Robin and Jon move to Denmark : Eurovision!

Eurovision is a song contest involving (mostly) European countries who each send one entry to a week-long competition in the previous year's winning country. Denmark won last year with a song called Only Teardrops by Emmelie de Forest, so they hosted this year's competition. I liked this NYTimes article about the contest, definitely a funny American perspective.

The city had several large screens showing the live feed throughout the city. We went to Gammeltorv to watch the first semifinal and the finals (the second semifinal was too rainy for us). There are so many oddities about the competition. Countries seem to vote in blocks- most Scandinavian countries give each other high points, Eastern European countries do the same, etc. It would seem that some countries don't want to pay the high price to host and send songs that have little chance of winning. When countries vote, they vote for the country itself, not the song or person. The contest is not just about the song, but about politics of the time, alliances and disputes. There are some interesting consequences, including several on Israel's involvement.

All around, it is a fascinating week of TV. This year's winner was Austria with the entry Rise Like a Phoenix from Conchita Wurst, a cross-dressing man with a luscious beard. There has been a lot of controversy about her, including protests and desired boycotts from Russia and Belarus. The song was good, a sort of James Bond sounding ballad about her own transformation. But I think many voted for her out of principle, out of a desire for wider tolerance and acceptance. She gave a beautiful acceptance speech, including this line:

This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. You know who you are. We are unity. And we are unstoppable.

Congratulations Conchita!

Food trucks all along the square - and of course beer carts behind those

The first night of semi-finals, eliminating 6 of 16

The finals! People go all out, it was fun to see everyone representing their country. The Brits were incredible, huge flags, suspenders, and even full suits with patterned with flags. Unfortunately, the song from the UK did poorly.

The stage complete with lights and huge speakers.

Huge crowds!

Super crowded, the two guys bumping into me finally left and we had a nice clear view. I am guessing there were thousands there, the square was totally full.