Eurovision 2011
May 10, 2011 9:30 AM Subscribe
The Eurovision Song Contest 2011's first semi-final begins at 2 PM CST. Watch it online.
Oh thank you very much for destroying all my productivity for the rest of the day.
no, really, thank you
posted by LMGM at 9:43 AM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
no, really, thank you
posted by LMGM at 9:43 AM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
I find myself not quite not giving a fuck about Eurovision this year. It's disconcerting. Is this what growing old is like?
Probably it's because this year's song from Iceland, Coming Home, has got such a compelling backstory. The singer-songwriter who entered the song died (at only 36 years old) before the national qualifying contest. So his musician friends got together to perform the song in his stead. What can I say, I'm a sucker for sad stories.
That said, clearly the hip song to support this year is Čaroban from Serbia.
posted by Kattullus at 9:44 AM on May 10, 2011 [4 favorites]
Probably it's because this year's song from Iceland, Coming Home, has got such a compelling backstory. The singer-songwriter who entered the song died (at only 36 years old) before the national qualifying contest. So his musician friends got together to perform the song in his stead. What can I say, I'm a sucker for sad stories.
That said, clearly the hip song to support this year is Čaroban from Serbia.
posted by Kattullus at 9:44 AM on May 10, 2011 [4 favorites]
Oh, and somewhat self-linky, but I think justifiable: The Eurovision Drinking Game, LMGM-style.
posted by LMGM at 9:44 AM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by LMGM at 9:44 AM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Eurovision is always an amazing spectacle.
For the uninitiated, imagine the bastard child of American Idol and a European drag club. Stir in in semi-random key changes, bloc voting patterns, bursts of pyro, air-humping saxophonists, lots of manly oiled men, great moments in bad costume ideas, moments where nobody's sure what they're seeing, and Fake Lily Allen as the defending champion.
Good luck, and protect your liver.
posted by delfin at 9:47 AM on May 10, 2011 [4 favorites]
For the uninitiated, imagine the bastard child of American Idol and a European drag club. Stir in in semi-random key changes, bloc voting patterns, bursts of pyro, air-humping saxophonists, lots of manly oiled men, great moments in bad costume ideas, moments where nobody's sure what they're seeing, and Fake Lily Allen as the defending champion.
Good luck, and protect your liver.
posted by delfin at 9:47 AM on May 10, 2011 [4 favorites]
OK, can we just make this thread all about linking to the most insane moments of previous Eurovisions? That would be paradise.
posted by LMGM at 9:52 AM on May 10, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by LMGM at 9:52 AM on May 10, 2011 [4 favorites]
delfin: air-humping saxophonists
I made a post last summer about the glory that is Sergey Stepanov, a.k.a. Epic Sax Guy.
posted by Kattullus at 9:54 AM on May 10, 2011
I made a post last summer about the glory that is Sergey Stepanov, a.k.a. Epic Sax Guy.
posted by Kattullus at 9:54 AM on May 10, 2011
My top two this year were Iceland and Serbia, but they've already been mentioned so I'll point out that I Love Belarus is precisely as absurd as you would guess from the title. It's basically an Andrew WK song with all the references to partying switched to Belarus.
posted by Copronymus at 9:56 AM on May 10, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by Copronymus at 9:56 AM on May 10, 2011 [4 favorites]
I have always been curious about the Eurovision contest. I should really get around to watching one season (?) of it.
How do you start?
posted by Kitteh at 9:57 AM on May 10, 2011
How do you start?
posted by Kitteh at 9:57 AM on May 10, 2011
There's only three nights. The two semifinals, tonight and tomorrow, and the final this Saturday. It is best enjoyed in a party setting. Inebriation is to be encouraged.
posted by Kattullus at 9:59 AM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 9:59 AM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Kitteh: Just watch it. The semi-finals are today and Thursday (not tomorrow), and the final is on Saturday, all at the same time. Other than that, Kattullus is spot-on. You're perfectly on time.
posted by LSK at 10:04 AM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by LSK at 10:04 AM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Oh, why can't my boss have been on vacation this week instead of next?
He was smart not to allow speakers on my work computer -- I give him that.
posted by Capt. Renault at 10:10 AM on May 10, 2011
He was smart not to allow speakers on my work computer -- I give him that.
posted by Capt. Renault at 10:10 AM on May 10, 2011
Also, be sure and watch the semifinals even if you're from one of the countries that get byes (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.K.), because many of the best* acts tend to not make it to the finals.
* "best" defined as "actual quality," "WHAT THE CHRIST IS THAT" or both according to individual discretion. Howling invectives at semifinal voters is one of the primary Eurovision traditions.
posted by delfin at 10:10 AM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
* "best" defined as "actual quality," "WHAT THE CHRIST IS THAT" or both according to individual discretion. Howling invectives at semifinal voters is one of the primary Eurovision traditions.
posted by delfin at 10:10 AM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
I still think that Verka Serduchka was robbed!
posted by QIbHom at 10:10 AM on May 10, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by QIbHom at 10:10 AM on May 10, 2011 [5 favorites]
YES!!! #lololol
Seriously, I love this stuff. Thanks for the reminder.
posted by bayani at 10:15 AM on May 10, 2011
Seriously, I love this stuff. Thanks for the reminder.
posted by bayani at 10:15 AM on May 10, 2011
I’m liking the Finnish entry for its self-admitted and very subtle sarcasm. If you can’t find any sarcasm pay close attention to the last verse, in particular the last two lines.
It’s probably not the right song for making it through the semi-finals, though.
posted by michael.ka at 10:18 AM on May 10, 2011
It’s probably not the right song for making it through the semi-finals, though.
posted by michael.ka at 10:18 AM on May 10, 2011
My prediction: Turkey will receive few points if any from Greece. And vice versa.
posted by PenDevil at 10:18 AM on May 10, 2011
posted by PenDevil at 10:18 AM on May 10, 2011
OH PLEASE GOD NO MAKE IT STOP
"I find myself not quite not giving a fuck about Eurovision this year. It's disconcerting. Is this what growing old is like?"
Posted by Kattullus at 5:44 PM
I agree. It seemed different back in the day. Probably wasn't though: it was just seen through a childs eyes.
posted by marienbad at 10:26 AM on May 10, 2011
"I find myself not quite not giving a fuck about Eurovision this year. It's disconcerting. Is this what growing old is like?"
Posted by Kattullus at 5:44 PM
I agree. It seemed different back in the day. Probably wasn't though: it was just seen through a childs eyes.
posted by marienbad at 10:26 AM on May 10, 2011
Curses! And I'm at work!
Hope some website records the madness for when I get home. Nothing like Eurovision in all the world for getting my house going "Wait, they're on stage singing what? And wearing What?"
posted by palabradot at 10:27 AM on May 10, 2011
Hope some website records the madness for when I get home. Nothing like Eurovision in all the world for getting my house going "Wait, they're on stage singing what? And wearing What?"
posted by palabradot at 10:27 AM on May 10, 2011
I made a post last summer about the glory that is Sergey Stepanov, a.k.a. Epic Sax Guy.
And won my undying gratitude. I still go back to that video when I need a bout of helpless giggles.
posted by EvaDestruction at 10:36 AM on May 10, 2011
And won my undying gratitude. I still go back to that video when I need a bout of helpless giggles.
posted by EvaDestruction at 10:36 AM on May 10, 2011
Woohoo! And yes yes yes a million times yes Verka Seduchka was robbed! Also Moldova from last year, though part of it lives on as "epic sax guy" on the internet.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 10:37 AM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 10:37 AM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Moldova was clearly the real winner of Eurovision 2010.
posted by LSK at 10:43 AM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by LSK at 10:43 AM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Those eight seconds were. The rest of the song was pretty abject.
But what eight seconds! I'll leave you to find all the wondrousness contained therein, but let me just direct you to the guy on the left who loops perfectly. It's as if he knew!
posted by Kattullus at 10:51 AM on May 10, 2011
But what eight seconds! I'll leave you to find all the wondrousness contained therein, but let me just direct you to the guy on the left who loops perfectly. It's as if he knew!
posted by Kattullus at 10:51 AM on May 10, 2011
Pretty much everything that is great AND is horrible about Eurovision in one clip.
Or was it this one?
Might've been this one. Definitely Rookie of the Year that year.
posted by delfin at 11:08 AM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
Or was it this one?
Might've been this one. Definitely Rookie of the Year that year.
posted by delfin at 11:08 AM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
Those eight seconds were. The rest of the song was pretty abject.
You take that back. Even now, a year later, I'm constantly telling people that "we have no progressive future."
Seriously, I am, but I imagine it's pretty insufferable.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 11:19 AM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
You take that back. Even now, a year later, I'm constantly telling people that "we have no progressive future."
Seriously, I am, but I imagine it's pretty insufferable.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 11:19 AM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
Norway's entry has both an interesting backstory - and is also a very good song. She even knocked Lady Gaga off the top spot in the Norwegian charts. I hope it has a lot of life beyond Eurovision.
posted by jb at 11:30 AM on May 10, 2011
posted by jb at 11:30 AM on May 10, 2011
And is this mefi thread providing the sarcastic color commentary as it goes along?
posted by tyllwin at 11:46 AM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by tyllwin at 11:46 AM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Well, I guess I'll figure out how to "legally" see it. I can totally do three nights of something so potentially disturbing and awesome.
posted by Kitteh at 11:47 AM on May 10, 2011
posted by Kitteh at 11:47 AM on May 10, 2011
Well, I guess I'll figure out how to "legally" see it.
You can legally see it starting in about 5 minutes on the website linked in this FPP.
posted by hippybear at 11:54 AM on May 10, 2011
You can legally see it starting in about 5 minutes on the website linked in this FPP.
posted by hippybear at 11:54 AM on May 10, 2011
Kitteh, I think you can legally watch it here. Starts in 10 min.
posted by QIbHom at 11:54 AM on May 10, 2011
posted by QIbHom at 11:54 AM on May 10, 2011
I find myself not quite not giving a fuck about Eurovision this year. It's disconcerting. Is this what growing old is like?
No. Growing old is finding yourself not quite not giving a fuck about metafilter this year. Or is that not quite giving metafilter a fuck not this year. Or this year not not giving a fucking metafilter. Tired now.
posted by MajorDundee at 12:00 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
No. Growing old is finding yourself not quite not giving a fuck about metafilter this year. Or is that not quite giving metafilter a fuck not this year. Or this year not not giving a fucking metafilter. Tired now.
posted by MajorDundee at 12:00 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
No thanks. There's irony, and then there's unadulterated arse.
posted by Decani at 12:03 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by Decani at 12:03 PM on May 10, 2011
Fascinating fact: You don't have to be in Europe to be in Eurovision. Can it be long before the US joins the festival of lulz?
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 12:06 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 12:06 PM on May 10, 2011
Oooh awkward sexist presenter banter in Germany is just like awkward sexist presenter banter in the US. We are all one.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:07 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:07 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
Poland took the All the Single Ladies and bedazzled their leotards.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:11 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:11 PM on May 10, 2011
The dutch commentary was just too godawful so I had to do the european thing and switch to belgian tv.
Polish europop. Meh.
posted by Sourisnoire at 12:11 PM on May 10, 2011
Polish europop. Meh.
posted by Sourisnoire at 12:11 PM on May 10, 2011
Sourisnoire: I had to do the european thing and switch to belgian tv.
I tried to do the same thing but, alas, still the same song.
posted by Kattullus at 12:15 PM on May 10, 2011
I tried to do the same thing but, alas, still the same song.
posted by Kattullus at 12:15 PM on May 10, 2011
ooh another thanks for the reminder!
Oooh awkward sexist presenter banter in Germany is just like awkward sexist presenter banter in the US. We are all one.
Heh yes isn't it fabulous?
Oooh Norway with an African dancey number and red skirts, that's even more fabulous.
posted by bitteschoen at 12:16 PM on May 10, 2011
Oooh awkward sexist presenter banter in Germany is just like awkward sexist presenter banter in the US. We are all one.
Heh yes isn't it fabulous?
Oooh Norway with an African dancey number and red skirts, that's even more fabulous.
posted by bitteschoen at 12:16 PM on May 10, 2011
Commentary?
Interesting. There's no commentary at all on the web stream, aside from that awkward opening host segment.
posted by hippybear at 12:17 PM on May 10, 2011
Interesting. There's no commentary at all on the web stream, aside from that awkward opening host segment.
posted by hippybear at 12:17 PM on May 10, 2011
I'm a little worried that Jedward actually have a shot at winning Eurovision this year.
posted by TwoWordReview at 12:18 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by TwoWordReview at 12:18 PM on May 10, 2011
I love the new generation of computerized fireball generators. Rob Zombie had a mess of them when I saw him on the Gruesome Twosome tour last year, and they were great fun. Love what they're doing with them in this show, too.
posted by hippybear at 12:20 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:20 PM on May 10, 2011
It sounds like they turned up the vocals too much and you really can't hear the backing music. Not a great idea given the lack of vocal talent that's usually present.
posted by gyc at 12:20 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by gyc at 12:20 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
We europeans get a commentary inbetween songs. You're not missing much.
posted by Sourisnoire at 12:21 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by Sourisnoire at 12:21 PM on May 10, 2011
Oh, I know. I got my first exposure of Eurovision in 1987 when I lived in Hannover for a year.
There is truly no US equivalent for this event.
posted by hippybear at 12:22 PM on May 10, 2011
There is truly no US equivalent for this event.
posted by hippybear at 12:22 PM on May 10, 2011
BOOM BOOM CHAKA CHAKA > BOOM BOOM POW
posted by chicofly at 12:24 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by chicofly at 12:24 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Armenia delivers the damn goods. Boom, boom, chaka chaka, your kiss is like a like a [REDACTED]
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 12:24 PM on May 10, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 12:24 PM on May 10, 2011 [3 favorites]
I can’t decide whether the tilt-shift postcards between songs are great or kitschy. Probably both.
posted by michael.ka at 12:24 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by michael.ka at 12:24 PM on May 10, 2011
Turkey has a contortionist in a cage. That is unexpected.
posted by hippybear at 12:27 PM on May 10, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by hippybear at 12:27 PM on May 10, 2011 [3 favorites]
Bring back Sarah Cawood! Sarah Cox is trying to act way too cool about Eurovision. Cawood would get caught up in all the cheesiness.
posted by gyc at 12:30 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by gyc at 12:30 PM on May 10, 2011
I quite like serbia actually.
And i'm still sober. Ish.
posted by Sourisnoire at 12:33 PM on May 10, 2011
And i'm still sober. Ish.
posted by Sourisnoire at 12:33 PM on May 10, 2011
Oh dear. Russia, Faith-era George Michael called. He says "quit it".
posted by hippybear at 12:37 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:37 PM on May 10, 2011
Yeah, I'm about two miles away from that thing. The whole town is plastered in that logo and is packed with (yay, cliche, but true…) East-Europeans and very flamboyant young (and not so young) men.
posted by dominik at 12:38 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by dominik at 12:38 PM on May 10, 2011
Ha nice rosary Russian Backstreet Boys
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:38 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:38 PM on May 10, 2011
Oh, LEDs, how did the Contest ever survive without you?
posted by michael.ka at 12:40 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by michael.ka at 12:40 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Oh my God, nobody told me the ukelele gimmick went international. Damn it.
posted by empyrean at 12:40 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by empyrean at 12:40 PM on May 10, 2011
Romans comes and goes. Potted history of Europe there.
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 12:41 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 12:41 PM on May 10, 2011
gyc--pretty much, right?
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:42 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:42 PM on May 10, 2011
Taylor Swiss
I'm a Lett; you're Finnish.
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 12:45 PM on May 10, 2011
I'm a Lett; you're Finnish.
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 12:45 PM on May 10, 2011
oh god no not a rap
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:45 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:45 PM on May 10, 2011
Just when you think the song might have some promise, the random rapping starts... *sigh*
posted by gyc at 12:45 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by gyc at 12:45 PM on May 10, 2011
CYBERGOTH'S NOT DEAD
posted by rollick at 12:46 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by rollick at 12:46 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
Hmm it appears Evanescence must be really popular in Georgia.
posted by bitteschoen at 12:47 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by bitteschoen at 12:47 PM on May 10, 2011
Possibly the best rapping in the ESC ever... Of course, that's not really an accomplishment.
posted by LSK at 12:47 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by LSK at 12:47 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
You cannot vote by telegraph. Oh euro-host, you're adorable.
posted by empyrean at 12:48 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by empyrean at 12:48 PM on May 10, 2011
Possibly the best rapping in the ESC ever.
Have we forgotten Daz Sampson already? Oh best, not worst...
posted by gyc at 12:48 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Have we forgotten Daz Sampson already? Oh best, not worst...
posted by gyc at 12:48 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Thank goodness, I thought the Finnish entry was about being in the womb.
That said, "European country" is not a great lyric.
posted by ZeusHumms at 12:49 PM on May 10, 2011
That said, "European country" is not a great lyric.
posted by ZeusHumms at 12:49 PM on May 10, 2011
Finland.....
nice....
relaxing.......
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
posted by Pendragon at 12:50 PM on May 10, 2011
nice....
relaxing.......
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
posted by Pendragon at 12:50 PM on May 10, 2011
This Finnish guy looks like he raided Bryan Boitano's performance closet.
posted by empyrean at 12:50 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by empyrean at 12:50 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
Is everyone else seeing all of these tilt-shift commercials in between preformances? They're really milking that gimmick.
posted by empyrean at 12:53 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by empyrean at 12:53 PM on May 10, 2011
I’m just gonna copy in the lyrics of the last verse of the Finnish entry for detailed analysis:
And now I’m going out in the world to save our planet
And I ain’t comin back until she’s saved
I’m walkin in the footsteps that young Peter made
And everybody is welcome to join
And sing with me
Obvious sarcasm is obvious.
posted by michael.ka at 12:54 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
And now I’m going out in the world to save our planet
And I ain’t comin back until she’s saved
I’m walkin in the footsteps that young Peter made
And everybody is welcome to join
And sing with me
Obvious sarcasm is obvious.
posted by michael.ka at 12:54 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Is everyone else seeing all of these tilt-shift commercials in between preformances? They're really milking that gimmick.
Yeah ... it doesn't bother me too much though. Nice eye candy.
posted by bayani at 12:55 PM on May 10, 2011
Yeah ... it doesn't bother me too much though. Nice eye candy.
posted by bayani at 12:55 PM on May 10, 2011
Twitter is absolutely hilarious right now. I've been cracking up for a half-hour.
posted by bayani at 12:56 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by bayani at 12:56 PM on May 10, 2011
Is everyone else seeing all of these tilt-shift commercials in between preformances? They're really milking that gimmick.
Yeah, they're in the internet stream. They seem to all start off with that tilt-shift thing and then introduce someone from that country who is doing something in Germany... Or I think that's what they're about. And they all wrap up with "feel your heart beat" in that person's language...
So, the concept behind the concept is that Germany is at the heart of Europe?
posted by hippybear at 12:56 PM on May 10, 2011
Yeah, they're in the internet stream. They seem to all start off with that tilt-shift thing and then introduce someone from that country who is doing something in Germany... Or I think that's what they're about. And they all wrap up with "feel your heart beat" in that person's language...
So, the concept behind the concept is that Germany is at the heart of Europe?
posted by hippybear at 12:56 PM on May 10, 2011
Props to San Marino, because seriously:
Population - 31 March 2010 estimate 31,716
posted by empyrean at 12:58 PM on May 10, 2011
Population - 31 March 2010 estimate 31,716
posted by empyrean at 12:58 PM on May 10, 2011
I'm unhappy I'm likely to miss the finals this year due to some wedding (who schedules something opposite Eurovision? I ask you.) So thanks for this semi-finals thread; it helps ease the sense of loss.
posted by asperity at 12:58 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by asperity at 12:58 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Props to San Marino, because seriously:
Population - 31 March 2010 estimate 31,716
That's why they had to borrow a singer from Italy.
posted by Pendragon at 1:00 PM on May 10, 2011
Population - 31 March 2010 estimate 31,716
That's why they had to borrow a singer from Italy.
posted by Pendragon at 1:00 PM on May 10, 2011
Is it me or is San Marino's song completely out of key? o_O
posted by bayani at 1:00 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by bayani at 1:00 PM on May 10, 2011
Didn't know Pee Wee Herman had family in Malta.
That was the second act that seemed to take fashion cues from Grease -- I wonder how that image of masculinity is really viewed across the continent. I would love to see what a baltic metafilter would be saying about all this
posted by rollick at 1:01 PM on May 10, 2011
That was the second act that seemed to take fashion cues from Grease -- I wonder how that image of masculinity is really viewed across the continent. I would love to see what a baltic metafilter would be saying about all this
posted by rollick at 1:01 PM on May 10, 2011
Costume change! Everybody finish your drink.
posted by delfin at 1:03 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by delfin at 1:03 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
Twitter is absolutely hilarious right now. I've been cracking up for a half-hour.
Which #tag?
posted by ZeusHumms at 1:04 PM on May 10, 2011
Which #tag?
posted by ZeusHumms at 1:04 PM on May 10, 2011
I'm unhappy I'm likely to miss the finals this year due to some wedding (who schedules something opposite Eurovision? I ask you.)
