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!
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!