If you follow European events then you may be aware that one of the biggest of them all, the Eurovision song contest, was just held a couple Saturdays ago in Baku, Azerbaijan.
If you have no idea what the Eurovision song contest is, it’s basically a talent show for European countries (‘European country’ used in the loosest sense) to compete against one another in hopes that the artist they chose to represent them will win it all. Back to Eurovision being hosted in Azerbaijan…like, what? Azerbaijan?! Of course it’s because they won last year that they hosted it this year, but as a student of European Studies it’s so interesting to see countries like this even included in the competition. Same thing with Israel, but whatever on that.
The most important thing you need to know is that this year SWEDEN WON. Typically I would just say whatever on that as well but the fact that I was in the country when it happened unexpectedly turned out to be pretty damn cool. As one of the most unpatriotic countries that I’ve ever encountered, it was amazing to see how pumped the Swedes were on winning – in my living room, out on the streets, in da club. It was something equivalent to being in a country big on soccer that just won the World Cup. Ok, maybe not that intense, but almost.
So here is, the song and the girl who won it all – Euphoria by Loreen
Totally witnessed a drunk, 250lb dude singing it to himself that night/early morning on my way home from a bar. Unforgettable. It’s a catchy song, no doubt, and I’ve been listening to it so much that I will probably be sick of it soon as will the rest of Sweden. That won’t matter though. I’m certain that super sentimental me is going to hear it 10 years from now in some random place, like in a dentist office or shopping with my kids in a supermarket, and will start crying. Memories from this crazy/cool chapter of my life are going to come flooding back like a mofo. Ahhhh the power of music!
I have to be honest with you though…it turned out to be a great thing that Sweden was victorious, but I was actually rooting for these fabulous ladies the entire time.
Oh, you want a remix? Here you go…
And here are a couple of other highlights from the night for those who missed this amazingness/ridiculousness – enjoy!
I don’t remember this one…but WOW, San Marino
3 Comments
Connor
June 17, 2012 at 11:57 pmI adored Albania, Rona Nishliu is such a magnificent, unique singer!
Larissa
June 18, 2012 at 9:09 amShe does have a pretty incredible voice though it is her hairstyle that intrigued me the most.
Dan B.
October 7, 2015 at 11:00 pmI enjoy our posts and am an Euro-fan, so I feel obliged to let you know the pre-requisite for entering ESC is being a member of the EBU. Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Jordan, among other nations are eligible to enter. Morocco entered in 1980. Israel has been taking part since the 70s, while other countries like Georgia and Armenia debuted in the 2000’s. Israel, for all intents and purposes is European in many social, political and cultural ways, as much of the population descends from Europe. You should venture to Israel (and Palestine) soon, I think you’d enjoy it a lot!