I'm assuming you're not going to a same sex wedding?
posted by gyc at 1:04 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
I'm assuming you're not going to a same sex wedding?
posted by gyc at 1:04 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
DOUBLE costume change! She's going to the finals for sure after that.
posted by delfin at 1:05 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by delfin at 1:05 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
Or trying to kill us all...
posted by gyc at 1:05 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by gyc at 1:05 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
ZeusHumms: I'm reading the live Twitter feed on the eurovision.tv stream page. You can post from there too. #eurovision
posted by bayani at 1:05 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by bayani at 1:05 PM on May 10, 2011
I closed my eyes for one second and then she changed clothes again! Go Croatia!
posted by Tawny Owl at 1:06 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by Tawny Owl at 1:06 PM on May 10, 2011
Iceland with the flawless english. I'm impressed. I tried speaking a few words in Icelandic once to a friend. He wasn't impressed.
posted by empyrean at 1:07 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by empyrean at 1:07 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Iceland is ADORABLE.
posted by asperity at 1:07 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by asperity at 1:07 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
I feel like I missed a whole indie film leading up to Iceland's entry
posted by rollick at 1:07 PM on May 10, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by rollick at 1:07 PM on May 10, 2011 [5 favorites]
Oh my I think that Icelandic pianist just winked at me!
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:08 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:08 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Iceland reminds me of Texas Lightning.
posted by gyc at 1:08 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by gyc at 1:08 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
LOL from Twitter: @oxfamglamour iceland: mumford and sons, look at your future! #eurovision
posted by bayani at 1:08 PM on May 10, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by bayani at 1:08 PM on May 10, 2011 [3 favorites]
ok, Iceland is my new favorite...
posted by Pendragon at 1:08 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Pendragon at 1:08 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'm not going to lie, I'm enjoying Iceland's song a little.
posted by empyrean at 1:08 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by empyrean at 1:08 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
And now..... Snow Patrol....
posted by Pendragon at 1:11 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Pendragon at 1:11 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
I guess drapey dresses which are sleeveless on one arm and kind of cape-like and full-sleeved on the other side are the vogue in Europe this year?
posted by hippybear at 1:13 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:13 PM on May 10, 2011
I guess drapey dresses which are sleeveless on one arm and kind of cape-like and full-sleeved on the other side are the vogue in Europe this year?
Seems like it. Very matador-ish?
posted by empyrean at 1:15 PM on May 10, 2011
Seems like it. Very matador-ish?
posted by empyrean at 1:15 PM on May 10, 2011
LED collars and cuffs! Hungary is really pushing for the accessory fan vote
posted by rollick at 1:15 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by rollick at 1:15 PM on May 10, 2011
Oh god. Portugal looks like they're going to be surreal.
posted by hippybear at 1:15 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:15 PM on May 10, 2011
Is there some kid's show that's missing their cast?
posted by ZeusHumms at 1:16 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by ZeusHumms at 1:16 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
I like Iceland.
posted by francesca too at 1:17 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by francesca too at 1:17 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Is this a skit from Portuguese Sesame Street?!
posted by bayani at 1:17 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by bayani at 1:17 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
It's like a socialist Up With People spun off a little cross-gendered Village People unit.
posted by hippybear at 1:17 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by hippybear at 1:17 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
I want to see Portugal's entry host a Saturday morning variety show.
posted by chicofly at 1:17 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by chicofly at 1:17 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
And they really need to give goatee guy a bit more camera time. I don't ask for much in this life...
posted by hippybear at 1:18 PM on May 10, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by hippybear at 1:18 PM on May 10, 2011 [3 favorites]
They're dressed as throwback characters from the portugese folk protest movement of the 70s apparently
this is a political comedy group that attends major events and inaugarations, and by all accounts never expected to make it this far
posted by rollick at 1:18 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
this is a political comedy group that attends major events and inaugarations, and by all accounts never expected to make it this far
posted by rollick at 1:18 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
The staging is like a combination of Village People and protest song.
posted by LSK at 1:19 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by LSK at 1:19 PM on May 10, 2011
Anyway this is why you should watch the semis for the full Eurovision gamut
posted by rollick at 1:20 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by rollick at 1:20 PM on May 10, 2011
rollick: I feel like I missed a whole indie film leading up to Iceland's entry
That's kinda what happened.
posted by Kattullus at 1:21 PM on May 10, 2011
That's kinda what happened.
posted by Kattullus at 1:21 PM on May 10, 2011
Lithuania sings in sign language in the second verse, that's very sweet.
posted by Tawny Owl at 1:22 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Tawny Owl at 1:22 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
this is really bad. if they go on like this, Greece will win again. exactly what we were trying to avoid by sending a semi traditional "laiko" song mixed with lousy rapping, since we can't afford the cash to host the event next year :}
posted by helion at 1:23 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by helion at 1:23 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
That's kinda what happened.
posted by Kattullus at 9:21 PM on May 10 [+] [!]
oh wow, thanks! I just got a big Full Monty vibe from the line-up, and missed your earlier comment.
posted by rollick at 1:25 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 9:21 PM on May 10 [+] [!]
oh wow, thanks! I just got a big Full Monty vibe from the line-up, and missed your earlier comment.
posted by rollick at 1:25 PM on May 10, 2011
Azerbaijan wins the most expensive lighting show contest and most gorgeous girls on stage contest. Also, now I know where Max Martin went with his song-writing after all the boy bands folded.
posted by empyrean at 1:28 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by empyrean at 1:28 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
I wouldn't worry, helion.
posted by Sourisnoire at 1:28 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Sourisnoire at 1:28 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Hahahahaha Greece oh god
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 1:29 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 1:29 PM on May 10, 2011
Yes, helion, that's some lousy rapping. Also, he can't sing.
posted by Pendragon at 1:29 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by Pendragon at 1:29 PM on May 10, 2011
At least they frontloaded the rapping
posted by rollick at 1:29 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by rollick at 1:29 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Greece is going all in with this number. ALL IN.
posted by chicofly at 1:30 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by chicofly at 1:30 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
It's a Grecian boy band breakaway star doing Rammstein.
posted by hippybear at 1:30 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:30 PM on May 10, 2011
Pendragon: he can't sing
You should hear him play piano.
posted by Kattullus at 1:31 PM on May 10, 2011
You should hear him play piano.
posted by Kattullus at 1:31 PM on May 10, 2011
minus the eminem knock off I sorta liked greece
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:32 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:32 PM on May 10, 2011
Greece went full retard.
posted by gyc at 1:32 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by gyc at 1:32 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Well, that was fun. Should we all meet here on Thursday, same bat time, same bat website stream?
posted by hippybear at 1:32 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:32 PM on May 10, 2011
Ah, the joys of retirement! I'm able to fritter away an afternoon watching Eurovision. Iceland and Greece have my vote.
posted by francesca too at 1:32 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by francesca too at 1:32 PM on May 10, 2011
And now the voting begins..... BUT I AM NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE.
Stupid rules...
posted by Pendragon at 1:32 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Stupid rules...
posted by Pendragon at 1:32 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
I bet the Greek guy is eager to get some feedback on his rap prowess from English-speaking nations.
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 1:33 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 1:33 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
I want Serbia and Iceland to go through. I want Finland to flop, mainly to discourage weedy acoustic songs in future competitions
posted by rollick at 1:33 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by rollick at 1:33 PM on May 10, 2011
Rooting for Aretha Pinklin, Boom Boom Jail Bait, No One Lives Forever: Serbian Edition, Taylor Swiss, Linkin Parkski, Dancin' Chachi, Dress Magician, the Gay Statler Brothers, the Village People Outtakes and whatever the hell Greece did to go through.
Which means that _maybe_ three of them will.
posted by delfin at 1:34 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
Which means that _maybe_ three of them will.
posted by delfin at 1:34 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
Pendragon -- how are you not allowed to vote? The Netherlands doesn't participate?
posted by hippybear at 1:34 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:34 PM on May 10, 2011
Pendragon, I'll send in a vote for you. Name it
posted by helion at 1:34 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by helion at 1:34 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
We participate, but we are in the second semifinals thursday. So we are not allowed to vote today.
posted by Pendragon at 1:35 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by Pendragon at 1:35 PM on May 10, 2011
I liked Serbia and Iceland the most, too, I guess. Serbia had a surprising mo-town thing going on.
posted by empyrean at 1:36 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by empyrean at 1:36 PM on May 10, 2011
My ten picks: Norway (Haba Haba), Albania (Feel The Passion), Turkey (Live It Up), Serbia (Caroban), Russia (Get You), Georgia (One More Day), Finland (Da Da Dam), Iceland (Coming Home), Hungary (What About My Dreams?), and Azerbaijan (Running Scared).
Not that I necessarily like them - I just think they're the ones going through.
posted by LSK at 1:37 PM on May 10, 2011
Not that I necessarily like them - I just think they're the ones going through.
posted by LSK at 1:37 PM on May 10, 2011
I voted for Serbia. Anyway, off I go to a poetry recital #jarringtransition.
posted by Kattullus at 1:37 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 1:37 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
Serbia, iceland and lithuania, because she was the only one who could actually sing.
posted by Sourisnoire at 1:38 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by Sourisnoire at 1:38 PM on May 10, 2011
Armenia had what I look for in a Eurovision performance.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:41 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:41 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
That is a stupid rule - since you're not allowed to vote for your country (or, the country you live in) anyway, why are you not allowed to vote in the semifinal that country is NOT in?! am I missing something?
posted by bitteschoen at 1:41 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by bitteschoen at 1:41 PM on May 10, 2011
Portugal provides the brightest colors of today's entrants. I hope they make the finals.
posted by asperity at 1:42 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by asperity at 1:42 PM on May 10, 2011
I'm with LSK qua predictions.
And Iceland might just go all the way on Saturday with a backstory like that. Shades of Johnny Logan's What's Another Year.
posted by likeso at 1:42 PM on May 10, 2011
And Iceland might just go all the way on Saturday with a backstory like that. Shades of Johnny Logan's What's Another Year.
posted by likeso at 1:42 PM on May 10, 2011
I think the reasoning is that we would vote in the country we think has the least change in the finals.
posted by Pendragon at 1:43 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by Pendragon at 1:43 PM on May 10, 2011
bitteschoen, it's all about logistics. Just like that had to cut the thing into threes (two semi-finals + final). Too many participants.
posted by likeso at 1:44 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by likeso at 1:44 PM on May 10, 2011
Bitteschoen: It's because they want to eliminate the risk of neighbouring countries voting for each other. They tried to divide the countries evenly over the two semifinals. It's really stupid.
posted by Tawny Owl at 1:47 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by Tawny Owl at 1:47 PM on May 10, 2011
The Cold Steel drummers (playing while the final votes are tabulated) are really, really awesome.
posted by chicofly at 1:53 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by chicofly at 1:53 PM on May 10, 2011
Nobody loving the Polish girls? But Serbia outclass the rest here.
posted by stonepharisee at 1:54 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by stonepharisee at 1:54 PM on May 10, 2011
So they're going to choose 10 tonight, and 10 on Thursday, and then we'll have 26 total on Saturday?
posted by hippybear at 2:00 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by hippybear at 2:00 PM on May 10, 2011
France has an opera song? That seems like cheating. This isn't supposed to be an actual music contest, it's Eurovision!
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 2:01 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 2:01 PM on May 10, 2011
Oh, sorry. I thought there were 6 who got to skip the opening rounds.
posted by hippybear at 2:03 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by hippybear at 2:03 PM on May 10, 2011
Serbia, Lithuania, and, yes..........Greece....have made it through so far.
posted by chicofly at 2:04 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by chicofly at 2:04 PM on May 10, 2011
I'm glad that more people will get to enjoy Greece's contribution.
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 2:04 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 2:04 PM on May 10, 2011
And I have only one eye on the computer screen and thought hippybear wrote 25. Sorry.
posted by dominik at 2:04 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by dominik at 2:04 PM on May 10, 2011
Big Four + host country = Big Five go straight to the final.
posted by likeso at 2:07 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by likeso at 2:07 PM on May 10, 2011
YES YES YES Iceland.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
posted by Pendragon at 2:10 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
posted by Pendragon at 2:10 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
First 10 finalists:
Serbia
Lithuania
Greece
Azerbaijan
Georgia
Switzerland
Hungary
Finland
Russia
Iceland
posted by chicofly at 2:10 PM on May 10, 2011
Serbia
Lithuania
Greece
Azerbaijan
Georgia
Switzerland
Hungary
Finland
Russia
Iceland
posted by chicofly at 2:10 PM on May 10, 2011
WOOOO MUMFORD AND SONS
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 2:10 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 2:10 PM on May 10, 2011
Yes Iceland!!!! A very pleasant surprise that Turkey didn't take the last slot.
posted by gyc at 2:11 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by gyc at 2:11 PM on May 10, 2011
I was planning on going to a Dead Meadow-concert on Thursday, but now I'm conflicted.
posted by Tawny Owl at 2:16 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by Tawny Owl at 2:16 PM on May 10, 2011
d@mn, we made it. it's all women's fault again - girls on twitter went wild about the non-rapping dude's greek goddish looks.
hope that the judges and voting crowds in the finals will show more sense.
posted by helion at 2:16 PM on May 10, 2011
hope that the judges and voting crowds in the finals will show more sense.
posted by helion at 2:16 PM on May 10, 2011
Oh ok, thanks for the explanation. Hmm so I guess all the Turks and Poles in Germany couldn't vote either tonight? Ha... well now I get the idea...
posted by bitteschoen at 2:17 PM on May 10, 2011
posted by bitteschoen at 2:17 PM on May 10, 2011
Well, I voted for Georgia and Armenia. An ill-advised rap section and singing from inside a gigantic boxing glove are always going to sell it to me. Hugely enjoyable, and I'm really looking forward to Saturday now. And there is no way on earth I should be admitting that.
posted by ZsigE at 2:22 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by ZsigE at 2:22 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
To be fair, that greek god was quite dreamy.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 2:42 PM on May 10, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 2:42 PM on May 10, 2011 [3 favorites]
Norway didn't make it through? Oh, I'm actually sad - that's an awesome song.
I guess what I should do is just go purchase it through Itunes or something - well, and then "find" another copy so that the artist can have her money but I can have something that isn't DRM'd up the wazoo.
posted by jb at 3:17 PM on May 10, 2011
I guess what I should do is just go purchase it through Itunes or something - well, and then "find" another copy so that the artist can have her money but I can have something that isn't DRM'd up the wazoo.
posted by jb at 3:17 PM on May 10, 2011
People in certain countries couldn't vote tonight? I was watching on BBC and they were like "vote! vote early vote often!" throughout, and the UK's not even in the final so I assumed everyone could.
I still don't understand how Georgia got through?
I'm new to Eurovision.
posted by SoftRain at 5:07 PM on May 10, 2011
I still don't understand how Georgia got through?
I'm new to Eurovision.
posted by SoftRain at 5:07 PM on May 10, 2011
My wife and I are having a party for the finals - we're in the US, and most of the people coming to the party have never heard of Eurovision. They're surely in for a treat.
I was shocked shocked that Norway, Poland, and Turkey didn't sneak through. Even though I can't vote (help, help, I'm disenfranchised!), I've been listening to the tunes for a month now. I definitely didn't have Iceland going through, although with the story behind it, I'm not necessarily surprised. I definitely had Poland going through, but perhaps their performance sunk it (combined with going on first). Same with Norway, although I'm not sure why they hit the wall.
When they got to the end and I realized Poland, Norway, and Turkey were all on the outside, I was a bit dumbfounded.
I'm really looking forward to the finals. I'm a big fan of Estonia's song this year for whatever reason, and the UK's throwback to early 2000s boy bands makes me giggle every time. My wife likes Denmark this year, so I think that's going to be her horse.
I love this whole thing. I get excited for it every year - the sheer craziness of everything makes me so happy. I wish someone in America would figure it out and broadcast this shit, or make a US version with each state nominating a song.
Douze points for Delaware!
posted by SNWidget at 6:51 PM on May 10, 2011
I was shocked shocked that Norway, Poland, and Turkey didn't sneak through. Even though I can't vote (help, help, I'm disenfranchised!), I've been listening to the tunes for a month now. I definitely didn't have Iceland going through, although with the story behind it, I'm not necessarily surprised. I definitely had Poland going through, but perhaps their performance sunk it (combined with going on first). Same with Norway, although I'm not sure why they hit the wall.
When they got to the end and I realized Poland, Norway, and Turkey were all on the outside, I was a bit dumbfounded.
I'm really looking forward to the finals. I'm a big fan of Estonia's song this year for whatever reason, and the UK's throwback to early 2000s boy bands makes me giggle every time. My wife likes Denmark this year, so I think that's going to be her horse.
I love this whole thing. I get excited for it every year - the sheer craziness of everything makes me so happy. I wish someone in America would figure it out and broadcast this shit, or make a US version with each state nominating a song.
Douze points for Delaware!
posted by SNWidget at 6:51 PM on May 10, 2011
If you want that "Douze points for Delaware!" magic you'll need to invite Quebéc to participate in Americovision.
posted by Kattullus at 7:19 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 7:19 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
If you want that "Douze points for Delaware!" magic you'll need to invite Quebéc to participate in Americovision.
North Amerovision, then? Although when Quebec and Louisiana trade off sympathetic votes like Cyprus and Greece, I'm going to call shenanigans.
posted by SNWidget at 8:33 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
North Amerovision, then? Although when Quebec and Louisiana trade off sympathetic votes like Cyprus and Greece, I'm going to call shenanigans.
posted by SNWidget at 8:33 PM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
Americans would spoil it by entering somebody good.
I don't understand why Britain doesn't team up, say, Paul McCartney, Morrisey, and the dude from the Arctic Monkeys and win every year.
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 11:04 PM on May 10, 2011
I don't understand why Britain doesn't team up, say, Paul McCartney, Morrisey, and the dude from the Arctic Monkeys and win every year.
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 11:04 PM on May 10, 2011
or make a US version
Oh no please! Blasphemy! It'd be like saying they should "make a US version" of the Tour de France. You can't. Don't even try please. Leave us the ONE thing that makes us feel proudly European... ahem...
Lovecraft in Brooklyn: see that is NOT the point of the Eurovision... and none of those you mention would fit into the spirit of the contest. Although I think there was a rumour Morrissey wanted to do it a while ago, let me check... ah yes there were talks but it didn't go through. Phew.
posted by bitteschoen at 11:54 PM on May 10, 2011
Oh no please! Blasphemy! It'd be like saying they should "make a US version" of the Tour de France. You can't. Don't even try please. Leave us the ONE thing that makes us feel proudly European... ahem...
Lovecraft in Brooklyn: see that is NOT the point of the Eurovision... and none of those you mention would fit into the spirit of the contest. Although I think there was a rumour Morrissey wanted to do it a while ago, let me check... ah yes there were talks but it didn't go through. Phew.
posted by bitteschoen at 11:54 PM on May 10, 2011
Other than ABBA, have there been any really successful groups or performers to emerge from ESC?
(Not snark -- real question)
posted by hippybear at 12:17 AM on May 11, 2011
(Not snark -- real question)
posted by hippybear at 12:17 AM on May 11, 2011
I can't explain it but I have a warm spot in my heart for Jedward. They're like puppies. Unbearably sweet, apparently well-meaning, and so giddy that I worry one of them could wee on the carpet with excitement at any moment.
I'd love to see them do well. (like, in general. I hope they make a million Euros before their fifteen minutes are over)
posted by Eumachia L F at 12:26 AM on May 11, 2011
I'd love to see them do well. (like, in general. I hope they make a million Euros before their fifteen minutes are over)
posted by Eumachia L F at 12:26 AM on May 11, 2011
Lovecraft in Brooklyn: see that is NOT the point of the Eurovision... and none of those you mention would fit into the spirit of the contest
So people know it's shit, and enter their worst bands in the spirit of that?
I've seen a bit of Eurovision to try and keep up with the Tweeting. It is pretty silly.
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 12:32 AM on May 11, 2011
So people know it's shit, and enter their worst bands in the spirit of that?
I've seen a bit of Eurovision to try and keep up with the Tweeting. It is pretty silly.
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 12:32 AM on May 11, 2011
LiB: just know... the year I first encountered it, Eurovision wasn't nearly as hip as what I saw this year. Painfully unhip would be a mild way to describe it. I was actually pleased at how many of this year's acts I could picture listening to again. That wasn't the case in 1987, believe me.
posted by hippybear at 12:43 AM on May 11, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:43 AM on May 11, 2011
Oops. You capitalize the In. You should be LIB. I apologize for mistyping the acronym for your user name.
posted by hippybear at 12:43 AM on May 11, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:43 AM on May 11, 2011
hippybear: Other than ABBA, have there been any really successful groups or performers to emerge from ESC?
Well, Celine Dion. She's the only artist to have come out of Eurovision to have anything like the successs of ABBA, but there have been artists who've been pretty successful. But no, few world beaters.
Some Eurovision songwriters have also been successful outside of the contest, most notably Serge Gainsbourg, who wrote the 1965 winner (the only Eurovision song covered by both Arcade Fire and Belle & Sebastian).
posted by Kattullus at 1:37 AM on May 11, 2011 [2 favorites]
Well, Celine Dion. She's the only artist to have come out of Eurovision to have anything like the successs of ABBA, but there have been artists who've been pretty successful. But no, few world beaters.
Some Eurovision songwriters have also been successful outside of the contest, most notably Serge Gainsbourg, who wrote the 1965 winner (the only Eurovision song covered by both Arcade Fire and Belle & Sebastian).
posted by Kattullus at 1:37 AM on May 11, 2011 [2 favorites]
So people know it's shit, and enter their worst bands in the spirit of that?
One of the things I love about Eurovision is the schizophrenic approach to it - the same country can treat it as a joke one year, then end up sending a solid serious contender the next. Taking too seriously is definitely not the point (although I'm never sure which of the Eastern European countries have figured this out).
I loved the variety so far this year - I'm not a consistent Eurovision watcher, but my memory of it from when I was introduced to in the early 2000s was that you basically entered a cheesy ballad or a club anthem and threw as many sequins at it as would stick. That had a particular joy of its own, but I like the stylistic free-for-all.
posted by EvaDestruction at 7:47 AM on May 11, 2011
One of the things I love about Eurovision is the schizophrenic approach to it - the same country can treat it as a joke one year, then end up sending a solid serious contender the next. Taking too seriously is definitely not the point (although I'm never sure which of the Eastern European countries have figured this out).
