Thursday, May 31, 2012

Thank you Wind Machine..You're amazing.

Last week, Europe was celebrating a musical event, in which Simon Cowell would probably be cringing on the side of his seat. Yup the Eurovision I'm talking about. I feel I am the only Asian to be loving this music contest, but at the same time proud to admit I love this show and I do look forward every May to watch this on SBS.

Eurovision is held every year, in whoever has won the previous contest, will be hosting the event the following year.

Whether you are a die hard fan or not, you have to admit it is very entertaining.

It is the "beauty pageant of music in Europe." The talent of all participating performers, competing to be the best. It is when the participating countries just stop quarelling with each other and have a week of celebrating together with music and having a grand ol' time.

Eurovision is the time when the pyrotechniques go overboard and that "wind machine" is dusted off and revived, giving an "extra 10%," as quoted by Sam Pang - who co-hosted with Julia Zemiro on the SBS Eurovision broadcast for Australia.
Eurovision calls for over-the-top clothes, hair, make-up and back-up dancers who didn't make the cut to Britney Spear's gigs.

Eurovision showcases a variety of songs from folk to channelling David Guetta, singing in their countries' respective language, yet sometimes sing in English. (Note: I am still envious they can speak more than one language.)

I've watched Eurovision for 14 years. No matter how corny and crazy it is, I find it very entertaining, regardless how much a song can put you to sleep or make you want to go crab-walking from side to side. Every Eurovisions is different and each hosting country always do a wonderful job hosting and showing around the beautiful things they have to offer (..that I am listing down where to go next...)

A huge thank you to SBS for broadcasting the show as always. Julie Zemiro and Sam Pang broadcasts live from the event and online. The both of you were hilarious and how much I wish I had your job!

This year the contest was held in Baku, Azerbaijan (in which I never knew it was  a country, till I was watching Eurovision 2011 in Düsseldorf, Germany, in which won last year's Eurovision). Yes I had to googleMap it where it was located....Hey! I learnt something new!..See Eurovision is educational in a way.

France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and the host country are automatically in the grand final, then 36 participating countries battle it out for the top 20 and towards the grand final.

There was a carbon copy of Sacha Baron Cohen for the Turkish entrant - Can Bonomo with his human pirate ship....

....then French entrant Anggun with her acrobatic dancers and a hint of the wind machine....
 ....the Russian entrants which I call the "Grandmothers." Thought this song was cheesy, but it goes to show that Russian Grandmothers can dance it up as well!!! They did get a huge ovation...and were 2nd place in the grand final....I think everyone just loved them..I want to give them a hug!

Then there is Jedward, the Irish entrants, whom I swear nicked Lady Gaga's costume and your aunt's water feature....boys..go easy on the red cordial.

Some were amazing and others you just wanted to disinfect your eyes and ears, and at that moment would have to agree that your next door neighbour's cat was better. 

Eurovision brings out all the Mariah Carey's, Beyoncé, Def Leppards, Michael Jacksons, Björks, Britneys and Justins of Europe. 

The famous Engelbert Humperdinck (try saying that when drunk) represented the UK (not sure if they agreed on that)..unfortunately he only got 7 points and was second to last on the tally board.
He was the first to perform in the Grand Finals..Sorry Engel.. I have to admit you nearly made me fall asleep. 

The winner for this year was from Sweden - Loreen's dance song "Euphoria." Which I say reminds me a mixture of Sash, DJ Sammy..ya know the old school dance music in the late 90's/early 2000. 
 with her barefeet, MC Hammer inspired dance crossed with tai chi..the audience screamed louder whenever they announced she was performing in the Semi-finals as well as the Grand finals. A close tie between her and the Grannies from Russia. Congratulations Loreen. A great song!..I want go to dancing now!Now got to wait for next year in Stockholm to watch it and re-live it all over again. Time to pack up the wind machine...for now.