Podd: Mysteries of the EuroVerse

BONUS EP 2: Election Special - Authoritarianism at Eurovision

5 november 2024 | 63 min

ANNOUNCEMENT: Vote for Us! We're a Signal Award Finalist!

14 oktober 2024 | 1 min

BONUS EP 1: Political Voting at Eurovision

21 augusti 2024 | 70 min

EP 24: Eurovision 2024 on the Brink and What To Do About It (feat Eurovision Winners and Chart Toppers)

17 maj 2024 | 81 min

EMERGENCY UPDATE: Backstage Fights, Missed Performances, and the Crack-up of Eurovision 2024

11 maj 2024 | 9 min

EP 23: Eurovision 2024 - Tensions Rise in Malmö

11 maj 2024 | 71 min

In this episode we report LIVE from Malmö, Sweden! As controversy swirls around Israel’s participation in the contest and Eurovision tries to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ABBA’s win with a contest more geared toward high spectacle and chart topping pop songs than ever, we’re bringing you a super-sized episode!

First we talk to Eurovision winner Emmelie de Forest who won the contest last time Malmö, Sweden hosted, with her hit song “Only Teardrops.” She reflects on how the contest, and the city of Malmo have changed in the past decade— and talks to us about what it’s like to cross-over from the world of Eurovision to the contemporary pop charts.

Then we speak to this year’s contestants from Azerbaijan, Fahree and Ilkin Dovlatov, whose song Ozunle Apar combines two Eurovision staples: a contemporary pop songwriting, mixed with a national folk tradition.

We then sit down with the EBU Deputy Director General, Jean Philip de Tender and try to get him to articulate the principles on which Eurovision makes decisions about what countries are allowed to remain in the Eurovision coalition, as well as getting him to speak to the heightened security situation on the ground.

Next up is Gåte, a Norwegian folk-metal band whose song was in danger of disqualifying on a technicality - their lyric text, based on a 1000 year-old medieval ballad, was thought to possibly violate Eurovision’s rule that songs must be “original.” After a rewrite, and a stunning performance in the Semi-Final, Gate is on their way to compete in the final TONIGHT.

We wrap up our episode with Nemo, who’s song The Code is one of the favorites to win Eurovision 2024. Another one of the favorites, Angelina Mango of Italy, then drops by to receive our award for NYC’s Best Eurovision Song of 2024.

SONGS:

Emmelie de Forest Segment:

Only Teardrops: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k59E7T0H-Us

Rainmaker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNdrYzZ55gI Drunk

Tonight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EarZE6V28tA Never

Give Up on You, Lucie Jones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl1GYTg4GmA

Rabbit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwvNi2SoIfE

Fahree and Ilkin Dovlatov Segment

Ozunle Apar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhN9r8TH2Hw

Fahree: Dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ouCoavhq1c

Apardi Uzalqlara: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YejL-n9sH3o

Ilkin Dovlatov:

Insalar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36o6ljxKy7Q

Geceler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXQkOFiquv8

Gåte Segment

Ulveham: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UycoKAz1Jm8

Horpa (Acoustic Version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3FwBYV_LiA

Nemo Segment

This Body: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-b82ZfJHdw

The Code: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiGDvM14Kwg

BEST OF: The Swedish Takeover of Global Pop

8 maj 2024 | 65 min

Since we're reporting on the ground from Malmo, our regularly scheduled episode will come out at the end of the week to coincide with Eurovision 2024! Until then we'd love to share two previous episodes we think set this year's contest up well. This is our episode about Sweden's takeover of Eurovision and global pop, in advance of them hosting this year's contest.

Dr. Alban, Hello Afrika, One Love (26:30), Deborah Ann Woll, (HBO's True Blood, Netflix's Daredevil, (37:13)

This week, we're talking about the Swedish domination of pop music. How this tiny country took over one of the world's largest entertainment industries is a story with a ton of twists and turns-- and, of course, Eurovision is at the center of it. First we deep dive into that history and try to figure out what it is about Sweden that has made it such a pop power house.

Then we talk to EuroDance star Dr. Alban, who has sold over 16 million records worldwide, and who was part of the original group of artists at Cheiron studios-- the hit factory that launched Ace of Base, The Backstreet Boys, 'NYSNC, and Britney Spears.

Finally, we sit down with Deborah Ann Woll, star of True Blood and Daredevil, for a game we're calling "Victory is Oh, So Swede," where we try to figure out what gives those Swedish Eurovision songs their extra edge.