I loved the variety so far this year - I'm not a consistent Eurovision watcher, but my memory of it from when I was introduced to in the early 2000s was that you basically entered a cheesy ballad or a club anthem and threw as many sequins at it as would stick. That had a particular joy of its own, but I like the stylistic free-for-all.
posted by EvaDestruction at 7:47 AM on May 11, 2011
I don't understand why Britain doesn't team up, say, Paul McCartney, Morrisey, and the dude from the Arctic Monkeys and win every year.
None of them would do it.
posted by Authorized User at 10:17 AM on May 11, 2011
None of them would do it.
posted by Authorized User at 10:17 AM on May 11, 2011
The Eurovisions have been dead to me since Zlad was disqualified, and then they started handing out awards to that incredibly shitty pop-knockoff of Gwar, Lordi.
(one of those entrants is real, and the other is fake, but it's really, REALLY hard to tell which is which)
posted by FatherDagon at 12:12 PM on May 11, 2011 [2 favorites]
(one of those entrants is real, and the other is fake, but it's really, REALLY hard to tell which is which)
posted by FatherDagon at 12:12 PM on May 11, 2011 [2 favorites]
This 'Russian' performance is my favourite parody, mainly for the way it keeps upping the stakes
posted by rollick at 4:30 PM on May 11, 2011
posted by rollick at 4:30 PM on May 11, 2011
See, dude, this is why I love Hungary:
Hungary Announces Country's Losing Entry for Eurovision 2011!
It's that unfailing sense of optimism in the face of unending defeat.
(fwiw, the hungarian version of the song sounds way the fuck better than the translated eurovision entry.)
posted by kaibutsu at 10:07 PM on May 11, 2011
Hungary Announces Country's Losing Entry for Eurovision 2011!
It's that unfailing sense of optimism in the face of unending defeat.
(fwiw, the hungarian version of the song sounds way the fuck better than the translated eurovision entry.)
posted by kaibutsu at 10:07 PM on May 11, 2011
Also, after seeing the 'epic sax guy' video, I'm kinda feeling like I really should have been born in Moldova.
posted by kaibutsu at 10:37 PM on May 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by kaibutsu at 10:37 PM on May 11, 2011 [1 favorite]
Lovecraft in Brooklyn: see it doesn't even matter whether it's shit or not, it's just sheer fun, glitter and sequins, flamenco gowns, African-Norwegian dance numbers and Turkish contortionists in cages, rapping from Greece and Finland's answer to Mumford and Sons, all in one package. So much variety of styles of singing and dancing and outfits, you never know what to expect when the next entry is announced.
It's a great excuse for parties. Here in Berlin they do public viewing in some bars and cinemas (and not just in gay/queer/drag queen bars that regularly host cheesy music parties of all kinds). In Britain there is a long tradition of tv commentary that's a mix of tongue in cheek/sarcasm and genuine excitement, it makes it even more fun to watch.
There may be songs once in a while that are not so silly and not even that bad, but it's a tv show, who cares about the music really, you're watching it for the visuals and the mostly cheesy music and surprise element.
And the fact you have this voting and competition between countries, and there may be interesting political and socio-demographic factors there too if you care to notice (immigrant populations in one country voting for their country of origin).
But yeah, basically, it's just silly fun, at its best when it does not take itself seriously. (And that's also why I think it keeps getting more popular, even with the multiplication of local versions of shows like X-Factor and X's got talent and so on.)
The artists you mentioned would be so out of place in Eurovision, it would be sacrilege really.
posted by bitteschoen at 1:42 AM on May 12, 2011
It's a great excuse for parties. Here in Berlin they do public viewing in some bars and cinemas (and not just in gay/queer/drag queen bars that regularly host cheesy music parties of all kinds). In Britain there is a long tradition of tv commentary that's a mix of tongue in cheek/sarcasm and genuine excitement, it makes it even more fun to watch.
There may be songs once in a while that are not so silly and not even that bad, but it's a tv show, who cares about the music really, you're watching it for the visuals and the mostly cheesy music and surprise element.
And the fact you have this voting and competition between countries, and there may be interesting political and socio-demographic factors there too if you care to notice (immigrant populations in one country voting for their country of origin).
But yeah, basically, it's just silly fun, at its best when it does not take itself seriously. (And that's also why I think it keeps getting more popular, even with the multiplication of local versions of shows like X-Factor and X's got talent and so on.)
The artists you mentioned would be so out of place in Eurovision, it would be sacrilege really.
posted by bitteschoen at 1:42 AM on May 12, 2011
(err, "who cares about the music" was supposed to mean you don't really care about whether it's shit or good in a critical way, you don't watch it with your usual expectations or standards about what you like to listen to. It's more like your standards for music for a party really.)
posted by bitteschoen at 1:46 AM on May 12, 2011
posted by bitteschoen at 1:46 AM on May 12, 2011
"Oops. You capitalize the In. You should be LIB. I apologize for mistyping the acronym for your user name."
No apology necessary. You're in the right here.
posted by Eideteker at 5:44 AM on May 12, 2011
No apology necessary. You're in the right here.
posted by Eideteker at 5:44 AM on May 12, 2011
Kind of excited about today's semi - it seems to be the stronger of the two. Favorites in this one are Estonia, Israel, and Sweden.
Song that got stuck in my head despite it's weirdness: I Love Belarus!
posted by SNWidget at 7:21 AM on May 12, 2011
Song that got stuck in my head despite it's weirdness: I Love Belarus!
posted by SNWidget at 7:21 AM on May 12, 2011
I think all of Europe can come together over the love of Belarus.
Bosnia seems to have gone the route of fielding actual musicians instead of hormone-addled tweenagers (yes, that's directed at you, Sweden). It should be fun to see Belgium's live performance.
posted by kaibutsu at 10:09 AM on May 12, 2011
Bosnia seems to have gone the route of fielding actual musicians instead of hormone-addled tweenagers (yes, that's directed at you, Sweden). It should be fun to see Belgium's live performance.
posted by kaibutsu at 10:09 AM on May 12, 2011
A quick reminder: the broadcast / web stream should begin in just over an hour.
posted by hippybear at 10:56 AM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 10:56 AM on May 12, 2011
Eric Saade, the Swedish representative, failed to win the local qualifier (Melodifestivalen) last year. Maybe because of the name of his song? But Sweden did really poorly last year, and his entry was a domestic hit, so I'm cautiously optimistic.
posted by gemmy at 11:07 AM on May 12, 2011
posted by gemmy at 11:07 AM on May 12, 2011
If you want to watch with english commentary, RTÉ's stream should be available worldwide (probably with ad breaks).
posted by rollick at 11:13 AM on May 12, 2011
posted by rollick at 11:13 AM on May 12, 2011
The Wall Street Journal on Ireland's hopes; NYTimes on the overall competition
posted by rollick at 11:16 AM on May 12, 2011
posted by rollick at 11:16 AM on May 12, 2011
If you want to watch with english commentary, RTÉ's stream should be available worldwide (probably with ad breaks).
Marty Whelan is no Terry Wogan, but I expect he will have tongue firmly in cheek for his commentary throughout.
posted by TwoWordReview at 11:32 AM on May 12, 2011
Marty Whelan is no Terry Wogan, but I expect he will have tongue firmly in cheek for his commentary throughout.
posted by TwoWordReview at 11:32 AM on May 12, 2011
and here we go again
posted by hippybear at 12:06 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by hippybear at 12:06 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Ugh, the Irish feed is stuttering. Guess I go back to the non-commented version.
posted by SNWidget at 12:08 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by SNWidget at 12:08 PM on May 12, 2011
Wow, this band isn't even trying to maintain the illusion that the instrumental track is pre-recorded.
posted by hippybear at 12:09 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:09 PM on May 12, 2011
Y'know some of these songs, at least music-wise are nice melodic pop. The lyrics though, are beyond trite and banal. Like that one from Austria, and this one from Netherlands - musically I could like them but the English lyrics are nothing but cliches strung together.
posted by dnash at 12:17 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by dnash at 12:17 PM on May 12, 2011
Good performance... but I don't think we will get to the finals...
posted by Pendragon at 12:17 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Pendragon at 12:17 PM on May 12, 2011
So far tonight is quite below the standard that has been set on Tuesday - or is it just me?
posted by dominik at 12:19 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by dominik at 12:19 PM on May 12, 2011
The stronger stuff is in the back half of this one, dominik.
posted by SNWidget at 12:19 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by SNWidget at 12:19 PM on May 12, 2011
wow. Belgium is doing Manhattan Transfer stuff. Bold!
posted by hippybear at 12:20 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:20 PM on May 12, 2011
I'd give Belgium a vote for actually having singing talent. (the words, again...ugh.)
posted by dnash at 12:21 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by dnash at 12:21 PM on May 12, 2011
I mean, the vocals have all been live... but the instruments not so much... so they've basically got no support except their talent. I give them props for this.
(Also because I've tried to do this kind of singing. It's fuckin' difficult!)
posted by hippybear at 12:22 PM on May 12, 2011
(Also because I've tried to do this kind of singing. It's fuckin' difficult!)
posted by hippybear at 12:22 PM on May 12, 2011
I hadn't heard the Belgium song before, and I was pretty prepared to hate it when they introduced it, but it was pretty good.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 12:23 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 12:23 PM on May 12, 2011
I am watching Eurovision for the first time ever thanks to this thread. No, seriously, thanks to you all in this thread! I'm a little behind the feed due to stupid work not realizing that this is serious business, but I am watching an African-Norwegian act (wat?) and think this is all great fun.
posted by jess at 12:24 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by jess at 12:24 PM on May 12, 2011
Jess, are you watching the first semi-finals ? That was two days ago.
posted by Pendragon at 12:26 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Pendragon at 12:26 PM on May 12, 2011
jess: back up to the top level of the website and find the live stream. that's what we're live-commenting on right now. you can go back and watch Tuesday's show afterwards.
posted by hippybear at 12:27 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:27 PM on May 12, 2011
I'm always shocked when they get through each semifinal in just two hours. If this were American TV, we'd have little vignettes every 10 minutes with almost no singing.
posted by SNWidget at 12:28 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by SNWidget at 12:28 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
This is also my first time watching it, although I've listened to the songs for a few years past, ever since someone introduced me to 2007's Swiss entry "Vampires are Alive".
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 12:28 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 12:28 PM on May 12, 2011
And no commercials... Yay for socialist europe !
posted by Pendragon at 12:29 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Pendragon at 12:29 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Ever since Wolves of the Sea, I've been hooked.
posted by SNWidget at 12:29 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by SNWidget at 12:29 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
rollick: yeah... imagine what the rest of Ukraine's outfit would look like if it were being worn by Lady Gaga. :)
posted by hippybear at 12:31 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:31 PM on May 12, 2011
Oh hey! Thanks! I am watching Moldovians in gnome hats now.
posted by jess at 12:32 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by jess at 12:32 PM on May 12, 2011
Go Moldova!
posted by bitteschoen at 12:33 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by bitteschoen at 12:33 PM on May 12, 2011
Oh, excellent. Hats even The Doctor couldn't make cool.
posted by hippybear at 12:33 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:33 PM on May 12, 2011
I... I don't even know what to say about Moldova. At least everyone's seeing what I'm seeing, so I know I'm not getting sick.
posted by SNWidget at 12:33 PM on May 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by SNWidget at 12:33 PM on May 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
This is the first entry I wish I were there to see in person, even if the sound is a little weedy
posted by rollick at 12:34 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by rollick at 12:34 PM on May 12, 2011
I need a YouTube clip of Moldova to send to my friends - they won't believe me without it...
posted by dnash at 12:35 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by dnash at 12:35 PM on May 12, 2011
I'm led to believe those are traditional Moldovian hats. So shame on you all for mocking them !
posted by Pendragon at 12:35 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Pendragon at 12:35 PM on May 12, 2011
I'm led to believe those are traditional Moldovian hats.
Imagine the height of Moldovian doorways and ceilings!
posted by hippybear at 12:37 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Imagine the height of Moldovian doorways and ceilings!
posted by hippybear at 12:37 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Oh man, Sweden is winning my heart. The choreography is killing me.
posted by SNWidget at 12:38 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by SNWidget at 12:38 PM on May 12, 2011
Yes yes the "Moldovan gnome turbo-folk" (with fairy!) have to win. And I can vote tonight woo hooo!
posted by bitteschoen at 12:38 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by bitteschoen at 12:38 PM on May 12, 2011
Imagine the height of Moldovian doorways and ceilings!
Very deep floors, actually hippybear:)
posted by Jody Tresidder at 12:39 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Very deep floors, actually hippybear:)
posted by Jody Tresidder at 12:39 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
The lead singer for Sweden is a cutie, but he's gotta work on his dance steps.
posted by chicofly at 12:39 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by chicofly at 12:39 PM on May 12, 2011
wait what number was Moldova? 7, right?
posted by bitteschoen at 12:40 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by bitteschoen at 12:40 PM on May 12, 2011
Sweden is a lock for qualification tonight, but if I vote it's probably going to Moldova so far
posted by rollick at 12:40 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by rollick at 12:40 PM on May 12, 2011
I was much more taken by Belgium's talent, but Moldova has been the most... yeah. I liked them.
posted by hippybear at 12:42 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:42 PM on May 12, 2011
I like the Cyprus one. For one thing, it's not in English so I have no idea how good or bad the lyrics are. But mostly I love they kept their own ethnic style.
posted by dnash at 12:43 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by dnash at 12:43 PM on May 12, 2011
Female fronted rock bands are huge in Eastern Europe from what I've been told
posted by rollick at 12:45 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by rollick at 12:45 PM on May 12, 2011
I think what interests me the most about this is the effect the live performance has on the votes. My wife and I download the music as soon as its released and listen to it quite a bit. We have our favorites based off of those - and sometimes, those performance just fizzle, even if the album recording is great.
posted by SNWidget at 12:45 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by SNWidget at 12:45 PM on May 12, 2011
Hey, Bulgaria... 1985 called... They want their haircut and hair clip back.
posted by hippybear at 12:46 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:46 PM on May 12, 2011
Macedonia should have sent the guy in a chicken suit.
posted by Pendragon at 12:49 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Pendragon at 12:49 PM on May 12, 2011
OMG Macedonia. Accordion! Megaphone! This is a thing of wonder.
posted by asperity at 12:51 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by asperity at 12:51 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
*heh* really liking the folk section of this performance.
posted by hippybear at 12:51 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:51 PM on May 12, 2011
I really like the Israeli song - it wasn't one of my favorites on first listen, but I'll be damned if it didn't get stuck in my head.
posted by SNWidget at 12:52 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by SNWidget at 12:52 PM on May 12, 2011
Dana! she's back!
posted by bitteschoen at 12:53 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by bitteschoen at 12:53 PM on May 12, 2011
Oh heaven - A "ding dong" chorus!!
posted by Jody Tresidder at 12:54 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Jody Tresidder at 12:54 PM on May 12, 2011
When is Israel going on the Euro?
Never, if they're wise!
(for the sake of those wondering, Israel like Turkey is in the Eurovision because it's in the European broadcasting area, nothing to do with the European Union or anything like that)
posted by bitteschoen at 12:58 PM on May 12, 2011
Never, if they're wise!
(for the sake of those wondering, Israel like Turkey is in the Eurovision because it's in the European broadcasting area, nothing to do with the European Union or anything like that)
posted by bitteschoen at 12:58 PM on May 12, 2011
Points off for Solvenia for doing that annoying thing with the finger-tapping on the microphone. I hate it when singers do that.
posted by Pendragon at 12:59 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Pendragon at 12:59 PM on May 12, 2011
Yeah, I know that about Israel. That's what is weakly called "humor" here in the US.
I see Slovenia brought boobs!
Shame they didn't also bring a good song!
posted by hippybear at 12:59 PM on May 12, 2011
I see Slovenia brought boobs!
Shame they didn't also bring a good song!
posted by hippybear at 12:59 PM on May 12, 2011
Love the boobs. The boots were ok.
posted by Pendragon at 1:01 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Pendragon at 1:01 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
I can't tell if the Romanian guy is there to sing or deal me a hand of blackjack.
posted by SNWidget at 1:01 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by SNWidget at 1:01 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
you alll eeeverybody...
posted by rollick at 1:03 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by rollick at 1:03 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Romania is winning me over with the smiles and enthusiasm. Even if it is Robbie Williams-lite.
posted by chicofly at 1:03 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by chicofly at 1:03 PM on May 12, 2011
I want to apologize for what constitute as musical comedy over here.
posted by dominik at 1:04 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by dominik at 1:04 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Ok, this song is second for me tonight after Moldova. (I missed the first few acts.) The lead singer is terrifying, though.
posted by jess at 1:04 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by jess at 1:04 PM on May 12, 2011
I'll admit, the song coming up (Estonia) was one of my early favorites. It's got everything I want in a Eurovision song, and it's hella catchy.
posted by SNWidget at 1:05 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by SNWidget at 1:05 PM on May 12, 2011
This isn't going to replace Loriot or Hape Kerkeling on the list of Great German Commedians, is it?
posted by hippybear at 1:06 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:06 PM on May 12, 2011
Nobody could replace Hape Kerkeling. He's half Dutch, though.
posted by Pendragon at 1:07 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Pendragon at 1:07 PM on May 12, 2011
Belarus: We love our benevolent dictatorship !!
posted by Pendragon at 1:10 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Pendragon at 1:10 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Man, Lukashenko spared no expense with the fire.
I'd love to see an extended tour / background segment on the stage for this thing, actually. The pyrotechnics and the lighting has been top notch.
posted by hippybear at 1:13 PM on May 12, 2011
I'd love to see an extended tour / background segment on the stage for this thing, actually. The pyrotechnics and the lighting has been top notch.
posted by hippybear at 1:13 PM on May 12, 2011
I'm not quite sure I understood - does she love Belarus?
posted by SNWidget at 1:13 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by SNWidget at 1:13 PM on May 12, 2011
Pendragon, Mr. likeso said the same thing! Meets youngest Baldwin brother...
posted by likeso at 1:15 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by likeso at 1:15 PM on May 12, 2011
Betting odds for almost every country are really tempting right now - hardly any below 10/1
posted by rollick at 1:16 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by rollick at 1:16 PM on May 12, 2011
And *I* just said "Oh dear god." Heh. Somebody just prematurely keychanged...
posted by likeso at 1:16 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by likeso at 1:16 PM on May 12, 2011
Elvis Costello can rap!
I didn't seen any evidence of that.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 1:17 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
I didn't seen any evidence of that.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 1:17 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
I've seen Elvis Costello do chat shows, but never rap.
posted by hippybear at 1:17 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:17 PM on May 12, 2011
BBC commentator: "Did he just say 'Kill me with lucious thighs?'"
posted by likeso at 1:18 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by likeso at 1:18 PM on May 12, 2011
Yikes. It's 1/2 a Jedward.
posted by likeso at 1:18 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by likeso at 1:18 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
I suspect we'll be seeing more of Latvia. Just a gut feeling.
But then, I thought that about Turkey, too.
posted by hippybear at 1:18 PM on May 12, 2011
But then, I thought that about Turkey, too.
posted by hippybear at 1:18 PM on May 12, 2011
Do they give everyone down front whatever flag is appropriate for whatever act is on stage?
posted by SNWidget at 1:19 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by SNWidget at 1:19 PM on May 12, 2011
Second time I've heard 'diamonds and pearls' used as a song lyric today.
posted by chicofly at 1:19 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by chicofly at 1:19 PM on May 12, 2011
Wow. Guitars with actual amps on stage. Could it be they didn't prerecord the instrumental track?
posted by hippybear at 1:19 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:19 PM on May 12, 2011
My wife is so crazy in love with that Denmark song, and for the love of me, I can't figure out why.
posted by SNWidget at 1:21 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by SNWidget at 1:21 PM on May 12, 2011
Which gender is a diamond and which a pearl?
pearl = girl
diamond = etc
posted by Jody Tresidder at 1:22 PM on May 12, 2011
pearl = girl
diamond = etc
posted by Jody Tresidder at 1:22 PM on May 12, 2011
pearl = girl
diamond = etc
Well, unless you're Prince.
posted by hippybear at 1:23 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
diamond = etc
Well, unless you're Prince.
posted by hippybear at 1:23 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
It's the part they were born to play baby!
posted by TwoWordReview at 1:23 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by TwoWordReview at 1:23 PM on May 12, 2011
Never heard of Jedward before, but dare say I'm very, very, very impressed so far.
posted by chicofly at 1:23 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by chicofly at 1:23 PM on May 12, 2011
Wow, THIS is Jedward? This is terrible! And they kind of remind me of male Britney Spears. As twins.
posted by jess at 1:23 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by jess at 1:23 PM on May 12, 2011
See, this is why I love watching the performances. As an album piece? Meh. With the stage show. Go Ireland!
posted by SNWidget at 1:24 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by SNWidget at 1:24 PM on May 12, 2011
I could swear I've seen these two interviewed on Graham Norton?
posted by hippybear at 1:25 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:25 PM on May 12, 2011
Jess, we are talking about the Eurovision Song contest.
posted by Pendragon at 1:25 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Pendragon at 1:25 PM on May 12, 2011
'Lipstick' should have been covered by Britney in BLACKOUT.
posted by chicofly at 1:25 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by chicofly at 1:25 PM on May 12, 2011
jess: "Wow, THIS is Jedward? This is terrible! And they kind of remind me of male Britney Spears. As twins."
That is exactly the effect they're going for.
posted by minifigs at 1:25 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
That is exactly the effect they're going for.
posted by minifigs at 1:25 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Yep, that's right, hippybear. It was hysterical, wasn't it? They frightened him...
posted by likeso at 1:26 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by likeso at 1:26 PM on May 12, 2011
They frightened him...
