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Showing posts from January, 2025

Tataa-tatataa-tataaata: The Eurovision Opening Music

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  Every May, as we sit in front of our screens and hear the music that starts with tataa-tatataa-tataaata , a special excitement fills our hearts! It’s not just the Eurovision opening music—it’s the story of Marc-Antoine Charpentier! Marc-Antoine Charpentier: The Inspiration Behind Eurovision’s Opening Music When Marc-Antoine Charpentier composed this art piece, he probably never imagined it would become the iconic opening music for one of the world’s most beloved television events: Eurovision. He likely didn’t foresee that, centuries later, many people in the 21st century would be humming his melody. This famous French Baroque composer lived from 1643 to 1704. His repertoire included theatrical music for Molière. One of his works, “Te Deum,” composed for the church, was chosen by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) as the official opening music for the Eurovision Song Contest. We must commend the EBU for this choice—thanks to Eurovision, many pieces of cultural knowledge ha...

Mascots of the Eurovision Song Contest

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  The Eurovision Song Contest has always been a celebration of music, culture, and creativity. While songs and artists take center stage, the contest has also explored various visual elements to enhance its identity. Among these, mascots have played a unique, albeit occasional, role in the contest’s history. What Are Eurovision Mascots? Mascots are symbolic characters that represent the host country or the theme of the contest. Though not a regular feature every year, when they appear, they add charm and personality to the event. These mascots are often designed to reflect cultural motifs, the host country’s identity, or the contest's overarching theme. Notable Eurovision Mascots 1.      Eurovision 1990 – Eurocat (Zagreb, Yugoslavia) In 1990, Yugoslavia introduced "Eurocat," a quirky and playful cat mascot. Eurocat symbolized fun and creativity, with its design reflecting a modern, artistic approach that resonated with the contest’s theme of European un...

What Eurovision Logos Tell Us: Latvia 2003

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The year 2003 marked one of the most extraordinary moments in Eurovision history. It was undoubtedly a turning point, where the winds of change began to reshape the contest as we knew it. After Estonia’s remarkable hosting in 2002, Latvia clearly sought to make its mark and raise the bar even higher. With meticulous preparation and innovative ideas, they crafted a stage and graphic design that set new standards for Eurovision. The Theme: “Magical Rendez-vous” Latvia’s slogan, “Magical Rendez-vous,” encapsulated the spirit of their Eurovision hosting. It symbolized a grand invitation to all European nations, welcoming them to experience the enchanting beauty of Latvia. The slogan hinted at a mystical meeting of cultures, music, and creativity, perfectly capturing the essence of Eurovision. A Stage Like No Other The 2003 Eurovision stage was not just a performance space; it was a statement. Designed to resemble a celestial scene, it was as if Latvia had conjured up an entirely ne...

Exclusive Interview with Harem Girls: Breaking Boundaries at PZE 25

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  The world of drag has long been a vibrant expression of art, individuality, and creativity. This year, Harem Girls—a dynamic drag collective from Serbia—is bringing their unique flair to the stage of PZE 25 with their entry "Aladin." Blending diverse musical influences, bold staging, and the transformative power of drag, they aim to captivate audiences and break new ground in Serbia's entertainment scene. In this interview, the talented members of Harem Girls share insights into their origins, the creative process behind "Aladin," and their vision for the Serbian National Final. With a blend of Eastern-inspired mystique and contemporary artistry, Harem Girls are not only redefining the drag performance landscape but also setting their sights on the global stage of Eurovision. Get ready to meet the queens who are turning their dreams into dazzling reality! Can you tell us about the origins of Harem Girls? How did the band come together, and what inspired ...

Tim Schou: 'Eurovision Will Always Hold a Special Place in My Heart'

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Tim Schou, who captivated Europe as part of A Friend in London at Eurovision 2011, continues to inspire fans with his authentic approach to music and life. Over a decade since his Eurovision adventure, Tim has embraced new challenges, redefined his artistry, and connected with audiences worldwide in unique and personal ways. In this exclusive interview, he reflects on the impact of Eurovision, his creative journey, and exciting future projects while sharing heartfelt messages for his loyal fans. - How did your life change after Eurovision 2011? Did you feel any lasting impact from the experience? Eurovision 2011 was a transformative experience. It opened doors to international opportunities and introduced me to an incredibly loyal fanbase. However, it also came with challenges. After the contest, I felt a strong desire to redefine myself beyond the "Eurovision artist" label, which led me to sell my apartment and couchsurf around the world. This journey helped me reconnect...