VICTORY IS OH, SO SWEDE:

Empty Room, Sanna Nielsen, 2008- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjQFiFXH2IU

Ring Ring, ABBA, 1973- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL0EoXdpOqg

Charlotte Nilssen, Tusen och en natt, 1999 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMtcHdzr1c8

Charlotte Nilssen, Take Me To Your Heaven, 1999 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0xypjODpY4

Mans Zelmerlow, Hope and Glory, 2009 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBifUBqFkwA

Carola, Fangad Av En Stormvin, 1991 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ml6pJqc_bw

Herreys, Diggy-Loo Diggy-Ley, 1984 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls2Lq07iWPM

Loreen, My Heart is Refusing Me, 2011 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjrVoonz4WE

Loreen, Euphoria, 2012 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfo-8z86x80

Loreen, Tattoo, 2023 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vul5zgC5Yvg

BEST OF: Israel at Eurovision

8 maj 2024 | 66 min

Since we're reporting on the ground from Malmo, our regularly scheduled episode will come out at the end of the week to coincide with Eurovision 2024! Until then we'd love to share two previous episodes we think set this year's contest up well. This is our episode about Israel's participation in Eurovision.

Guests:

Paul Jordan (Dr. Eurovision), Dave Keating (Brussels Based EU Reporter), and Elias Jahshan (This Arab is Queer) featured in the Deep Dive - 1:37

Zack Beauchamp (Senior Foreign Policy Correspondent, Vox.com) - 27:24

Professor Shibley Telhami (Brookings Institute, Council of Foreign Relations) - 45:47

This week, we're talking about the controversy surrounding Israel's participation in Eurovision. First we talk about the history of countries being sanctioned by Eurovision, and try to get at the fundamental questions of values that underlie the debate over whether Israel should participate. We turn to Eurovision expert Dr. Paul Jordan, EU expert Dave Keating, and editor of "This Arab is Queer," Elias Jahshan for context.

Then, we turn to two experts for further context concerning the war in Gaza and where the conflict stands. Zack Beauchamp is a senior Foreign Policy Correspondent at Vox, and Shibley Telhami holds the Anwar Sadat Professorship for Peace and Development at University of Maryland, a senior non-resident fellow at Brookings, and has authored, co-authored and edited several books, including the One State Reality. He has advised every American president from George H.W. Bush to Barack Obama. Deep Dive Videos: Bashar Murad, Wild West, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Moqt2hnlEM Eden Golan, Hurricane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJYn09tuPw4 Books by our Guests: Zack Beauchamp, The Reactionary Spirit: How America's Most Insidious Political Tradition Swept the World https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/154170441X?tag=hacboogrosit-20 Shibley Telhami, Nathan Brown, Michael Barnett, Marc Lynch, The One State Reality, https://www.amazon.com/One-State-Reality-Israel-Palestine/dp/1501768409/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Elias Jahshan, This Arab is Queer, https://www.amazon.com/This-Arab-Queer-Anthology-Writers/dp/086356478X Dr. Paul Jordan, The Modern Fairytale https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/33429

EP 22: Hosting Eurovision

1 maj 2024 | 61 min

EP 21: EuroVerse LIVE - Heat 4/Final

24 april 2024 | 55 min

Interviews with Eurovision 2024 Contestants: Hera Bjork, Iceland (19:59), Marina Satti, Greece (35:57)

Performances: Liam Oh (Sam Ryder, Spaceman, UK 2022) - 44:58, Magnus Riise “Ulveham/Unforgettable” (Gåte, Norway 2024, Marcus and Martinus, Sweden, 2024) - 49:41

This is our final live episode of Mysteries of the EuroVerse -- the one where we crown Best Eurovision song of 2024 based on YOUR votes!

This week, we looked at songs from , with two special guests. TV Showrunner Karen DiConcetto (SKAM Austin, Recovery Road), who was also part of a pop duo with three top ten UK singles (Daphne and Celeste), and Liam Oh will be starring in Norman Lear's last show (Netflix, TBA).

We're also featuring two interviews with Eurovision 2024 performers! Hera Bjork (Iceland, Scared of Heights), and Marina Satti (Zari).

We finish things off with our results and two very special performances of Eurovision songs -- Liam Oh sings Sam Ryder's "Spaceman" (UK 2022) and Mysteries of the EuroVerse Co-Host Magnus Riise presents a very special Norwegian mash-up, “Ulveham/Unforgettable” (Gåte, Norway 2024, Marcus and Martinus, Sweden, 2024).

“Tattoo/Waterloo” Singers (ABBA 1974 and Loreen 2023, Sweden): Emily Durand, Charlotte Topp, Noa Miranda, Sophie Stromberg, Lake Wilburn, Luana Psaros, Nichole Conrad, Erica Walker, Maria Reed, Margaret Warrington, Nichole Conrad, Andrew Brooks, Nichole Conrad, Tessa Miller Kiesz.

