Eurovision last night bombarded eyes and ears with what has become standard fare – ‘over emphatic, super colourful, gaudily camp’ in the words of the Telegraph’s insightful music critic. ‘ Eurovision has become a world unto itself, sealed off from the rest of popular culture, a camp and over-stressed absurdist magnification of particularly gaudy pop genres with everything dialled up to the max.’ ‘Austria won with 24-year-old JJ delivering his cinematically epic ditty Wasted Love. It is a peculiar kind of song, of a type that really only exists in the context of this ridiculous contest: a pop-operatic techno-electro ballad.’
He reflected that in 69 years, Eurovision has only ever given one gold standard act: ABBA and suggested the UK, bottom of the league as per usual, do a Brexit hereafter.
The first Eurovision 24 May 1956 in Lugano, Switzerland, happened on a Full Moon with a Sun Gemini opposition Sagittarius Moon conjunct Saturn in Scorpio. That sounds downbeat and none too inspiring as a start chart except that Saturn squares onto Jupiter Pluto in Leo opposition Mars in Aquarius – which is more descriptive of an event which has the potential to go way over the top – flamboyant, attention seeking and brash.
This year perhaps more so than most with tr Uranus tugging on the Fixed T square of Pluto Jupiter Mars and Saturn. Though 2026 may not be too different with tr Uranus conjunct the Sun which hints at more surprises in store.
For me the highlight of the evening was the previous year’s runners up, Käärijä & Baby Lasagna’s mash up. Totally Jupiterian, over the top and ultra camp of course. Most enjoyable!
@Virgoflake, for me too! I have been an ESC fan since 1983, and could a lengthy analysis on mixed feelings I have on the 2024 and 2025 editions. But this act actually reminded me of what’s fun in the ESC, and I think it’s very much down to “King of the Eurovision” Käärijä. Jere Pöyhönen is an October 21st 1993 Libra Sun conjunct Jupiter, and has in a short period created a small ESC “freak” empire. He is good friends with Finland’s Erika Vikman and Estonia’s Tommy Cash (“Espresso Macchiato” also has a Finnish co-writer shared with “Cha Cha Cha”), saved Sweden’s Swedish Finn KAJ’s cat when they were neighbors, collaborated with banned Dutch representative Joost Klein… Oh, his original green bolero designer Teemu Muurimäki created this year’s winner JJ’s clothes.
KAJ’s Axel, was what I intended to say. This group was formed by three Swedish speaking Finnish guys, Kevin, Axel, and Jacob, who are also 1993 natives, as is Erika Vikman (March 20th) and Italy’s Lucio Corsi (another Sun Libra, born October 15th). Erika, who seems to be into Piscean stuff, and has a Sun sign tattoo, noticed this too.
Yes, the ESC hasn’t been on top form for this past couple of years I agree. What I like about it is the nostalgia – been watching the competition since childhood – and the coming together and upbeat atmosphere which music, art and sport can inspire. Last two years the ESC has been mired in politics which is a shame.
The fact that Jere Pöyhönen is a Sun/Jupiter in Libra couldn’t be more apt given his larger than life persona and flamboyance not to mention the proud display of his belly – most refreshing.
@Virgoflake, he developed an ulcerative colitis as a teenager, and had his large intestine removed 2014, and showing the scars is a choice he made. Astrologically, he is a Capricorn Moon (likely conjunct Nepune/Uranus), with an underlying Scorpio Mercury, Mars, Pluto, so I’d say very driven and more intense people realize. I happened to see him alone with a hoodie at our mostly quiet neighborhood pub I go alone too to read or write and have a pint in November, and he was clearly observing his surroundings with incredibly bright eyes. I know many musicians, even famous ones, and they tend to be aloof. None of it here. Might be because he does not consider himself a musician, just a storyteller who happened to drums.
Also, astrologically significantly: He applied to Finnish qualifier for ESC, UMK, in Summer 2022, during his first Saturn Return. He was by far the least known artist that year, even if UMK started as a “band camp” type of a thing and is still famous for rejecting big names. The songs were revealed one by one early 2023, and it’s not an exaggeration to say he became famous overnight, with “Cha Cha Cha’s” iconic video gaining massive viewing through viral sharing. Unfortunately, no TOB is available to see what was going on with his MC right there.
Canada does not take part, but Celine Dion won in 1988 by representing Switzerland, which was a great career move since it opened her the European market.
@André, I remember her victory. Even at that young age, I was blown away by her singing.There was tribute to her in the 1st semi with a video message and some last year’s participants and an appearance was rumored for the final.
As we are one of five that pay in probably bigger than the others…I wonder whether he’s thought of the the financial implications. Perhaps someone at the beeb will do a cost benefits analysis…especially if there not a lot of take up eigh the under 30s
Online suggested it started at 8pm in 1956, giving Sag rising with the Moon exactly conjunct the AC, the Sun on the DC, so a competition for the people but also all about the country’s relationships I guess!