...and they weren't even wearing those outfits. Matching powder blue suits, if my grey matter isn't too far gone.
posted by hippybear at 1:28 PM on May 12, 2011
...and they weren't even wearing those outfits. Matching powder blue suits, if my grey matter isn't too far gone.
posted by hippybear at 1:28 PM on May 12, 2011
Does anyone want a proxy vote put in? I'm going for Moldova already but can send an extra text or two
posted by rollick at 1:28 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by rollick at 1:28 PM on May 12, 2011
Sarah Jessica Parker was on that episode of Graham Norton and she seemed very, very confused.
posted by Eumachia L F at 1:29 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Eumachia L F at 1:29 PM on May 12, 2011
I swear, those female twins were like having cloned Spice Girls on stage.
posted by hippybear at 1:29 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:29 PM on May 12, 2011
Throw in a Belgium for me, rollick. Yay, I'm not disenfranchised!
posted by SNWidget at 1:29 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by SNWidget at 1:29 PM on May 12, 2011
Jess, we are talking about the Eurovision Song contest.
Good point, Pendragon. When I say terrible, I mean delightfully terrible, of course. ;)
posted by jess at 1:29 PM on May 12, 2011
Good point, Pendragon. When I say terrible, I mean delightfully terrible, of course. ;)
posted by jess at 1:29 PM on May 12, 2011
Jedward gets my vote too just for the guts they have. Really. And ok because it's Ireland.
I could swear I've seen these two interviewed on Graham Norton?
I was typing "gimme gimme link please!" then I remembered I am online too so here goes - Jedward AND Sarah Jessica Parker on The Graham Norton Show. Was it that one? can't seem to find a more recent one
posted by bitteschoen at 1:30 PM on May 12, 2011
I could swear I've seen these two interviewed on Graham Norton?
I was typing "gimme gimme link please!" then I remembered I am online too so here goes - Jedward AND Sarah Jessica Parker on The Graham Norton Show. Was it that one? can't seem to find a more recent one
posted by bitteschoen at 1:30 PM on May 12, 2011
Yup, I think it *was* powder blue suits... and it's always a riot to watch US stars come on who - er- aren't familiar. ;)
posted by likeso at 1:30 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by likeso at 1:30 PM on May 12, 2011
The Estonian singer certainly has the wide-eyed doe down pat.
posted by SNWidget at 1:31 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by SNWidget at 1:31 PM on May 12, 2011
likeso: yes. my favorite episodes of Graham Norton are the ones where there's a US guest on who has obviously never seen or heard of the show before, and probably only had it very briefly described by the publicist ahead of time. Their look of utter horror and fascination as they try to get on board could be bottled and sold as an energy drink.
posted by hippybear at 1:32 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:32 PM on May 12, 2011
actually, rollick.. if you have an extra text for Latvia....
posted by hippybear at 1:32 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:32 PM on May 12, 2011
I still think the waiting booths look like the Senate from Stars Wars.
posted by likeso at 1:33 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by likeso at 1:33 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Sent in for Moldova, Netherlands, Belgium, Latvia and Bulgaria. Doesn't cost me anything extra, so no problem
posted by rollick at 1:34 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by rollick at 1:34 PM on May 12, 2011
Oh, hippybear, it's The Best. And some catch on quickly, and with childlike glee begin to veer veeery close to the completely inappropriate. Used to happen with Jonathan Ross, too. :)
posted by likeso at 1:35 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by likeso at 1:35 PM on May 12, 2011
I can also take some voting suggestions... Hippybear, one vote for Latvia... eh... voted.
posted by Pendragon at 1:35 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Pendragon at 1:35 PM on May 12, 2011
crap, I missed it today!
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:36 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:36 PM on May 12, 2011
If we could vote tonight, our house votes would be split between Moldova and Ireland. I would fight hard for Jedward.
The level of my irrational love for them (just their general presence in the world) makes me feel like the Grinch after hearing The Whoville Christmas Song.
posted by Eumachia L F at 1:37 PM on May 12, 2011
The level of my irrational love for them (just their general presence in the world) makes me feel like the Grinch after hearing The Whoville Christmas Song.
posted by Eumachia L F at 1:37 PM on May 12, 2011
I'd throw in an Estonia if I had another vote, but I'm pretty sure they're making it through no matter what.
posted by SNWidget at 1:37 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by SNWidget at 1:37 PM on May 12, 2011
Ok, one vote for Belgium and Moldova given. Sadly I can't take any votes for the Netherlands.
posted by Pendragon at 1:37 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Pendragon at 1:37 PM on May 12, 2011
send in one for Ireland Pendragon, and I'll do an extra for Netherlands ;)
posted by rollick at 1:38 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by rollick at 1:38 PM on May 12, 2011
LOL! Thanks, Pendragon (neither can I). But rollick's got our backs.
posted by likeso at 1:38 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by likeso at 1:38 PM on May 12, 2011
likeso: yes, except that Norton isn't a giant boiling wanker like Ross is. :)
posted by hippybear at 1:39 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by hippybear at 1:39 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Thanks for everyone who is voting for those of us who can't. We'll have One World even when the rules forbid it, dammit! :)
posted by hippybear at 1:40 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:40 PM on May 12, 2011
[can I just say I finished part 1 of the Graham Norton interview with Jedward while keeping an eye on the live Eurovision and <3 hippybear for mentioning it, joy joy joy]
sending multiple votes for Ireland here too, for everyone else - share the luv
posted by bitteschoen at 1:41 PM on May 12, 2011
sending multiple votes for Ireland here too, for everyone else - share the luv
posted by bitteschoen at 1:41 PM on May 12, 2011
I really like the Graham Norton Show. Best US guest: Reese Witherspoon.
posted by Pendragon at 1:41 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Pendragon at 1:41 PM on May 12, 2011
Yes - double thanks for letting the disenfranchised vote. I remember being in London during the '05 Eurovision, having no clue what was going on and having people grab my cell phone to vote.
posted by SNWidget at 1:41 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by SNWidget at 1:41 PM on May 12, 2011
Oh yeah right on Moldova.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:42 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:42 PM on May 12, 2011
Oh, I dunno Pendragon... she's just the most recent good one. And she'd been on before, so she wasn't as shellshocked. ;).
posted by likeso at 1:43 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by likeso at 1:43 PM on May 12, 2011
I can't tell if this is better or worse than the drum line schtick from last time.
posted by SNWidget at 1:44 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by SNWidget at 1:44 PM on May 12, 2011
Well I didn't mean the most shellshocked, just my favorite US guest :)
posted by Pendragon at 1:45 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Pendragon at 1:45 PM on May 12, 2011
finally my parents can appreciate break dancing!
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:45 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:45 PM on May 12, 2011
Damn. Inner city arts education has had a profound on hip hop!
posted by hippybear at 1:45 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:45 PM on May 12, 2011
Boring dance is boring.
posted by Pendragon at 1:46 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Pendragon at 1:46 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Um.... okaaaaay... (switched over to NL from BBC3 - they're just doing interviews there)
This is classic Songfestival intermission weirdness!!! YEAH!
posted by likeso at 1:47 PM on May 12, 2011
This is classic Songfestival intermission weirdness!!! YEAH!
posted by likeso at 1:47 PM on May 12, 2011
Is France really as much of a lock as the betting odds are saying? The whole singing werewolf thing just doesn't do it for me.
posted by SNWidget at 1:52 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by SNWidget at 1:52 PM on May 12, 2011
I'm not used to weird being so square, I guess.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:53 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:53 PM on May 12, 2011
That's what I like: the marriage of square with desperately hip -- ooh! Results-Estonia's in.
posted by likeso at 1:54 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by likeso at 1:54 PM on May 12, 2011
... Apparently you lot are getting them faster than I am on my stream.
posted by asperity at 1:56 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by asperity at 1:56 PM on May 12, 2011
I knew it. I knew it. Denmark is really gonna be a contender.
posted by likeso at 1:56 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by likeso at 1:56 PM on May 12, 2011
....aaaand Ireland too! yay! Jedward made it.
posted by bitteschoen at 1:57 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by bitteschoen at 1:57 PM on May 12, 2011
Recap - tonight's finalists:
Estonia
Romania
Moldova
Ireland
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Denmark
Austria
Ukraine
Slovenia
Sweden
posted by bitteschoen at 1:58 PM on May 12, 2011
Estonia
Romania
Moldova
Ireland
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Denmark
Austria
Ukraine
Slovenia
Sweden
posted by bitteschoen at 1:58 PM on May 12, 2011
For those who came in late, the second (and final) group of finalists are:
Estonia, Romania, Moldova, Ireland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Denmark, Austria, Ukraine, Slovenia, and Sweden!
posted by chicofly at 1:59 PM on May 12, 2011
Estonia, Romania, Moldova, Ireland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Denmark, Austria, Ukraine, Slovenia, and Sweden!
posted by chicofly at 1:59 PM on May 12, 2011
And now the discussion in the Netherlands will start again if we should compete next year.
posted by Pendragon at 2:00 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Pendragon at 2:00 PM on May 12, 2011
I really am bummed about Belgium. Love close harmony. And *they* could sing.
posted by likeso at 2:00 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by likeso at 2:00 PM on May 12, 2011
Oh, no Latvia. Story of my life. And no Belgium! How dare they send someone with actual vocal talent to the competition!
posted by hippybear at 2:01 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by hippybear at 2:01 PM on May 12, 2011
Belarus got robbed.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 2:01 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 2:01 PM on May 12, 2011
Sorry about the lack of Netherlands, Pendragon. :(
So... what say we all meet here again on Saturday? I'll bring beers....
posted by hippybear at 2:02 PM on May 12, 2011
So... what say we all meet here again on Saturday? I'll bring beers....
posted by hippybear at 2:02 PM on May 12, 2011
I'm having a Eurovision party for about 10 folks who've never watched it before. Should be a good line up. Might play the semis as a warm up.
posted by SNWidget at 2:04 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by SNWidget at 2:04 PM on May 12, 2011
Shame I can't see it on saturday. I hope Iceland wins.
posted by Pendragon at 2:04 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Pendragon at 2:04 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Does anyone happen to know of a streaming site that would work on my PS3, I'd kind of like to watch on my TV but both streams I know about (RTE and the official site) don't work on the PS3 browser.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 2:04 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 2:04 PM on May 12, 2011
Oooh, SNWidget. We used to do that, until recently. It'll be a blast. I'll be here on MeFi, Saturday. :)
posted by likeso at 2:06 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by likeso at 2:06 PM on May 12, 2011
My wife asked a question on the green about having a Eurovision party a week or so ago. I think we're going to end up with a few vaguely themed foods and a lot of drinking and snark.
Plus, I'm going to set up the #eurovision twitter feed on an extra screen next to my TV.
posted by SNWidget at 2:08 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Plus, I'm going to set up the #eurovision twitter feed on an extra screen next to my TV.
posted by SNWidget at 2:08 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Ahh! I just caught myself humming, "I Love Belarus!" Well, that's it -- I'm definitely in for the finals now. See y'all on Saturday. ;)
posted by jess at 2:08 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by jess at 2:08 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'm going to a Eurovision party for the final, but I also want to be here on MeFi, hmmm, how do I do this without an iPhone...
posted by bitteschoen at 2:09 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by bitteschoen at 2:09 PM on May 12, 2011
Heh, SNWidget - and I was one of those who answered her. :)
posted by likeso at 2:10 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by likeso at 2:10 PM on May 12, 2011
Heh, SNWidget - and I was one of those who answered her. :)
A toast to likeso before I black out (hopefully, after the results).
posted by SNWidget at 2:13 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
A toast to likeso before I black out (hopefully, after the results).
posted by SNWidget at 2:13 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Plus, I'm going to set up the #eurovision twitter feed on an extra screen next to my TV.
That is a wonderful idea and I will very generously and with no second motives whatsoever suggest it to the party organizer, except, it'll be twitter feed *and* mefi thread. Thank you!
posted by bitteschoen at 2:15 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
That is a wonderful idea and I will very generously and with no second motives whatsoever suggest it to the party organizer, except, it'll be twitter feed *and* mefi thread. Thank you!
posted by bitteschoen at 2:15 PM on May 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Aw, thanks SNWidget - and watch out for those keychange shots. :)
See the rest of y'all on Saturday!
posted by likeso at 2:17 PM on May 12, 2011
See the rest of y'all on Saturday!
posted by likeso at 2:17 PM on May 12, 2011
I'm going to a Eurovision party for the final, but I also want to be here on MeFi, hmmm, how do I do this without an iPhone...
Laptop with wireless on your lap while you sit in the group of friends...
I've seen it done. Many many times. Although never with Eurovision.
posted by hippybear at 2:17 PM on May 12, 2011
Laptop with wireless on your lap while you sit in the group of friends...
I've seen it done. Many many times. Although never with Eurovision.
posted by hippybear at 2:17 PM on May 12, 2011
Bulgaroktonos: in the past I've watched moderately crappy streams on places like ustream or justintv.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 2:18 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 2:18 PM on May 12, 2011
Laptop with wireless on your lap while you sit in the group of friends...
Eh I wouldn't be able to bring myself to do that at a party, really... and the host is Irish, he'd roast me with snark in a minute if I did that. I need a good excuse! if I manage to be convincing enough about following twitter for a laugh then I may sneak in a look at mefi too.
posted by bitteschoen at 2:25 PM on May 12, 2011
Eh I wouldn't be able to bring myself to do that at a party, really... and the host is Irish, he'd roast me with snark in a minute if I did that. I need a good excuse! if I manage to be convincing enough about following twitter for a laugh then I may sneak in a look at mefi too.
posted by bitteschoen at 2:25 PM on May 12, 2011
Think Bosnia was my favorite song of the second semifinals. Ukraine was also pretty good. Glad to see both of them through to the finals.
posted by gyc at 3:04 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by gyc at 3:04 PM on May 12, 2011
It's a great excuse for parties. Here in Berlin they do public viewing in some bars and cinemas (and not just in gay/queer/drag queen bars that regularly host cheesy music parties of all kinds). In Britain there is a long tradition of tv commentary that's a mix of tongue in cheek/sarcasm and genuine excitement, it makes it even more fun to watch.
Yeah, there's a few Eurovision parties happening this weekend. I'm sick, and I've got beer and Twitter and a TV that's showing it. But I don't really do camp or even humor anymore, so I'm not sure if I'll join in on the fun.
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 5:03 PM on May 12, 2011
Yeah, there's a few Eurovision parties happening this weekend. I'm sick, and I've got beer and Twitter and a TV that's showing it. But I don't really do camp or even humor anymore, so I'm not sure if I'll join in on the fun.
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 5:03 PM on May 12, 2011
I have a sneaking feeling, and writing this down makes me feel like a jingoist loon, that Iceland has a genuine chance of winning this year. I think the sad backstory might just push the song over the edge. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a good song (among other things it's the first Icelandic Eurovision song since 1999 that gets stuck in my head) but it's just the kind of uplifting song with a hint of melancholy that is complimented by a tragic backstory. In reality show terms, Iceland has the most compelling narrative. I checked out a few clips from online from various countries and the ones I found had the commentators introducing the song with the story of how the songwriter passed away so his friends got together to perform the song in his stead. And the band just looks like a bunch of friends who got together to perform on Eurovision (which they are, incidentally, and also seasoned musicians... as one would expect from the friends of a songwriter).
Christ almighty, I care about Eurovision? The 15 year old indiekid inside is truly dead and gone.
posted by Kattullus at 5:45 PM on May 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
Christ almighty, I care about Eurovision? The 15 year old indiekid inside is truly dead and gone.
posted by Kattullus at 5:45 PM on May 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
Sorry, but I don't think Iceland has a chance. I really like the song and it's a great story, but it's just too quiet and un-bombastic to make any waves. I will root like mad for Iceland though.
If it makes you feel any better, here's a video of a great Eurovision medley that they performed at a press conference.
posted by gyc at 8:31 PM on May 12, 2011
If it makes you feel any better, here's a video of a great Eurovision medley that they performed at a press conference.
posted by gyc at 8:31 PM on May 12, 2011
Belgium and Belarus got cheated. Amazing songs, catchy, and adorable. Sigh.
posted by LSK at 8:55 PM on May 12, 2011
posted by LSK at 8:55 PM on May 12, 2011
Well, if not for the backstory I think it would be a song that does about as well as something like Me and My Guitar (7th last year) but people (well, me anyway) are suckers for sad stories. I still think there are other songs which are probably likelier to win the whole thing, but I think Iceland's gonna do better than people expect, and may contend for the top spot. This depends on a lot of factors, such as all the national commentators explaining the backstory, the band playing well, prevailing cosmic winds :)
posted by Kattullus at 4:43 AM on May 13, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 4:43 AM on May 13, 2011
Only about 90 minutes before showtime. That's enough time to run to the store and get beer and munchies if you need to!
posted by hippybear at 10:34 AM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 10:34 AM on May 14, 2011
Countdown.... Unfortunatley I will be missing the live commentary here, my full non-digital presence is required elsewhere and there's no sane way to integrate the two, but I will check back later! HAVE FUN everyone!
(And whoever wins, raise a glass the Eurovision spirit bringing together all these nations, big and small, including those whose existence we'd otherwise forget, including those that may tomorrow be again at war with each other, in a joyously uninhibited cacophony of melodies and singing and dancing and glamorous outfits and crazy costumes purely for our entertainment. Sláinte!)
posted by bitteschoen at 10:52 AM on May 14, 2011
(And whoever wins, raise a glass the Eurovision spirit bringing together all these nations, big and small, including those whose existence we'd otherwise forget, including those that may tomorrow be again at war with each other, in a joyously uninhibited cacophony of melodies and singing and dancing and glamorous outfits and crazy costumes purely for our entertainment. Sláinte!)
posted by bitteschoen at 10:52 AM on May 14, 2011
To get in the mood. Watch the medleys of all winner songs on youtube.
I'm one of thosegrumpy old strange people who liked the ESC better when it was painfully uncool (i.e. until the eighties) but those days are definitely over. This thread is proof of it. Still watching it of course if only to bitch and moan.
1956-1969: http://www.youtube.com/user/escftw#p/c/4F3925CA86FF3ADA/0/S_Iu0wzotvM
The early years when it was all about the chanson. And later Cliff Richard got robbed. LaLaLa my ass. Don't get confused about 1969, there were really four winners. Hilariously the big bureaucratic jury apparatus of the time had failed to make up any rules about what should happen if two or more songs would get the same points awarded. Did this ever bite them in the ass that year.
1970-1979: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-4kqh5rJ7Y&feature=related
Has my alltime favorite winner Vicky with "Apres toi" 1972 and of course ABBA!!!
1980-1989: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0ergFjDggg&feature=related
Well, now we're reaching the time that I'm actually conscious of. Nicole winning for Germany in 1982 was a big event for six year old me and the whole family. Johnny Logan, the only singer that won twice (1980 and 1987). And yes, that really is Celine Dion in 1988. though she's said to get rather prissy if reminded of it.
Scandal in 1986 the singer of the winner song Sandra Kim claimed to be fifteen, but turned out to have been only thirteen at the time, which was kind of cheating. The Swiss (second that year) demanded the songs disqualification. But instead the age restriction (of 14?) was lifted. Of course this lead to some little child choir entries and was reversed again pretty fast. The age restriction is now 16 if not 18 I think.
Bonus: Sandra Kim 25 years later: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x19qbVlu9gM&feature=related A 2011 recreation of her 1986 video of the song with as much original cast she could get. Both versions are shown side by side.
1990-1999: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU4gVwKFiIA&feature=related
This is where you loose me a bit. Ireland winning three times in a row and a fourth time the year after the next was good for a laugh though.
2000-2010: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6A7s7lhreg&feature=related
The ESC goes worldwide because of a series of tubes. Or something.
posted by ZeroAmbition at 11:14 AM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
I'm one of those
1956-1969: http://www.youtube.com/user/escftw#p/c/4F3925CA86FF3ADA/0/S_Iu0wzotvM
The early years when it was all about the chanson. And later Cliff Richard got robbed. LaLaLa my ass. Don't get confused about 1969, there were really four winners. Hilariously the big bureaucratic jury apparatus of the time had failed to make up any rules about what should happen if two or more songs would get the same points awarded. Did this ever bite them in the ass that year.
1970-1979: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-4kqh5rJ7Y&feature=related
Has my alltime favorite winner Vicky with "Apres toi" 1972 and of course ABBA!!!
1980-1989: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0ergFjDggg&feature=related
Well, now we're reaching the time that I'm actually conscious of. Nicole winning for Germany in 1982 was a big event for six year old me and the whole family. Johnny Logan, the only singer that won twice (1980 and 1987). And yes, that really is Celine Dion in 1988. though she's said to get rather prissy if reminded of it.
Scandal in 1986 the singer of the winner song Sandra Kim claimed to be fifteen, but turned out to have been only thirteen at the time, which was kind of cheating. The Swiss (second that year) demanded the songs disqualification. But instead the age restriction (of 14?) was lifted. Of course this lead to some little child choir entries and was reversed again pretty fast. The age restriction is now 16 if not 18 I think.
Bonus: Sandra Kim 25 years later: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x19qbVlu9gM&feature=related A 2011 recreation of her 1986 video of the song with as much original cast she could get. Both versions are shown side by side.
1990-1999: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU4gVwKFiIA&feature=related
This is where you loose me a bit. Ireland winning three times in a row and a fourth time the year after the next was good for a laugh though.
