetLand at 7:25 AM on January 30, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by JanetLand at 7:25 AM on January 30, 2017 [3 favorites]
Anyone taking bets on a clean sweep of null points for the UK?
Before we get into a pile of jokes about UK, politics, and Europe - a reminder that the UK has been treating ESC as a light Saturday night entertainment show for years whilst most other countries have sent high-powered, recognisable pop stars with wide appeal across the continent. The ESC is now a televisual feast where staging is as important as the song and the artist.
An example of a country with divisive European politics that's done well at ESC? Well, Germany won in 2010 with a pop song that was a huge chart hit across the continent. It is entirely possible that the UK will win but the competition is tough and a half-arsed attempt won't get you anywhere.
So far I'm loving both Navia from Belarus (possibly the first Belorussian entry I've really, really liked) and Norma John from Finland. Iceland has a really strong lineup and I'm feeling Svala.
posted by kariebookish at 7:26 AM on January 30, 2017 [5 favorites]
Before we get into a pile of jokes about UK, politics, and Europe - a reminder that the UK has been treating ESC as a light Saturday night entertainment show for years whilst most other countries have sent high-powered, recognisable pop stars with wide appeal across the continent. The ESC is now a televisual feast where staging is as important as the song and the artist.
An example of a country with divisive European politics that's done well at ESC? Well, Germany won in 2010 with a pop song that was a huge chart hit across the continent. It is entirely possible that the UK will win but the competition is tough and a half-arsed attempt won't get you anywhere.
So far I'm loving both Navia from Belarus (possibly the first Belorussian entry I've really, really liked) and Norma John from Finland. Iceland has a really strong lineup and I'm feeling Svala.
posted by kariebookish at 7:26 AM on January 30, 2017 [5 favorites]
I'm from Ireland. We are the champeens.
posted by GallonOfAlan at 7:31 AM on January 30, 2017 [6 favorites]
posted by GallonOfAlan at 7:31 AM on January 30, 2017 [6 favorites]
And don't forget Winny Puhh's performance of "Meiecundimees üks Korsakov läks eile Lätti" [previously]
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 7:34 AM on January 30, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 7:34 AM on January 30, 2017 [4 favorites]
BLESS YOU, EUROVISION. You are a shining light of harmless, cheerful, non-antagonistic national pride and good-spirited international cultural exchange.
Also, you have kooky weird shit for pointing and laughing.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:36 AM on January 30, 2017 [6 favorites]
Also, you have kooky weird shit for pointing and laughing.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:36 AM on January 30, 2017 [6 favorites]
Love Love, Peace Peace! (and a burning fake piano.)
posted by dnash at 7:40 AM on January 30, 2017 [9 favorites]
posted by dnash at 7:40 AM on January 30, 2017 [9 favorites]
the UK has been treating ESC as a light Saturday night entertainment show for years whilst most other countries have sent high-powered, recognisable pop stars with wide appeal across the continent
What exactly is it you're trying to say about Sonia? Rude.
posted by billiebee at 7:44 AM on January 30, 2017 [5 favorites]
What exactly is it you're trying to say about Sonia? Rude.
posted by billiebee at 7:44 AM on January 30, 2017 [5 favorites]
Stephen Colbert, last year, on Eurovision and why America should/will win it (caution for contains reference to current POTUS)
posted by Wordshore at 7:50 AM on January 30, 2017
posted by Wordshore at 7:50 AM on January 30, 2017
I'm not going spam y'all with my favourite ESC entries of all time, but I thought I'd share a couple to give you a flavour of where the contest has been going in the last few years.
Latvia 2015: Aminata with Love Injected. Gloriously weird and electrifying. Aminata writes & produces material for others as well (including Latvia's 2015 entry) and long may she rule.
Bulgaria 2016: Poli Genova with If Love Was A Crime. Brilliant dancefloor pop and Poli sells it big time. 3 minutes of joy.
Norway 2013: Margaret Berger with I Feed You My Love. A delicious slice of cool, Nordic electropop.