2024 Songs Discussed:

Gåte, Ulveham, Norway - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UipzszlJwRQ

Marina Satti, Zari, Greece - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTSTnLWGUPs

Marcus and Martinus, Unforgettable, Sweden - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yekc8t0rJqA

Kaleen, We Will Rave, Austria - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqda15G4T-4

Hera Björk, Scared of Heights, Iceland - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OouUsCZ3xkM

Nebulossa, Zorra, Spain - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSZqlQZ0_us

Raiven, Veronika, Slovenia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWcSsi7SliI

Aiko, Pedestal, Czechia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iTcX6NlAqA

Alyona, Alyona and Jerry Heil, Teresa and Maria, Ukraine - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_8cNbF8FLI

EP 20: EuroVerse LIVE - Heat 3

17 april 2024 | 57 min

Interviews with Eurovision 2024 Contestants: Iolanda, Portugal (23:06), Sarah Bonnici, Malta (38:02)

Performances: Magnus Riise Performs “Before the Party is Over” (Mustii, Belgium, 2024)

This is our third of four live episodes of Mysteries of the EuroVerse -- where we crown Best Eurovision song of 2024 based on YOUR votes!

This week, we looked at songs from Belgium, Ireland, Georgia, Israel, Latvia, Albania, Denmark, Portugal, Malta and Italy, with Broadway playwright Douglas Lyons (Chicken and Biscuits, Apple TV’s Fraggle Rock).

We're also featuring two interviews with Eurovision 2024 performers! Iolanda (Portugal, Grito), and Sarah Bonnici (Malta, Loop).

Finally, we finish things off with a performance of Mustii’s Before The Party is Over, performed by Mysteries of the EuroVerse Co-Host Magnus Riise. And, of course, the results of who won our “Third Heat”

We've got one more event at THE SPOT in Hell's Kitchen (599 10th Avenue) at 8pm on Thursday April18th— THE GRAND FINAL. Come by, celebrate the music, and make sure your voice is heard!

“Satellite” Singers (Lena, Germany, 2010): Shira Bouskila, Liam Joshua Munn, Emily Durand Charlotte Topp, Maddie LaFerr, Maria Reed, Tessa Amy Knips, Cole Duffy, Tess Miller Kiesz, Margaret Warrington

SONGS FROM THE NIGHT:

Mustii, Before The Party's Over - Belgium: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCe9zrWEFNc

EP 19: EuroVerse LIVE - HEAT 2

11 april 2024 | 57 min

Interviews with Eurovision 2024 Contestants: Tali (Luxembourg) 20:37, Natalia Barbu (Moldova) 38:45.

Performances: Ali Ewoldt Performs "Zero Gravity" Kate Miller Heidke (48:57), Magnus Riise Performs "The Tower" Luna (Eurovision 2024 Cover) (52:19) This is our second of four live episodes of Mysteries of the EuroVerse -- where we crown Best Eurovision song of 2024 based on YOUR votes. This week we looked at songs from Poland, Croatia, France, Cyprus, Moldova, Serbia, Armenia, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, with Broadway star Ali Ewoldt (Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera). At the end of the episode, you'll find out who made it out of our "2nd Heat." We're also featuring two interviews with Eurovision 2024 performers! Tali (Luxembourg), and Natalia Barbu (Moldova). You'll also hear a cover of Luna's Tower by Mysteries of the EuroVerse Co-Host Magnus Riise, and a cover of Eurovision classic Kate Miller Heidke's "Zero Gravity"! We've got two more events at THE SPOT in Hell's Kitchen (599 10th Avenue) at 8pm on Thursday April 11th and 18th. Come by, celebrate the music, and make sure your voice is heard! Only Teardrops Singers: Nichole Conrad, Maddie LaFerr, Charlotte Topp, Maria Reed, Emily Durand, Noa Miranda, Myea Patterson, Tess Miller Kiesz. Poland, Luna, The Tower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhvDkF9XZx0 Croatia, Baby Lasagna, Rim Tim Tagi Dim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBsgTJQFl9k France, Slimane, Mon Amour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfoOop2HXxQ Cyprus, Silia Kapsis, Liar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q5QozrtEPA Moldova, Natalia Barbu, In The Middle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jom9sNL5whs Serbia, Teya Dora, Ramonda: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=lWzPO6nPpwU Armenia, Ladaniva, Jako: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=_6xfmW0Fc40 Switzerland, Nemo, The Code: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiGDvM14Kwg Luxembourg, Tali, Fighter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV3sORfrREE

