Eurovision 2022

Guess what? It is Eurovision week again! Several topics about it have surfaced on the news and on other places. But for those who have never heard of Eurovision, we will explain what’s it all about in this article.

What is Eurovision?

Eurovision is an international musical event. 40 countries enter the competition, (including non-European countries i.e. Israel & Australia), to perform a song to compete for the title of Eurovision champion. Each representative can sing in any language they wish. 

History: 

Eurovision was created in 1956 with an ambition – to unite a broken Europe after the Second World War, through the power of music. Also, according to other sources, the Contest was based on Italy’s Sanremo Music Festival and was designed to test the limits of live television broadcast technology. Since the foundation of Eurovision, it has grown and evolved into a week-long musical spectacular, reaching an estimated audience of 200 million people across the globe.

DID YOU KNOW? According to Guinness World Records, Eurovision has become one of the longest-running, and most-watched programs in the world. 

What is Eurovision about?

Every participant from each country performs an original song with the goal of winning the Eurovision song contest. After the first semifinal, the countries with many votes go directly to the grand final. And the same thing happens with the remaining countries who will perform in the second semifinal. After the grand final, the country with the MOST votes wins. When all songs have been performed, each country will give two sets of 1 to 8, 10, and 12 points; one set given by a jury of five music industry professionals, and one set given by viewers at home. Viewers can vote by telephone, SMS, and through the official app. However, you cannot vote for your own country.

Where does it take place? 

After the winning country has been elected, the representative of that country will perform once again after the song contest. The prize is the iconic glass microphone trophy. The winning country will traditionally be given the honor of hosting the next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Which country has been the most successful in the history of Eurovision? 

Ireland, with 7 victories. Other countries like Sweden, won the contest 6 times, while Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom won 5 times.

Many well-known musicians have participated in Eurovision, for example…

Many famous faces have appeared at the Eurovision Song Contest. ABBA, Celine Dion, and Katrina & the Waves are all Eurovision winners. Other entrants include Olivia Newton-John, Engelbert Humperdinck, Bonnie Tyler, Il Volo, and Cascada. Riverdance, Justin Timberlake, Flo Rida, and Madonna have all performed as interval acts.

The hosts of this year’s Eurovision:

40 countries are officially confirmed to be participating in this year’s Eurovision. Last year, Italy won with the song “Zitti e buoni” (shut up and behave) by Måneskin with 524 points. The 2022 Eurovision song contest will be held at Pala Olimpico, Turin, (Italy). 

When does Eurovision 2022 take place?

The first Eurovision semifinal will be taking place on Tuesday 10 and the second semifinal on Thursday 12 May. The grand final will be aired on Saturday, 14th of May. So make sure not to miss it!