Sweden 2012: Loreen with Euphoria. 24 million views on YT. Chart hit across the globe. Sweden does not mess around when it comes to ESC - several heats, several big contenders in every heat, and songwriting precision. There's a reason why they set the standard.
posted by kariebookish at 7:52 AM on January 30, 2017 [7 favorites]
Latvia 2015: Aminata with Love Injected. Gloriously weird and electrifying. Aminata writes & produces material for others as well (including Latvia's 2015 entry) and long may she rule.
Bulgaria 2016: Poli Genova with If Love Was A Crime. Brilliant dancefloor pop and Poli sells it big time. 3 minutes of joy.
Norway 2013: Margaret Berger with I Feed You My Love. A delicious slice of cool, Nordic electropop.
Sweden 2012: Loreen with Euphoria. 24 million views on YT. Chart hit across the globe. Sweden does not mess around when it comes to ESC - several heats, several big contenders in every heat, and songwriting precision. There's a reason why they set the standard.
posted by kariebookish at 7:52 AM on January 30, 2017 [7 favorites]
My toddler is OBSESSED with ABBA. (Or "BABBA" as he calls them.) One of his favorite things in the world is to watch ABBA's Eurovision appearance. It IS pretty great, so sparkly! I think we're going to watch Eurovision as a family this year.
Maybe he can become obsessed with something else. Because I am damn sick of "Take A Chance On Me."
posted by Aquifer at 8:06 AM on January 30, 2017 [4 favorites]
Maybe he can become obsessed with something else. Because I am damn sick of "Take A Chance On Me."
posted by Aquifer at 8:06 AM on January 30, 2017 [4 favorites]
Oh Lordi.
posted by Artw at 8:19 AM on January 30, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by Artw at 8:19 AM on January 30, 2017 [4 favorites]
Aquifer: You should introduce your toddler to King Kong Song.
posted by hippybear at 8:28 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by hippybear at 8:28 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
erotic butter churning: Wow, that was really great!
I hope they make one featuring Slavic guys.
virtual reality "self love": I bet that was about masturbation.
posted by james33 at 8:35 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
I hope they make one featuring Slavic guys.
virtual reality "self love": I bet that was about masturbation.
posted by james33 at 8:35 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
Yes, I missed Eurovision so much. I remember watching it with friends last year and cheering for Ukraine.
The selection shows are a big deal in several countries. In Sweden, where I used to live, they hold Melodifestivalen (colloquially "Mello") and it's a huge show all over the country, with six live shows. Last year literally almost half the population of Sweden watched the finals.
posted by KTamas at 8:53 AM on January 30, 2017 [3 favorites]
The selection shows are a big deal in several countries. In Sweden, where I used to live, they hold Melodifestivalen (colloquially "Mello") and it's a huge show all over the country, with six live shows. Last year literally almost half the population of Sweden watched the finals.
posted by KTamas at 8:53 AM on January 30, 2017 [3 favorites]
I really like the logo and how it fits with the theme!
posted by mixedmetaphors at 8:57 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by mixedmetaphors at 8:57 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
Also who else loves the political kayfabe of Eurovision, that is, the votes from the countries? Last year I've had an extremely high success rate on predicting which country would give their points to whom. It's not rocket science if you've seen a final or two already and know basic European history/politics.
posted by KTamas at 9:00 AM on January 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by KTamas at 9:00 AM on January 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
I love Eurovision, so sad I couldn't watch last year. I've already put the six Swedish Melodifestivalen contests on my calendar!
Here's one of my favorites from Mello a few years ago. Sweden's 2015 runner-up behind the eventual Eurovision final winner (performing a jojk). Happy to see Jon Henrik will be in the Swedish contest this year too.
posted by gemmy at 9:08 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
Here's one of my favorites from Mello a few years ago. Sweden's 2015 runner-up behind the eventual Eurovision final winner (performing a jojk). Happy to see Jon Henrik will be in the Swedish contest this year too.
posted by gemmy at 9:08 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
My sister lives in the Netherlands and thought I was crazy for going to watch parties at embassies here in DC. Last year she finally seemed to have caught the fever from me and I know she watched the whole finals broadcast with her kids.
