Viva la diva!

Well, that was exciting!

Conchita Wurst has won Eurovision 2014 for Austria - only the country's second victory, and a long time between drinks since Udo Jürgens took it home back in 1966.

And what a fantastic winner. Her victory speech was absolutely pitch-perfect: "This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. You know who you are".

It's also a great response to the homophobia and hate spewing forth from counties such as Russia, Armenia and Belarus - all of whom petitioned to have Conchita removed from the contest or her song not broadcast in their countries.

Indeed, many are also interpreting the result as a very specific up yours to Vladimir Putin and the anti-gay laws he's introduced in Russia.

There was certainly not a lot of love for the Russians amongst the viewers of the contest, both in the stadium and in Copenhagen City Hall Square, where I was watching the show - the booing every time they received a point was intense.

Interestingly though, in spite of the homophobic rhetoric of many Eastern countries (which most pundits predicted would cost Austria the victory), Conchita picked up points from fans all over Europe - including Russia and Azerbaijan.

In the West of course, Austria was an incredibly popular winner - with celebrities such as Russell Brand tweeting support (playing on the fact that Conchita is basically him in a dress), and 12 points flocking to Rise Like a Phoenix.

The newspapers here in Denmark (and in Sweden, where I also spent a bit of time today after popping over the Øresund Bridge to Malmö) have also been delighted by the win - Aftonbladet even had a DIY cutout beard!

And really, despite all the politics, it was all because of the fantastic performance Conchita gave on stage.

Seeing Rise Like a Phoenix live during the semi final was amazing, and you had the feeling that you were witnessing a pretty special Eurovision performance.

And I'm not afraid to admit I was jumping about with glee outside the City Hall last night watching the results come in for the grand final.

All I can say now is, bring on Vienna 2015!

Some Final Thoughts...

With just a few hours left until the big show gets underway here in Copenhagen, everyone is completely in the dark about who's going to take out the contest this year.

If you listen to all the fans, and the roars of the crowd at Thursday night's second semi final, then Austria's Conchita Wurst is an absolute shoe-in.

However, as others have mentioned, Eastern Europe and pseudo-European nations Azerbaijan and Armenia are still incredibly homophobic, so that may mean she suffers in the televoting.

The Netherlands is another big mover in the betting markets after the success of their first semi final performance, with their country-esque song injecting something very different into the contest.

Both Austria and the Netherlands haven't been in contention at Eurovision since the 1970s - could it be time for a renaissance?

Then there's Sweden, consistently at the top of the betting for the past few months and with a slickly produced stage show and great singer.

But Sanna Nielsen is performing early in the running order, which might hurt her chances - plus the contest was only in Sweden last year, perhaps it's time to give someone outside Scandinavia a go?

And finally there's the UK. It's hard to believe they're actually in the running, but they are - and Molly has impressed crowds in all her rehearsals this week.

She's performing last in the running order, so will be fresh in voters' minds, and her song is catchy, anthemic and likely to grab votes from all over Europe. 

But then again, it's the first time voters have seen the song, and it's always harder for the Big 5 to win when they haven't had the exposure of the semi finals to build their audience.

So as you can see, it's all very up in the air, which means the voting is likely to be incredibly close...we might even have to wait until the last country phones in with their votes to find out the winner.

It all makes for the most exciting Eurovision in years, and I'll be here soaking up the atmosphere and reporting back tomorrow!

Eurovision Live!

I'm still coming down off the high from being in the arena to watch my first Eurovision Song Contest live. Well, the second semi-final, anyway.

And it's certainly a very different experience than watching it on TV.

For starters, the atmosphere in the room is incredible. There are flags from all over the world, not just those countries competing on the night.

There's also such a wide variety of people there to watch: gay, straight, male, female, young, old - you name it.

Another thing you notice - and this is something I was talking about with other fans after the show in the queue for boats to take us back to the city - is how friendly it all is. 

There's none of that pent-up aggression and macho bullshit you get at sporting events - which is probably a good comparison with the size of Eurovision. Everyone was respectful of all the competitors, and was just there to have a good time.

