Eurovision is back – but not without controversy

The flowers are blooming and the calendar says May. That can only mean one thing: the Eurovision Song Contest is upon us once again. This year, thirty-five countries face off to determine the best song that Europe and adjacent continents have to offer. However, the competition comes with a big asterisk: while Eurovision prides themselves on being “apolitical,” the inclusion of Israel in the competition has led to a massive boycott, and the nations of Ireland, Spain, Iceland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands all withdrawing their participation.

These are very real concerns impacting the general tenor of the competition this year, and are worth deeply considering. Since Eurovision is music news, and proves fundamental in discovering new sounds in global pop, as reporters, Nate, Charlie, and Reanna run down the top contenders according to bookmakers as of this recording. If you’re not watching this year, you’ll still know what’s going on.

But if Eurovision isn’t of interest, it’s all good. At the end of the episode, Nate, Charlie, and Reanna also take some time to run down the current state of Switched On Pop bingo.

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Songs discussed:

Céline Dion – Ne partez pas sans moi

ABBA – Waterloo

Joost – Europapa

JJ – Wasted Love

Delta Goodrem – Eclipse

Søren Torpegaard Lund – Før Vi Går Hjem

Ariana Grande – One Last Time

Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper – Shallow

Akylas – Ferto

Käärijä – Cha Cha Cha

Linda Lampenius, Pete Parkkonen – Liekinheitin

Windows95man – No Rules

Erika Vikman – ICH KOMME

DARA – Bangaranga

Alexandra Cǎpitǎnescu – Choke Me

Satoshi – Viva, Moldova!

PinkPantheress, Zara Larsson – Stateside

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