2000-2010: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6A7s7lhreg&feature=related
The ESC goes worldwide because of a series of tubes. Or something.
posted by ZeroAmbition at 11:14 AM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
Scoresheet/Drinking game
I've been listening to old Pet Shop Boys albums all weekend to remind myself what entries could be aiming for, and idly wondering if the competition could get a lot more credibility this decade -- it's really not so far off from X Factor and Britain's Got Talent at this point in terms of watchability.
posted by rollick at 11:20 AM on May 14, 2011
I've been listening to old Pet Shop Boys albums all weekend to remind myself what entries could be aiming for, and idly wondering if the competition could get a lot more credibility this decade -- it's really not so far off from X Factor and Britain's Got Talent at this point in terms of watchability.
posted by rollick at 11:20 AM on May 14, 2011
I've been listening to old Pet Shop Boys albums all weekend
You could do that every weekend and live a pretty rich life, actually.
But then, I'm a 40-something faggot. The last PSB show I saw (the Pandemonium tour), nearly the entire audience was made up of my peers.
posted by hippybear at 11:24 AM on May 14, 2011
You could do that every weekend and live a pretty rich life, actually.
But then, I'm a 40-something faggot. The last PSB show I saw (the Pandemonium tour), nearly the entire audience was made up of my peers.
posted by hippybear at 11:24 AM on May 14, 2011
I actually kept thinking that if you shave two minutes off The Sodom and Gomorrah Show, and add a circus themed stage show, you'd have a pretty stomping eurovision entry
posted by rollick at 11:27 AM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by rollick at 11:27 AM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Just to make sure, I did a search on my satellite service to see if Eurovision was mentioned on any of the zillion channels we have streaming into the house. It's not mentioned anywhere. It's like, for the US, a large portion of the planet just doesn't exist a good portion of the time.
posted by hippybear at 11:27 AM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 11:27 AM on May 14, 2011
Yes, but Fundamental is such a dark album. Yes is so much more Eurovision in a lot of ways. Imagine All Over The World being performed on this year's stage setup, with plenty of fireballs. The international appeal would be broadened by that Tchaikovsky musical quote and the "we're all listening together" lyrics.
posted by hippybear at 11:31 AM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by hippybear at 11:31 AM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Yes is definitely the most lush since Very, I think. If you swapped Minimal and Luna Park from Fundamental to Yes it would almost have been Very 2.
*thinks about planning a late 25th anniversary Behaviour/Being Boring FPP*
posted by rollick at 11:38 AM on May 14, 2011
*thinks about planning a late 25th anniversary Behaviour/Being Boring FPP*
posted by rollick at 11:38 AM on May 14, 2011
30th, even!
I know, huh... The years... where do they all go?
posted by hippybear at 11:41 AM on May 14, 2011
I know, huh... The years... where do they all go?
posted by hippybear at 11:41 AM on May 14, 2011
Word from those who attended the dress rehearsal is that the first ten minutes of the show are spectacular so make sure you tune in right on time.
posted by michael.ka at 11:42 AM on May 14, 2011
posted by michael.ka at 11:42 AM on May 14, 2011
*thinks about planning a late 25th anniversary Behaviour/Being Boring FPP*
La la la la I am not that old.
posted by jess at 11:50 AM on May 14, 2011
La la la la I am not that old.
posted by jess at 11:50 AM on May 14, 2011
Heilige Scheisse "Das Wort zum Sonntag". XD
posted by ZeroAmbition at 11:56 AM on May 14, 2011
posted by ZeroAmbition at 11:56 AM on May 14, 2011
It's a pastor speaking on the holy day of Sunday. And Afterwards: PARTYTIME!!11!
posted by ZeroAmbition at 11:57 AM on May 14, 2011
posted by ZeroAmbition at 11:57 AM on May 14, 2011
When you are 29 for as long as I have been, everything happened in the last 10 years! >.>
posted by jess at 11:57 AM on May 14, 2011
posted by jess at 11:57 AM on May 14, 2011
You're right though, it was only 20.
I've watched the eurovision most years since 2000, and PSB only since Love etc.
Hoping that Ireland can take a top ten place tonight. If the UK, Sweden, or Germany can come first, I'm seriously considering a week abroad for next year
posted by rollick at 11:57 AM on May 14, 2011
I've watched the eurovision most years since 2000, and PSB only since Love etc.
Hoping that Ireland can take a top ten place tonight. If the UK, Sweden, or Germany can come first, I'm seriously considering a week abroad for next year
posted by rollick at 11:57 AM on May 14, 2011
Thank god they started. I don't think I could have heard that commercial one more time!
posted by gemmy at 12:01 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by gemmy at 12:01 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
rollick: I saw the premiere of West End Girls on MTV.
*would weep but his ancient tear ducts no longer produce moisture*
posted by hippybear at 12:02 PM on May 14, 2011
*would weep but his ancient tear ducts no longer produce moisture*
posted by hippybear at 12:02 PM on May 14, 2011
I have no idea, hippybear... I blocked it out!
posted by gemmy at 12:04 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by gemmy at 12:04 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
That whole thing oddly reminded me of seeing Falco's Emotional tour, which was also sponsored by a hair gel. I still have my sample tube that was given out as a freebie to all concert-goers. Ah, Europe... you're so odd sometimes.
posted by hippybear at 12:06 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:06 PM on May 14, 2011
Aaaaaaargh! My audio and video are ever so slightly out of synch. I'm going to have to restart that and see if it synchs up. But I'M SO FUCKING MESMERIZED BY WHAT IS GOING ON AT THE MOMENT!!!!1!ELEVEN!
posted by hippybear at 12:08 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:08 PM on May 14, 2011
I'm watching on Twitter with a bunch of Armenians, who are surprisingly not unhappy about their country's loss.
posted by k8t at 12:08 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by k8t at 12:08 PM on May 14, 2011
Are we playing? Is it on? Does anyone feel like Germany has won already?
posted by tigrefacile at 12:09 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 12:09 PM on May 14, 2011
That was quite the opening. And this time lapse is pretty cool. I love this kind of thing.
posted by hippybear at 12:11 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:11 PM on May 14, 2011
oh, my sound and video are synched now.
But I think the internet stream runs a tad behind the actual broadcast.
posted by hippybear at 12:12 PM on May 14, 2011
But I think the internet stream runs a tad behind the actual broadcast.
posted by hippybear at 12:12 PM on May 14, 2011
I was sadly torn between Eurovision and watching Lille play Paris Saint Germain in the French cup final and ended up choosing soccer. Everyone in Iceland is now watching Eurovision. I have never felt so nerdy in my life. And I took part in a LARP once.
posted by Kattullus at 12:13 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 12:13 PM on May 14, 2011
I think this one's going 0-0 straight to penalties.
Also: hi all! Have an Extra Cheeky Vimto on me!
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:13 PM on May 14, 2011
Also: hi all! Have an Extra Cheeky Vimto on me!
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:13 PM on May 14, 2011
Simon Rattle Reprezent!
posted by tigrefacile at 12:14 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 12:14 PM on May 14, 2011
hippybear, yeah, it is always ~45 seconds behind via the internet.
posted by k8t at 12:14 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by k8t at 12:14 PM on May 14, 2011
Finland was bought by Al Gore. You heard it hear first.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:15 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:15 PM on May 14, 2011
Are they deliberately trying to sink Finland by having them play first? That's always the weak spot in any such contest.
posted by hippybear at 12:15 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:15 PM on May 14, 2011
Oh, thank god, we're getting the creepy Finnish song out of the way first.
posted by weebil at 12:15 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by weebil at 12:15 PM on May 14, 2011
I would be disappointed if my daughter brought this fellow home.
posted by tigrefacile at 12:16 PM on May 14, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by tigrefacile at 12:16 PM on May 14, 2011 [4 favorites]
Via Twitter pal: "Funny how Finland can produced a doe-eyed boy singing about the planet and monster-rockers Lordi in the span of 5 years."
posted by k8t at 12:16 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by k8t at 12:16 PM on May 14, 2011
I should have bought some gin, I think. Beer isn't going to cut it, I'm afraid.
posted by hippybear at 12:16 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by hippybear at 12:16 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Yeah, they have this guy on first then when everyone's done they've got the True Finns as a bonus act.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:17 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:17 PM on May 14, 2011
I wish they'd done a second round of video postcards to introduce the countries for the finals. It's a bit disappointing seeing the same segments a second time.
posted by hippybear at 12:19 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:19 PM on May 14, 2011
So can you guys let me know when Iceland is imminent. I'd like to switch channels then to see them play. MetaFilter Eurovision Thread, you are my only hope.
posted by Kattullus at 12:19 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 12:19 PM on May 14, 2011
Hey it's Balkan Wayne Coyne! Where's the confetti cannons and fornicating furries?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:19 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:19 PM on May 14, 2011
Nick Frost on double bass.
posted by tigrefacile at 12:19 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 12:19 PM on May 14, 2011
No. 2 is the Eurovision position of death, statistically, so Bosnia will have a tough time getting ahead
posted by rollick at 12:19 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by rollick at 12:19 PM on May 14, 2011
FACT: they actually practiced song while stomping grapes.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:20 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:20 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Next up is the half-a-Jedward band.
posted by hippybear at 12:22 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by hippybear at 12:22 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Mod note: FACT: Finland's Paradise Oskar was named after an Astrid Lindgren (of Pippi Longstockings fame) character. PS this is actually a true fact
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane (staff) at 12:22 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane (staff) at 12:22 PM on May 14, 2011
This Denmark song could have been a huge hit when I was in Hannover in 1986.
At minimum, it's better than anything by Modern Talking.
posted by hippybear at 12:23 PM on May 14, 2011
At minimum, it's better than anything by Modern Talking.
posted by hippybear at 12:23 PM on May 14, 2011
Bringing a Fender Jazzmaster to Eurovision is like bringing a submachine gun to a thumb-wrestling tournament, isn't it?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:24 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:24 PM on May 14, 2011
They're really nailing this performance, I have to say.
posted by hippybear at 12:24 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:24 PM on May 14, 2011
Music aside, I am still really impressed with the staging this year. (Although I think this is the only entry to use the catwalk at all)
posted by rollick at 12:24 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by rollick at 12:24 PM on May 14, 2011
I can't even remember how this song goes while they're playing it.
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:25 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:25 PM on May 14, 2011
Hippybear, please do not talk poorly of Modern Talking.
(I only know them because they were popular in the Former USSR in late '90s.)
posted by k8t at 12:25 PM on May 14, 2011
(I only know them because they were popular in the Former USSR in late '90s.)
posted by k8t at 12:25 PM on May 14, 2011
Here's to hoping we're going to see another ridiculously awesome Steadicam shot tonight.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:25 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:25 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
But it will stick in your head...
posted by tigrefacile at 12:26 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 12:26 PM on May 14, 2011
Lithuania: and Mr.likeso says David Armand would have done the Sign Language better.
posted by likeso at 12:28 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by likeso at 12:28 PM on May 14, 2011
The difference between Lithuania and Denmark is what makes Eurovision so interesting. This sounds like a Disney movie song, but at least she can definitely sing.
posted by gemmy at 12:28 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by gemmy at 12:28 PM on May 14, 2011
She can dire oui to me anytime. In ISL, if she prefers.
posted by tigrefacile at 12:28 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 12:28 PM on May 14, 2011
k8t: I will talk poorly of them. They were horrible pablum in West Germany in the mid-1980s, to the point where you could drop a needle onto any of their singles and have no idea which of them was playing because they were all the same song.*
Maybe they improved in the decade between me knowing them and you knowing them... but when I experienced them, they were... there are no adjectives negative enough.
*This isn't an exaggeration. My homeroom class teacher at the Gymnasium I was attending actually spent a period doing this with the students, and nobody could pick out which song was which based on a 5 second sample. It was astounding. 5 seconds of a pop song is usually enough to identify it.
posted by hippybear at 12:29 PM on May 14, 2011
Maybe they improved in the decade between me knowing them and you knowing them... but when I experienced them, they were... there are no adjectives negative enough.
*This isn't an exaggeration. My homeroom class teacher at the Gymnasium I was attending actually spent a period doing this with the students, and nobody could pick out which song was which based on a 5 second sample. It was astounding. 5 seconds of a pop song is usually enough to identify it.
posted by hippybear at 12:29 PM on May 14, 2011
Hungary with the Wolf
posted by rollick at 12:30 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by rollick at 12:30 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Why is she wearing a collapsed umbrella?
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:31 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:31 PM on May 14, 2011
You know, the sad thing about me pushing the browser window over to my HDTV that I use as a second monitor and going full-screen to watch this is I can't read the twitter stream that flows on that webpage this way. :(
Anyway, what about my life?!?!? What about my dreams?!?!?!?
posted by hippybear at 12:31 PM on May 14, 2011
Anyway, what about my life?!?!? What about my dreams?!?!?!?
posted by hippybear at 12:31 PM on May 14, 2011
WHAT ABOUT THEM?!
posted by likeso at 12:32 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by likeso at 12:32 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Her vocals are deteriorating in real time. Heavy smoker.
posted by tigrefacile at 12:32 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 12:32 PM on May 14, 2011
k8t: I was giving you the benefit of the doubt. I'm glad you're kidding. :)
posted by hippybear at 12:33 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:33 PM on May 14, 2011
ahahahah, just the little pre-postcard jedward clip had me in stitches
posted by gemmy at 12:34 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by gemmy at 12:34 PM on May 14, 2011
Here's Jedward... Was it Kattulus who wanted to see them?
Oh, they wanted Iceland, not Ireland. What a difference that second letter makes.
posted by hippybear at 12:34 PM on May 14, 2011
Oh, they wanted Iceland, not Ireland. What a difference that second letter makes.
posted by hippybear at 12:34 PM on May 14, 2011
QUESTION: What's the collective noun for Jedwards?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:34 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:34 PM on May 14, 2011
JEDWARD FTW
THIS IS THE BEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO ME
posted by tigrefacile at 12:35 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
THIS IS THE BEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO ME
posted by tigrefacile at 12:35 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
A: Jedwads.
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:36 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:36 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
This performance still reminds me of the last PSB tour.
Although the idea of Neil and Chris moving around the stage like that is... disorienting.
posted by hippybear at 12:36 PM on May 14, 2011
Although the idea of Neil and Chris moving around the stage like that is... disorienting.
posted by hippybear at 12:36 PM on May 14, 2011
There's a line between camp I can tolerate and camp that makes me go insane, and Jedward is on the wrong side of that line.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 12:36 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 12:36 PM on May 14, 2011
Alright! Just as halftime happens Jedward comes on. Perfect timing. They're certainly impressively coiffed. The song is okay. Not super-catchy at first impression.
posted by Kattullus at 12:36 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 12:36 PM on May 14, 2011
Okay, okay, I've gotta give it to them -- it's a great stage show, and they're soooooooooooooooooooooo pop.
posted by jess at 12:37 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by jess at 12:37 PM on May 14, 2011
Aah, another trip to Legoland. I like these.
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:38 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:38 PM on May 14, 2011
GOT HER LIPSTICK ON DADA DUM DADA DUM KATULLUS HAVE YOU NO SOUL
posted by tigrefacile at 12:38 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by tigrefacile at 12:38 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Hey! It's the guys from the IKEA instruction manuals!
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:39 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:39 PM on May 14, 2011
The verse in Popular is quite good, but the chorus is dire.
posted by Kattullus at 12:39 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 12:39 PM on May 14, 2011
This is a catchier song than Lipstick, but they aren't quite as much of a spectacle as twins in giant Thunderdome shoulders.
posted by jess at 12:40 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by jess at 12:40 PM on May 14, 2011
The first time I heard Sweden's song, I thought it wasn't in English for like a full minute. Anyway, the fact that this made it out of the second semi-final, but Belgium and Belarus didn't is a travesty.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 12:40 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 12:40 PM on May 14, 2011
EVERYBODY FINGERDANCE
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:40 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:40 PM on May 14, 2011
Gotta get me some white high-tops.
posted by tigrefacile at 12:40 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 12:40 PM on May 14, 2011
Ireland and Sweden tick a lot of the same boxes, so votes could be split there. JEDWARD FTW!!1!
posted by Eumachia L F at 12:40 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Eumachia L F at 12:40 PM on May 14, 2011
Lipstick is somehow much less annoying now than when I first heard it a few days ago. Popular on the other hand just annoys the shit out of me.
posted by kaibutsu at 12:41 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by kaibutsu at 12:41 PM on May 14, 2011
I see the box, but where's the mime?
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:41 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:41 PM on May 14, 2011
I hate to say it, but Saade's "Manboy" from last year (which didn't make it out the Swedish contest) was way better than his entry this year.
posted by gemmy at 12:42 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by gemmy at 12:42 PM on May 14, 2011
Yeah, well they nicked the intro off of "Rasputin", didn't they?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:42 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:42 PM on May 14, 2011
The Swedish singer called Ireland his warm-up act earlier, so he might lose Irish televotes
posted by rollick at 12:42 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by rollick at 12:42 PM on May 14, 2011
Is Sweden the first act to be wearing different clothes from the early round? Or am I mis-remembering what they wore the first time around?
posted by hippybear at 12:43 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:43 PM on May 14, 2011
I only just realized that Jedward doesn't mean 'towards Jed.' I was all like 'Who's Jed? Is that a traditional Irish name? And why are these twins so attracted to him?'
posted by kaibutsu at 12:43 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by kaibutsu at 12:43 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
In a groundbreaking move for pastry-rights, Estonia sent a singing cupcake.
posted by Kattullus at 12:43 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 12:43 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
The Estonian singer was in the Estonian version of High School Musical, you'll be shocked to learn
posted by rollick at 12:44 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by rollick at 12:44 PM on May 14, 2011
Wow. my stream quality just degraded hugely. It's all blocky now. :(
posted by hippybear at 12:44 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:44 PM on May 14, 2011
Bored with the centre-partings already. Hair should stand up directly from the scalp at all times, no?
posted by tigrefacile at 12:44 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by tigrefacile at 12:44 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Kenneth!
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:44 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:44 PM on May 14, 2011
FACT: Learn to how to say "twelve months" in Estonian.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:45 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:45 PM on May 14, 2011
Ooh, this is one of those rap singers they have now, isn't it?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:46 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:46 PM on May 14, 2011
If there's one reason why ESC is never shown in the US, it's because it's a bit shaming how many of these people speak English, when the percentage of US performers who could say something like "have a good time" in any language other than English is probably closer to zero than not.
posted by hippybear at 12:47 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by hippybear at 12:47 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Greece is going "we either win this ESC, or we're withdrawing from the Eurozone".
posted by hippybear at 12:47 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:47 PM on May 14, 2011
Yes, but hippybear, don't you wish this rapper didn't speak "English"?
posted by likeso at 12:48 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by likeso at 12:48 PM on May 14, 2011
Braincramp!
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:48 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:48 PM on May 14, 2011
Poor lad has to perform in a ruin. Let's bail him out!
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:48 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:48 PM on May 14, 2011
Or let's just put Greece on Kickstarter.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:49 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:49 PM on May 14, 2011
Tossing clothes around a stage that spews fire seems like a bad idea, no?
posted by Kattullus at 12:49 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 12:49 PM on May 14, 2011
Greece is the complete package.
posted by tigrefacile at 12:49 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by tigrefacile at 12:49 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
They're throwing those jackets dangerously close to the fireball machines, aren't they?
posted by kaibutsu at 12:49 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by kaibutsu at 12:49 PM on May 14, 2011
As an American, torchy singing in languages I don't understand just makes me want Italian food, which is a pretty strange reaction to this Greek song.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 12:50 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 12:50 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
It's a good thing I don't get to vote. I'd be torn between Greece and Moldova.
posted by weebil at 12:50 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by weebil at 12:50 PM on May 14, 2011
Alright, the soccer is starting up again (one other person in Iceland is watching the soccergame, as far as I know... I don't know whether that makes me more or less of a nerd). Alert me when Iceland's up!
posted by Kattullus at 12:51 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 12:51 PM on May 14, 2011
You must break him...
posted by tigrefacile at 12:51 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 12:51 PM on May 14, 2011
Greece up the Turkey, 'cause I'm Hungary.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:52 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:52 PM on May 14, 2011
Faith-era George Michael is no happier with this performance than he was with their showing in the early round.
posted by hippybear at 12:52 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:52 PM on May 14, 2011
Oh man. I missed the first few numbers, but I think Greece just BLEW MY MIND. What was that?!
posted by grapesaresour at 12:52 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by grapesaresour at 12:52 PM on May 14, 2011
When you're a Jet, you're a Jet all the way...
(Dance fight, Russia!)
posted by jess at 12:52 PM on May 14, 2011
(Dance fight, Russia!)
posted by jess at 12:52 PM on May 14, 2011
I must say I have fully and completely drunk this Eurovision kkol-aid. These are all my new favourite songs. It helps that I root for underdogs and weirdos and those who perhaps only have marginal talent but commit fully and completely. The costumes, the lights, the fires, both real and fake. It all makes me so very, very happy. Perhaps it's my ancient history background when I used to do performance art and only hung out with Teh Crazies, but Eurovision is full of my people.
posted by Eumachia L F at 12:54 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Eumachia L F at 12:54 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
(really looking forward grapesaresour's reaction to Moldava)
posted by likeso at 12:54 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by likeso at 12:54 PM on May 14, 2011
Wait, this is proper music, isn't it?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:54 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:54 PM on May 14, 2011
aUX bARRICADES mES bRAVES!!!
posted by tigrefacile at 12:55 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 12:55 PM on May 14, 2011
(and this French guy looks like one of my Sims)
posted by Eumachia L F at 12:55 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Eumachia L F at 12:55 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Val Kilmer flying the flag for France -- it does stick out though doesn't it?
posted by rollick at 12:55 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by rollick at 12:55 PM on May 14, 2011
It's the son of the Muppet composer guy!
