We really do hope you enjoyed yesterday’s hark back to the old days – Bobbysocks from Norway – Winners!.

 

As yesterday, we have included a YouTube link to the performance at the bottom of the email, in case you need to revel in the drama of a static swing routine!

 

Today is about diversity and camp.

 

The Eurovision prides itself on being able to take pop culture, heritage and mythology and mash it together into one multi-coloured blob of fabulous.

There are three key points in the 64 years, where the Eurovision decides to thumb its nose at those cultures who may not be so accepting of diversity and go for it.

Long before LGBTQ+ become a thing, the trans community was represented by the entrant Dana International. She caused a huge stir when she competed in Birmingham (as we had won the contest the year before with Katrina and the Waves and so hosted it), with some broadcasters threatening to stop broadcasting when she was on. The EBU (European Broadcasting Union), threatened to withdraw funding to those broadcasters and remove their countries artists – this surprisingly put an end to it.  We have put the video of Dana at the bottom of this email. She is performing again this year, as Israel are the hosts (following Netta’s winning entry of Toy) and there is a huge rumour she is potentially singing with Madonna – who is performing the interval act (no capes allowed this year).

 

However, the entrant who won and whose lyrics are below, helped to further the representation of the diversity within the world.

She was – until recently, the highest scoring entrant in the contest and has gone on to have an amazing career – including hosting the Eurovision the following year, singing with the likes of Lady Gaga, Adele, Shirley Bassey amongst others as well as being the go to artist within Austria for hosting large award ceremonies.

She has transformed the understanding of Gender Fluidity and has released a new album which was used within the Met Ball this week.

 

Ohhh and the third – well it would be remiss of us not to mention Sweden in all this. Sweden has done more for poking fun at Eurovision than any other country and Eurovision love them. Check out Mans and Pedre who hosted the contest recently … it is worth the watch!

 

“Waking in the rubble
Walking over glass
Neighbours say we're trouble
Well that time has passed

Peering from the mirror
No, that isn't me
Stranger getting nearer
Who can this person be

You wouldn't know me at all today from the fading light I fly”

 

Mans and Pedra : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv6tgnx6jTQ

 

Bobby Socks : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKtUQS2VRD0

 

Dana International : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ5B6w-Baxs