From relatively humble beginnings in 1956, when only seven nations competed, the Eurovision Song Contest has grown into a juggernaut of entertainment.
There’s a great sense of anticipation before each year’s fresh competition, as TV audiences burgeon.
Some 160 million people from more than 150 countries were involved in voting for their favourite artist this year alone, when 37 nations battled in out.
Last time I checked, Australia wasn’t part of Europe and yet since 2015 we have been invited to compete.
So, it is only fitting that the first Eurovision world tour has hit our shores, drawing enthusiastic fans to concerts in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
As someone with only a passing interest and next to no knowledge of respective countries’ performers, it is a great experience.
Eighteen artists take to the stage in great voice, many with up to four dancers alongside.
I am an old style, Top 40 kind of guy.
I enjoy mainstream pop music and that is fundamentally what this show is all about.
The music is rhythmic and lyrical. The beats resonate, the heart pumps and the feet move.
In fact, we were standing and waving and clapping and swaying for much of the night.
The vibe of the evening is part of what makes it so intoxicating. The party atmosphere is electrifying. There’s a great sense of excitement throughout.
It is clear that many, probably most, in the audience know the artists and the tunes.
Emmelie de Forest represents Denmark, Linda Martin Ireland, Ovi & Ilinca Romania, Destiny Malta, Soraya Spain, Dani Im Australia and Jalise Italy.
Suzy is for Portugal, Senhit San Marino, Esther Hart the Netherlands, Sunstroke Project Moldova, Efendi Azerbaijan and Nicki French the UK.
The Roop stands for Lithuania and Silia Kapsis – the youngest performer at 17 – for Cyrus.
A video entrée is given to each country and the artist or artists representing them.
The projections and lighting are astonishing – vibrant, exotic and ever-changing colours, shapes and imagery.
These backdrops are a huge part of elevating the production.
But, of course, it is the music that still ultimately rules and that is so easy on the ear.
Each country has a couple of songs and, arguably, the best known of all Eurovision numbers, Waterloo, is a collaborative affair.
Notably, on this occasion, the scores don’t need to be tallied because everyone’s a winner.
Eurovision on Tour’s last show in Australia is at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney on 17th November, 2024.
To book, go to https://www.eurovisionontour.tv/ticket/
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