Also I'm very sad this video isn't in a roller rink, because it's time to shuffle skate!
posted by fedward at 9:29 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
Also I'm very sad this video isn't in a roller rink, because it's time to shuffle skate!
posted by fedward at 9:29 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
Also also, Serbia was robbed in 2015, but at least it meant the watch party was at the House of Sweden, and they throw better parties than the Austrians.
posted by fedward at 9:33 AM on January 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by fedward at 9:33 AM on January 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
"we won't give up on EU" was a pro EU sign/slogan I saw with some regularity, so I imagine UK's title is meant to be read similarly. I can easily imagine the contest without the UK, but without Wogan? I don't know who else is remotely up to the task. maybe Noel Fielding and Richard Ayoyade?
posted by Jon Mitchell at 9:46 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Jon Mitchell at 9:46 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
Oh man I just watched the butter churning video. I'll never be able to hear "Who Stole the Kishka" the same way again (it's the tune playing at the top).
posted by fedward at 10:25 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by fedward at 10:25 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
Oh man I just watched the butter churning video.
Innocence lost.
posted by Wordshore at 10:37 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
Innocence lost.
posted by Wordshore at 10:37 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
How timely, Wordshore. And a much needed breather, I'm sure. Thank you
posted by infini at 10:41 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by infini at 10:41 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
Eurovision is immeasurably improved by a little alcohol.
At least where I live, being obsessed with Eurovision (colloquially "grand prix") is a stereotypically gay thing. Is it like that elsewhere?
posted by simen at 10:44 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
At least where I live, being obsessed with Eurovision (colloquially "grand prix") is a stereotypically gay thing. Is it like that elsewhere?
posted by simen at 10:44 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
Innocence lost.
At least now I get the reference to it in "Love Love Peace Peace."
posted by fedward at 10:46 AM on January 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
At least now I get the reference to it in "Love Love Peace Peace."
posted by fedward at 10:46 AM on January 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
I love Eurovision! I always seem to come into it at the last minute; this year it's going on my calendar.
posted by Deoridhe at 10:57 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Deoridhe at 10:57 AM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
The Finnish preliminary competition was hideously bad this year. I honestly wondered if someone would get fired over it.
In recent years they've had semifinals, which has rinced out the dross and allowed some interesting songs to come out of left field. This year they only had one night and almost all the songs were cringe-inducingly awful. Though there were a couple of decent songs, which I suppose is all that's required.
The ballad that won has a decent enough chance of getting through the semifinals proper, but it probably won't tear up any trees. A top ten finish would be a huge success.
posted by Kattullus at 12:24 PM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
In recent years they've had semifinals, which has rinced out the dross and allowed some interesting songs to come out of left field. This year they only had one night and almost all the songs were cringe-inducingly awful. Though there were a couple of decent songs, which I suppose is all that's required.
The ballad that won has a decent enough chance of getting through the semifinals proper, but it probably won't tear up any trees. A top ten finish would be a huge success.
posted by Kattullus at 12:24 PM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
I think I just realized what Nate Silver should do in 2017.
posted by Huffy Puffy at 12:35 PM on January 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by Huffy Puffy at 12:35 PM on January 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
That Navi tune was REALLY catchy. Any one have the slightest clue what it was about?
posted by Samizdata at 1:46 PM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Samizdata at 1:46 PM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
The Belarus song title in English is The Story of My Life (though a few places say it's The History of My Life).
It apparently doesn't translate that well into other languages; here are a few possible translations, and here it is in the original language and apparently Latin.
But to be honest just sing along at the frequent "Hey! Hey! Hayayayaho!" and it'll be fine
posted by Wordshore at 2:47 PM on January 30, 2017
It apparently doesn't translate that well into other languages; here are a few possible translations, and here it is in the original language and apparently Latin.