Cunk on Eurovision: The Most Important Thing to Ever Happen to Europe, Probably

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  Hello, I’m Philomena Cunk. And today, we’ll be looking at Eurovision—the musical extravaganza that happens every year and is watched by millions of Europeans and Australians for some reason. Eurovision isn’t just a song contest. It’s a cultural phenomenon. And like most cultural phenomena, it’s both confusing and deeply upsetting. What Even Is Eurovision? Eurovision was invented in 1956, back when Europeans decided they needed a competition to determine who could sing the loudest while wearing the shiniest trousers. It’s like the Olympics, but instead of running and jumping, people stand still and shout in tune. Oh, and no one ever wins a medal. They just get a big glass microphone, which seems impractical because microphones are supposed to amplify sound, not shatter when you yell into them. The idea was simple: bring Europe together through the power of music. Because nothing says unity like making countries compete against each other. That’s why Eurovision is both a cel...

Become a Volunteer at Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel!

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  Applications are now open for volunteer positions at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2025 in Basel! Starting today, you can apply through the official platform at www.swissvolunteers.ch . Whether you want to assist with setting up the venue, manage information desks, or support international delegations, there are numerous exciting roles where you can contribute to this unforgettable event. Eligibility Criteria: ·         Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration. ·         Availability for a minimum of 10 days between May 1 and May 20, 2025, is required. ·         Additional criteria may apply depending on the specific tasks you select. Priority for Local Volunteers: Volunteers familiar with Basel and its surrounding areas are highly encouraged to apply. Local knowledge is considered a significant advantage during the selection process....

Interview with Magdalena Tul on Her Eurovision Comeback: “This Isn’t the End"

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  Magdalena Tul, a name that resonates with Eurovision fans, first captured our hearts in 2011 when she represented Poland with her energetic anthem “Jestem.” Though the song didn’t advance to the final, Magdalena’s powerful voice and dynamic performance cemented her place as a beloved figure in the Eurovision community. Recently, Magdalena has expressed her desire to return to the Eurovision stage, sharing her new song, “Love Myself Again,” in hopes of making a grand comeback. Despite the challenges of not being selected for Poland’s national preselection, her determination and passion remain unshaken. In this candid interview, we dive deep into Magdalena’s Eurovision journey, the inspiration behind her latest music, and her hopes for the future. Get ready to rediscover the voice that continues to inspire Eurovision lovers around the world! 1. You represented Poland in 2011 with “ Jestem.” What memories do you cherish most from that experience? Eurovision was one of my b...

10 Ways Eurovision Makes You Smarter (And More Interesting!)

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  I’m sure you’ve encountered people who claim Eurovision is pointless, outdated, or overly political. Let them talk... Meanwhile, let’s dive into the many benefits of the Eurovision Song Contest. It might not target specific organs, but one thing is for sure: it sharpens your mind!   Geography Lessons, Courtesy of Eurovision   With Eurovision, your knowledge of European geography skyrockets. You’ll know which countries are in the north, which are nestled in the Caucasus, and everything in between. Over time, you’ll find yourself falling in love with maps, exploring countries outside Europe, and building a stellar knowledge of world geography.   Flags Galore!   Thanks to Eurovision, flags will become your forte. Ever seen a quiz question like, *“Which of these countries’ flags doesn’t feature blue?”* You’ll ace it, thanks to your Eurovision expertise. Friends and family will turn to you as their go-to flag expert. (By the way, I’ve seen at least five Eur...

What Eurovision Logos Tell Us: Estonia 2002

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  One of the biggest reasons why we love the Eurovision Song Contest is undoubtedly the logos and themes. They are the product of immense creativity and definitely spark the imagination. In this new article series, we aim to explore the logos and themes of the past years. Enjoy reading! The 2000s undoubtedly brought significant changes to the world, from technology to Eurovision, opening the door to a new era. Welcome to the 21st century! Doesn’t it sound delightful? In 2002, the contest was held in Estonia, and the slogan was “A Modern Fairytale.” Inspired by this theme, each postcard illustrated the connection between a fairy tale and the modern world. The Estonians reinterpreted classic tales in their own way. For instance, Turkey's postcard featured Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. As for the logo, 12 colorful pebbles were chosen, carefully arranged to form a large “e” when viewed closely. There's no need to search for hidden mysteries in the “e”—it simply stands for E...

The Eurovision Saga of Iceland's Silvia Night

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  Silvia Night, whose real name is Ágústa Eva Erlendsdóttir, is one of the most colorful trolls you’ll ever come across. Ágústa Eva, the temporary lead singer of the Icelandic band Ske, and Gaukur Úlfarsson decided to create a character embodying the worst traits of human behavior. Silvia's personality is deeply narcissistic; she sees herself as the most talented and famous person on Earth. Her full name is Silvía Nótt Sæmundsdóttir, meaning "Queen of Silver," with her surname translating to "night." Silvia’s favorite foods are sushi and feta cheese. She makes her living as a model, singer, and movie star. Her speech is laced with heavy slang and plenty of English words. In some episodes of her show aired in Japan, she even spoke Japanese. Silvia had a significant impact on young people, with kids imitating her style in their daily conversations. While some found her behavior rude and offensive, her supporters argued that her actions were a satirical critiqu...