Eurovision 2021 Is Under Way

Eurovision 2021 is here!

Australia’s Montaigne fails to qualify for Grand Finals | Credit: The Guardian

They say that music transcends boundaries. We may not always understand one another, but music has a way of conveying our emotions. Bringing together several countries, the competition allows participants to showcase their musicality and vie for coveted points to determine a winner.

History and Format

Established in 1956 by the European Broadcasting Union, the competition was created as a means of promoting cooperation between European countries following the second world war. The initial set-up for the competition was quite different to its modern counterpart. Aspects recognized in the competition’s modern format were implemented in the years subsequent. These include public announcement of votes and the winning country hosting the event the following year. As the number of countries participating began to increase, the competition began to set limitations. Eventually, a semi-final round was introduced in 2004 as a means of allowing all countries who expressed interest to participate. From 2008 onwards, a second semi-final was also implemented.

Aired internationally, each country involved is represented by a broadcaster who is also a member of the European Broadcasting Union. Each country showcases one original composition performed by either a solo artist, duo or group. The representative(s) are also only eligible to perform for a single country.

Point System

Credit: Eurovision

France, Italy, the UK, Spain, Germany and the host country automatically qualify for the Grand Final. The other countries perform in one of the two semi-finals with points being given by the countries involved in each group. Each country awards points in increments to countries other than their own; first from 1-8, 10 then 12.

This year Italy, Germany and the host country, The Netherlands gave points to countries in the first semi-final. Meanwhile, France, Spain and The UK will award points to countries in the second semi-finals. The top 10 from each semi-final will then compete in the grand finals, with points being awarded from all countries. During each round, the audience will also be able to contribute by voting via mobile when their country performs live. The country with the highest number of points is crowned the winner. Notable past winners of the competition include Sweden’s representative ABBA in 1974 and Switzerland’s representative Celine Dion in 1988.

Semi-Final 1

The first semi-finals for 2021 occurred on the 18th of May. This year’s entrants included participants from Lithuania, Slovenia, Russia, Sweden, Australia, North Macedonia, Ireland, Cyprus, Norway, Croatia, Belgium, Israel, Romania, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Malta. Australia’s representative was Montaigne with composition ‘Technicolour’. Unfortunately, for the first time since its yearly participation in 2015, Australia failed to qualify for the Grand Finals. Qualifying countries for this round were Lithuania, Russia, Sweden, Cyprus, Norway, Belgium, Israel, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Malta.

# Country Artist(s) Song
01 Lithuania The Roop Discoteque
02 Slovenia Ana Soklic Amen
03 Russia Manizha Russian Woman
04 Sweden Tusse Voices
05 Australia Montaigne Technicolour
06 North Macedonia Vasil Here I Stand
07 Ireland Lesley Roy Maps
08 Cyprus Elena Tsagrinou El Diablo
09 Norway TIX Fallen Angel
10 Croatia Albina Grčić Tick-Tock
11 Belgium Hooverphonic The Wrong Place
12 Israel Eden Alene Set Me Free
13 Romania Roxen Amnesia
14 Azerbaijan Samira Efendi Mata Hari
15 Ukraine Go_A Shum
16 Malta Destiny Chukunyere Je Me Casse

Source: escdaily.com

Semi-Final 2

The second semi-finals will take place on the 20th of May. Competing will be San Marino, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Austria, Poland, Moldova, Iceland, Serbia, Georgia, Albania, Portugal, Bulgaria, Finland, Latvia, Switzerland and Denmark.

# Country Artist(s) Song
01 San Marino Senhit Adrenalina
02 Estonia Uku Suviste The Lucky One
03 Czech Republic Benny Cristo Omaga
04 Greece Stefania Liberakakis Last Dance
05 Austria Vincent Bueno Amen
06 Poland RAFAŁ The Ride
07 Moldova Natalia Gordienko Sugar
08 Iceland Dadi Freyr & Gagnamagnid 10 Years
09 Serbia Hurricane Loco Loco
10 Georgia Tornike Kipiani You
11 Albania Anxhela Peristeri Karma
12 Portugal The Black Mamba Love Is On My Side
13 Bulgaria Victoria Growing Up Is Getting Old
14 Finland Blind Channel Dark Side
15 Latvia Samanta Tina The Moon Is Rising
16 Switzerland Gjon’s Tears Tout l‘univers
17 Denmark Fyr & Flamme Øve os på hinanden

Source: escdaily.com

Where to view in Australia

In Australia, the competition airs on SBS. Live broadcast of the first Semi-Final took place on Wednesday the 19th of May at 5AM. The second semi-final will air live on Friday May 21st at 5AM. Following this the Grand Final will show at 5AM on Sunday the 23rd of May. Rebroadcasts will occur on Friday the 21st of May at 8:30 PM for the first semi-final, Saturday the 22nd of May at 8:30PM for the second semi-finals and Sunday the 23rd of May at 7:30PM for the Grand Finals.

Do you agree with the finalists so far? Who are your picks for Eurovision 2021? Let us know in the comments below.

Subscribe to FIB’s Weekly Alchemy Report for your weekly dose of music, fashion and pop culture news!

#eurovisionMontaignerotterdamEurovision 2021The NetherlandsTechnicolour
Comments (0)
Add Comment