What Eurovision Logos Tell Us: Russia 2009

 

After a one-year break, Eurovision.tv returned to a dominant blue theme and its variations. The website featured a more visually striking background, emphasizing Eurovision as Europe's most beloved television show. Russia adapted the year's slogan and theme to the site. In 2009, the contest was held in Russia with the slogan "Fantasy Bird," though it may not be considered a proper slogan. For the first time since 2001, the contest lacked a meaningful slogan, as this one was based on the legend of the "Firebird."

The logo featured a colorful bird, taking its hues from the flames. This bird holds great significance in Slavic culture, where it is known as "Zhar-ptitsa." According to folklore, it resides in a distant land and possesses a magical glow. The legend shares similarities with the myth of the Phoenix in various cultures. Instead of opting for a universal Eurovision slogan, Russia chose to reflect its own cultural heritage in its branding.

Since 2009, Eurovision stage designs have moved away from representing host countries’ cultures, becoming more about visual spectacle. However, Russia's stage still incorporated small elements of its heritage. That said, the 2009 stage remains one of the most impressive in Eurovision history. Given Russia’s prominence in the space race, the stage design resembled a space station. Notably, it was also the largest stage in Eurovision history at the time.

Designed by John Casey, the stage took inspiration from the Russian Avant-Garde art movement. Casey had previously worked on Eurovision stage designs in 1994, 1995, and 1997. His goal was to create a stage reminiscent of a Russian theater, albeit with heavy technological elements. The curved LED screens were designed to move in all directions, allowing for dynamic visuals and a unique experience for each performance. The circular centerpiece also contributed to the ever-changing nature of the staging.

This stage marked the beginning of a new era for Eurovision, solidifying it as Europe’s premier television spectacle.

Key Moments from Eurovision 2009:

• For the first time, the contest featured four hosts (one pair for the Semi-Finals and another for the Grand Final).
• Malta’s Chiara returned after previously finishing second in 2005 and third in 1998, but only managed to place 22nd in the Grand Final.
• Norway’s violinist-singer Alexander Rybak set a new Eurovision record with the highest-ever score at the time.
• Although RTR had won the right to host as the previous year’s broadcaster, Channel One Russia ultimately took over hosting duties.
• Russia staged one of the grandest Eurovision productions in history.
• The stage incorporated one-third of the world's available LED screens at the time.
• Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited the Olympic Indoor Arena to oversee Eurovision preparations.
• National juries were reintroduced, contributing 50% to the voting results.
• Georgia’s entry was disqualified for violating contest rules, and instead of submitting a new song, the country withdrew.
• Estonia placed sixth with "Rändajad," the first entirely Estonian-language entry since 1998.
• The United Kingdom achieved its best result since 2002, finishing fifth with "My Time," written by Diane Warren and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber.