EUROVISION 2015
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It’s campy, it’s kitsch, and the grand finals are this Saturday!
If you don’t know what this is all about then please, hand in your Gay card because you can’t sit with us.
In case you not European, and you actually don’t know what we’re talking about, you’re not entirely excused but you’re forgiven. Eurovision 2015, the world's campiest music contest, is upon us! Here's a bit of background to get you up to speed.
Have you heard of Abba? Celine Dion? Olivia Newton-John? Conchita Wurst?
Eurovision, a yearly international song competition, can be credited with being the breakthrough for international success of both Abba and Celine Dion. Olivia Newton-John took part, singing for the UK. That's something, right? And Conchita Wurst was the first drag queen to win the title last year with overwhelming judge and viewer support. All are household names thanks to Eurovision.
Austria's Conchita Wurst after winning in 2014 // Photo Credit: Albin Olsson
Eurovision started in 1956 as singing competition between European nations that lasts for several months. This year, for the first time, even Australia is participating. Go figure. Each nation picks a local singer or one who is somehow linked to their country (Canadian Celine Dion sang for Switzerland, because of the French thing). They prepare what amounts to the most ridiculous performance possible and perform it in the nation of the previous year's winner. This year, Austria is hosting, thanks to Conchita Wurst's 2014 crowning.
We don't watch the semifinals and all of the lead up (who has time?), but we all wait for the finals, which will gloriously air live this Saturday! As much as there is some serious musical talent in the show, I'm sure most people watch it for the amazingness that will inevitably unfold in ways you can only imagine. Check out, for example, Romania's circular piano lat year, or Romania's operatic ascending surprise the year before (read: look out for Romania).
Sometimes, you might even like the song. One of Bryan's favorites is Euphoria by Laureen, 2012's winner from Sweden.
Whatever reason you watch it (or if you haven't, you should) you'll have a good time. From the very first song to the final tallying of votes, it's a nonstop roller-coaster ride of emotions (mostly confusion) that you won't want to miss. To make it more fun, keep your own scores and see if you can predict who will come out on top. And of course, be sure to have the corkscrew on hand, along with an ample supply of wine. It's really the only way to experience Eurovision.
If you want a bit of a preview of what you might be in for this year, check of the GastroGays Top 10 Predictions for Eurovision 2015!