But to be honest just sing along at the frequent "Hey! Hey! Hayayayaho!" and it'll be fine
posted by Wordshore at 2:47 PM on January 30, 2017
Wait... there aren't any turkeys in Ireland.
St. Patrick drove them out, along with the snakes.
posted by louche mustachio at 2:48 PM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
St. Patrick drove them out, along with the snakes.
posted by louche mustachio at 2:48 PM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
Ah yes, Eurovision time is here... well it's always here (you know if you search for Eurovision podcast in iTunes you'll find me)... and that means 10,000 song submissions from across the world of people who think their song is the one. Such as...
Lithuania's post-consumerist tirade on emotional attachment to hardware in "I Love My Phone"
Romania's stab at contemporary pop mashed up with rap and a dash of yodelling "Yodel It"
The calming influence of Tornike Kipiani "You Are My Sunshine"
More to follow (and let's not forget it's Sanremo next week!)
posted by ewan at 4:12 PM on January 30, 2017 [6 favorites]
Lithuania's post-consumerist tirade on emotional attachment to hardware in "I Love My Phone"
Romania's stab at contemporary pop mashed up with rap and a dash of yodelling "Yodel It"
The calming influence of Tornike Kipiani "You Are My Sunshine"
More to follow (and let's not forget it's Sanremo next week!)
posted by ewan at 4:12 PM on January 30, 2017 [6 favorites]
Wordshore: "The Belarus song title in English is The Story of My Life (though a few places say it's The History of My Life).
It apparently doesn't translate that well into other languages; here are a few possible translations, and here it is in the original language and apparently Latin .
But to be honest just sing along at the frequent "Hey! Hey! Hayayayaho!" and it'll be fine"
So my smiling headbobbing was right out then?
posted by Samizdata at 6:40 PM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
It apparently doesn't translate that well into other languages; here are a few possible translations, and here it is in the original language and apparently Latin .
But to be honest just sing along at the frequent "Hey! Hey! Hayayayaho!" and it'll be fine"
So my smiling headbobbing was right out then?
posted by Samizdata at 6:40 PM on January 30, 2017 [1 favorite]
Also also, Serbia was robbed yt in 2015, but at least it meant the watch party was at the House of Sweden, and they throw better parties than the Austrians.
My friend Charlie Mason wrote that as well as the winning song in 2014. As far as I can tell, his song for Lithuania this year was withdrawn for some reason.
posted by turbodog at 7:47 PM on January 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
My friend Charlie Mason wrote that as well as the winning song in 2014. As far as I can tell, his song for Lithuania this year was withdrawn for some reason.
posted by turbodog at 7:47 PM on January 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
Last year I was lucky enough to actually go to Eurovision for the first time and it was a full-on, breathless, revelatory experience. I'd been a fan of the contest in a for years but it hadn't occurred to me that it was something that I could actually go to and be part of. It was such a magical experience - hanging out in beautiful Stockholm watching this huge international team put on three totally epic shows. When I heard Jamala sing 1944 in the auditorium for the first time - there were such tears.
Also, as much as I love 'Love Love Peace Peace', there were two other incredible interval acts in 2016.
The Grey People depicts the refugee crisis in an electrifying display of dance and ends in an arena-wide gesture of solidarity.
Man vs Machine features intricately choreographed robot arms in a dance off with some humans. Probably the start of the robot uprising.
I am looking forwards to celebrating diversity at the big shindig in Kyiv!
posted by norabelle at 10:54 PM on January 30, 2017 [5 favorites]
Also, as much as I love 'Love Love Peace Peace', there were two other incredible interval acts in 2016.
The Grey People depicts the refugee crisis in an electrifying display of dance and ends in an arena-wide gesture of solidarity.
Man vs Machine features intricately choreographed robot arms in a dance off with some humans. Probably the start of the robot uprising.
