It’s Eurovision time!

When the song lyrics were sung “it’s the most wonderful time of the year”, they weren’t talking about Christmas. It was about Eurovision.

The greatest music contest on this earth.

Now, aside from the fact Australia is in a “Euro” contest (it’s about a broadcasting network, not the continent), I am obsessed with the competition for the sheer entertainment.

Eurovision is everything – it’s chaotic, overwhelming, big-budget production, powerhouse vocals, soft vocals to make you beg for more, vulnerable, controversial, political, pushes the boundaries of society, inclusive, tone-deaf….so many things, and I love every second of it. You never know what you’re going to get.

If you’re new to Eurovision here’s a 2-second recap thanks to Wikipedia. Eurovision is is an international songwriting competition organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). It’s been held annually since 1956 (except for 2020 because #pandemic). There are semi-finals, where 20 people make it to the grand final alongside the host country and “the big 5” (aka the countries that donate the most money to the broadcaster) – France, Germany, Spain, UK and Italy.

I’m sharing with you my absolute favourites from the 2022 competition, and at the end, a video which shows all the most “WTF” moments from Eurovision history. And if you’ve ever seen the Eurovision movie, just know that it’s not overdoing things – it’s paying homage to real-life acts. Eurovision is exactly like the movie. And it also has a KILLER song at the end.

My 2022 favourites

Norway

This song is brilliant. It’s total WTF, and the lyrics are hilarious, but it’s so damn catchy and I want to learn the dance. Since I showed it to my 4-year-old we’ve played it on average 5 times a day…and that’s because I’ve been putting a cap on it. He’s now become attached to my second favourite, and let’s be honest, I’m not complaining.

With lyrics like this you just cannot go wrong:

Not sure I told you but I really like your teeth,
Your hairy coat with nothing underneath.
Not sure you have a name so I will call you Keith.

And the chorus:

And before that Wolf eats my grandma give that wolf a banana.

You can guess the nursery rhyme it’s referring to.

I bloody love this song. One for the record books.

Moldova

Never, ever thought I would see the day that I would be appreciating folklore with rock and roll. Amazing.

The song originally sounded like it was about a train ride (I mean, the film clip they’re on a train and they specifically talk about it in the lyrics), but it’s actually about the friendship between Moldova and Romania.

Ukraine

Another super interesting mash up, this one combines folklore with hip hop. Flutes! It’s a beautiful song too (seriously), it’s an ode to their mothers taking care of them (with a lullaby).

I feel for these guys, not only for the war their home country is facing, but the fact that people are already saying if they win it’s because of the war and not for their own talent. I love this song on its own merit, and I’m wishing them all the best.

Australia

Can’t go past our home-town boy! Sheldon is everything I love about music – touching on the emotional element, the performance, the power vocals.

I get all romantic talking about the meaning of music sometimes, and could easily sit around a campfire talking for hours about how much music impacts my life. And I find myself getting a bit like this when I talk about Sheldon. His performances on many music shows (x factor, the voice, America’s Got Talent…) has always been next level, pushing the creative limits while nailing the vocals.

I was lucky enough to watch him compete in Australia to earn his place in the semi finals, and the emotion on his face when he performed as our winner. Hearing him say “I promise I’ll make you all proud”.

This boy is on the stage singing about his childhood as an autistic child and not feeling the same as others (not his sexuality as some have assumed, myself included). He’s exposing us all and forcing the conversation about being on the spectrum. He is being unashamedly himself, and blowing us all away. I’m certain that as a nation we are already so bloody proud.

Have a listen, this boy has skills.

Honourable mentions

Honestly there are SO many songs that I love this year. But here’s a quick wrap up:

• Lithuania – Monika Liu – I describe her performance as a sexy worm (based on the way she wiggles). What a timeless voice, she’s incredible.
• Serbia – Konstrakta – Another WTF that is so good it’s hard to tear your eyes away from it. I feel like it’s almost more performance art than just music. Love it.
• Poland – Ochman – another male soloist, this has all the feels. Incredible vocals, and beautiful performance.

Ok I think I need to cut it there. The entire playlist of all the semi-finalists and big 5 has been on regular repeat in my car now for weeks and I have such a soft spot for the bulk of the songs. There are some truly beautiful songs.

Historical Eurovision

As promised, some historical shocking and weird songs from Eurovision’s past.

So, which one is your favourite for this year? What’s your favourite weirdest one of all time?