Eurovision 2017! Update #2

Closing results:  Salvador Sobral from Portugal won with "Amar pelos dois", Bulgaria came in second and Moldovia came in third.  Sweden was 5th place.  I think personally that there was a voters back-lash against the heavily produced dance songs.  Portugal's song was a very laid-back, Bossa-Nova inspired and emotional piece.  In his acceptance speech Sobral said: “We live in a world of disposable music; fast food music without any content. I think this could be a victory for music with people who make music that actually means something,” he announced. 

Hmm, sore loser?  

Robin Bengtsson thought so saying “Congrats on your victory, I really like your song and the way you sing it, but I think your speech after winning the ESC was below the level of a true winner. ‘Fast food’ pop music can be the best thing in the world at the right place and time, so can a song beautiful as yours. There is room for everyone.“ Oh, strong words from a Swede! ;)

More information on all the results here.

Hej!  Eurovision is on today and starts at 3PM Eastern Standard Time in the USA.  I'm rooting for Sweden of course, and the bookies are giving Portugal 2/1 odds.  Russia pulled out after Yulia S. was barred from entering the host country of Ukraine after having toured Crimea in 2015 when it was annexed by Russia.  Scandalous! Here's more on the stats, line-up and performers:Who Will Win?

Hello all, if you've been following my site you know that I'm a sucker for Eurovision, or Musikfestivalen as they call it in Sweden.  The final will be on May 13th, and I for one plan to get some family and friends to watch and vote.  I find that it's kind of like the Kentucky Derby in that it's a good excuse for nice drinks and munchies, although it's much longer and a constant source of ridicule (which let's be honest is a big part of the fun.)  I do miss the days when it wasn't quite so hightech and overproduced, but it is still a fun night of pop music and silly back stories.  Here's the entry from Sweden with Robin Bengtsson.  Do you think it has a chance?

Robin Bengtsson will open the show with I Can't Go On, co-written by another Robin — Stjernberg — who represented Sweden in 2013: "He told me that he was so nervous when he did Eurovision, but I'm enjoying this so much, I'm not nervous".

Eurovision 2013 is tomorrow!

Zlata Ognevich "Gravity"

For those of you in the US who aren't familiar with Eurovision Music Festival that takes place this Saturday in Malmö here's a fun little intro by "Overthinking It" that I found on YouTube.  Check it out, it's very funny!

I loved watching Melodifestival (as it's called in Sweden) last year.  We were at a friend's house clustered around one of two television sets (it was an American family's home, natch) :-)  We all ate snacks, drank, and discussed the relative merits of the various acts - music, clothing, make-up, dance routines, etc. - it could get pretty catty at times.  Why do I love it?  Well like he says in the video, it's sometimes just so bizarre and individualized and fun.

This year Zlata Ognevich from the Ukraine is carried on stage by a giant dressed like a Valkyrian.  OK, the song is good, she's beautiful, and this idea is outrageous.  She's got my vote!  See how it works? You root for the home team, but everything is up for grabs, and "Smaken är som baken - delad" (if you read my blog you already know what this means).  Basically it's totally subjective so everyone from the little kids who go for pop princesses to grandpa who likes the Russian grannies (who came in second last year, btw) gets a say.  So fun!  Check out the above video for a short clip of the grannies who were hugely popular.

If you want to watch it this year, like I do, set aside some time on Saturday and try this link. I would!  http://www.eurovision.tv/page/webtv?program=83873

A pale imitation

Last year Swedish Loreen won the Eurovision Song Contest.  Oh the joy, our hearts swelled with pride! ;-)  This European music festival aired annually on TV is a festival of kitsch, a glorious mixture of singing Russian babushkas, skintight latex, and schmaltzy music. (Last year in Sweden we all voted on which country was worst, ate junk food and danced.  The kids got really into it.)  By the time the final rolls around you can sing along with your country's submission since it's been imprinted through many viewing and radio brainwashing.  Fun times.

Last year Loreen won.  Her submission "Euphoria" was a breath of fresh air, and her style reminded people that not everyone living in Sweden is blond and blue-eyed (Loreen is of Berber descent.)  The song was a clear winner, and obviously even a year later obviously made its mark.  This year Germany's entry "Glorious" is a pale imitation of "Euphoria" and it has created a stir for those involved.  They even had an academic compare the two songs, and it was found that "Glorious" had the same intro and similar beat, phrases and vocals! Read here: rip off?  Cascadas the band who performs "Glorious" of course shrugs off these allegations.  Check it out for yourself, http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Y77A9-hQAp0.  

I think Natalie Horler, lead vocalist of Cascadas, clomping through this castle setting in clear Valkyrian style is a pale imitation of the beautiful and unique Loreen.  I guess we'll see what the voters decide at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest on May 18th in Malmö.  I for one can't wait!  

Euphoria here.