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:55 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:55 PM on May 14, 2011
Is this part of Les Mis?
posted by weebil at 12:55 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by weebil at 12:55 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
I thought they saved this kind of music for playing between the songs.
posted by kaibutsu at 12:56 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by kaibutsu at 12:56 PM on May 14, 2011
Oh my god, I want to reach through the internet and pluck that guy's eyebrows.
posted by jess at 12:56 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by jess at 12:56 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
It's as if Nelson Eddy was pretty and French.
posted by tigrefacile at 12:57 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 12:57 PM on May 14, 2011
It's stunning to me that the same country which could produce something like Mitsouko Rita could submit THIS for ESC.
posted by hippybear at 12:57 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 12:57 PM on May 14, 2011
oh boy, pompous number from France
posted by Jody Tresidder at 12:58 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Jody Tresidder at 12:58 PM on May 14, 2011
First time I actually watch this. I don't know, I expected something a bit more over the top and weird. I'm watching Bocelli's clones and mid-chart boy-bands time travelling from the nineties.
posted by darkripper at 12:58 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by darkripper at 12:58 PM on May 14, 2011
Hm. that would have been better if he'd sung a duet with his twin.
posted by kaibutsu at 12:58 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by kaibutsu at 12:58 PM on May 14, 2011
Well, that was boring. Italy better liven this shit up.
posted by grapesaresour at 12:59 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by grapesaresour at 12:59 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
(and apparently we are the masters of clones. this guy is a mix of Paolo Conte and Sergio Cammariere)
posted by darkripper at 12:59 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by darkripper at 12:59 PM on May 14, 2011
What the hell, France and Italy? Have you no respect for what Eurovision is ABOUT?
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:59 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by Capt. Renault at 12:59 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
Amazing. Nicely sung, France. Not what I would have picked, normally, but it's one of my favorites so far just for sheer gutsiness. Italy is not bad either.
posted by gemmy at 12:59 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by gemmy at 12:59 PM on May 14, 2011
Uh, or not I guess.
posted by grapesaresour at 12:59 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by grapesaresour at 12:59 PM on May 14, 2011
Does anyone have the drinking rules handy? Double bass is two shots, right?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:59 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 12:59 PM on May 14, 2011
darkripper: you haven't seen Moldova yet. And you missed some of the TRUE strangeness earlier in the week. (Portugal, I'm looking at you)
posted by hippybear at 1:00 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:00 PM on May 14, 2011
I think that trumpet is trying to say "shame, shame, shame on you now Silvio".
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:00 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:00 PM on May 14, 2011
darkripper: First time I actually watch this. I don't know, I expected something a bit more over the top and weird. I'm watching Bocelli's clones and mid-chart boy-bands time travelling from the nineties.
Most of the really weird ones didn't make it out of the semifinals this time (e.g.).
posted by Kattullus at 1:00 PM on May 14, 2011
Most of the really weird ones didn't make it out of the semifinals this time (e.g.).
posted by Kattullus at 1:00 PM on May 14, 2011
Italy - this is lovely fun!
posted by Jody Tresidder at 1:01 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Jody Tresidder at 1:01 PM on May 14, 2011
His jacket is in rewind!
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:02 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:02 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
And I love the life-size polaroid frames! I need those for some random party I might attend at some point.
posted by hippybear at 1:02 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:02 PM on May 14, 2011
What the hell, France and Italy? Have you no respect for what Eurovision is ABOUT?
We don't send our clowns to Eurovision, they are all already in the parliament.
posted by darkripper at 1:03 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
We don't send our clowns to Eurovision, they are all already in the parliament.
posted by darkripper at 1:03 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
I kinda like the idea of jacuzzis in the hillside.
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:04 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:04 PM on May 14, 2011
I knew 'Dynasty' would become hip again. I knew it.
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:05 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:05 PM on May 14, 2011
Mod note: Ükelele => half a shot of chilled Jägermeister
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane (staff) at 1:05 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane (staff) at 1:05 PM on May 14, 2011
I feel primed to expect a rap interlude in every song that starts.
posted by rollick at 1:05 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by rollick at 1:05 PM on May 14, 2011
Sing Lola Sing
posted by tigrefacile at 1:06 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 1:06 PM on May 14, 2011
FACT: Switzerland can not vote in the contest as it would violate their official position of neutrality.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:06 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:06 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Was that the "Free Tibet" sun in the background? I only caught a glimpse.
posted by gemmy at 1:06 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by gemmy at 1:06 PM on May 14, 2011
I think I can pick out the bad man who touched me from that police line-up.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:08 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:08 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
From the country that brought you The Beatles and The Smiths...
posted by tigrefacile at 1:10 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 1:10 PM on May 14, 2011
I can't believe I'm saying this, but throw these guys offstage and bring back Jedward!
posted by jess at 1:10 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by jess at 1:10 PM on May 14, 2011
Early bid for the OLympics pop song? (I can etc...)?
posted by Jody Tresidder at 1:10 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Jody Tresidder at 1:10 PM on May 14, 2011
I can what? Be more boring than Switzerland? I guess so!
posted by jasper411 at 1:11 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by jasper411 at 1:11 PM on May 14, 2011
Bosnia and Herzegovina just made an additional statement: "Modern jackets of course are all digital and tinny-soundng, kids these days have no idea how to rewind a proper jacket. But we prefer the warm, tweedy sound of analogue jackets."
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:11 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:11 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Why am I not drinking yet? 4:10 in the afternoon is OK, right?
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:11 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:11 PM on May 14, 2011
Ok god. I saw them play this on the Graham Norton show. It was stuck in my head for like a week. It was awful.
posted by grapesaresour at 1:11 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by grapesaresour at 1:11 PM on May 14, 2011
And now back to the real Eurovision...MOLDOVA!
posted by weebil at 1:12 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by weebil at 1:12 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
oh, finally, insanity.
posted by darkripper at 1:12 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by darkripper at 1:12 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
"No, you're on now! You can leave the cone of silence!"
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:12 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:12 PM on May 14, 2011
YES!
posted by grapesaresour at 1:13 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by grapesaresour at 1:13 PM on May 14, 2011
That reminds me -- I need my ducts cleaned.
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:13 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:13 PM on May 14, 2011
This band got their start in the Smashing Pumpkin's video for Tonight Tonight
posted by rollick at 1:13 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by rollick at 1:13 PM on May 14, 2011
Fairy on unicycle alert! Shot!
posted by likeso at 1:14 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by likeso at 1:14 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
It's a fucking tune though, n'est-ce pas? Ska not dead.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:14 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 1:14 PM on May 14, 2011
TRAVEL FACT: Moldova is the region's major exporter of decent acid.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:14 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:14 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
brilliant Moldava!
posted by Jody Tresidder at 1:15 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Jody Tresidder at 1:15 PM on May 14, 2011
Here's where I admit I didn't see the semis and award my douze fucking points to Moldovska. Hats off.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:15 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:15 PM on May 14, 2011
No really, you can take those hats off now.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:15 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:15 PM on May 14, 2011
There is no other vote. srsly.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:15 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 1:15 PM on May 14, 2011
Fairy on unicycle alert!
Sounds like my kind of gay pride parade!
posted by hippybear at 1:15 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Sounds like my kind of gay pride parade!
posted by hippybear at 1:15 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I love the monocle he puts in at the end. I wouldn't say it "sells it" because it was already pretty well sold, but man, I love that monocle.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 1:16 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 1:16 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
Hats never off! Those are epic.
posted by Eumachia L F at 1:17 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Eumachia L F at 1:17 PM on May 14, 2011
Zis is the Time on Sprockets When We dance.
posted by dominik at 1:17 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by dominik at 1:17 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Lena is not to be confused with Nena.
Tell that to the DJ I approached when I had a cold.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:17 PM on May 14, 2011
Tell that to the DJ I approached when I had a cold.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:17 PM on May 14, 2011
Album track don't wash on Eurovision.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:18 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 1:18 PM on May 14, 2011
"Taken by a Stranger" needs a panel van in the background.
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:18 PM on May 14, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:18 PM on May 14, 2011 [5 favorites]
I loved "Satellite", LOVED it. Loved it so much I still listen to it on a regular basis; this song is fine, but its no "Satellite"
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 1:18 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 1:18 PM on May 14, 2011
Zis is the Time on Sprockets When We dance.
That's exactly what I was thinking!
posted by grapesaresour at 1:18 PM on May 14, 2011
That's exactly what I was thinking!
posted by grapesaresour at 1:18 PM on May 14, 2011
Hm.. The song ain't grabbing me, but I can get behind skin-tight silver onesies.
posted by kaibutsu at 1:18 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by kaibutsu at 1:18 PM on May 14, 2011
This act belongs in a cage in a Vampire: Maskerade themed bar
posted by rollick at 1:19 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by rollick at 1:19 PM on May 14, 2011
Poor Moldova. When they win they have to organize this whole circus next year.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:19 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:19 PM on May 14, 2011
I'm still in awe of the entire stage setup for this show. Truly cutting edge lighting, video, and pyrotechnic technology.
All being applied to... Eurovision.
posted by hippybear at 1:19 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
All being applied to... Eurovision.
posted by hippybear at 1:19 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
The song was shite, but goddam she's lovely.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:19 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by tigrefacile at 1:19 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I can get behind skin-tight silver onesies.
Can I party with you? What kind of lube do you use?
posted by hippybear at 1:20 PM on May 14, 2011
Can I party with you? What kind of lube do you use?
posted by hippybear at 1:20 PM on May 14, 2011
Oh goodie, Sinister Dimples guy
posted by Jody Tresidder at 1:21 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Jody Tresidder at 1:21 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Someone needs to tell him, those pants are killing the Han Solo costume.
posted by hippybear at 1:21 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:21 PM on May 14, 2011
Euroglide?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:21 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:21 PM on May 14, 2011
Oh goodie, Sinister Dimples guy
I was trying to figure out what was bothering me about him, and that's exactly it!!!
posted by gemmy at 1:23 PM on May 14, 2011
I was trying to figure out what was bothering me about him, and that's exactly it!!!
posted by gemmy at 1:23 PM on May 14, 2011
I've heard someone say that a microwave applies all the properties of heat to food without actually heating it. I feel that way about pop songs and the Romania entry.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:23 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:23 PM on May 14, 2011
Someone needs to tell him, those pants are killing the Han Solo costume.
Yeah, cos Han totally had glitter on his collar.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:24 PM on May 14, 2011
Yeah, cos Han totally had glitter on his collar.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:24 PM on May 14, 2011
I like the glitter fire. I should get that for camping. Glam up the site a bit.
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:24 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:24 PM on May 14, 2011
Wiltnich Höstön
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:24 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:24 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
rainbows in de sky
spread your wings and fly
bitchez.
fucking ballads need to die.
posted by kaibutsu at 1:25 PM on May 14, 2011
spread your wings and fly
bitchez.
fucking ballads need to die.
posted by kaibutsu at 1:25 PM on May 14, 2011
Metafilter: The dimples you cannot trust.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:25 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 1:25 PM on May 14, 2011
I thought the secret was thinking about something that you want really hard?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:26 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:26 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
On a serious, um, note: those high notes are a bit flat in a delightful way. 80s power ballads used to be all like that, and Autotune has killed in made those notes all lifeless in contemporary music. Bring back the flat high notes!
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:27 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:27 PM on May 14, 2011
That dress is a bit "two-euros-in the back of a taxi" (if you get my drift. But I like it!)
posted by Jody Tresidder at 1:27 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Jody Tresidder at 1:27 PM on May 14, 2011
Yeah, cos Han totally had glitter on his collar.
Contrary to revisionist versions, Greedo glittered first.
posted by hippybear at 1:27 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
Contrary to revisionist versions, Greedo glittered first.
posted by hippybear at 1:27 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
s/killed in/killed that and
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:27 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:27 PM on May 14, 2011
The secret is to carry Belarus in your mind, but it's been kept secret
posted by tyllwin at 1:27 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by tyllwin at 1:27 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Wait! Dimples are sinister now?! Noooooooooooooooooooooooo.....
posted by Kattullus at 1:28 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 1:28 PM on May 14, 2011
Azerbaijan paid the Swedish pop team to write a song for them.
I am trying to be supportive nonetheless.
posted by k8t at 1:28 PM on May 14, 2011
I am trying to be supportive nonetheless.
posted by k8t at 1:28 PM on May 14, 2011
These "intro" videos are SO random.
posted by grapesaresour at 1:29 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by grapesaresour at 1:29 PM on May 14, 2011
Kattullus: only that guy's dimples. Most of them are purely harmless.
posted by hippybear at 1:29 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by hippybear at 1:29 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
grapesaresour: they make sense in kind of a "Germany Is The Heart Of Europe" kind of way.
posted by hippybear at 1:29 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:29 PM on May 14, 2011
Mullet dress!
Don't you listen to them, girl -- you follow your heart!
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:30 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Don't you listen to them, girl -- you follow your heart!
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:30 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Bonus points for the underrated major seventh bass note. It makes everything all earnest and melancholy.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:30 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:30 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I don't like how the Azerbaijani entry changed their first names to sound less Muslim.
posted by k8t at 1:30 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by k8t at 1:30 PM on May 14, 2011
I love those fake intimate moments in duets.
posted by darkripper at 1:31 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by darkripper at 1:31 PM on May 14, 2011
Geri Halliwell called... she wants her 1990s hairdo back.
posted by hippybear at 1:31 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:31 PM on May 14, 2011
Azerbaijan overbudgeted on their chorus a little I think
posted by rollick at 1:31 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by rollick at 1:31 PM on May 14, 2011
They have pipeline money for all the choruses they want.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:32 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 1:32 PM on May 14, 2011
Overbudgeting on a chorus? There's no such thing!
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:32 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:32 PM on May 14, 2011
I think I just learned to support base jumping off of wind turbines.
I wonder how hard that is to do here in Washington.
posted by hippybear at 1:33 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I wonder how hard that is to do here in Washington.
posted by hippybear at 1:33 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
hippybear: Ah. I guess that sort of makes sense. But what each country decided to do in Germany still seems pretty random. Base jump off a wind power thing? Ok....
posted by grapesaresour at 1:33 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by grapesaresour at 1:33 PM on May 14, 2011
Oooo. Lopsided background dancer placement. That's points off, for sure.
posted by hippybear at 1:34 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:34 PM on May 14, 2011
Second fetish outfits of the night -- third if you count Jedward
posted by rollick at 1:34 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by rollick at 1:34 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:34 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
The interludes seem to be themed along the lines of "look at these cool people from this country, living in Germany and doing cool things." That said, the base jumper was cool, I want to know his story.
posted by gemmy at 1:35 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by gemmy at 1:35 PM on May 14, 2011
How do they do that camera swooping in and around thing?
posted by jasper411 at 1:35 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by jasper411 at 1:35 PM on May 14, 2011
It's between Iceland and Moldova then.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:36 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 1:36 PM on May 14, 2011
jasper411, I refer you to my earlier statement.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:36 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:36 PM on May 14, 2011
Kattullus: if you haven't grokked it yet... Iceland is up next.
posted by hippybear at 1:36 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:36 PM on May 14, 2011
Love is you.
posted by Eumachia L F at 1:37 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Eumachia L F at 1:37 PM on May 14, 2011
Yup! Meanwhile, after being fairly dull for the most of the match, the French Cup final had hours worth of drama in the space of four minutes.
posted by Kattullus at 1:38 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 1:38 PM on May 14, 2011
These dimples are not evil.
posted by weebil at 1:38 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by weebil at 1:38 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
My favourite math conference is in Iceland this year, but the tickets are way too pricey for me to make it...
(melancholy...)
posted by kaibutsu at 1:38 PM on May 14, 2011
(melancholy...)
posted by kaibutsu at 1:38 PM on May 14, 2011
Nice to see Ricky Gervais give someone a brotherly peck on the cheek for a change.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:38 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:38 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
Oh, they're kind of adorable.
posted by grapesaresour at 1:39 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by grapesaresour at 1:39 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Iceland: we export Eve Online and... this.
posted by darkripper at 1:39 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by darkripper at 1:39 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Backstory not enough to rescue mediocre song.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:39 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 1:39 PM on May 14, 2011
Wow. That was a totally-not-awkward cosmopolitan European not-gay guy-guy kiss.
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:39 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:39 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
THAT WAS OBVIOUS PANDERING TO THE SAME-SEX EUROVISION VOTE!
*would someone in Europe vote for Iceland for me?*
posted by hippybear at 1:39 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
*would someone in Europe vote for Iceland for me?*
posted by hippybear at 1:39 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
Iwish I could adore Iceland much more than I do...
posted by Jody Tresidder at 1:40 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Jody Tresidder at 1:40 PM on May 14, 2011
tigrefacile: Backstory not enough to rescue mediocre song.
BOOOOOOOO! HISSSSSSS!!! :)
posted by Kattullus at 1:41 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
BOOOOOOOO! HISSSSSSS!!! :)
posted by Kattullus at 1:41 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Nope, sorry Kattullus, I gave it a shot but I still haven't forgiven y'all for Icesave.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:41 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:41 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'm so glad I got home from that wedding in time to catch Iceland.
posted by asperity at 1:42 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by asperity at 1:42 PM on May 14, 2011
Spain is suffering on its lack of an air guitar tradition.
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:43 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:43 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
This is so cheesy. Oh wait.
posted by grapesaresour at 1:44 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by grapesaresour at 1:44 PM on May 14, 2011
PREDICTION: This will be a smash pan-European hit in the summer of twenty years ago.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:44 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:44 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Sorry, Kattullus. Grey waistcoats. No pointy hats.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:44 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 1:44 PM on May 14, 2011
My husband is looking at Spain with a very silly expression of...approval.
posted by Jody Tresidder at 1:44 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Jody Tresidder at 1:44 PM on May 14, 2011
QUIT IT WITH THE TOO FAST ZOOMS
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:44 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:44 PM on May 14, 2011
An American friend of mine pointed out that the Icelandic song has a New Orleansy arrangement. I hadn't thought of it, but it's true.
posted by Kattullus at 1:44 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 1:44 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
FACT: A cheesy ditty is known in Spanish as a "quesadilla".
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:45 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:45 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
Spain was pretty much a snore-fest.
I hear the actual country is nothing like that.
posted by hippybear at 1:45 PM on May 14, 2011
I hear the actual country is nothing like that.
posted by hippybear at 1:45 PM on May 14, 2011
France and Spain both stubbornly do things their own way every year, but Spain seems like they actually care about winning
posted by rollick at 1:45 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by rollick at 1:45 PM on May 14, 2011
Angel wings and sand painting! They obviously go together.
posted by gemmy at 1:47 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by gemmy at 1:47 PM on May 14, 2011
Ukraine brought a sexy witch to do sand painting? Huh.
posted by grapesaresour at 1:47 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by grapesaresour at 1:47 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'm wondering what are the bonuses on the pauldrons. Are those part of a set? I can't find them on the armoury site
posted by darkripper at 1:47 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by darkripper at 1:47 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
HISTORICAL FACT: The song "I Love Belarus", performed by Belarus in the semifinals, was originally performed by Ukraine for the 1992 edition of Eurovision, leading to the short-lived First Eurovision War.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:47 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:47 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I love all the costumes from the Ukraine act. Feathers? Yes. Stiff shiny purple collars? Yes.
posted by asperity at 1:47 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by asperity at 1:47 PM on May 14, 2011
Oh right. These are the Jim Henson Labyrinth shoulder pads.
posted by hippybear at 1:48 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:48 PM on May 14, 2011
I can't say I'm a fan, but Ukraine could go far. And sand painting is a first.
posted by Kattullus at 1:48 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 1:48 PM on May 14, 2011
Oh, I get it, she's the White Swan to Austria's difficult but sensual Black Swan.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:48 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:48 PM on May 14, 2011
Ukraine has very hot girl plus internet ancient youtube phenom plus, well that's it.
Voters don't give a shit.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:48 PM on May 14, 2011
Voters don't give a shit.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:48 PM on May 14, 2011
YAY SERBIA! I'm so voting for them. I hope they don't blow it onstage.
posted by Kattullus at 1:49 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 1:49 PM on May 14, 2011
Sock it to me sock it to me sock it to-er- nobody knows what I'm referring to, do they?
posted by likeso at 1:50 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by likeso at 1:50 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
That sand painter gave a really good performance on Ukraine's Got Talent. It was a pretty moving depiction of Germany's invasion and occupation of Ukraine during WWII.
posted by Eumachia L F at 1:50 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Eumachia L F at 1:50 PM on May 14, 2011
The Captain & Tennille called... they want their everything back.
posted by hippybear at 1:50 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:50 PM on May 14, 2011
Very interesting.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:51 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 1:51 PM on May 14, 2011
Serbian song is great, has international appeal and is in a really advantageous slot, so I think it will do very well
posted by rollick at 1:51 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by rollick at 1:51 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
classy Motown-style song from Serbia. voting for our neighbours tonite - oh. uhm.
posted by helion at 1:51 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by helion at 1:51 PM on May 14, 2011
Hey, camera, the dancer waved you closer and you zoomed away? BAD MANNERS!
posted by Kattullus at 1:52 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 1:52 PM on May 14, 2011
So if I count it right, there's been three actual songs so far?
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:52 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:52 PM on May 14, 2011
I really like the Serbian song, very catchy and well performed.
posted by gemmy at 1:52 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by gemmy at 1:52 PM on May 14, 2011
I'm liking Serbia more than I did in the semi-finals. And I want their dresses, too. This Eurovision is a pretty good one for wearable fashion.
posted by asperity at 1:52 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by asperity at 1:52 PM on May 14, 2011
I do love their fabrics. I'd love to have a shirt made of that.
posted by hippybear at 1:53 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 1:53 PM on May 14, 2011
georgia, georgia,
a dream of you
just that old sweet song
clear as moonlight in the pines
posted by kaibutsu at 1:53 PM on May 14, 2011
a dream of you
just that old sweet song
clear as moonlight in the pines
posted by kaibutsu at 1:53 PM on May 14, 2011
I wanted to like that more than I actually did.
posted by grapesaresour at 1:53 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by grapesaresour at 1:53 PM on May 14, 2011
I like everything about Georgia except the whole terrible song aspect.
posted by Kattullus at 1:55 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 1:55 PM on May 14, 2011
It's the chick from War Games! And she sings!