EP 18: EuroVerse LIVE - HEAT 1

3 april 2024 | 45 min

Ep 17: Eurovision 2024 - Big Themes, Hot Trends, Hot Takes

27 mars 2024 | 59 min

EP 16: The Swedish Takeover of Global Pop

20 mars 2024 | 65 min

EP 15: Israel at Eurovision

14 mars 2024 | 66 min

Guests:

Paul Jordan (Dr. Eurovision), Dave Keating (Brussels Based EU Reporter), and Elias Jahshan (This Arab is Queer) featured in the Deep Dive - 1:37

Zack Beauchamp (Senior Foreign Policy Correspondent, Vox.com) - 27:24

Professor Shibley Telhami (Brookings Institute, Council of Foreign Relations) - 45:47

This week, we're talking about the controversy surrounding Israel's participation in Eurovision. First we talk about the history of countries being sanctioned by Eurovision, and try to get at the fundamental questions of values that underlie the debate over whether Israel should participate. We turn to Eurovision expert Dr. Paul Jordan, EU expert Dave Keating, and editor of "This Arab is Queer," Elias Jahshan for context.

Then, we turn to two experts for further context concerning the war in Gaza and where the conflict stands. Zack Beauchamp is a senior Foreign Policy Correspondent at Vox, and Shibley Telhami holds the Anwar Sadat Professorship for Peace and Development at University of Maryland, a senior non-resident fellow at Brookings, and has authored, co-authored and edited several books, including the One State Reality. He has advised every American president from George H.W. Bush to Barack Obama. Deep Dive Videos: Bashar Murad, Wild West, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Moqt2hnlEM Eden Golan, Hurricane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJYn09tuPw4 Books by our Guests: Zack Beauchamp, The Reactionary Spirit: How America's Most Insidious Political Tradition Swept the World https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/154170441X?tag=hacboogrosit-20 Shibley Telhami, Nathan Brown, Michael Barnett, Marc Lynch, The One State Reality, https://www.amazon.com/One-State-Reality-Israel-Palestine/dp/1501768409/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Elias Jahshan, This Arab is Queer, https://www.amazon.com/This-Arab-Queer-Anthology-Writers/dp/086356478X Dr. Paul Jordan, The Modern Fairytale https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/33429

EP 14: Eurovision Behind The Iron Curtain (The Intervision Song Contest)

6 mars 2024 | 62 min

Episode 14: Eurovision Behind The Iron Curtain

25:00 Dr. Dean Vuletic (Historian, “Intervision: Popular Music and Politics in Eastern Europe”) 40:28 Chris Molanphy (Chart Expert, Host of Slate's Hit Parade, Author, "Old Town Road") This week we're talking about the Intervision Song Contest - the Eurovision equivalent organized by communist governments during the cold war. Putin has been making noises about restarting the ISC, but as we talk about, he fundamentally misunderstands the original festival. Intervision was a liberalizing force, run by reformers working to open their countries to the rest of the world. We discuss what Intervision is and why it's so often misremembered. Then we talk to a true Eurovision and Intervision expert, Dean Vuletic, a historian specializing in Eastern Europe, whose work has focused on the history of Intervision. Finally, we sit down with Chris Molanphy, the host of Slate's Hit Parade, and author of Old Town Road. Chris is an expert on the American pop charts, and brings his knowledge of American music trends to analyzing songs in the ISC -- as we try to figure out how different the songs coming out of the Eastern Bloc were from their contemporaneous Western equivalents. It's a game we're calling Intervision Tops and Bottoms, Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the ISC. Marta Kubicova, A Prayer for Marta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IzKWTcK1po Helena Vondráčková, Painted Jug: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=c-kcwGpItzQ&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.plotek.pl%2F&feature=emb_imp_woyt

Intervision Tops and Bottoms, Or How I Learned to Stopped Worrying and Love The ISC

Karel Gott, 1965, Tam, Kam Chodí Vítr Spát (Where The Wind Goes To Sleep) - Czechoslovakia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CZLrd69eds

Kati Kovac, 1977, Elegy - Hungary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BephMNnWFFA

Farah Maria, 1977 El Recuerdo De Aquel Largo Viaje - Cuba: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UorQpuOB5I

Czerwone Gitary, Nie Spoczniemy, 1977 - Poland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IWb1K75nAY

Tahmina Niyazova, Zangi Telefon, 2008 - Tajikistan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVDv4XNWmHw

EP 13: Eurovision Icons (Featuring Eurovision Icons!)

