I'm not really sure this officially constitutes a Dedicated Traveler post - however, I was able to visit 26 countries this morning whilst drinking Mimosa's and never leaving my couch. So that's "traveling" right? Or maybe we just file this under "Help, Kelsi's being "European" again". As my friend pointed out on Twitter, "you can take the girl out of England..."
Today saw the final of the Eurovision Song Contest, 2012 hosted by Azerbaijan (last years winners). For those that don't know, over forty-two countries compete to participate in the televised finale of the Eurovision Song Contest, with a song often voted on by their home countries. Twenty-Six countries compete in the finale and Europe calls in to vote for their favourite (you cannot vote for your own country)
The contest has been running every year since 1956. Past winners have included Celine Dion (Switzerland, 1988) and ABBA (Sweden, 1974).
This year was the first year since living in the US that I was alerted to it being on in time to find a live stream and watch it in it's entirety. You don't watch the Eurovision song contest to be blown away by talent. You watch it for the kitsch factor, the terrible costumes, Eurotrash beats, badly translated lyrics and amusing and predictable geographical/political voting (many countries vote for their neighbour/ally)
If you don't believe the magic that can be found in the Eurovision song contest - I took a few screen shots. I think next year we do a Twitter party and do it properly, non?
This years winner was Loreen from Sweden with "Euphoria" - a song a little too reminscent of Gaga's "Edge of Glory"
Moldova's entry had some of the best costumes - actually obsessed with the backing dancers dresses.
Irish duo Jedward mixed water and metallics and came off more than a little rusty in a number that was comically out of sync.
Azerbaijan presented glamour and drama. Oo-er.
Albania's scary snake dread lady was more than a little intimidating.
Turkey wowed us with a Fiddler On the Roof-esque number and a boat made of capes.
As my Sister in Law pointed out, Bosnia and Herzegovina brought "Lana Del Rey in a wind tunnel"
My absolute favourite was the Russian Grannies "The Babushkas" who wanted a "Party for Everyone" - actual lyric "C'mon and dance, c'mon and boom boom". The very spirit of Eurovision lives in them.
More Euro-Glam from Cyprus and France.
Italy presented a reincarnated Amy Winehouse, or how she amusingly dubbed on Twitter "Amelia Casa di Vino"
Norway brought the hottie, not a great shot of him here though.
Denmark channeled late nineties chick rock and military costumes...
Loreen, the winner from Sweden in her Kate Bush X Lady Gaga dramatic act.
Germany went for the mundane with probably the only record that would do well out of a Mediterranean nightclub.
These toe tapping Maltese boys were a favourite to win but ended up doing quite poorly.
This Ukrainian babe stole the show with her flower crown and fringe-tastic gown. The song wasn't half bad in a disco kinda way.
And the "Eurotrash" fashion didn't stop with the stage. When it was time to collect the votes we visit each of the 42 voting countries. This boy from Belarus was celebrating his man-cleavage (or lack thereof) in a BIG way, whilst this dapper gent from Bosnia and Herzegovina maybe took "metro-sexuality" a little too far? And, umm Finland. I don't think I ever want to see that again, thanks.
So that's the Eurovision Song Contest in screenshots. And now I'll leave you with our favourite Russian Grannies (who came second!). I dare you not to dance.
Kelsi x
Thanks so much for posting this!! I couldn't figure out what everyone was talking about on Twitter, but now I more than understand.
Can't believe I've never heard of this - but you gave such a good summary. It does look crazy, though, but super fun.
I wish it was on American TV. Or is it, and I just don't know about it?
"Man cleavage" , hahah. So true. Very very obnoxious shirt that fellas got on. I almost prefer the grotesque warrior.
-Gabrielle
Posted by: Gabrielle @ LookSharpSconnie | May 26, 2012 at 06:16 PM
This contest is a big event and I know that it is one of the most awaited contest of all singers that wanted be a famous singers like Celine Dion And Abba.
Posted by: heelys | May 27, 2012 at 02:11 PM
It is so fun - a national past time in the UK (and I'm sure lots of Europe) - it's not on American TV - but you can live stream it (which is what we did)
I'll be sure to alert everyone to it being on next time and we can have a Twitter party!
Posted by: Kelsi | May 28, 2012 at 05:52 PM