Eurovision Song Contest 2017
Overview
The Eurovision Song Contest 2017 was the 62nd edition of the annual international song competition. It took place in Kyiv, Ukraine, following Ukraine's victory at the 2016 contest with the song "1944" by Jamala. The event was organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Ukrainian broadcaster National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine (UA:PBC). The contest consisted of two semi-finals on 9 and 11 May, and a final on 13 May 2017. A total of 42 countries participated in the contest, with Portugal winning for the first time with the song "Amar pelos dois" performed by Salvador Sobral.
Host City and Venue
The contest was hosted in Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, at the International Exhibition Centre. The venue was chosen for its capacity to accommodate the large-scale production and audience, as well as its modern facilities. The International Exhibition Centre is one of the largest venues in Ukraine, offering ample space for the stage, audience seating, and technical equipment necessary for broadcasting the event to millions of viewers worldwide.
Format and Production
The format of the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 followed the traditional structure of two semi-finals and a grand final. Each semi-final featured 18 to 19 countries, with the top 10 from each semi-final advancing to the final. The "Big Five" countries—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom—along with the host country Ukraine, automatically qualified for the final.
The production of the event was a collaborative effort between the EBU and UA:PBC. The theme for the 2017 contest was "Celebrate Diversity," which was reflected in the stage design, graphics, and overall presentation. The stage was designed by Florian Wieder, featuring a modern and dynamic look with LED screens and advanced lighting technology to enhance each performance.
Participants and Songs
A total of 42 countries participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017. Notably, Portugal returned to the contest after a one-year absence, and Romania also returned after being disqualified in 2016. Russia initially planned to participate but later withdrew due to a travel ban imposed on their representative, Julia Samoylova, by the Ukrainian authorities.
The songs performed at the contest covered a wide range of musical genres, from pop and rock to ballads and ethnic music. Each participating country selected their entry through national selection processes or internal selections, with the aim of presenting a song that would appeal to both the international jury and the viewing audience.
Voting System
The voting system used in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 was the same as the one introduced in 2016. It involved a combination of jury and public votes, with each country's jury and public awarding separate sets of points from 1 to 8, 10, and 12 to their top 10 songs. This system aimed to balance professional evaluation with popular opinion, ensuring a fair and representative outcome.
The voting process was conducted in two parts: first, the jury votes were announced by spokespersons from each country, followed by the public votes, which were revealed in ascending order of total points received. This format added suspense and excitement to the final results, keeping viewers engaged until the very end.
Results and Reception
Portugal emerged as the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with "Amar pelos dois," a jazz-influenced ballad performed by Salvador Sobral and composed by his sister, Luísa Sobral. The song received widespread acclaim for its simplicity and emotional depth, standing out in a competition often dominated by elaborate stage shows and pop anthems.
The victory marked Portugal's first win in the history of the contest, and it was celebrated as a triumph of artistry and authenticity. Salvador Sobral's performance was praised for its sincerity and vocal excellence, earning him a place in Eurovision history as one of the most memorable winners.
Controversies and Challenges
The Eurovision Song Contest 2017 faced several challenges and controversies, primarily related to the political tensions between Ukraine and Russia. The decision to ban Russian entrant Julia Samoylova from entering Ukraine due to her previous visit to Crimea without Ukrainian permission led to Russia's withdrawal from the contest. This incident highlighted the complex interplay between politics and cultural events like Eurovision.
Additionally, the organization of the event in Ukraine faced logistical and financial hurdles, including delays in preparations and concerns about security. Despite these challenges, the contest was successfully executed, showcasing Ukraine's ability to host a major international event.
Legacy and Impact
The Eurovision Song Contest 2017 is remembered for its emphasis on diversity and inclusion, as well as its celebration of cultural expression through music. The victory of Portugal with a song that defied conventional Eurovision trends demonstrated the contest's capacity to embrace a wide range of musical styles and artistic expressions.
The contest also reinforced the importance of Eurovision as a platform for cultural diplomacy and international cooperation, bringing together countries from across Europe and beyond in a spirit of friendly competition and mutual respect.