Eurovision 2010. or "How Oslo Got her Groove Back"

Good Evening Europe! this is Canberra calling. Wishing you a wonderful competition with great success!

Yes folks, it's that time of year again, the 2010 Eurovision song contest was beamed around the world (albeit with a 12 hour delay) and poked it's head into my lounge room again this year. In case you haven't already worked it out I'm kind of a tragic for this event so it is most definately relevant to my interests.

This year the contest was held in Oslo, Norway. I like to call if the GFC edition because the stage was a definate downsize from last years supersized event. the lighting and video screens were all a little bit dated, and the video interludes were also somewhat olde-world for Eurovision, but the theme of "share the moment" was definately there.

The finals were marred (improved?) by an unwanted stage guest during the Spanish entry, where serial pest Johnny Jump calmly included himself in the careful choreography before being swiftly escorted from the arena. After his interruption Spain were allowed a do-over, which really didn't help them any further. This had an adverse affect on the rest of the evening where security was very visible and more than a little heavy handed.

The songs themselves were...well I hate to say it but there was very little pizzazz this year. Following a truly epic 2009 where you ran the full gamut of emotions from the Anti-Crisis Girl to the flying Dolphins of the sky, performances were notably lacking in gimmickry. Dishonourable mentions go to Belarus for a truly hamfisted metaphor that plainly got lost in translation, and Serbia for what looked to be a Ken doll that got attacked by Justin Biebers mother.

The winner (if you can call winning Eurovision "winning") was 19 year old Lena from Germany, with her song "Satellite", a pretty little ditty from a woman who, lets be honest, sounds like she has a speech impediment.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QSgNM9yNjo]YouTube - Lena - Satellite (Germany)[/ame]

She stole the show by rocking away with 246 points.

Second place went to Turkey, who's maNga managed to combine those two loved elements of Angle Grinders and Fembots. Probably one of the weaker songs to get as far as it did, I think the inclusion of Jury votes this year ensured a greater spread of musical genres.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdw27j_usP0&feature=related]YouTube - maNga - We Could Be The Same (Turkey)[/ame]

Also, they're trying to be Linkin Park. Not so successful.

Third place was a surprise, with the unsung Romanian entry of Ovi and Paula Seling managing to combine those two great passions of mine - Dueling pianos and leather bodysuits. Chuck in a little opera and flames and I can see why this did well.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8iALS6-l7c&feature=related]YouTube - Paula Seling & Ovi - Playing With Fire (Romania)[/ame]

Honourable mentions go to Belgium (6th), who's John Mayeresque performance was rather engaging in a contest known more for it's excess than restraint.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PRyVS0KDTo"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PRyVS0KDTo[/ame]

And Georgia (9th), who's ballad stuck out amongst the many through it's pint sized powerhouse.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3nxhVyB5OM]YouTube - Sofia Nizharadze - Shine (Georgia)[/ame]

Dishonourable mentions go to the UK (25th) who's Stock, Waterman and Crosby stinker was truly the stuff of 80's flashback nightmares. The poor bloke reminded me of a Camp Harry Potter - the little dancing boy who lives under the staircase in the closet. I'll spare you a link to that.

Another dishonourable mention goes to the Ukraine (10th) who's "Sweet People" was a song about our children inheiriting the Earth, sung by someone who looks as though she's about to rain down fire and brimstone. Double You Tee Ef, mate.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s41mJ4ZMCIk]YouTube - HD 720 Eurovision - Alyosha 'Sweet People' Ukraine Second semi-final[/ame]

Seriously, if she wants your soul, just give it to her.

Overall I was thoroughly impressed with the standard of the competition this year, but the point of Eurovision is not to be taken seriously, is it? I needed more lulz this year, lets hope Germany can bring them.

I mean, the Germans' are renouned for their sense of humour, right?

wow, you seem te be much more involved with this b.s. than many Europeans, including me.

It's serious business, Henk.

Especially if you play the voting drinking game.

Saw it on the news and all I could think was ... WOW, Germany won with a copy of Kate Nash / Lily Allen from 3 years ago :)

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7TmLO6WqrU&feature=PlayList&p=50300738C766F9AE&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=21]YouTube - Kate Nash - Foundations - Live @ Bestival 2007[/ame]

INCLUDING the English speech "impediments" ... perhaps with a little Lilly Allen thrown in.
Reeks of "manufactured".

Yeah, Brits are shit at Eurovision as it's seen as s joke over here, mainly because of Terry Wogan who's classic commentary during the show was MUCH more entertaining. Dont' watch now he's gone :)

We've imported our own funny commentators so it's all good for us.

I think she sounds more like a product of Australian pop music, really.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WxPH_G8iyg]YouTube - Missy Higgins Scar[/ame]

Wow, I didn't watch it, but IBrake4Rainbows' post seems like the perfect set of Cliffnotes. Well done dude. Now I can talk about it as if I had watched it!

Does America compete in it? I've never once heard any American/US Media outlet speak of this, ever.

[quote=Rockefella;938944]Does America compete in it? I've never once heard any American/US Media outlet speak of this, ever.[/quote]
It is the European Broadcasting Union organised contest. Has absolutely no news value for Americans. (In this respect I cannot blame them for once:))

I doubt the US could stomach half the stuff that goes on.

I also was abit sad the dudes with sparkling pants missed out :(

EDIT: Also <3 drinking game.

I discovered a new drinking game as well, Sam.

You drink during the Voting.
Whenever a presenter thanks the host, you sip.
Whenever a presenter says it was a "wonderful" event, sip.
Whenever a presenter sings, down current drink.
There are some other rules, I got a little too drunk by this stage.

If I recall correctly Sarah was already well past being able to drink during voting last year..

I find it very amusing that you like this IB4R.

It just doesn't seem to fit in with (admittedly little) I know about you.

I saw that the German had won and was wondering where this year's UCP Eurovision thread was.

Do you like the music? I have had the displeasure of watching snippets of American Idol when it's at the actually serious stage (sometimes my friends watch the tryouts in the cities across the States and they are somewhat amusing) and I find it to be terrible.

Terrible, terrible, terrible.

I imagine this is even worse as the performers are performing original compositions and from what I gather, it's really poppy.

This is IB4R through and through.

[quote=whiteballz;938970]This is IB4R through and through.[/quote]

x2
he thrives on the pain of watching this

To be fair its awesome in all aspects.

BTW, I have the hots for the german winner.