American Eurovision Fans: A Growing Phenomenon (INTERVIEW)

 

The Eurovision Song Contest, an annual glittery extravaganza adored by Europeans, is twirling its way into an unexpected fanbase: the United States. Even without participating, American fans are flocking to watch parties, hosting their own fabulous soirées, and jet-setting to Europe for the ultimate Eurovision experience. Today, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Itai, a dazzling superfan in New York. He spilled the tea on his Eurovision excitement and answered our questions with all the sincerity and sparkle you'd expect!

 

-Hi Itai! How did you first become a fan of Eurovision Song Contest?

I grew up in Tel Aviv so my family used to watch it every year. I moved to the USA 24 years ago and it was not easy to watch it at first. Was a struggle. First time I could watch it streamed live was 2003 and that was an epic year ! It was the first time my boyfriend (now my husband) who’s American watched it and he got to see Turkey win the competition!!!! What a beautiful evening it was. We immediately after the show was over went to have early dinner at a Turkish restaurant and then to a club in the village that played Turkish music ! Then I have become obsessed with ESC.

 

-How do you keep up with Eurovision news and updates while living in the US?

I follow the main sites and blogs and started in 2012 the Eurovision monthly parties and events in New York City. We wanted to bring Eurovision to the mainstream and share this beautiful thing with as many Americans as possible.

 

-How do you introduce Eurovision to friends who might not be familiar with it?

I love introducing Eurovision to people who have never heard about it. It’s almost like a moral obligation I feel I have.

Luckily, more and more people know about it these days. In the past decade, since the show is also easily streamed in the United States, and thanks to social media that makes everything accessible, there is more awareness and curiosity around it.

 But when I meet someone who has never heard about it, I always make sure they know it is the most televised show in the world, bigger than the Super Bowl, and this is how Abba and Celine Dion started their international career. It always gets people curious.

 

-Have you ever traveled to Europe to attend a Eurovision event or a national final?

I first traveled to Eurovision in 2005 when it was hosted in Kyiv, Ukraine. I was really following the orange revolution in Ukraine that year and a friend of mine who was working for the EBU suggested to come.

He himself ended up not coming, so I really knew no one, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I realize that Eurovision is really about the people that you meet and the friendships that you make for life.

 

-Have you ever been inspired to visit a country because of their Eurovision entry?

I definitely got to visit places I would never visit thanks to  Eurovision. Baku is number 1 on this list. Such an incredible place and the nicest people.

 

-Do you think Eurovision has influenced the music industry in the United States in any way?

I am not sure how Eurovision has influenced the music industry in the US. The fact they attempted to create the American song contest is already a small victory. Though the show didn’t have its success here in the US, I truly believe that if one of the main networks was committed to revive the American song contest, and committed for a few years, it can definitely have its success in the US. Americans love competitions, especially music based ones, like American Idol and The Voice, and I think there is definitely room to bring back the American Song Contest.

And by the way you can see in recent years Eurovision songs that made it big time in the US. Especially Netta’s TOY, Duncan’s Arcade, Snap which was a huge hit and didn’t even win the contest, and of course Måneskin who became huge here in the USA after winning Eurovision.

Loreen’s Euphoria is still played once in a while in clubs here even after 12 years. Well that song is ageless.

 

-How do you feel about the sense of community among Eurovision fans?

As I mentioned, Eurovision is really about the friendships. And even this year, despite everything that’s been going on, I received so much love from my Eurovision friends. We always put politics aside and just focus and celebrate our friendships.

And the Eurovision fandom community in New York is a testament to this as well. We get to meet the nicest people and create meaningful friendships that are beyond just Eurovision.

It is really for me the definition of United by music.  It’s not just a slogan some people like to criticize.

 

-Are there any countries you hope will participate in the future or return to the contest?

I think we would all love to see Turkey back in the competition. I was hoping it would be announced this year when we found out that Sertab would perform in the semifinal.

Btw, she is the loveliest person. We had such a nice chat in Malmo. I told her that I saw her in New York in 2009 and following that started to listen to her music. She was laughing when I told her that when I die, I want them to play “Leave” at my funeral.

The Eurovision Song Contest has sashayed beyond its European origins to become a fabulous global celebration of music, diversity, and pure magic. For American fans, it’s a sparkling escape into a world where anything can happen on stage—and often does! As the glittering community of American Eurovision fans grows, the influence of this iconic contest will keep dazzling more hearts. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a curious newcomer, there’s no better time to join the glittering ranks of American Eurovision enthusiasts. If you’re ready to slay at fabulous Eurovision parties and events in NYC, follow @eurovisionyc on Instagram!