In 8 days we have the first semi-final. In two weeks we have the final. As we enter the home stretch of the contest, every contestant, every fan, and every country is campaigning for their favorite. They’re trying to convince us they’re deserving of our votes before we even see their complete stage acts.
There are music videos for most of the entries. But this is not the MTV video awards for the best music video. The music video is not the measure of the act. It is a carefully shot and edited movie that is far different from a live performance within the constraints of the stage. Vote the presentation at ESC, not the Hollywood movie.
There is a story behind each act. There is the striving to reach this point. The impressive work they have completed up to now, earning the right to represent their country. The friends and family that have helped them. Their legions of adoring fans (most of whom need to get a life). Vote the presentation at ESC, not the most amazing (or tear-jerking) backstory.
Countries are close kin divided by a border and give each other high votes. Others are sworn enemies and refuse to give any votes based on centuries of conflict. Really? This is the most ridiculous reason of all to cast or withhold a vote. It’s a music contest. If country takes primacy in that vote, how do countries have a hope of treating each other equally?
And we’re now starting the deluge of articles about each act. How wonderful they are, how amazing, how they represent something special. Everyone trying to sell themselves as one of the best. And they will do their best to make you empathize with them. To care for them. To love their effort. If they do that, then they’ve got your vote before the show even starts.
When the show starts, forget everything you’ve heard and everything you’ve seen. Watch the acts. And then vote for the ones that reached out and grabbed you. Vote your heart.
Good luck everyone.Let’s go MONTENEGRO
@david thielen you know what i disagree with david that most of the people see the show but still they vote for there neighbour country not for the song they realy like .at the moment my favriout songs are first malta 2nd azerbajan and 3rd belgiume and i vote for the song i like not for a neighbour country thats for shure … good luck to evryone
We might have not seen the *show* I mean
Well, I think most of us have decided already who to vote for based on the song. We might have not seen the song, but we have listened to the songs and it’s perfectly normal to have favourites. I’m not going to stay undecided until the (semi)final. It’s like saying that we should watch the live debate between two presidential candidates before deciding who to vote for… Of course, if the vocals are bad on the night, I am not going to vote for my favourite(s). And most of the readers who relentlessly shout “Malta” or Azerbaijan” or “Romania” in… Read more »
Can’t wait for Eurovision 🙂 Good luck everyone! Let’s enjoy show and music <3
@nikki and @redarrow – that is what I disagree with. You’ve already decided how to vote and you haven’t even see the show yet.
M A L T A
AZERABIAJANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
Very appropriate title image. Putting aside preconceptions and not looking to confirm them, one can appreciate that “Running Scared” really worked on the night.
Very good article David. Vote for what resonates with you the most artistically!
Just listen to your heart people. It’s just a song contest. Never forget. Great post.
The one that really grabbed me last year was FYR Macedonia. 0 points in the OGAE fan vote – nobody was really expecting much out of this one, but it was incredible live.