Eurovision

"Eurovision is like American Idol on steroids." 

-Myself

 

I had the honour of going to the Eurovision Azerbaijan final last night. Three Azeri music groups were vying for the final spot in Eurovision's version of the Super Bowl in Belgrade, Serbia. Three past winners also performed.

The first former winner was a Turkish woman who was up on stage all by herself singing everything from vocal trance to hip hop to soul. Then Ruslana from the Ukraine came on with her exorbitantly-priced dance team and her "wild energy." It was crazy. Her costumes included the ice queen, some gold type get up, and red leather. She's a fan favourite and I can see why.

In the end, a couple of angel dudes one. They had voices like opera singers. Far be it from me to perpetuate a rumour, but there was talk of the whole outcome being staged.

What was perhaps more fascinating was the sheer fervour surrounding the event. The concert arena was packed with people of all ages. People were chanting, screaming, holding up signs of their favourite singers. They are so happy that Azerbaijan is now part of the "Eurovision family" that if an Azeri group was ever to win the main event (and thus forcing the following year's final to be held in Baku), the whole country would go absolutely crazy.

Who knew Eurovision was such a big deal? I guess that's what you get for living outside the Eurovision-zone for most of your life.