This is all kinds of woeful. Applauds.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:55 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
This is all kinds of woeful. Applauds.
posted by tigrefacile at 1:55 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I can see the Jim Steinman influence in Georgia's song. "Turn around," indeed.
posted by asperity at 1:55 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by asperity at 1:55 PM on May 14, 2011
I wanna give in to fire, uncover vicious desire
Abandon painful denial, find pretty reason to stay
One more forbidden sensation, one more emotional flare
Down with the fake hesitation, hell yeah, I’m ready to pay
Pay for the hopeless despair
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:55 PM on May 14, 2011
Abandon painful denial, find pretty reason to stay
One more forbidden sensation, one more emotional flare
Down with the fake hesitation, hell yeah, I’m ready to pay
Pay for the hopeless despair
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:55 PM on May 14, 2011
Holy moly. Georgia seems to have brought everything and shoved into one song!
posted by grapesaresour at 1:56 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by grapesaresour at 1:56 PM on May 14, 2011
I'd like Georgia's song if they dropped the horrible rapping. Heads up Europeans: None of you can rap.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 1:56 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 1:56 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
FACT: Snoop Dogg was slated to represent Liechtenstein, but the paperwork was not finalized in time for the deadline.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:57 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:57 PM on May 14, 2011
Holy moly. Georgia seems to have brought everything and shoved into one song!
Still, no pointy hats.
posted by darkripper at 1:57 PM on May 14, 2011
Still, no pointy hats.
posted by darkripper at 1:57 PM on May 14, 2011
"If you can't find a favorite to vote for, just pick the best-looking!"
posted by asperity at 1:57 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by asperity at 1:57 PM on May 14, 2011
Actually, some of the French can rap, with the important caveat that they stick to French.
posted by kaibutsu at 1:58 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by kaibutsu at 1:58 PM on May 14, 2011
WTF is that dress she's wearing. Was that there earlier in the show???
It's like something crepe and fluffy has attacked her legs.
posted by hippybear at 1:58 PM on May 14, 2011
It's like something crepe and fluffy has attacked her legs.
posted by hippybear at 1:58 PM on May 14, 2011
Georgia was my pick in their heat. Girl's got pipes.
posted by Eumachia L F at 1:58 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Eumachia L F at 1:58 PM on May 14, 2011
Alright! Voted! GO ICELAND (and Serbia and Moldova).
posted by Kattullus at 1:58 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 1:58 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Heads up Europeans: None of you can rap.
Bullshit. Falco. 'Nuff said.
(okay, he's dead, I know...)
posted by hippybear at 1:59 PM on May 14, 2011
Bullshit. Falco. 'Nuff said.
(okay, he's dead, I know...)
posted by hippybear at 1:59 PM on May 14, 2011
Heads up Europeans: None of you can rap.
Mostly you are right, but I love The Streets
posted by darkripper at 2:00 PM on May 14, 2011
Mostly you are right, but I love The Streets
posted by darkripper at 2:00 PM on May 14, 2011
Voted Iceland, Moldova, and Serbia too
taking a break for supplies, then back for the interval!
posted by rollick at 2:00 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
taking a break for supplies, then back for the interval!
posted by rollick at 2:00 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Looking at the recap, it's really too bad Norway didn't make it in. It would have been unique and fun - I'm still annoyed it didn't get to the final.
posted by gemmy at 2:01 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by gemmy at 2:01 PM on May 14, 2011
I'd vote for Moldova to win, Greece to culture-jam.
posted by Capt. Renault at 2:02 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 2:02 PM on May 14, 2011
3) Serbia on account of having bubbly 60s fashion and a chick with short hair, I'm shallow like that
2) France on account of being Proper Music
1) Moldova on account of unleashing the Fourth Wave of Ska, a/k/a "Acid Ska"
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:02 PM on May 14, 2011
2) France on account of being Proper Music
1) Moldova on account of unleashing the Fourth Wave of Ska, a/k/a "Acid Ska"
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:02 PM on May 14, 2011
Denmark, surprisingly, has a very strong hip hop tradition.
posted by Kattullus at 2:04 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 2:04 PM on May 14, 2011
Alright, I'm actually getting a bit nervous before the voting. I don't know what the hell is wrong with me. I think I need to go make a cup of tea. It doesn't help that the end of that soccergame was supercrazy drama. I'm still a bit shaky.
posted by Kattullus at 2:05 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 2:05 PM on May 14, 2011
The Moldova song actually sits in a broader movement of horn-driven Balkan dance music, recently incorporating elements of electronic and rock music. Balkan Beat box is the best known, but there's a pile of incredibly dance-able music in the genre. Their act was hands-down awesome.
posted by kaibutsu at 2:05 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by kaibutsu at 2:05 PM on May 14, 2011
Denmark, surprisingly, has a very strong hip hop tradition.
Italy too, but mostly shit.
posted by darkripper at 2:05 PM on May 14, 2011
Italy too, but mostly shit.
posted by darkripper at 2:05 PM on May 14, 2011
ANNOUNCEMENT: Zis is ze time ven we all post actual proper non-English European rapping.
Netherlands: The Opposites
Belgium: 't Hof van Commerce
France: MC Solaar
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:06 PM on May 14, 2011
Netherlands: The Opposites
Belgium: 't Hof van Commerce
France: MC Solaar
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:06 PM on May 14, 2011
Voted for Moldova and Ireland. (They're my favorite performances, but the Estonian entry is my actual favorite song out of all of them)
posted by Eumachia L F at 2:07 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Eumachia L F at 2:07 PM on May 14, 2011
I don't know what the hell is wrong with me.
It's horrible when you discover you've become your parents, isn't it?
posted by hippybear at 2:07 PM on May 14, 2011
It's horrible when you discover you've become your parents, isn't it?
posted by hippybear at 2:07 PM on May 14, 2011
Moldova and Iceland were definitely my favorite songs. But Greece kind of won me with that completely bizarre thing. But I can't vote anyway, so I don't have to pick!
posted by grapesaresour at 2:08 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by grapesaresour at 2:08 PM on May 14, 2011
My parents actually climbed the highest peak in Iceland today. They couldn't give less of a shit, to be honest (though they did watch the semifinals... it's good entertainment after all).
posted by Kattullus at 2:08 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 2:08 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
For what it's worth (not a lot!) Jedward and Moldova are trending keywords around the globe at the moment. I'd put my money on one of those two!
posted by jess at 2:10 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by jess at 2:10 PM on May 14, 2011
I went for Culture.
Moldava (klezmer traditon), France (operatic tradition) and Iceland (backstory tradition) (+ adorability).
posted by likeso at 2:10 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Moldava (klezmer traditon), France (operatic tradition) and Iceland (backstory tradition) (+ adorability).
posted by likeso at 2:10 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Deutsche hip hop sausage video fun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqNeY_1VOPY
posted by tigrefacile at 2:11 PM on May 14, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqNeY_1VOPY
posted by tigrefacile at 2:11 PM on May 14, 2011
More European rap:
Germany: Dynamite Deluxe
posted by michael.ka at 2:11 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Germany: Dynamite Deluxe
posted by michael.ka at 2:11 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
"due to budgetary constraints, the interval act will be a third recap"
posted by rollick at 2:11 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by rollick at 2:11 PM on May 14, 2011
My parents actually climbed the highest peak in Iceland today.
Wow!
(Mine sure as shit didn't!)
posted by Jody Tresidder at 2:11 PM on May 14, 2011
Wow!
(Mine sure as shit didn't!)
posted by Jody Tresidder at 2:11 PM on May 14, 2011
I actually kind of like Romania, but then I've got such hokey taste I thought the Netherlands' Care Bears act from a couple years back was great.
posted by asperity at 2:12 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by asperity at 2:12 PM on May 14, 2011
Frankie Hi Nrg is one of the few italian rappers that pulled a couple good songs.
posted by darkripper at 2:13 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by darkripper at 2:13 PM on May 14, 2011
I am more excited about all of this than a grown adult should be.
posted by Eumachia L F at 2:13 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Eumachia L F at 2:13 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I have no dog in this race at all... but wow, this has been a shitload of fun over the past week!
posted by hippybear at 2:14 PM on May 14, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by hippybear at 2:14 PM on May 14, 2011 [4 favorites]
This is the wrong music for Dave's final trip at the end of 2001.
posted by Capt. Renault at 2:15 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Capt. Renault at 2:15 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Also, I hate Fabbri Fibra but this song is stuck in my head.
posted by darkripper at 2:17 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by darkripper at 2:17 PM on May 14, 2011
1975 called. They want their Sears Catalog children's fashion back.
posted by hippybear at 2:18 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by hippybear at 2:18 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I LOVE ALL FIVE OF MY KIDS
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:18 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:18 PM on May 14, 2011
"Düsseldorf, was ist los?!" doesn't quite have the same ring to it as "New York, can you hear me now?"
posted by Kattullus at 2:18 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 2:18 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
This interval is genuinely disappointing considering how good the rest of the staging has been so far, but the home crowd probably enjoyed it
posted by rollick at 2:19 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by rollick at 2:19 PM on May 14, 2011
Am I going to have enough time to make dinner during this bit?
posted by Capt. Renault at 2:19 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 2:19 PM on May 14, 2011
Heck, let's indulge in a little Swedish Elvis while we wait.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:21 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:21 PM on May 14, 2011
Capt. Renault, depends what you're making. But probably not.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:22 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:22 PM on May 14, 2011
In case you're wondering, this bit is in there so that stations which have commercials can cut to them without missing anything.
posted by Kattullus at 2:22 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 2:22 PM on May 14, 2011
Kattullus: no, but Holly Johnson yelling "Hello Hannover!" during a Frankie concert in 1987 was pretty fuckin' sweet.
posted by hippybear at 2:23 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by hippybear at 2:23 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
What? They actually care about accuracy! THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PUT A NORWEGIAN IN CHARGE! You actually have people who take their time to do their job well. THAT IS BAD TELVISION!
posted by Kattullus at 2:24 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 2:24 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
BREAKING: Google predicts Lena in the lead ahead of Jedward
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:26 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:26 PM on May 14, 2011
With that build-up I was kinda expecting King Kong to be behind those doors.
posted by Kattullus at 2:26 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 2:26 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
More waiting? More Shooby Taylor. #douzepoints
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:27 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:27 PM on May 14, 2011
I'm seeing a lot of German bearflesh down front.
posted by tigrefacile at 2:27 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 2:27 PM on May 14, 2011
Heck, let's indulge in a little Swedish Elvis while we wait.
goodnewsfortheinsane, you just made my night! He is from my tiny hometown. :)
posted by gemmy at 2:28 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
goodnewsfortheinsane, you just made my night! He is from my tiny hometown. :)
posted by gemmy at 2:28 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Alright, this is my favorite part. [CAPITAL CITY] calling, and then the points.
posted by Kattullus at 2:29 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 2:29 PM on May 14, 2011
Need that oil.
posted by tigrefacile at 2:29 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 2:29 PM on May 14, 2011
Am I misremembering? In the 1980s I seem to remember this was much more like Olympic judging, with the different judges announcing their points separately, and much controversy about the way different countries vote for different other countries. I remember specific strife over Turkey and Greece voting over Crete, for example.
This seems to be very different.
posted by hippybear at 2:29 PM on May 14, 2011
This seems to be very different.
posted by hippybear at 2:29 PM on May 14, 2011
ah-ZAY-bah-jawn
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:29 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:29 PM on May 14, 2011
Crete? Cyprus, surely?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:29 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:29 PM on May 14, 2011
Blue: Big in Bulgaria.
posted by tigrefacile at 2:30 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 2:30 PM on May 14, 2011
Awwww... Iceland's getting no love from the Eastern Europeans. I guess sad backstories count for little in a region that's had that much tragedy through the last century.
posted by Kattullus at 2:30 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 2:30 PM on May 14, 2011
I'm Dutch and who is this?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:30 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:30 PM on May 14, 2011
Oh, this is making more sense now.
They've changed the presentation format.
And yes... Cyprus.
posted by hippybear at 2:31 PM on May 14, 2011
They've changed the presentation format.
And yes... Cyprus.
posted by hippybear at 2:31 PM on May 14, 2011
We're up, goodnewsfortheinsane... DENMARK???!!!
posted by likeso at 2:31 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by likeso at 2:31 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I am totally confused about this voting system, but I appear to have 39 more countries to sort it out.
posted by jess at 2:32 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by jess at 2:32 PM on May 14, 2011
I am enjoying this WAY more than I have any right to!
posted by grapesaresour at 2:32 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by grapesaresour at 2:32 PM on May 14, 2011
"I want you, I want to fuck you"
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 2:33 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 2:33 PM on May 14, 2011
BREAKING: UK in the lead, increasing chance this will go to penalties.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:33 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:33 PM on May 14, 2011
12 points... Greece!
posted by tigrefacile at 2:33 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 2:33 PM on May 14, 2011
Yeah, Cyprus all right.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:34 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:34 PM on May 14, 2011
HAHAHAHAHA
posted by tigrefacile at 2:34 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 2:34 PM on May 14, 2011
Greece (almost) always gets 12 points from Cyprus. Thus the booing. No clear frontrunner yet. This could be an exciting vote.
posted by Kattullus at 2:34 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 2:34 PM on May 14, 2011
Culture-jammin' CYPRIOTS!
posted by Capt. Renault at 2:34 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 2:34 PM on May 14, 2011
I'm feeling isolated.
posted by tigrefacile at 2:35 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 2:35 PM on May 14, 2011
Finland / Ireland = axis of mental.
posted by tigrefacile at 2:36 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by tigrefacile at 2:36 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
WOOOOOO 8 POINTS FOR ICELAND! Finland I love you! You have it all!
posted by Kattullus at 2:37 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 2:37 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Hungary? This voting is all over the freaking place.
posted by grapesaresour at 2:37 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by grapesaresour at 2:37 PM on May 14, 2011
Dammit, my internet connection died, I have to follow along on my phone only... :(
posted by gemmy at 2:37 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by gemmy at 2:37 PM on May 14, 2011
WOOOOOO 8 POINTS FOR ICELAND! Norway I love you! Can't think of a song about Norway... sorry.
posted by Kattullus at 2:37 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 2:37 PM on May 14, 2011
ARMENIA IS FLIPPING HOTTTTT!!!!!
posted by tigrefacile at 2:38 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by tigrefacile at 2:38 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I wonder if there's a tiebreaker again. That happened in 1991. Most 12 point votes is the tiebreaker, followed by most 10 point votes.
posted by Kattullus at 2:38 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 2:38 PM on May 14, 2011
I'm moving to Armenia, stat.
posted by tigrefacile at 2:39 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 2:39 PM on May 14, 2011
Argh, Norway killing my dream for Finland getting no points.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 2:39 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 2:39 PM on May 14, 2011
Or Iceland.
posted by tigrefacile at 2:40 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 2:40 PM on May 14, 2011
Ooh. Iceland's lady is lovely.
Norton: She will be sacrificed later.
posted by likeso at 2:40 PM on May 14, 2011
Norton: She will be sacrificed later.
posted by likeso at 2:40 PM on May 14, 2011
Anyone else made uncomfortable for the booing for Eastern European neighborvoting while Northern European neighborvoting gets cheers?
posted by Kattullus at 2:41 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 2:41 PM on May 14, 2011
Can't think of a song about Norway... sorry.
Whose Line... has you covered. Sort of.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:41 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Whose Line... has you covered. Sort of.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:41 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Surely Britain thinks it's voting Jedward off the island, no?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:43 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:43 PM on May 14, 2011
I'm glad nobody's getting the nul points this year. I always feel bad for them when that happens.
posted by asperity at 2:43 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by asperity at 2:43 PM on May 14, 2011
I just switched this on, and yes, it is as dire as it ever was.
Prediction: UK WILL NOT WIN.
posted by marienbad at 2:43 PM on May 14, 2011
Prediction: UK WILL NOT WIN.
posted by marienbad at 2:43 PM on May 14, 2011
Diaspora gonna diasporvote.
posted by tigrefacile at 2:44 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 2:44 PM on May 14, 2011
I note that UK is a lot less petty about Icesave... hmm... gnifty! :)
Also, anyone feel like they cut over to a nightmare sequence from an 80s romantic comedy when they show Jedward react to getting douze points?
posted by Kattullus at 2:44 PM on May 14, 2011
Also, anyone feel like they cut over to a nightmare sequence from an 80s romantic comedy when they show Jedward react to getting douze points?
posted by Kattullus at 2:44 PM on May 14, 2011
Polish person hottest yet.
posted by tigrefacile at 2:45 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 2:45 PM on May 14, 2011
I think I've got that collective noun figured out now. It's a climb. A climb of Jedwards.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:46 PM on May 14, 2011 [7 favorites]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:46 PM on May 14, 2011 [7 favorites]
I think watching the voting results is actually my favorite part of this whole thing.
posted by jess at 2:46 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by jess at 2:46 PM on May 14, 2011
Polish person hottest yet.
She totally has lead-singer-for-Wilson-Phillips hair.
posted by hippybear at 2:46 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
She totally has lead-singer-for-Wilson-Phillips hair.
posted by hippybear at 2:46 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
Stop teasing us you Lithuanist timewaster.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:46 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:46 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
TOO. MUCH. PAUSING.
posted by grapesaresour at 2:47 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by grapesaresour at 2:47 PM on May 14, 2011
I think I've got that collective noun figured out now. It's a climb. A climb of Jedwards.
Oh god. I'm laughing so hard, I can barely type.
posted by hippybear at 2:48 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Oh god. I'm laughing so hard, I can barely type.
posted by hippybear at 2:48 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Good Lord. The climb continues. They could... they could *gasp*
posted by likeso at 2:48 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by likeso at 2:48 PM on May 14, 2011
I like that there's a hand gesture associated with votes for Jedward.
posted by asperity at 2:48 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by asperity at 2:48 PM on May 14, 2011
The Vindication of John and Edward will be be the title of my third novel.
posted by tigrefacile at 2:48 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by tigrefacile at 2:48 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
Ha suck it Spain. Yeah, you won the World Cup, but you're not winning this one.
Also also: 17 of 43 countries voting? Christ this is going to go on and on and on...
(Also, Shurely Poland should have given UK 12 points?)
posted by marienbad at 2:48 PM on May 14, 2011
Also also: 17 of 43 countries voting? Christ this is going to go on and on and on...
(Also, Shurely Poland should have given UK 12 points?)
posted by marienbad at 2:48 PM on May 14, 2011
Nah, the polish pauser was super!
posted by Jody Tresidder at 2:49 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Jody Tresidder at 2:49 PM on May 14, 2011
I wonder if Berlusconi threatened to invade if San Marino didn't award them douze points.
posted by Kattullus at 2:50 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 2:50 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I love that "flipping out" is actually a german phrase in use since I was there 25 years ago.
posted by hippybear at 2:50 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 2:50 PM on May 14, 2011
(auf Deutsch... "ausflippen")
(I wouldn't make this kind of thing up, you know)
posted by hippybear at 2:51 PM on May 14, 2011
(I wouldn't make this kind of thing up, you know)
posted by hippybear at 2:51 PM on May 14, 2011
You know who else liked shouting in front of a crowd in Germany? While giving zwolf points to Austria?
posted by tigrefacile at 2:51 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by tigrefacile at 2:51 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
Azeri points announcer clearly wanted to be on stage tonight.
posted by Kattullus at 2:51 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 2:51 PM on May 14, 2011
I want Jedward to win, mostly because it would make the boys happy. I couldn't staind the sight of a sad Jedward. That would be more heartbreaking that watching Willow cry.
posted by Eumachia L F at 2:51 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Eumachia L F at 2:51 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Wow, tigrefacile, I think that's actually the first Godwin in the thread. That's some kind of endurance record for a Eurovision post.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:52 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:52 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I couldn't staind the sight of a sad Jedward.
If that hair wilts, you won't be able to see their faces as they weep.
posted by hippybear at 2:53 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
If that hair wilts, you won't be able to see their faces as they weep.
posted by hippybear at 2:53 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Candid backstage photo of San Marino and Italy
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:54 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:54 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
SUDDENLY, MAN IN SUIT
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:55 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:55 PM on May 14, 2011
So, er, what coverage are you guys and girls watching? We have it on the beeb, with bloody annoying graham norton presenting.
posted by marienbad at 2:55 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by marienbad at 2:55 PM on May 14, 2011
five bucks on 10/12 to Azerbaidjan
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:56 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:56 PM on May 14, 2011
boom!
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:56 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:56 PM on May 14, 2011
ICELAND 10 POINTS WOOOOOOO... Switzerland, you can keep all your nazi gold now, it's fine by me...
posted by Kattullus at 2:57 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 2:57 PM on May 14, 2011
Hello, Swiss Marlee Matlin!
posted by Capt. Renault at 2:57 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 2:57 PM on May 14, 2011
marianbad: I'm watching the internet stream at the eurovision.com website.
I adore Graham Norton, but I'm happy that he's not presenting this. It's perfect as it is.
posted by hippybear at 2:57 PM on May 14, 2011
I adore Graham Norton, but I'm happy that he's not presenting this. It's perfect as it is.
posted by hippybear at 2:57 PM on May 14, 2011
Wow, tigrefacile, I think that's actually the first Godwin in the thread. That's some kind of endurance record for a Eurovision post.
