This must-see music event attracts 200 million viewers every year!
The Eurovision contest in 2 words...
Last Saturday, we attended the most delirious and brilliant show of the music world: the Eurovision! This is the time of year when countries from all over Europe (and beyond) come together to compete on stage in a whirlwind of glitter, sequins and pure musical madness. Picture this: a colossal stage adorned with neon lights, swirling pyrotechnics and an army of backup dancers. The atmosphere is electric as the crowd waves flags from all over the continent. And the presenters? Well, they are eccentric characters, armed with corny jokes and outrageous outfits, ready to guide us through this sonic carnival. But let's not forget the heart of Eurovision: the performances themselves. Each country has carefully selected its representative, often sending its most charismatic and eccentric personalities to compete for the ultimate prize. We're talking about singers with glass-shattering voices, gravity-defying dance moves and costumes that can be described as a cross between a disco ball and a peacock. The songs range from catchy, upbeat tunes to downright bizarre. You'll find yourself tapping your foot to an infectious pop anthem about love and unity, then wondering how the hell you landed on a surreal ballad about lost socks in the washing machine. But that's what Eurovision is all about, a delightfully confusing mix of musical styles, theatrical performances and spectacular staging. The voting is a show in itself. Viewers and national juries engage in a fierce battle to decide on their favorite song. The results are announced with the suspense of a Bollywood action movie. Countries award points to each other, sometimes out of regional solidarity, sometimes out of historical rivalry, and sometimes simply out of questionable musical taste. It's a strategic game where anything can happen and surprises are commonplace. This year, our little protégé Remo Forrer didn't manage to put the Swiss colors in the top 10, finishing in 20th place with his song "watergun". It is the Swedish Loreen (yes, once again...) who wins the competition, asphyxiating her competitors thanks to a rain of points awarded by the jurors.
1. Only Live, no Playback
We don't play around with the Eurovision rules! This is a contest where playback is strictly forbidden. No cheating with pre-recorded voices here! Each artist must perform live, in front of millions of viewers. Now, there is a little subtlety: nothing says that the person who is in the center of the stage is necessarily the one who sings. Some nations have dared to call upon "singers" from the shadows to give their "star" a vocal boost. Yes, you heard right! In the shadow of the spotlight, hidden singers sneak in, discreetly helping the "star" to excel. Remember Greece in 2009! Their representatives opted for this bold strategy. While the lead singer was the center of attention, powerful and perfectly timed voices could be heard coming from nowhere. Kind of like guardian angels of the performance, these shadow singers added an extra dimension to the performance. Remember, in Eurovision, anything goes as long as it respects the rules. So whether the lead singer shines in the spotlight or the background voices are heard, the key is to create a dazzling and captivating performance. And, of course, to do it live, without a net and with a good dose of talent!
2. No playback, except for the musicians
And yes... At Eurovision, there are some rules that just have to be broken. While vocal playback is forbidden, a surprising exception occurs for musicians. Yes, you heard right! On stage, the musicians pretend to play, that's instrumental playback. Goodbye fiery violins and overdriven guitar solos! But don't be too disappointed, because even if the notes don't come directly from their instruments, the musicians add an electrifying atmosphere to each performance. Their visual presence adds a touch of magic, creating a visual and sonic symphony that will have you dancing in your seats. We still have a little twinge in our hearts when we realize that the ultra viral performance of the Romanian "Sunstroke project" aka "Epic sax guy" was not a live performance.
3. The first edition which was shining Switzerland
In the annals of Eurovision, a first victory in French marked the history of the contest. It was in 1956 during the first edition, which was held in Switzerland, more precisely in Lugano. The Swiss singer Lys Assia won first place with her song "Refrain" sung in French. This inaugural triumph paved the way for linguistic diversity in the contest. However, it is interesting to note that over the years, the French language has lost popularity. Since Celine Dion's 1988 victory with the song "Ne partez pas sans moi", representing Switzerland again, no French song has managed to take first place. Musical styles and languages have diversified over time, with a predominance of songs in English, but also in other European languages and even forays into lesser known idioms. Despite this, French remains a language appreciated by many participating countries, offering memorable performances and haunting melodies. So, even if victory in French is rare, the charm of this language continues to resonate on the Eurovision stage. Who knows? Maybe one day a song in French will once again ring out the winning anthem and remind everyone of the timeless beauty and emotion of the language.
4. Junior Eurovision
Did you know that there is a version of Eurovision especially dedicated to children? Since 2003, Junior Eurovision allows young talents aged 10 to 15 to represent their country. And that's not all: they must also be the authors and composers of their song, which is a unique feature compared to the "adult" contest. This junior version of Eurovision is a real showcase for young musical talent. It is a celebration of the creativity, passion and talent of children, who have the opportunity to make their voices heard and share their music with an international audience. So, if you are curious to discover new emerging talents and witness exceptional performances, don't miss Junior Eurovision. It's a colorful, dynamic and fresh show that will make you vibrate to the rhythm of young stars in the making.
5. A 300 year old theme song
The iconic Eurovision theme song we all know and love has surprisingly ancient origins. In fact, it dates back to the late 17th century, a time when classical music was in full swing. This mythical theme is actually the prelude to the Te Deum, a musical work composed by Marc-Antoine Charpentier. To give you an idea of its magnitude, this musical piece lasts more than half an hour in total! It is a grandiose composition that exudes grandeur and emotion. Over the years, the Eurovision theme song has been revisited and rearranged many times, adapted to the times and musical trends of the moment. It has evolved to remain fresh and captivating, while retaining its essence and connection to the musical tradition. A notable example of these reinterpretations is the "pan flute" version that was introduced in 1989. Imagine, soft, haunting notes rising into the air, played by panpipes. It is a real auditory treat that gives a new dimension to this timeless melody. Thus, through the centuries, the Eurovision theme song has been able to stand the test of time and continue to enchant crowds around the world. It is a real trademark, recognizable among thousands, which announces the imminent arrival of an extraordinary show.
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