I am looking forwards to celebrating diversity at the big shindig in Kyiv!
posted by norabelle at 10:54 PM on January 30, 2017 [5 favorites]
One of my Slacks has a Eurovision channel, and somebody posted this Greek gem I was unaware of: Alcohol Is Free. (Ska with a balalaika, love it)
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 11:19 PM on January 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 11:19 PM on January 30, 2017 [2 favorites]
*heaving great sigh of relief* While I don't exactly love Latvia's entry, at least it isn't yet another completely generic Europop guy singing weakly about true love or something. Thanks, Wordshore.
posted by glitter at 12:18 AM on January 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by glitter at 12:18 AM on January 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
So, my forever morose countrymen have chosen as their entry a video where a sad woman walks into a lake (the traditional Finnish method of female suicide in every folk poem/song ever) while her boyfriend mopes (also the traditional coping method of every Finnish male ever). Man, they should up their dosage back home, and I hope spring comes early this year.
Also, did anyone else notice how said boyfriend looks like a RL version of Finland in the SATW comics? That's just because it's eerily accurate.
posted by sively at 1:32 AM on January 31, 2017 [5 favorites]
Also, did anyone else notice how said boyfriend looks like a RL version of Finland in the SATW comics? That's just because it's eerily accurate.
posted by sively at 1:32 AM on January 31, 2017 [5 favorites]
norabelle: "Last year I was lucky enough to actually go to Eurovision for the first time and it was a full-on, breathless, revelatory experience. I'd been a fan of the contest in a for years but it hadn't occurred to me that it was something that I could actually go to and be part of. It was such a magical experience - hanging out in beautiful Stockholm watching this huge international team put on three totally epic shows. When I heard Jamala sing 1944 in the auditorium for the first time - there were such tears.
Also, as much as I love 'Love Love Peace Peace', there were two other incredible interval acts in 2016.
The Grey People depicts the refugee crisis in an electrifying display of dance and ends in an arena-wide gesture of solidarity.
Man vs Machine features intricately choreographed robot arms in a dance off with some humans. Probably the start of the robot uprising.
I am looking forwards to celebrating diversity at the big shindig in Kyiv!"
Curses. Man vs. Machine is blocked in the U.S.
posted by Samizdata at 4:55 AM on January 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
Also, as much as I love 'Love Love Peace Peace', there were two other incredible interval acts in 2016.
The Grey People depicts the refugee crisis in an electrifying display of dance and ends in an arena-wide gesture of solidarity.
Man vs Machine features intricately choreographed robot arms in a dance off with some humans. Probably the start of the robot uprising.
I am looking forwards to celebrating diversity at the big shindig in Kyiv!"
Curses. Man vs. Machine is blocked in the U.S.
posted by Samizdata at 4:55 AM on January 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
The drawings for the groups have been held, here are the results (text in Ukrainian but the important stuff are on the images in English).
posted by KTamas at 6:01 AM on January 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by KTamas at 6:01 AM on January 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
Here is the same info in English on Eurovision's website.
posted by KTamas at 6:03 AM on January 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by KTamas at 6:03 AM on January 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
So, my forever morose countrymen...
You give a delightful description of what I'm now going to think of as "Seasonal Affective Disorder: the Song."
posted by asperity at 8:21 AM on January 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
You give a delightful description of what I'm now going to think of as "Seasonal Affective Disorder: the Song."
posted by asperity at 8:21 AM on January 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
While I don't exactly love Latvia's entry, at least it isn't yet another completely generic Europop guy singing weakly about true love or something.
