Good Morning Room 3
It is my favourite time of year - Eurovision! Mia and Alanna get your dancing shoes on because you would love this competition! Eurovision is a song contest that is held once a year in May in different countries throughout Europe. Interestingly, there are some countries that are not from Europe that also compete.
Here are the rules for the contest:
- Each country gets to enter 1 brand new song. So it can not be a song that has already been sung or performed, anywhere!
- People in Europe vote for songs to enter the semi finals. There are 16 in each semi final and then 10 from each semi goes into a final. So there are 20 finalists
- The live performances can only have a maximum (remember that means the most) of 6 people on the stage.
- United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Spain all get automatic entry into the finals because they are the largest economic contributors. That means they have the most money
- There is a catch - you can not vote for your own country.
This year it is in Copenhagen in Denmark because last year Denmark won. That's how it works, if you win the next year the competition is held in your country. 'Only Teardrops' is the song that won it for Denmark last year https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3f9v8ebuD4
This year Australia is performing at the 2nd Semi Final but not competing. The atmosphere is electric. The crowds all dress up and wave flags from their country. Most of the songs are sung in English but some countries like to sing in their language. Lots of people throughout Europe have Eurovision parties where they invite their friends over and watch the songs and vote.
One of the most famous Eurovision performances was Waterloo by Abba. Listen to it and see if you have heard this song before.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FsVeMz1F5c
Other famous performers, and one of my favourites, is Jedward. These guys are crazy! These twins from Ireland are best known for their energy and enthusiasm. It is so over the top and it always makes me laugh. They have performed for Ireland twice at Eurovision. Check them out here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXouSYabDig
and here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_9QaVC-NKw
Two nights ago was the first Semi Final and tonight is the second Semi Final. The final will be held on Saturday night here. Remember there is the time difference because we are on opposite sides of the world so Saturday night here is early morning Sunday.
The best thing about the competition this year is I can vote! I watched the first semi final and had some favourites and I am really looking forward to second semi final tonight.
These were my two favourites from the first semi final.
Latvia - such a silly song about baking a cake.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0D1Ya3NBQs
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| Those crazy hipsters. |
Iceland - a quirky song about prejudice towards stutters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzaC7K8IhaA
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| It's not trigonometry, inside we're the same! |
You can watch Eurovision on SBS channel in Australia. You can also read updates and information about the song contest on the website http://www.eurovision.tv/page/timeline
Happy Eurovision Everyone!
#JoinUs
Miss Stinson
