i miss eurovision
The undying popularity of godless things like Celine Dion or Riverdance can be attributed to the Eurovision Song Contest. And yet despite that, it’s safe to say that most Americans probably never knew such a thing existed.
Pitchfork’s David Raposa does a great job of explaining the brilliant shining madness that is Eurovision. Make sure you read all the way down to where he describes this year’s entries. I know they will sound totally insane and fictional, right out of The Onion or McSweeney’s, but let me assure you that a) they are real and that b) the competition is equally bizarre every single year.
Eurovision is so awesome I can’t believe it still isn’t broadcast in the US; in Manila I used to stay up late just to watch it live on obscure European channels. I’d love to go to a bar here in New York and watch it along with my fellow pop lovin’ freaks but since I don’t know anywhere to do that, I guess I’ll just have to try and watch it online, thanks to the BBC.
[ via Do You Feel Loved? ]
I remember seeing it for the first time as a kid and coming to the realization that Europeans were just as cheesy as we are. So much glitter and crazy hair. Fox should carry it.
I remember when Amina won the Eurovision – it was sort of a big deal because she was competing for France (and she’s a French citizen, I think) but she’s originally from Tunisia and her music is very north-African-sounding. Many French Muslims were excited, I believe.
oh god. not another asian fascinated with “white” stuff. spare me. really.
I know the contest is over, but you (the author, not true asian, obviously) might like the gently snarky comments and pictures of the Eurovision competitors over at http://shoeblogs.com.
Homer: Mmmm. Purple.
Lia: Mmmm. Vapid Europop.