Also, the dog in the video is super cute and I hope they at least have video of the dog on stage. (Maybe not the dog itself, since on stage at Eurovision is really a lot to ask of a dog.)
posted by asperity at 12:24 PM on January 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
Also, the dog in the video is super cute and I hope they at least have video of the dog on stage. (Maybe not the dog itself, since on stage at Eurovision is really a lot to ask of a dog.)
posted by asperity at 12:24 PM on January 31, 2017 [1 favorite]
I would also settle for humans in dog costumes. Latvia, are you listening?
posted by asperity at 12:31 PM on January 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by asperity at 12:31 PM on January 31, 2017 [2 favorites]
And the closet furries start to appear in the Eurovision thread. Just as expected.
posted by hippybear at 12:35 PM on January 31, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by hippybear at 12:35 PM on January 31, 2017 [3 favorites]
I co-write a US-based Eurovision blog with two friends ... one of us has a Masters in tv/film criticism or some such but I just do it as a way to channel my Eurovision energy so I don't drive everyone around me COMPLETELY crazy.
Anyway. I was supposed to write up Albania's pick way back in December but was too depressed because estranged family + holidays + election and have been avoiding the topic ever since. Today, I finally hit a wall with USian politics, said (literally, out loud) FUCK ALL OF THIS, and began my annual ESC binge. It felt great.
More on-topic, I was shocked (SHOCKED) to learn that I really legitimately like the UK's entry! For the first time ever, I think. I'm not sure it's right for the contest -- feels like Broadway, which probably explains why I like it and her so much -- but it's leagues beyond that recent blackface travesty or pulling poor Englebert out of his recliner.
I also grinned like a fool all the way through Belarus. They have great energy and really sell the whole thing. Makes me think "Cake to Bake" took some speed.
Last but not least, I'm pulling for Georgia. Russia hasn't complained (yet), but the video's the only real problem and I wouldn't expect that to survive all the way to the semifinals anyway.
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
posted by zebra at 10:10 PM on January 31, 2017 [5 favorites]
Anyway. I was supposed to write up Albania's pick way back in December but was too depressed because estranged family + holidays + election and have been avoiding the topic ever since. Today, I finally hit a wall with USian politics, said (literally, out loud) FUCK ALL OF THIS, and began my annual ESC binge. It felt great.
More on-topic, I was shocked (SHOCKED) to learn that I really legitimately like the UK's entry! For the first time ever, I think. I'm not sure it's right for the contest -- feels like Broadway, which probably explains why I like it and her so much -- but it's leagues beyond that recent blackface travesty or pulling poor Englebert out of his recliner.
I also grinned like a fool all the way through Belarus. They have great energy and really sell the whole thing. Makes me think "Cake to Bake" took some speed.
Last but not least, I'm pulling for Georgia. Russia hasn't complained (yet), but the video's the only real problem and I wouldn't expect that to survive all the way to the semifinals anyway.
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
posted by zebra at 10:10 PM on January 31, 2017 [5 favorites]
The next country to hold the finals for their artist/song selection is Switzerland this Sunday evening. The six finalists.
Fun facts about Switzerland! They won the first ever Eurovision, with Lys Assia singing Refrain. They promptly nominated her as their representative in the next three Eurovisions, winning none of them. Switzerland's only other victory came in 1988, when Céline Dion sang Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi.
posted by Wordshore at 11:04 AM on February 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
Fun facts about Switzerland! They won the first ever Eurovision, with Lys Assia singing Refrain. They promptly nominated her as their representative in the next three Eurovisions, winning none of them. Switzerland's only other victory came in 1988, when Céline Dion sang Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi.
posted by Wordshore at 11:04 AM on February 2, 2017 [1 favorite]
Timebelle will sing Apollo. This is the kind of song that could do quite well; likely top five.
posted by Wordshore at 4:51 PM on February 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
Wait wait wait. For some reason I didn't get around to watching the "self love" video until just now and how did Finland not vote for that? It is amazing. Also, Günther.
posted by asperity at 9:11 PM on February 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by asperity at 9:11 PM on February 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
how did Finland not vote for that?