A case in point was the reaction to Austria's "bearded lady" Conchita Wurst. She was the crowd's favourite by a country mile, and the roar that went up when she was on stage was deafening. 

Every time she was mentioned in recaps the crowd went wild, and when she was being interviewed by the host you could hardly hear over the cheering.

Of course, I was also lucky enough to be there the night Australia provided the interval entertainment. 

While there were plenty of other Aussies there too, my little Australian flag certainly attracted attention, with plenty of friendly European fans coming up to chat to me about the contest - and being very impressed that I'd come all this way to experience it!

On to Australia's performance: it was lovably kitsch, and went down a treat in the arena. 

Jessica Mauboy's song was pure Eurovision, and proved that were we allowed to enter we'd give it a pretty good go. 

Plus she also had a great political statement featuring the Aboriginal flag, which was probably lost on most of the European audience, but would've given bigots back home an apoplectic fit. Fantastic.

Perhaps the best measure of how it all went is the fact that all the Europeans I was chatting to afterwards were all very keen to see Australia be allowed to compete for real.

Maybe one day...fingers crossed!

Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen...

Well, I'm finally here in Copenhagen, where Eurovision fever is raging - albeit in a typically stylish and restrained Danish fashion.

They've set up a "Fan Mile" that runs through the city's main pedestrian shopping street, featuring Eurovision activities along the route.

The biggest buzz is to be found at the Eurovision Village, where contest performers hold free concerts during the week leading up to the big show.

This afternoon we were lucky enough to catch two acts, fresh from qualifying at last night's first Semi Final - first up, Iceland's Pollaponk (aka the Scandi-Wiggles):

Then, it was time for the main attraction: Sweden's Sanna Nielsen, the lady who's currently running first in the betting to win the whole shebang on Saturday night.

This is Sanna's 7th attempt to represent Sweden, having failed to make it through at the Melodifestivalen selection trials for the previous six years.

So as a result of this, Sanna has a pretty high profile amongst the hardcore Eurovision fans - and it seemed like they all tuned out in Eurovision Village this afternoon to hear her previous Melodifestivalen hits, as well as her 2014 entry Undo.

There's plenty more entertainment lined up for the Eurovision Village over the coming days, including a concert by contest legend Johnny Logan - and if he's singing Hold Me Now (1987 Irish winner) you can bet I'll be there!

Good Evening Copenhagen!

It's finally here - today's the day I'm leaving on a jet plane bound for Copenhagen!

I'll be blogging as much as possible during the contest, including my impressions of Denmark and what it's like to be in the thick of the Eurovision action. You can also follow me on Twitter for more updates: @Kath_Uz

For now though, let me leave you with this "comedy song" as a preview, featuring the hosts of this year's show:

 
It seems like Kasper from Borgen and the gang have been watching Norwegian gem Get Ready to be Boyzvoiced for inspiration, and that can only be a good thing!

Australia at Eurovision

So, if you’ve been watching any SBS at all in recent weeks, you will have seen the promos heralding the fact that this year Australia’s finally got a place on the main stage at Eurovision.

Jessica Mauboy will perform her latest single Never Be The Same as the interval act during the second semi final at B&W Hallerne next Thursday, 8 May.

And, out of sheer luck, the second semi-final just happens to be the show I’ve got tickets to see!

It’s going to be fascinating to see how European fans respond to an Australian interloper at their competition, and I’ll definitely be reporting back on how it goes down in the hall.

If we were entering the contest for real, of course, Jess would be almost the perfect choice – a young, female pop singer with an international profile, she also embodies the diversity of modern Australia.

Of course, she’s actually not the first Australian to appear on the Eurovision stage. Here’s a few more that have done us proud:

Ireland – Johnny Logan – 1980, 1987 and 1992

He’s known as Mr Eurovision, because he’s the most successful artist in the contest’s history: winning for Ireland as a performer in 1980 and 1987, and writing the country’s winning song in 1992.

But, despite singing for the Emerald Isle, he was actually born in Australia – Frankston, in fact. (I know!)

