Not-So-Secret In-House Voting... (Eurovision Song Contest)

Member Name: blackjane

Product:	Eurovision Song Contest
Date:	29/07/01 (102 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Steeped in history , Amusing to watch, Occasional 'gems'

Disadvantages: Poor standards of entries

...is an anagram of 'The Eurovision Song Contest' (believe it or not!)

I am probably a couple of months late in writing this opinion, as the contest itself is held in April, usually hosted by the nation that won the previous year's event. However, I will persevere, as the build up to the contest is a more protracted process. In the UK, this involves thousands of initial entries. These are then whittled down to just a few finalists that are selected by a panel of so-called music experts. The public is then able to vote for which of these finalists they wish to represent them. Other countries have differing methods of electing their entry but must select just one song to represent them each year.

Ever since its inception back in 1956, Eurovision has built up a cult following that have in common a strange penchant for odd ditties sung mostly in foreign languages.

Although it can hardly be said that the standard of the entries is 'top notch', the show does produce the occasional gem. We can all think back to the likes of UK entries from Lulu, Sandie Shaw, Cliff Richard, Brotherhood of Man, Bucks Fizz, Gina G and KC and the Sunshine Band. The quality of entries from other countries has been largely unforgettable, although Eurovision did bring Abba to the fore in 1974 with 'Waterloo', and they went on to much bigger and better things as a result. Other more notable foreign winners include Dana and Johnny Logan (twice) for Ireland, Celine Dion (Switzerland) and Dana International (Israel.)

The basis of the contest is simple - each eligible country elects a song performed by a solo artist or a group to represent them for that year. The song must be an original composition that has been written specifically for Eurovision. Cover versions or any old unreleased tracks are not permitted. Artists tend to be unknowns, but there have been several instances of countries trying to boost their chances by choosing an alre
ady established name. The UK has been particularly effective in this regard, although we are by no means the only country to have employed this tactic.

The one sad thing about the Eurovision Song Contest is the inherent judgemental ideals held by many of the competitor countries. Although this is something that is ridiculed by Terry Wogan, who comperes the show in the UK, it really does happen, and tends to be unerringly predictable. Each country decides upon the best songs on the night. The best song is given 12 points, the second best 10 points, the third 8 points, and then 7 points down to 1 point for the songs that are considered to be the 4th to 10th best. Countries are not permitted to vote for their own entry.

However, it is taken as read that Greece will always give high points to Cyprus and vice-versa. The Scandinavian countries tend to vote for each other, as do many of the former states of the USSR. I suppose we're guilty of this as well, in that we tend to vote for the Irish (and vice-versa), as a song with English lyrics tends to have more instantaneous appeal.

These national biases were thought to be derived from the panels of judges that used to discuss the entries on the night of the contest. In an attempt to get away from this, the decision was taken to allow the public in each country to vote instead. Unfortunately, these stereotypical in-built biases seem to have come to the fore even more since this change was implemented.

The winner on the night is the song with the most points. Although some of the entries are risible, the contest itself is a spectacular event. Each country tends to try and out-do its predecessors by putting on a stunning show, although for me the witticisms of Terry Wogan, who provides the commentary for the show in the UK, is the main reason I watch.

Anyone that has already seen the show will know what I mean - you either love it or loathe it.

That said, your views to
wards Eurovision will probably fall into one a few distinct categories:

• You hate the music but watch it because it is amusing, and Terry Wogan brings it to life.

• You hate Terry Wogan with a vengeance and avoid BBC1 on Eurovision night at all costs because it isn't 'music.'

• You come back in from the pub early just to watch the voting because that is the best bit.

• You love the show and the music, and can't get enough of it.

• You've never seen Eurovision, but are curious after reading this opinion.

Which one are you?

{An original Dooyoo opinion
© Blackjane 2001}

[Title derived courtesy of Anagram Genius.]

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