Abba
This year the Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan. The finals will be aired on May 26. You can watch it here: http://www.eurovision.tv/esctv/future?program=47093
“Did you know that not only stars like ABBA, Celine Dion, Cliff Richard and Julio Iglesias took part, but also dance act Riverdance thanks its fame to the Eurovision Song Contest?”
I first heard about the Eurovision Song Contest in the 70’s when a friend of mine turned me on to ABBA. It’s great claim to fame at the time was having won the contest for Sweden in 1974 performing Waterloo.
Waterloo – I was defeated, you won the war
Waterloo – Promise to love you for ever more
Waterloo – Couldn’t escape if I wanted to
Waterloo – Knowing my fate is to be with you
Waterloo – Finally facing my Waterloo
When I was living in Moscow, Russia, a British friend of mine invited me over one night for a Eurovision Party. We all gathered around the television to watch the finals. This was my first actual encounter.
I was hooked! A little cheesy, a little flashy, a little corny, and sometimes surprising.
Photo: Alan Douit (EBU)
In 2009 the contest was held in Moscow and my favorite performance was from the Greeks. Shirts open, hairy chests, hips gyrating, I have not idea what their music was like.
Very entertaining.
They didn’t win but they did come in 7th place.
Engelbert Humperdink is this year’s representative for the UK. He too is a TCK (third culture kid) who was born in India to a British Army officer. He moved to the UK when he was 10. I have to admit, I am looking forward to seeing him croon away in Baku – I hope he makes it to the finals!
Engelbert Humperdink (Photo: Ian Derry)