His father was an Irish tenor, who travelled around the world making a living as a singer, but the family moved back to Ireland when he was just three years old - and the rest, as they say, is Eurovision history.

Incidentally, Johnny is giving a free concert in the streets of Copenhagen next week, and you'd better believe I'll be there singing along to Hold Me Now.

UK – Gina G – 1996 

You might remember Ooh Aah Just a Little Bit from the Australian charts back in the mid-nineties, but did you know that Gina G first performed this catchy little number at Eurovision?

Yep, Queenslander Ms G – real name Gina Mary Gardiner – represented the UK at the 1996 contest.

Many fans thought she was robbed when she finished eighth, behind ethereal (read: dreary) ballad The Voice by Ireland’s Eimear Quinn.

It was the last year the winner was selected entirely by professional juries in each country, with televoting introduced from 1997 – perhaps if she’d waited a year, the popular vote across Europe would’ve got her over the line!

UK – Olivia Newton-John – 1974

Before she got Physical and was the one John Travolta wanted, Australia’s own Olivia Newton-John represented the UK back in 1974.

And she didn’t disgrace herself either, finishing a very respectable fourth with the soppy number Long Live Love.

Unfortunately she chose the wrong year to make a splash at Eurovision, with the eventual winners sweeping all before them – you might have heard of them, and their little tune called Waterloo…

#1 NORWAY Carl Espen – Silent Storm

So, it's time to reveal my favourite song from this year's contest...and unsurprisingly there are violins involved. 

This year Norway seems to be entering Iceland’s traditional haunting Nordic ballad– which is lucky because Iceland has had a brain meltdown and entered the Scandi-Wiggles.

I love this one – and I’m incredibly excited about seeing it live in the B&W Hallerne during Semi Final 2 in just one week's time.

It’s big and dramatic, and sounds like the theme tune to a quality Scandi-noir crime drama (compare and contrast with The Bridge’s incredible opening title song Hollow Talk by the Choir of Young Believers).

I may just have to splash out on a Norwegian flag to wave on the night!

#2 IRELAND Can-Linn (ft Kasey Smith) – Heartbeat

Ireland, Eurovision’s most successful nation, has had a schizophrenic attitude to the contest in recent years.

They’ve deliberately not entered anything resembling their Celtic-tinged mega-ballads from the mid-1990s (perhaps RTÉ is still paying for hosting the contest three years in a row?), instead opting for an eclectic mix of cheesy pop, diva belters and electro dance. And Jedward. 

But this year, they’ve put everything they’ve ever entered into a blender, and the result is Heartbeat.

It’s a big belter of a number sung by a chick with a massive voice, it’s got a techno vibe plus a Celtic fiddle chucked in for good measure.

And somehow, it works. 

Well, I enjoy it anyway – plus I’m really hoping they keep the hilarious Irish dancers they used in the national final as part of the stage show...trust me, there is nothing funnier than grown men trying to Riverdance to a techno backing track.

#3 AUSTRIA Conchita Wurst – Rise Like a Phoenix

This entry pretty much sums up Eurovision: kooky, fabulous and an absolute belter.

If you listen to Rise Like a Phoenix first, before watching the film clip, you can hear that it sounds just like a 1960s Bond theme, sung by a Shirley Bassey-esque diva.

That's pretty much what it looks like too – except the diva has a beard.

Seriously, Conchita (the drag alter-ego of performer Tom Neuwirth) is great and I really hope she is embraced across Europe – though unfortunately homophobia has already started to surface.

Current bookies’ favourite, Aram Mp3 from Armenia, made some anti-gay "jokes" about Conchita in an interview (he's since apologised).

Petitions have also been circulated in Belarus and Russia, calling for the national broadcasters to boycott the contest because of her participation.

Screw them. If transgender superstar Dana International could carry off the Eurovision crown back in 1998, there's no reason why Conchita can't do the same in 2014.

#4 FRANCE Twin Twin – Moustache

I am always partial to a bit of French electronica, and this ironic number from a bunch of hipsters français is right up my street.

