Eurovision - rising like a phoenix.

The EUROVISION SONG CONTEST is the biggest and most watched event of the year (even more so than Taylor Swift). What was once a kitsch event is now hip among both youth and all other groups. Eurovision parties are now a must go to.

Bigger than the Super Bowl, for brands, the Eurovison trend is one they can tap into, if they know how.

When the first Eurovision contest was first held in May 1956, founder Marcel Bezen?on couldn’t have imagined his soon-to-be wildly famous Pan-European song competition would one day give us the likes of dancing grannies, rapping astronauts, and the almighty Ukrainian drag queen Verka Serduchka, wrapped in a silver foil. Plus a rock band, Lordi, dressed as dinosaurs. And then there was half man, half woman, Conchita Wurst with his/her winning song of 2014, Rise Like a Phoenix.

And while many winners fade into obscurity after a few years, one of the world’s most successful bands, Abba, won it in 1974.

Throughout the years it has gone in and out of popularity, but in the last few years the organisers of Eurovision have really turned the event around, raised the hype and demonstrated a brilliant example of engaging both a young and a broader audience, while strengthening the brand. A good example of good marketing.

The Eurovision team also have introduced a youth Eurovision competition which is really impressive. A best of event, bringing back many winners from previous years.

And while some, who are out of date, may dismiss it as bland and trite, it is anything but. The quality of songs and performers is first rate.?

Hosted by Liverpool last year (as Ukraine was unable to) it took on a new dimension.

As a dedicated fan – yes I attend a Eurovision party without fail, full of mixed nationalities – the only thing I think it has lost are the kitsch acts like Verka, though this year look out for entries from Estonia, Netherlands and Finland.

For freaky, look out for Ireland’s 'ouija-pop' artist Bambie Thug singing ‘Doomsday Blue’. Italy’s Angelina Mango has one of the most creative hair designs (and a potential winner). And despite the politics, Israel’s Eden Golan has a terrific song in ‘Hurricane’ but stands no chance of winning the public vote (expect a stage invasion on the night or protests).

While it tries to remain neutral of both politics and socio-politics, it does find itself a target for numerous critics. This year there is pressure to ban Israel. They did ban Russia after the invasion of Ukraine.

The UK, despite being one of the most successful countries in the music business globally, have delivered some impressive acts and songs, but have not done well over the years.

We last won it in 1997 with Katrina and the Waves. Some blame it on politics. However, TikTok sensation Sam Ryder almost changed that with “Spaceman” in 2022. All agreed that it should have won – voted number 1 by the judges - but due to a campaign to get the public to vote for Ukraine, as a symbol of defiance against Russia, they won instead.

Previous UK winners include Bucks Fizz (1981), Brotherhood of Man (1976), Lulu (1969, joint winner), Sandie Shaw (1967), but while we've only won 5 times we’ve come second a record 16 times.

This years’ entry by Olly Alexander is bland and I fear will fall to the last 5, like last year’s terrible AI like bubble gum song by Mae Muller. What were they thinking?

This year there is the usual collection of amazing songs, bubble gum and a few bad apples. Combined with dramatic performances, some kitsch, some traditional, some raunchy (check out Spain).

Watch a summary of the 37 entries and guess who you think will win? I’ve managed to pick 7 out of the last 10 years. Who do you think will win this year? The bookies think it’ll be Croatia or Italy, do you agree?

Watch the final on Saturday, May 11th.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_t3qclcXUM&ab_channel=EurovisionSongContest

FACTS

? Over 1,500 songs have taken part in the Eurovision Song Contest.

? With 7 victories each, Ireland and Sweden tie as the most successful countries at the Contest. Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have all won 5 times.

? Johnny Logan won the Eurovision Song Contest 3 times. In 1980, 1987, and 1992.

? Over 204 million people watch Eurovision.

#eurovision niki carr