28 februari 2024 | 72 min

Linda Martin (Winner, Ireland 1992), Elisabeth Andreasson (Winner, Norway 1985), Senhit (Grand Final feat Flo Rida, 2021), Barrett Foa (NCIS: LA, The Residence - Netflix) On this episode, we explore what it takes to be a Eurovision Icon and what separates Eurovision icons from pop icons-- diving into how the aesthetics, music and politics of Eurovision affect the stars who get elevated. More importantly, we talk to three (!!) Eurovision icons: Linda Martin, who is one of only five performers to place both #1 and #2 at Eurovision, Elisabeth Andreasson (aka Bettan), who shares that distinction with Linda Martin-- and who has competed in Eurovision four times, and Senhit, who was selected to represent San Marino at three separate Eurovisions. Finally we talk to Barrett Foa, who came back to NCIS: LA for 12 seasons about what it's like to be an icon within a particular fandom. We then play a game where he tries to identify what makes a Eurovision icon. It's a game we're calling Eurovision Tops and Bottoms, Icon or I Can't! SONGS FROM DEEP DIVE Cliff Richard, Move It: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5mIq3yF6Nc Cliff Richard, Congratulations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xJcE9tnY6E Zdob si Zdub, Boonika Bate Toba: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVhtWfC7RF4 Loreen, Euphoria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfo-8z86x80 Dima Bilan, Believe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-72s4WzUcKI Tommy Seebach, Under the Stars in the Sky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HOHvMXYOwA Special credit to Christian Fahrenbach, who introduced Charlie to the list of artists who had competed over three separate decades. SONGS FROM GUESTS Linda Martin, Why Me?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zyicQLmQq4 Bobbysocks, La Det Swinge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDN2xut6IBw Senhit, Adrenalina feat Flo Rida: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRAN7AzEKak TOPS AND BOTTOMS: Icon or I Can't Malcolm Lincoln -Siren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFbVAQjESzE -Bye: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9EW385MtKY Elisabeth Andreasson - La Det Swinge (Bobbysocks): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDN2xut6IBw - I Evighet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3tthxma94o Kati Wolf -What About My Dreams?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuGUz1ExflY - Ne Engedj El!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb0snaRL_zE Senhit - Stand By: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYR9twFdeYc - Adrenalina: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRAN7AzEKak Linda Martin - Terminal 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDN2xut6IBw - Why Me?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zyicQLmQq4

EP 12: The Spin-Offs

24 februari 2024 | 51 min

EP 11: Spectacle and Technological Innovation at Eurovision

15 februari 2024 | 53 min

EP10: The Road to the Grand Final

8 februari 2024 | 59 min

EP 9: National Selections (Authoritarian Manipulation, Public Scandal, and the Fight For A Nation's Identity)

31 januari 2024 | 56 min

21:06 Andrew Lambrou (Cyprus, 2023, Break a Broken Heart): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQG9YH2nCJw) 31:37 Troy Iwata (The Daily Show, Dash and Lily) We are in the middle of National Finals season, and controversy is already swirling around some of this years' selection processes! We talk about how a country's choice of song reflects what they want to project to the world, and how authoritarians have used national selections to try to bend the identity of their countries. We also discuss some of the biggest scandals in Eurovision national finals history, and explore how broadcasters can arrive at results that people view as "legitimate." Then we talk to Cyprus' representative from 2023, Andrew Lambrou. Andrew was selected by Cyprus in a surprising way, and the Australian-Cypriot-Greek singer brings his perspective to the ways in which Eurovision's universalism allows for the mixing of identities and cultures. Finally, Daily Show Correspondent Troy Iwata drops by to explore some of the biggest National Finals controversies in years past, and figure out what those controversial choices say about a nation's character. It's a game we're calling "National Not-Quite Final Answer" National Not Quite Final Answer Belarus, 2012 1: Alonya - Solayoh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKewBfUE2Mg 2: Litesound - We Are The Heroes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JWbOKNaIAo Poland 2023

3. Blanka - Solo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANM4CwbE0Is

4. Jann - Gladiator - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYtmjhR8_8E Spain 2017

5. Manel - Do It For Your Lover - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwS45HBhzTs

6. Mirela - Contigo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEKotQh05ds

Spain 2022

7. Chanel - SloMo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mYBiIO0pfY

8. Tanxugueiras - Terra - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uGN9efcACw Ukraine 2022

9. Alina Pash - Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAHyFdNFnrE

10. Kalush Orchestra - Stefania - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKpYMb4Zwt4

EP 8: The Fandom (On the Internet, On the Ground, and Moving into the Future)

25 januari 2024 | 64 min

Blanka (Poland 2023) - 19:31

Her song, Solo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvQRpV1-ZhY

Theodor Andrei (Romania 2023) - 30:09

His song, DGT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRxv-AUCinQ

Pixie Aventura (Hulu's Drag Me To Dinner) - 42:16

On this episode, we're talking about the fandom! The unique nature of the Eurovision fandom comes from the fact that it's a sprawling international set, communicating across national boundaries, but then uniting once a year in a completely different city. We explore the network of Eurovision fanclubs under the OGAE umbrella-- with help from the president of OGAE himself, Simon Bennett. We talk about how social media has affected the fandom, the unique character of the Eurovision community and how that's been shaped by the particular nature of the song contest.

