Eurovision Song Contest

History

The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual international song competition, held primarily among the member countries of the European Broadcasting Union. Since its inception in 1956, it has been one of the longest-running television shows in the world and one of the most watched non-sporting events globally. The contest has been broadcast every year, making it one of the few television programs that have been broadcast without interruption since their inception.

A large, brightly lit stage with multiple spotlights and a large LED screen in the background.

The Eurovision Song Contest was based on Italy's Sanremo Music Festival, which began in 1951. The idea was to help unite countries in the aftermath of World War II through music. The first contest took place in Lugano, Switzerland, in 1956, with seven countries participating. Each country submitted two songs, and the contest was broadcast in several countries.

Format

The format of the Eurovision Song Contest has changed over the years, but the basic premise remains the same: each participating country submits an original song to be performed live on television and radio. Then, professional juries and/or the public of each country vote for the best song, but they cannot vote for their own country.

In addition to the main contest, there are several associated events, such as the Junior Eurovision Song Contest and the Eurovision Dance Contest. There are also national contests to select the song that will represent each country.

Participation

Participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is primarily open to the member countries of the European Broadcasting Union. This includes more than 50 countries, not only in Europe but also in North Africa and the Middle East. Australia has also been participating since 2015 as a guest entrant.

Winning the Contest

Winning the Eurovision Song Contest can provide a significant boost to an artist's career. Some winners, such as ABBA (Sweden, 1974) and Celine Dion (Switzerland, 1988), have gone on to international fame.

The country that wins the contest is traditionally the host of the following year's contest, although there have been exceptions. This has led to some countries winning multiple times, such as Ireland, which has won seven times, more than any other country.

Criticism and Controversy

The Eurovision Song Contest has not been without its share of criticism and controversy. Some of the common criticisms include the quality of the music, the political voting, and the cost of hosting the contest. Despite these criticisms, the contest continues to be popular, with millions of viewers each year.

Impact and Legacy

The Eurovision Song Contest has had a significant impact on music and television in Europe and beyond. It has helped to launch the careers of many artists, and it has influenced the format of many other song contests around the world. The contest has also been a platform for promoting diversity and inclusion, with participants representing a wide range of musical styles, languages, and cultures.

References

1. O'Connor, John Kennedy (2007). The Eurovision Song Contest: The Official History. Carlton Books. ISBN 978-1-84442-994-3. 2. Roxburgh, Gordon (2014). Songs for Europe: The United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest. Telos Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84583-065-6.