Meh. Not enough death.
posted by haapsane at 4:07 AM on February 6, 2017 [4 favorites]
Meh. Not enough death.
posted by haapsane at 4:07 AM on February 6, 2017 [4 favorites]
Only a little death.
posted by Kattullus at 1:26 PM on February 6, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 1:26 PM on February 6, 2017 [3 favorites]
Isabella "Levina" Lueen, more commonly known as Levina, has won the German national selection with the song Perfect Life. International viewers were able to have their say in who should represent Germany in 2017, using a feature on the official Eurovision Song Contest app, Eurovision Vibes.
posted by Wordshore at 9:32 AM on February 10, 2017
posted by Wordshore at 9:32 AM on February 10, 2017
Right; a summary of where we are. Ten countries have so far selected an artist and song:
Albania: Lindita Halimi will sing Botë.
Belarus: Naviband will joyfully triumph with I mean sing Historyja Majho Zyccia.
Cyprus: Hovig will sing Gravity (song released on March 1st).
Finland: Norma John will sing Blackbird.
France: Alma will sing Requiem.
Georgia: Tako Gachechiladze will sing Keep the Faith.
Germany: Levina will sing Perfect Life.
Montenegro: Slavko Kalezić will sing Space (song released on March 20th).
Switzerland: Timebelle will sing Apollo.
United Kingdom: Lucie Jones will sing Never Give Up On You.
Eight more countries have so far selected just their artist:
Armenia will be represented by Artsvik.
Austria will be represented by Nathan Trent.
Azerbaijan will be represented by DiHaj.
Belgium will be represented by Blanche.
Greece will be represented by Demy.
Ireland will be represented by Brendan Murray.
Macedonia will be represented by Jana Burčeska.
The Netherlands will be represented by O'G3NE.
Tomorrow, Italy choose their representative, while Spain choose their representative and song. On Tuesday, it's the turn of Israel to select their artist.
posted by Wordshore at 10:20 AM on February 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
Albania: Lindita Halimi will sing Botë.
Belarus: Naviband will joyfully triumph with I mean sing Historyja Majho Zyccia.
Cyprus: Hovig will sing Gravity (song released on March 1st).
Finland: Norma John will sing Blackbird.
France: Alma will sing Requiem.
Georgia: Tako Gachechiladze will sing Keep the Faith.
Germany: Levina will sing Perfect Life.
Montenegro: Slavko Kalezić will sing Space (song released on March 20th).
Switzerland: Timebelle will sing Apollo.
United Kingdom: Lucie Jones will sing Never Give Up On You.
Eight more countries have so far selected just their artist:
Armenia will be represented by Artsvik.
Austria will be represented by Nathan Trent.
Azerbaijan will be represented by DiHaj.
Belgium will be represented by Blanche.
Greece will be represented by Demy.
Ireland will be represented by Brendan Murray.
Macedonia will be represented by Jana Burčeska.
The Netherlands will be represented by O'G3NE.
Tomorrow, Italy choose their representative, while Spain choose their representative and song. On Tuesday, it's the turn of Israel to select their artist.
posted by Wordshore at 10:20 AM on February 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
And Sweden has had the first of their heats - seven songs competed to have two go Direkt Till Final (Straight to Final) and another two went Andra Chansen (Second Chance = semi-final). Unsurprisingly, the standard was high. Unfortunately the Swedish broadcasters do not like putting clips online, but I managed to find the two DTF qualifiers. Nano with the radio-friendly Hold On and pop star extraordinaire Ace Wilder with Wild Child. Sweden hosts the second heat tomorrow, Saturday.
posted by kariebookish at 11:33 AM on February 10, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by kariebookish at 11:33 AM on February 10, 2017 [3 favorites]
Italy has determined my costume for the watch party, and also their representative, Francesco Gabbani singing Occidentali's Karma.
posted by zebra at 8:17 PM on February 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by zebra at 8:17 PM on February 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
Neat - cheers, zebra. YouTube version of Francesco's video.
posted by Wordshore at 4:57 AM on February 12, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Wordshore at 4:57 AM on February 12, 2017 [1 favorite]
Also, Spain will be represented by Manel Navarro singing Do It For Your Lover.
posted by Wordshore at 4:59 AM on February 12, 2017
posted by Wordshore at 4:59 AM on February 12, 2017
YouTube version of Francesco's video.