It sounds great in French, of course, but when you translate the lyrics it’s also pretty funny – telling the tale of a wanker who has everything he wants, apart from a moustache.

A sample:

I don’t care, I live on the top floor

I don’t even know my own cleaning lady!

My car is lined with leather

I like the smell of my perfume

Bonus points for the use of the great term “femme de ménage” (cleaning lady) which I’m pretty sure I haven’t heard since Grade 9 French.

#5 UK Molly – Children of the Universe

Yep, it's time to count down my top five songs for this year, starting somewhat unexpectedly with the UK:

I’ve listened to this one a few times now (yes I buy the Eurovision album each year and have it pumping in my car in the weeks proceeding the contest – what of it?) and it keeps growing on me.

I almost can’t believe it’s a UK entry, as it sounds so modern – which I guess is the whole point.

Molly has a great voice and provided this is staged well in Copenhagen (and she loses the faux-hippy bohemian princess rubbish from the video), the UK could be in for its best finish for some years.

Well anything would have to be better than the Bonnie Tyler abomination last year.

Best of the Rest

Before I get stuck into my top five, there are plenty of other entries out there that are worth a mention – and not just because they’re awful, like the ones I’ve already picked apart.

Sweden – Sanna Nielsen – Undo

Sweden’s currently running second in the betting with this belter of a ballad, and there’s a very real chance Eurovision could be back in Swedish hands twice in three years.

And it’s not too bad – if you don’t listen to the ESL-flavoured lyrics too closely, as Sanna implores her love to “undo my sad”.

 

Denmark – Basim – Cliché Love Song

Similarly, the host nation is making another case for back-to-back Danish wins, and Denmark’s currently third in the betting market.

Basim here is basically Denmark’s premier Bruno Mars impersonator, and his song includes references to Katy Perry, try-hard scat and the phrase “OMG” – but apart from that it’s not too hideous.

Malta – FireLight – Coming Home

Mumford and Sons must be huge in Malta, if this banjo-laced tribute number they're entering for Eurovision is any indication.

Despite the obvious rip-off, it's a pleasant song and could do well with voters looking for something gentler. 

Plus its World War I centenary theme and dedication to those who've never come home from war is a blatantly emotional grab for votes - and it may just work.

Romania – Paula Seling and Ovi – Miracle

If you’re a keen Eurovision fan, you may remember Romanians Paula and Ovi from their sensational duelling-pianos number Playing with Fire that finished third in Oslo in 2010.

Well, they’re back in Copenhagen – unfortunately with a song that’s just not as good.

So that’s it for the rest, stay tuned tomorrow on the blog for my best at Eurovision 2014.

Slay the Favourite

Armenia – Aram MP3 – Not Alone

This, inexplicably, is the bookies’ favourite to win Eurovision 2014.

And I’ve got no idea why.

It’s basically two songs smushed together: it starts out as rather bland ballad, and then suffers a dubstep breakdown about two-thirds of the way through.

The artist, pretentiously-monikered Aram MP3, is apparently one of Armenia’s favourite comedians – but he wasn’t particularly funny when he was making some homophobic remarks about Austria’s entry Conchita Wurst (more on her later).

Let’s hope the punters have it wrong this time.

From Russia With Love

Russia – Tomachevy Sisters – Shine 

So, pretend for a moment you’re Russia. 

After all the #SochiProblems and the Ukrainian havoc that's still unfolding, you don’t have much positive PR floating around Europe.

So how do you win over your neighbours and get them to send votes your way at Eurovision?

By sending a pair of sugary-sweet teenaged twins singing a saccharine song called Shine, of course!

Well, maybe not…these two represented Russia in Junior Eurovision back in 2006, and are basically just repeating the same schtick here. 

Nul points from me.

Danish Pastries

Latvia – Aarzemnieki – Cake to Bake 
Belarus – Teo – Cheesecake 

I’m not entirely sure what’s going on this year, but it seems like some countries have taken the fact that Denmark is known for its baked goods quite literally, and therefore decided to send songs about cake to Copenhagen.

First up, Latvia gives us the cloying Cake to Bake, which is just about as awful as the title suggests.