Then we interview two 2023 artists, Blanka (Poland), and Theodor Andrei (Romania) who each experienced the darker side of the fandom-- we talk about how each dealt with their situation, and how, in both cases, blame for fans anger can really be laid at the feet of their national broadcasters.

Finally, Pixie Aventura (Hulu's Drag Me To Dinner) stops by and shares her Eurovision expertise with us, as we evaluate which Eurovision numbers have that true camp punch to be able to survive on NY's cut throat Drag Scene.

1. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x81g3nx Manizha Russian Woman 2021 (Russia)
2. https://youtu.be/76KOUIfDry8?si=J_dxvXKnjPpny6y9 Elina Nechayeva - La Forza - Estonia Eurovision 2018
3. https://youtu.be/VlpBPO9_L4E?si=KCAfnHu9vs_fWYWY - Kate Miller-Heidke - Zero Gravity - Australia Eurovision 2019
4. La Zarra - Évidemment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbrTtYHL5nQ
5. https://youtu.be/CZQjBCvFd9E?si=vm3P2eVnglGiOhEb - Sébastien Tellier - Divine (France) Live 2008 Eurovision Song Contest

6. https://youtu.be/3Qa7_y21oOY?si=mqtUyhff5a7KtP3M - Can Bonomo - Love Me Back - Turkey - Live - Grand Final - 2012 Eurovision Song Contest

Liverpool Revenue from Eurovision: https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2023/10/26/university-joins-liverpool-in-eurovision-civic-pride/

EP 7: Eurovision and Contemporary Pop

17 januari 2024 | 63 min

1:07- Deep Dive- Eurovision and Contemporary Pop

21:43 Joker Out (Slovenia 2023)

39:58 Killer Notes or Killer Nodes with Telly Leung

This week we're discussing Eurovision's relationship to contemporary pop-- and specifically what it is about the rules of the world's largest song competition that complicate its relationship to the charts. We cover rules around back-up singers, auto-tune, the orchestra, and use of tracks.

Then, we talk to pop rock darlings Joker Out, who represent a new wave at Eurovision-- their hit song Carpe Diem garnered a tremendous amount of streams across platforms. They followed that up with Novi Val, releasing an English language version with music legend Elvis Costello. Finally, Telly Leung (Broadway's Allegiance and Aladdin, Glee, Netflix's Warrior) stops by. In addition to being a broadway star, Telly is also a professor of vocal performance-- and he uses his knowledge of vocal technique to analyze some of Eurovision's most dramatic vocal showcases. It's a game we're calling Killer Notes or Killer Nodes. Mentioned: One Step Further - Bardo Album Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qy6S7LvtNc Eurovision Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSAoeFYipxc Loreen - Euphoria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfo-8z86x80 Reiley - Breaking My Heart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04C8E7PUMQo Joker Out's Carpe Diem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfTiuZaESKs From "Killer Notes or Killer Nodes": Dancing in the Rain, Spain 2014, Ruth Lorenzo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OtuM3Zvkeo Harel Skaat, Milim, Israel 2010: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj0qaNnLk9M Playing with Fire, Ovi and Paula Seling, Romania 2010- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9EtMZXeQZw Manel Navarro Do It For Your Lover 2017 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwS45HBhzTs (the song), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWP67FyGwUI (the fail) Bulgaria Krassimir Avramov 2009 - Illusion - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL3VuL1Vy7w

EP 6: Politics in Eurovision’s Modern Era (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Israel, and Russia)

11 januari 2024 | 57 min

EP 5: Juries and Voting (The Controversy Around How Eurovision Chooses Winners)

3 januari 2024 | 58 min

19:55 - Gjon's Tears talks about his 2021 Eurovision near-win

35:00 - Michael Hsu Rosen plays a game putting the people against the powerful

We dive into one of the biggest controversies among Eurovision fans: how Eurovision selects its winners. Should they rely on the expertise of industry juries or should we let the people decide? We explore the evolution of Eurovision's constantly evolving selection process, and talk about the different implications of its varying forms.