Huh. Am I wrong for really liking this? I had to look up an English translation, and it seems clever. I thought the chorus was good and catchy, and then the "Namasté, alé!" really sold me.
posted by dnash at 11:29 AM on February 12, 2017 [1 favorite]
Huh. Am I wrong for really liking this? I had to look up an English translation, and it seems clever. I thought the chorus was good and catchy, and then the "Namasté, alé!" really sold me.
posted by dnash at 11:29 AM on February 12, 2017 [1 favorite]
This weekend, Poland select their artist and song. No erotic butter churning this year, or other left-field entries. There's ten acts in the final, with an emphasis on power ballads.
It's a busy weekend as we move into peak Eurovision qualifier season. Two other countries also pick their entries this weekend. In Hungary, here are four of the finalists and here's the other four - do enjoy the Hatterzaj one...
And Malta choose their entry as well; the audios of their 16 finalists.
posted by Wordshore at 7:54 AM on February 17, 2017
It's a busy weekend as we move into peak Eurovision qualifier season. Two other countries also pick their entries this weekend. In Hungary, here are four of the finalists and here's the other four - do enjoy the Hatterzaj one...
And Malta choose their entry as well; the audios of their 16 finalists.
posted by Wordshore at 7:54 AM on February 17, 2017
And so, three more countries choose their representative and singer. The first two fall into the wider category of power-ballad/potential Bond film theme song...
Claudia Faniello has won the Maltese national selection with the song Breathlessly.
Kasia Moś has won the Polish national selection with the song Flashlight.
Hmmm, interesting. Joci Pápai has won the Hungarian national selection with the song Origo. I can't find the lyrics to this (can anyone else?)
posted by Wordshore at 4:11 AM on February 19, 2017 [1 favorite]
Claudia Faniello has won the Maltese national selection with the song Breathlessly.
Kasia Moś has won the Polish national selection with the song Flashlight.
Hmmm, interesting. Joci Pápai has won the Hungarian national selection with the song Origo. I can't find the lyrics to this (can anyone else?)
posted by Wordshore at 4:11 AM on February 19, 2017 [1 favorite]
Slovenia has chosen Omar Naber, who will sing On My Way. Omar has previously represented Slovenia, in 2005, with Stop which didn't do very well.
posted by Wordshore at 2:50 AM on February 25, 2017
posted by Wordshore at 2:50 AM on February 25, 2017
Also, Croatia have chosen Jacques Houdek who will perform My Friend (looking for the full version but cannot find hmph).
This is a big few days for Eurovision selections, with Latvia, Moldova, Denmark, and the hosts Ukraine, all choosing their selections. Austria have already chosen Nathan Trent, who will release his song on Tuesday.
posted by Wordshore at 2:58 AM on February 25, 2017 [1 favorite]
This is a big few days for Eurovision selections, with Latvia, Moldova, Denmark, and the hosts Ukraine, all choosing their selections. Austria have already chosen Nathan Trent, who will release his song on Tuesday.
posted by Wordshore at 2:58 AM on February 25, 2017 [1 favorite]
All of Sweden's entries for the internal qualifier, Melodifestivalen (aka Melfest or Mello), have now been released online (videos at the top of the page). The entries that have reached the final are here, with the "second chance" entries here. Four of the second chance entries will go on to the final after a contest on March 4.
The final, where Sweden will chose its entry for Eurovision, will take place March 11.
posted by gemmy at 6:00 PM on February 25, 2017 [1 favorite]
The final, where Sweden will chose its entry for Eurovision, will take place March 11.
posted by gemmy at 6:00 PM on February 25, 2017 [1 favorite]
« Older It was dirty. It was incredibly noisy. It stank to... | Black Love and Lives in a Forgotten Photo Album Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by chavenet at 6:34 AM on January 30, 2017 [9 favorites]