Eurovision Song Contest
For as long as I can remember my family watched the Eurovision Song Contest. Us kids in our pj’s, chips and fizz at hand, enjoying the ‘staying up late’ and the show on TV. Holland actually won a few times and until this day I have ESC-songs on my computer which bring back great memories of a wonderful childhood.
When I left my parents’ house, it was time for the next ESC stage. With a group of friends we organized our own annual Song Contest Nights. Each of the friends took their turn in hosting the event – and we watched the contest together, giving points for act, dress and song and everyone brought food from one of the participating countries. Pizzas, tapas, salt & vinegar chips, tzatziki, you get the idea 🙂
When more countries were added to the EU the song contest changed. There are so many competitors now that the event is split into 3 nights – 2 semi-finals during the week and the finals on Saturday night. Out of each semi-final only 10 countries are chosen to participate in the finals.
IMHO televoting ruined the whole event. Neighboring countries vote for each other, leaving the smaller countries – like Holland, Belgium – with hardly any points.
Our hope for the 2009 ESC was a trio called the Toppers. Three guys with a huge career in the Dutch music industry. Thousands of people ‘fight’ to get tickets for their annual ‘Toppers in Concert’ at the Amsterdam Arena. I have to admit, you either love them or hate them, but I think their music is great. Uplifting, cheerful, great voices and their concerts always turn out into a massive sing along.
‘Shine’ by the Toppers is a cheerful song, I love it and actually thought they would make it to the finals. The night came, their show was rock solid, crowd was cheering… Alas… they’re out. Some terrible songs got through to the finals – only because their neighbors voted for them – and the Toppers were sent home. Tasted bitter.
So, to make a 1-woman-statement, I’m NOT going to watch the ESC tonight. No tzatziki, no tapas, just a huge piece of Dutch cake and listen to Shine! If I have to pick a winner, I’d love to see Norway win. The guy doesn’t have a really great voice, but he can sing and the song is catchy (and he is SO cute! :D).
I would have voted for them 🙂 Great catchy tune!
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I can remember watching the ESC when I was a kid living in the UK. And yep the staying up late and ‘specialness’ of the event was always a lot of fun. It was always subject to political overtones even then. But I’m horrified to think that the insidious beast called ‘tele-voting’ has now breached the wals of the ESC Antoinette.
I hate tele-voting with a passion. I don’t think it’s representative at all. And I’m very sad to think that ESC has gone down this track.
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Hi Dutch- you picked the winner in advance- well done . During the contest I turned to DH and said “he’s cute”- LOL, DH didn’t get it of course! I agree the contest has gone downhill with so much political voting. Hope you are OK:)