Then we talk to Gjon's Tears, whose song Tout L'universe was a favorite of the juries, but was prevented from winning because of the televote-- eventually placing 3rd overall. We talk about everything from his experience at Eurovision, to his search for identity and belonging through music, to how his 2021 performance helped him overcome his body insecurity. Finally, we chat with Michael Hsu Rosen who performed with the NYC Ballet, before going on to star in several popular Netflix hits (Pretty Smart, Glamorous). He draws on his experience operating in artistic worlds that are ruled alternately by expert and public opinion to explore why certain songs are jury favorites, and why others steal the heart of the people. SONG LINKS Mentioned in Deep Dive Loreen - Tattoo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3vJfR81xO0 Kaarija - Cha Cha Cha - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJHe-iZ5HSI Gjon's Tears - Tout L'Univers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuimHmJMEFA Mentioned in the Game Keiino - Spirit in the Sky (Norway 2019) - https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x799hq2 Zdob si Zdub - Trenuletul (Moldova 2022) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9RJQPZsj8E Il Volo - Grande Amore (Italy 2015) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TOMqZV2jA8 Destiny - Je Me Casse (Malta 2019) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TdBbLVCAzk Tamara Todevska - Proud (North Macedonia 2019) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw-NQ1a1zZ0 Konstrakta - In Corpore Sano (Serbia 2022) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odFhYxoXiuo Teya and Selena - Who the Hell is Edgar? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JEJe85Xmnk)

EP 4: Eurovision’s Language Rule (National Identity, Cultural Exchange and the Quest for Global Pop Success)

27 december 2023 | 53 min

Deep Dive - Eurovision's Language Rule - 1:19 Interview - Go_A (Ukraine, 2021) - 18:19 Tops and Bottoms - Soman Chainani (The School for Good and Evil) - 32:30

In this week's episode we explore Eurovision's language rule-- which, during the eras' it's been in effect, has required that countries only submit songs in their own national languages. Defenders of the rule claim that it's necessary to preserve the diversity of language in Eurovision, while critics point out that it's unfair to require representatives from smaller nations to perform in languages unfamiliar to the televoting audience. We talk about how the on-and-off implementation of this rule tracks with larger issues at Eurovision, including the commercialization of the festival, the balance of power between larger and smaller nations, whether globalization necessarily means loss of national identity, and whether pop music is moving into a new phase of internationalism.

Then we talk to 2021 Ukrainian Eurovision entrants Go_A. The band is steeped in Ukrainian folklore and, in the interview, they provide a unique perspective on the importance of language choice in songwriting, and how music can communicate cultural history. Something very important right now in the shadow of Putin's war. Finally, we play a Eurovision game with New York Times Best Selling novelist Soman Chainani (The School for Good and Evil). As this is the language episode, we focus specifically on the lyrics, and Soman brings the experience of watching his novel adapted into a hit Netflix movie to bear on a discussion of how language choices affect staging. GO_A's Shum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCr0R8rbOAA GAME CLIPS: Fulenn - Alvan and Ahez (2022, France), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO07xLUlK2g Hard Rock Hallelujah - Lordi (2006, Finland), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAh9NRGNhUU Monsters - Sara Aalto (2018, Finland), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEeIeQ-j2zk Fallen Angel - Tix (2021, Norway), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJcE8G8J8VI Heroes - Mans Zelmerlow (2015, Sweden), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sGOwFVUU0I Fairytale - Alexander Ryback (2012, Norway), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXwgZL4zx9o

EP 3: Pop, Power, and Politics

21 december 2023 | 52 min

EP 2: Queer-o-Vision: The Queer History of Eurovision

13 december 2023 | 54 min

#02: Queer-o-Vision

18:36 - Gustaph (Eurovision Contestant, 2023, Representing Belgium)

35:18 Robin de Jesus (Three time Tony Nominated actor, Netflix’s tick…tick..BOOM!, Hulu’s Welcome to Chippendales)

There’s always been something a little queer about Eurovision. In our second episode, we explore the contest’s history with the LGBTQ+ community– and how this “family show” has, at many points in its nearly 70 year existence, been way out front on LGBT rights issues. We also discuss the moments when the contest hasn’t lived up to its image.

We then talk to Gustaph, who, as a teen, left a promising career as a popstar in Belgium because of pressure to stay in the closet– only to emerge two decades later on the world’s largest stage with a song that’s unabashedly queer. The surprise hit of Eurovision this year, it catapulted to the top ten after being placed toward the bottom in the betting markets. We discuss how Gustaph’s out and proud second act reflects a radically changed culture, and the ways in which homophobia, now subtler, seeps into both the fandom and supposedly “aesthetic” criticism.