Then, we have Teo – “Belarus’ answer to Justin Timberlake” (his words, not mine) – who’s offering up some Cheesecake, with extra emphasis on the cheese.

Oh dear.

Och Polska!

Poland – Donatan and Cleo – My Słowianie (We Are Slavic)

Oh Poland! Why do you always do this to me?

Every year the patriotic part of me wants to cheer on the entry from my grandfather’s homeland, to wave the flag and witness a Polish victory.

And every year I am disappointed. 

Why? Because they always enter shit like this.

Alright, it could be worse (it could be Latvia’s effort), but that doesn’t mean it’s any good.

It’s basically some Eastern European rap aiming to poke fun at stereotypes of Slavic women, but unintentionally ends up being an excuse for a soft-porn film clip (at one stage there it had the most views on YouTube and was therefore skewing the betting – however it’s fair to say people weren’t watching the video for the music).

Poland is actually back in Eurovision in 2014 after a two-year hiatus, ostensibly because the national broadcaster was focusing on other priorities (read: they couldn’t afford it). 

Perhaps they should’ve taken more time out to have a good hard look at themselves.

And Poland, please know that I say that with love.

Eurovision 2014 Preview

Every year I like to count down my top five songs from the contest, as well as highlight some of the absolute dross that will make its way onto the Eurovision stage.

And this year it's even more exciting as I'll be seeing those hits and misses live in the flesh in a little over two weeks!

So stay tuned over the coming days for some of the shockers from this year's competition, followed by my favourites for 2014.

Enjoy!

Appreciating Danish Culture

This year Eurovision heads to Denmark, thanks to the vocal stylings of Emmelie de Forrest who brought home the (Danish) bacon in Malmö last year.

And in less than three weeks, I'll be there!

In anticipation, I've been giving myself a crash course in appreciating all things Danish.

1. Princess Mary

Ask any Australian what they know about Denmark, and one woman's name will pop up: Mary Donaldson of Taroona.

Today she's better known in her adopted land as Hendes Kongelige Højhed Kronprinsesse Mary af Danmark.

Yes, she's the lucky gal who went for a drink at a Sydney pub and ended up being the future monarch of a European country.

Full disclosure: whilst I was a journalist I had to spend a day on "Mary-watch". 

Pretending to be paparazzi doesn't come naturally to someone more used to reporting on school fairs and forest protests, so it was pretty weird and uncomfortable to be standing on a footpath in West Hobart stalking a woman who just wanted to enjoy a holiday with her family.

Needless to say I'm not planning on repeating the stake-out in Copenhagen... although Mary's Danish home does look pretty spectacular.

2. Lego

Did you know that the humble Lego brick is a Danish invention? 

Lego is based at Billund, a town in Southern Denmark whose economy is pretty much completely dependent on those small plastic blocks.

Billund is home to the first Legoland theme park, and the second-largest airport in Denmark - which was originally built by the company. 

And the term "lego" actually comes from the Danish phrase leg got, which means "play well".

3. Pastry

So, you know those tasty pastries with the fruit and the icing and the sticky sweetness that we call Danishes? They're not even Danish at all. 

In Denmark, they're actually called wienerbrød, or Vienna Bread, as they were originally introduced by Viennese bakers in Copenhagen in 1840.

But it doesn't really matter where they're from, the fact is they're still tasty and found everywhere in Denmark!

4. Amazing Television

If you haven't discovered Danish television yet, you're seriously missing out.

DR, the national broadcaster (who is also responsible for putting together this year's Eurovision spectacular), has been pumping some fantastic shows in recent years that have attracted worldwide attention. Not bad for programs broadcast in a language that less than 6 million people speak!

From moody detective drama The Killing, to scandi-noir thriller The Bridge and political drama Borgen, they're all top notch - and can be seen on SBS, or on DVD, in Australia.

In fact, one of the stars of Borgen - Pilou Asbaek, who plays spin doctor Kasper Juul - is one of the co-hosts for this year's Eurovision broadcast, and is sure to bring a little class to proceedings.