LOOKINGBACKATTHEEUROVISION SONGCONTEST2023

By Alisiya Ermolenko '24

The Eurovision Song Contest, also known as Eurovision, can certainly qualify as one of the most important events of the year with many counting down the days until they will be able to witness the performances and songs of artists from around Europe. There are many allures to this contest, from outlandish and zany costumes to avantgarde staging; however, it can be argued that seeing the accumulation of the most original and artistic talents perform on one stage and represent unique cultures is of its most attractive features. This year's Eurovision took place on the 13th of May in the United Kingdom, Eurovision 2022's runner-up, inside the indoor Liverpool Arena with 26 countries that competed for first place and around 162 million viewers. Moreover, the four primary hosts, Graham Norton, Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham, and Juliana Sanina, provided their expert opinions and commentary throughout the two semi-finals and the grand final.

Many aspects of this Eurovision contest were designed to pay tribute to Ukraine, last year's winner who was unable to host the event due to the ongoing war. The blue and yellow dresses of the host Alesha Dixon and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, the waving of the nation's flag by performers and audience members, and even the design of the stage to symbolise an embrace, are all examples of the ways in which the organisers, namely the European Broadcasting Union, showed solidarity The two main frustrations amongst many Ukrainians was the rejection of President Zelenskiy's speech despite the contest turning out to be an anti-war protest as well as the attack on Ternopil, the city of origin of the Tvorchi group who sang for Ukraine. Indeed, to quote Zoe Williams, "This year’s Eurovision was a political statement –whatever the organisers may have wanted."

Eurovision has been known to not only be a stage in the literal sense for singers to showcase their vocals but also in the metaphorical sense as over the years many have purposefully curated their performance to raise awareness about global issues Surprising or not, the contest has often turned political due to the issues addressed by the performers, such as Armenia's 2015 song that confronted the Ottoman empire massacre of 1.5 million Armenians or the selection of the drag queen Conchita Wurst to represent Austria

Looking on the bright side, there were several acts that undoubtedly stood out. Besides the Swedish singer's winning song Tattoo that featured a floating platform and theatrical fog to create an ethereal aura, there were some others such as the Finnish song Cha Cha Cha of Käärijä, the German Lord of the Lost's song Blood & Glitter, Luke Black's Samo Mi Se Spava, and Mama ŠČ! sung by Let 3 that have left a lasting impression on the minds of the audience for their unconventional and out of the ordinary stage set-ups starting with the neon green and pink human caterpillar composed of Käärijä and his dancers, ending with the bizarre choreography and eventual clothestripping of Let 3.

It is strange that the latter group did not earn a spot in the top five as it quite literally brought out its 'big guns' But on a more serious note, although there were many noteworthy performances, the first place went to Sweden, with Finland, Israel, Italy and Norway coming in at second, third, fourth, and fifth places respectively All in all, it was a festive unison of eccentricity, culture, and alacrity that brought many smiles to many faces in a time of worldwide uncertainty.