Tony nominated American actor Robin de Jesus then stops by to play a game of “Gay or Eurovision.” As he guesses whether a number is performed by a queer artist, or if its queer aesthetics are just part of the Eurovision brand; we talk about the evolution of queer style and queer music in a time of expanding rights and mainstreaming of the community. And that conversation sounds gay to you— you have no idea how gay it gets.

Links:

Dana International on Pinkwashing: https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/r1emcq8g2

Ping Pong: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/may/12/israel

Mango TV Scandal: https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-44078305

The Queer Politics of Eurovision: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnjtzn7ZkCs

Charlie’s Politico Article: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/05/20/tricky-politics-of-eurovision-during-war-00097885

Gay or Eurovision:

Give That Wolf A Banana - Subwolfer - Norway, 2022 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJjo8s3fKUM

Lasha Tumbai - Verka Serduchka - Ukraine, 2007 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfjHJneVonE

Cezar - It’s My Life - Russia, 2013 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgHWFiavqjA

Mahmood and Blanco - Brividi - Italy, 2022 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MgMhzfUmiA

Minn Hintsi Dans -Paul Oscar - Iceland, 1997 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-D4AAkYpsk

EP 1: Eurovision in America

5 december 2023 | 64 min

Guests: David Dobkin (Director: Wedding Crashers, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga with Will Ferrell), Jerry Mitchell (Three Time Tony Award Winning Director/Choreographer, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde)

Eurovision is the most watched song contest in the world– with viewership reaching 200 million people. It’s larger than the Superbowl! But while Eurovision songs have charted 28 times in America, 19 of those times came before 1974. This was shortly followed by a dry spell that featured only one Eurovision song on the US charts in nearly 50 years. What happened? And why, over the past three years, have we seen a resurgence– with Eurovision acts touring major venues in the states, garnering awards and press coverage, and, yes, charting?

We explore these questions, and then talk with David Dobkin, the director of the movie responsible for the suddenly growing American interest in Eurovision– taking a look behind the scenes at the Will Ferrell vehicle that streamed #1 on Netflix, and tracing David’s personal journey of discovering and falling in love with the contest as he made the film.

Then we introduce Eurovision to Tony Award Winning Director Jerry Mitchell live on the podcast, with a game we call “Tops and Bottoms with Jerry Mitchell.” As we sip palomas in his Fire Island home, Jerry brings his expertise, honed through years of staging Broadway’s biggest musicals, to help us evaluate what makes a successful Eurovision production number.

Theme Song - Music: Tim Rosser, Lyrics: Charlie Sohne, Vocals: Magnus Riise

TIMECODES:

Deep Dive, “Why is America Waking Up to Eurovision Now?” - 1min14sec

Interview with David Dobkin, Director “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga” - 16min39sec

Interview with Jerry Mitchell, Tony Winning Director/Choreographer of Kinky Boots and Legally Blonde - 38min54sec

LINKS:

Charlie’s Politico Article: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/05/20/tricky-politics-of-eurovision-during-war-00097885

Eurovision Songs on the Billboard Hot 100:

https://www.aussievision.net/post/every-eurovision-song-to-chart-on-the-us-billboard-hot-100

Success of the Eurovision Movie

https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2020/06/28/a-new-netflix-offering-has-unseated-floor-is-lava-for-the-1-spot/?sh=6320f9734271

EUROVISION US CHART TOPPERS MENTIONED:

Rosa Linn - Snap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIKIgjLGf98

Duncan Laurence - Arcade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eztx7Wr8PtE

Maneskin - Beggin’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg72z08aTXY

WATCH EUROVISION: THE STORY OF FIRE SAGA: https://www.netflix.com/title/80244088

FROM ‘TOPS AND BOTTOMS WITH JERRY MITCHELL’:

Kaarija, Cha Cha Cha (Finland 2023) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJHe-iZ5HSI

Konstrakta, In Corpore Sano (Serbia 2022) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po7HDHTBBE0

Reiley, Breaking My Heart (Denmark 2023) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1DvuxpKkHY

Anna Bergendahl, This Is My Life (Sweden 2010) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNk6CZ77ags

Cornelia Jakobs, Hold Me Closer (Sweden 2022) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWDThAfryW4

Kate Ryan, Je T’adore (Belgium 2006) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JHnre0q3ow

Loreen, Tattoo (Sweden 2023) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7mCELuFz5I

Mysteries of the EuroVerse

Welcome to Mysteries of the EuroVerse, the podcast that delves deep into the intriguing world of the Eurovision Song Contest-- the world’s most watched non-sporting event.

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