You're not looking hard enough.
posted by tigrefacile at 2:58 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
You're not looking hard enough.
posted by tigrefacile at 2:58 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
(I figured the Godwin genie was out of the bottle... but sorry gnfty)
posted by Kattullus at 2:58 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 2:58 PM on May 14, 2011
Booing Georgia for voting Lithuania is really fucking ignorant, sorry. Or am I, in fact missing something?
posted by tigrefacile at 3:01 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 3:01 PM on May 14, 2011
Dammit, I made a Dönitz :(
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:01 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:01 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Why, if this is in Germany, are all the scores being read out in French? (well, they are on the beebs version)
posted by marienbad at 3:03 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by marienbad at 3:03 PM on May 14, 2011
MOLDOVA NOW ON RIGHT SIDE OF TABLE :(
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:03 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:03 PM on May 14, 2011
So far, mr.likeso has correctly called all douze points.
How much does mr.likeso know about baseball? Will he handicap the postseason for me?
posted by hippybear at 3:04 PM on May 14, 2011
How much does mr.likeso know about baseball? Will he handicap the postseason for me?
posted by hippybear at 3:04 PM on May 14, 2011
Yay, douze points for Moldova!
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:05 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:05 PM on May 14, 2011
I'm really confused. Why the song I like not win? I vote and everything?
12 FOR MOLDOVA TOO FUCKING RIGHT HAHAHAHA
posted by tigrefacile at 3:05 PM on May 14, 2011
12 FOR MOLDOVA TOO FUCKING RIGHT HAHAHAHA
posted by tigrefacile at 3:05 PM on May 14, 2011
Fierce Mustard.
posted by tigrefacile at 3:06 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by tigrefacile at 3:06 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
FACT: Yellow shirts are mandatory for TV presenters in Albania.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:06 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:06 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Who was that that gave 12 points to Moldova? I need to plan my next vacation there.
posted by weebil at 3:06 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by weebil at 3:06 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Estonia deserves better than last place; that song wasn't amazing but it was catchy.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 3:08 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 3:08 PM on May 14, 2011
Portuguese new hot leader.
posted by tigrefacile at 3:08 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 3:08 PM on May 14, 2011
It's starting to look like the next Eurovision contest will be in Azerbaijan. That's as far south-east as you can go and still be in Europe.
posted by Kattullus at 3:08 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 3:08 PM on May 14, 2011
If Azerbaijan win, will next year's contest start at midnight local time?
posted by rollick at 3:09 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by rollick at 3:09 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
What the fuck did I miss with Azerbaijan? I only noticed the mullet dress.
posted by Capt. Renault at 3:09 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 3:09 PM on May 14, 2011
Azerbaijan won't issue visas to Armenian citizens or people with Armenian surnames. (And they're kinda assholes to people with Armenian visas in their passports).
This should be interesting when they host.
posted by k8t at 3:09 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
This should be interesting when they host.
posted by k8t at 3:09 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
I think Azerbaijan's got this. Too bad, it was a kind of creepy song I thought.
posted by gemmy at 3:10 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by gemmy at 3:10 PM on May 14, 2011
HUNGARY I LOVE YOU SO MUCH YOU'RE THE BEST EVER GO HUNGARY GO HUNGARY YAAAAAAAYYYYY
posted by Kattullus at 3:10 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 3:10 PM on May 14, 2011
I'm with you Captain. Bewildered.
posted by tigrefacile at 3:11 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 3:11 PM on May 14, 2011
Moldova now mathematically eliminated. :(
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:11 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:11 PM on May 14, 2011
Hello Lithuania!
I do not get the Azerbaijan love either. Blech.
posted by grapesaresour at 3:11 PM on May 14, 2011
I do not get the Azerbaijan love either. Blech.
posted by grapesaresour at 3:11 PM on May 14, 2011
Lithuania and Georgia exchange douze points? Is there a story there I don't know?
posted by Kattullus at 3:12 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 3:12 PM on May 14, 2011
Why, if this is in Germany, are all the scores being read out in French? (well, they are on the beebs version)
French used to be the language of international diplomacy - Eurovision is one of the vestiges of its old cultural clout!
posted by Jody Tresidder at 3:13 PM on May 14, 2011
French used to be the language of international diplomacy - Eurovision is one of the vestiges of its old cultural clout!
posted by Jody Tresidder at 3:13 PM on May 14, 2011
Ah, the syndrome of Jedward-by-proxy.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:13 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:13 PM on May 14, 2011
I was shocked to see that the Irish presenter didn't have a jedward, but he fixed it. Good for him that he got into the spirit of the thing.
posted by Kattullus at 3:13 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 3:13 PM on May 14, 2011
Lithuania and Georgia exchange douze points? Is there a story there I don't know?
I need to know. Seems like the crowd knew.
posted by tigrefacile at 3:13 PM on May 14, 2011
I need to know. Seems like the crowd knew.
posted by tigrefacile at 3:13 PM on May 14, 2011
Yup. Called "shared Soviet Union history".
Why not Estonia, then. Or Ukraine?
posted by tigrefacile at 3:16 PM on May 14, 2011
Why not Estonia, then. Or Ukraine?
posted by tigrefacile at 3:16 PM on May 14, 2011
THIS IS A FIX. I mean, come on, look at the voting.
Nice Dana namecheck from the Isreali guy.
posted by marienbad at 3:16 PM on May 14, 2011
Nice Dana namecheck from the Isreali guy.
posted by marienbad at 3:16 PM on May 14, 2011
Lithuanian-Georgian relations
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:16 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:16 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
I wonder what they offered us? Maybe a chat with Sepp Blatter would be useful...
posted by marienbad at 3:17 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by marienbad at 3:17 PM on May 14, 2011
Much more vicious and violent. And for Georgia, still recent.
posted by likeso at 3:17 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by likeso at 3:17 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:18 PM on May 14, 2011
Alright, Azerbaijan has won. Anyone remember what the song was like?
posted by Kattullus at 3:18 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 3:18 PM on May 14, 2011
It was a bit shit, Kattullus. My least favorite by far. I thought it had no chance. Boooo.
posted by Eumachia L F at 3:20 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Eumachia L F at 3:20 PM on May 14, 2011
35 point lead. That's going to be hard to overcome.
And no, I don't remember their song at all.
posted by hippybear at 3:20 PM on May 14, 2011
And no, I don't remember their song at all.
posted by hippybear at 3:20 PM on May 14, 2011
I love Latvia.
posted by tigrefacile at 3:20 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by tigrefacile at 3:20 PM on May 14, 2011
How interesting. That Azerbaijan song didn't appeal to me at all.
Also, clearly Europe has decided that 1/2 Jedward > 1 Jedward.
posted by jess at 3:21 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Also, clearly Europe has decided that 1/2 Jedward > 1 Jedward.
posted by jess at 3:21 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
How much can the viewership voting change these results?
posted by hippybear at 3:21 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 3:21 PM on May 14, 2011
I just remember it was way too het. They need to stick to the angsty angel/devil action from two years ago.
posted by asperity at 3:21 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by asperity at 3:21 PM on May 14, 2011
Anyone remember what the song was like?
There were a bunch of people in white costumes. That's all I got.
That Latvian lady is awesome.
posted by grapesaresour at 3:21 PM on May 14, 2011
There were a bunch of people in white costumes. That's all I got.
That Latvian lady is awesome.
posted by grapesaresour at 3:21 PM on May 14, 2011
Alright, Azerbaijan has won. Anyone remember what the song was like?
You're about to find out.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:22 PM on May 14, 2011
You're about to find out.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:22 PM on May 14, 2011
THIS CONTEST IS A SHAM
posted by Capt. Renault at 3:22 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Capt. Renault at 3:22 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Mr.likeso says it's a 2 day + 22 hour drive to Baku from Amsterdam.
posted by likeso at 3:23 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by likeso at 3:23 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Armenian press are debating on twitter and Facebook if Armenia should even send a delegate.
posted by k8t at 3:23 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by k8t at 3:23 PM on May 14, 2011
THIS SHAM IS A CONTEST
posted by hippybear at 3:23 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by hippybear at 3:23 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
It sounded a little like Zombie by the Cranberries
But Ireland placed at number 8, which is about what I expected so I don't feel too put out
I imagine Sweden will have another minor crisis over getting 1st snatched away
posted by rollick at 3:23 PM on May 14, 2011
But Ireland placed at number 8, which is about what I expected so I don't feel too put out
I imagine Sweden will have another minor crisis over getting 1st snatched away
posted by rollick at 3:23 PM on May 14, 2011
Gotta love the use of John Williams' Olympic Fanfare for the triumphal music.
posted by hippybear at 3:24 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 3:24 PM on May 14, 2011
And not to be mean, but I'm pleased how low Finland placed, since I didn't want it to continue Belgium's trend from last year
posted by rollick at 3:24 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by rollick at 3:24 PM on May 14, 2011
Ah well, I suppose it's good that Iceland didn't win, it might've started a trend of people killing their songwriters for sympathy votes.
posted by Kattullus at 3:25 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 3:25 PM on May 14, 2011 [3 favorites]
Oh god. They have to play it again right in the middle of losing their shit? That's just mean.
posted by grapesaresour at 3:25 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by grapesaresour at 3:25 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Victory for the major seventh!
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:26 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:26 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
Oh yes, the traditional repeat after blowing your voice out from screaming in celebration... always cute.
posted by Kattullus at 3:26 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 3:26 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Ieder jaar weer. ZONDER UITZONDERING.
posted by likeso at 3:26 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by likeso at 3:26 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
My husband is making lunch and humming "Popular", although I'm not sure he realizes where he picked it up from. >.>
Anyway, this was a blast. Thanks, Europe (and MeFi)!
posted by jess at 3:26 PM on May 14, 2011
Anyway, this was a blast. Thanks, Europe (and MeFi)!
posted by jess at 3:26 PM on May 14, 2011
We didn't even win when we entered this, which is way better than Azerbijan's entry.
posted by marienbad at 3:27 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by marienbad at 3:27 PM on May 14, 2011
Running Scared Lyrics:
Come to me, come to me tonight
Oh God, I need you, anyway
Baby, I just wanna be, be around you all the time
Oh God, I need you, oh…
I’m running, I’m scared tonight
I’m running, I’m scared of life
I’m running, I’m scared of breathing
‘Cause I adore you
I’m running, I’m scared tonight
I’m running, I’m scared of breathing
‘Cause I adore you
Come to me, come to me a bit more
Oh God, I need you
There’s nothing left for me to say
So rest on me darling, stay forever more
Oh God, I need you, I need you
I’m running, I’m scared tonight
I’m running, I’m scared of life
I’m running, I’m scared of breathing
‘Cause I adore you
I’m running, I’m scared tonight
I’m running, I’m scared of breathing
‘Cause I adore you
Oh, what I wouldn’t give away
To be your shelter and keep you safe
Keep you safe
I’m running, I’m scared tonight
I’m running, I’m scared of life
I’m running, I’m scared of breathing
‘Cause I adore you
I’m running, I’m scared tonight
I’m running, I’m scared of breathing
‘Cause I adore you
And I’m running
And I’m running scared
‘Cause I adore you
posted by hippybear at 3:28 PM on May 14, 2011
Come to me, come to me tonight
Oh God, I need you, anyway
Baby, I just wanna be, be around you all the time
Oh God, I need you, oh…
I’m running, I’m scared tonight
I’m running, I’m scared of life
I’m running, I’m scared of breathing
‘Cause I adore you
I’m running, I’m scared tonight
I’m running, I’m scared of breathing
‘Cause I adore you
Come to me, come to me a bit more
Oh God, I need you
There’s nothing left for me to say
So rest on me darling, stay forever more
Oh God, I need you, I need you
I’m running, I’m scared tonight
I’m running, I’m scared of life
I’m running, I’m scared of breathing
‘Cause I adore you
I’m running, I’m scared tonight
I’m running, I’m scared of breathing
‘Cause I adore you
Oh, what I wouldn’t give away
To be your shelter and keep you safe
Keep you safe
I’m running, I’m scared tonight
I’m running, I’m scared of life
I’m running, I’m scared of breathing
‘Cause I adore you
I’m running, I’m scared tonight
I’m running, I’m scared of breathing
‘Cause I adore you
And I’m running
And I’m running scared
‘Cause I adore you
posted by hippybear at 3:28 PM on May 14, 2011
Yay, my first Eurovision! I voted for Maldova, but I appreciate Azerbaijan winning because it taught me a new country. :)
posted by exquisite_deluxe at 3:29 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by exquisite_deluxe at 3:29 PM on May 14, 2011
Thanks for everyone's comments! The only thing left to do now is pick over the jury/televote split and semi positioning, and to pick our grudges for next May. It was a fun week.
posted by rollick at 3:30 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by rollick at 3:30 PM on May 14, 2011
Even though I feel like that was bullshit, especially after seeing the lyrics (WTF?), this has been a ton of fun. I'm definitely watching this again next year!
posted by grapesaresour at 3:31 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by grapesaresour at 3:31 PM on May 14, 2011
MeFi winner = Moldava, shared with Iceland. (Right Kattullus?) :)
Good night, all!
posted by likeso at 3:31 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Good night, all!
posted by likeso at 3:31 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
i didn't quite get why Azerbaijan won, but whatever, it was fun nonetheless. thanks MeFi :)
posted by helion at 3:31 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by helion at 3:31 PM on May 14, 2011
Awww, this was fun. Now I'm off to a post-Eurovision party.
posted by Kattullus at 3:31 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 3:31 PM on May 14, 2011
Thanks for everyone commenting and posting and making my lonesome Eurovision-watching much more fun!
posted by gemmy at 3:31 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by gemmy at 3:31 PM on May 14, 2011
Thanks, everyone!
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:39 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:39 PM on May 14, 2011
You all totally rock, and I love having shared this last week with y'all as we watched together. I look forward to next May. Thanks so much!
posted by hippybear at 3:39 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by hippybear at 3:39 PM on May 14, 2011
I am so sorry I missed this with all of you, I had a blast on Facebook watching this with two friends - but it would have been nice to share thoughts here too.
posted by seawallrunner at 4:48 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by seawallrunner at 4:48 PM on May 14, 2011
Moldova were great, just really fantastic. Sadly I didn't get to see it all though as baby didn't appreciate the noises and flashing lights. So sad.
posted by Jehan at 5:15 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Jehan at 5:15 PM on May 14, 2011
Ah I had a lovely evening but also wished I had a clone that could follow this thread live. Can we not do it again like with repeats, no? or youtube compilations of Eurovision entries from say 1970 omwards? There are awesome gems in there! Pretty please? Do I have to wait til next year??
posted by bitteschoen at 5:17 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by bitteschoen at 5:17 PM on May 14, 2011
Hey guys - sorry I couldn't follow the thread live. My party went swimmingly, and everyone got completely hammered. By the end, things were almost being thrown at the screen when it looked like Azerbaijan was going to take the win. Moldova, Sweden, and Ireland were house favorites.
I think the biggest shock for us was that Estonia did so poorly. They were an early favorite in my house, and they seemed to also be a favorite on the odds heading into the evening. There was some weird voting overall...
This was my first Eurovision watching the whole program (as opposed to just catching the performances after the fact), and I had a blast. Snark, alcohol, and pulling out the European map so that people could drunkenly run up and try to find countries during the results.
Europe, this is Texas calling! Well done!
posted by SNWidget at 6:27 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
I think the biggest shock for us was that Estonia did so poorly. They were an early favorite in my house, and they seemed to also be a favorite on the odds heading into the evening. There was some weird voting overall...
This was my first Eurovision watching the whole program (as opposed to just catching the performances after the fact), and I had a blast. Snark, alcohol, and pulling out the European map so that people could drunkenly run up and try to find countries during the results.
Europe, this is Texas calling! Well done!
posted by SNWidget at 6:27 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
Also, I think what bugged me the most about Azerbaijan winning was that I liked their song a lot better last year - I think "Drip Drop" was a better piece overall.
Oh well - I won't lie, I'm so jazzed by this whole thing that I immediately started thinking about the most efficient way to get to Baku next may.
posted by SNWidget at 6:29 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
Oh well - I won't lie, I'm so jazzed by this whole thing that I immediately started thinking about the most efficient way to get to Baku next may.
posted by SNWidget at 6:29 PM on May 14, 2011 [2 favorites]
Checking back in for the Sunday morning quarterbacking and happy to see your update on the successful Eurovision party, SNWidget! Kinda felt I had a bit of a stake in how well it went, and thought about y'all once or twice last night. Good to know no alcohol poisoning ensued - there were so many key changes, impressively misguided fashion choices and batshitinsane attributes...
Next year in Baku! ;)
posted by likeso at 3:46 AM on May 15, 2011
Next year in Baku! ;)
posted by likeso at 3:46 AM on May 15, 2011
I think the biggest shock for us was that Estonia did so poorly. They were an early favorite in my house, and they seemed to also be a favorite on the odds heading into the evening. There was some weird voting overall...
We have a proud tradition of doing poorly, loudly complaining about how the voting was weird/skewed/whatever and how everyone's too stupid or too Balkan to understand how great it is, then pretending that we don't really care, and then going through the same thing all over again year after year. We've even gone so far as to pretend that our national round of the contest has nothing to do with Eurovision at all...which, while it has had an overall positive effect on the quality of songs presented to the competition, has fooled exactly no one and people still vote for songs that they think are suitable for the European competition.
posted by daniel_charms at 4:56 AM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
We have a proud tradition of doing poorly, loudly complaining about how the voting was weird/skewed/whatever and how everyone's too stupid or too Balkan to understand how great it is, then pretending that we don't really care, and then going through the same thing all over again year after year. We've even gone so far as to pretend that our national round of the contest has nothing to do with Eurovision at all...which, while it has had an overall positive effect on the quality of songs presented to the competition, has fooled exactly no one and people still vote for songs that they think are suitable for the European competition.
posted by daniel_charms at 4:56 AM on May 15, 2011 [1 favorite]
Will the Azeri authorities be rounding up anyone that cheers for the Armenian entry at the stadium next year? Or will the Armenian entry even be allowed to enter Azerbaijan?
Anyhow, if I could, I would've given my douze points to the sand artist from Ukraine.
posted by gyc at 1:25 PM on May 15, 2011
Anyhow, if I could, I would've given my douze points to the sand artist from Ukraine.
posted by gyc at 1:25 PM on May 15, 2011
That would cause problems. The European Broadcasting Union would probably move the contest elsewhere if the Azeri refused Armenia participation.
posted by Kattullus at 2:17 PM on May 15, 2011
posted by Kattullus at 2:17 PM on May 15, 2011
Will the Azeri authorities be rounding up anyone that cheers for the Armenian entry at the stadium next year?
Judging from their selection competition this year, they might be glad of anyone cheering at all
posted by rollick at 2:43 PM on May 15, 2011
Judging from their selection competition this year, they might be glad of anyone cheering at all
posted by rollick at 2:43 PM on May 15, 2011
We finally got to watch the Final last night (Mr. Gravy feels you need to get drunk while watching Eurovision and Saturday night is his only day off.) I can't believe I lived 50 years without every seeing a Eurovision contest; this was our 3rd and the excitement doesn't stop. Although I gotta say the half time show sucked. Was it last year when the swimmers in clear pools dropped from the ceiling? Now that was a show!
Thank God for Italy because none of other favorites made it into the top 5. We were Moldova all the way!!!!!! and if we ever get a chance to see them live, we will jump on it. Zdob si Zdub, Pleez, pleez, pleez bring your fine be-hatted selves to the USA.
The Gravy Picks:
Moldova
Jedward
Serbia
Slovania
Italy
Azerbaijan was pretty near the bottom: (5 worst)
Spain
Switzerland
Azerbaijan
Romania
Georgia
And WTF UK? That was appalling. Chippendales meet BoyzNSync. Gah. France, on the other hand, was a nice palate-cleanser. They didn't want to host next year huh? I think the Hungarian singer should come to the US-- she could have a nice little Country & Western lite career a la Faith Hill. And the Slovanian singer needs to come here as well-- she kicked ass and while I wasn't crazy about the song, I think she dominates the stage.
We were trying to imagine who would be the winner if no politics were involved, but then I guess it wouldn't really be Eurovision. Mr Gravy also wants each song performed by at least two different singers so we can judge the song not the act, but again...it wouldn't be Eurovision. So thanks for the craziness, we love you Eurovision.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 6:31 AM on May 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
Thank God for Italy because none of other favorites made it into the top 5. We were Moldova all the way!!!!!! and if we ever get a chance to see them live, we will jump on it. Zdob si Zdub, Pleez, pleez, pleez bring your fine be-hatted selves to the USA.
The Gravy Picks:
Moldova
Jedward
Serbia
Slovania
Italy
Azerbaijan was pretty near the bottom: (5 worst)
Spain
Switzerland
Azerbaijan
Romania
Georgia
And WTF UK? That was appalling. Chippendales meet BoyzNSync. Gah. France, on the other hand, was a nice palate-cleanser. They didn't want to host next year huh? I think the Hungarian singer should come to the US-- she could have a nice little Country & Western lite career a la Faith Hill. And the Slovanian singer needs to come here as well-- she kicked ass and while I wasn't crazy about the song, I think she dominates the stage.
We were trying to imagine who would be the winner if no politics were involved, but then I guess it wouldn't really be Eurovision. Mr Gravy also wants each song performed by at least two different singers so we can judge the song not the act, but again...it wouldn't be Eurovision. So thanks for the craziness, we love you Eurovision.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 6:31 AM on May 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
I like the idea that Jedward is a country. What are its immigration policies like, I wonder?
posted by asperity at 5:05 PM on May 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by asperity at 5:05 PM on May 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
Jedward IS a country! And a state of mind. I imagine that the immigration policies are involved with hair in some way.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 5:37 AM on May 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 5:37 AM on May 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
« Older Give them someplace to go | Acidee! Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
Who am I kidding...? I know I'll be sat there, pissed, making sarcastic comments, just like last year...
posted by sodium lights the horizon at 9:32 AM on May 10, 2011 [2 favorites]