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Eurovision Insight Podcast: Who Forgot To Check The Spreadsheet? Written by on February 16, 2018 | 2 Comments

There comes a point when you need to read the rulebook very carefully. Thanks, Israel. That, and more Eurovision news from the last seven days from Ewan Spence as he stays behind the microphone. Add the RSS Feed to your favourite podcast application, or click here to follow us in iTunes and never miss an episode.

After Norway set the precedent last year for vocals not appearing on the backing track (but sounding lke they appear in a Eurovision song), Israel is set to find the limits of that rule if Netta brings her looping machine to the Lisbon stage. That little complication, the fun in San Marino, why we still have Markus Rivas (hint, it’s Excel), and a subtle mention of Val Parnell all turn in this week’s Insight News podcast.

Eurovision Insight Podcast: One Of Us

Another week of Eurovision news in one bite-sized podcast from Ewan Spence and ESC Insight. This week, horny vikings, Israeli rules lawyers, and Excel breaks in Latvia; plus music from The Experiment.

As the 2018 National Finals come at us thick and fast, keep listening to the ESC Insight podcast for more Eurovision news, fun, and chat. You’ll find the show in iTunes, and a direct RSS feed is also available. We also have a regular email newsletter which you can sign up to here.

About The Author: Ewan Spence

British Academy (BAFTA) nominated broadcaster and writer Ewan Spence is the voice behind The Unofficial Eurovision Song Contest Podcast and one of the driving forces behind ESC Insight. Having had an online presence since 1994, he is a noted commentator around the intersection of the media, internet, technology, mobility and how it affects us all. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, his work has appeared on the BBC, The Stage, STV, and The Times. You can follow Ewan on Twitter (@ewan) and Facebook (facebook.com/ewanspence).

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2 responses to “Eurovision Insight Podcast: Who Forgot To Check The Spreadsheet?”

  1. Robyn says:

    I guess the big question will be, is a loop pedal a musical instrument? A lot of loop pedal artists would very much consider their pedals to be an instrument. If that’s the case, it wouldn’t be allowed at ESC, along with all other live musical instruments.

    If Israel can get around the rules, it could be a huge advantage for them to use a loop pedal. The technology is about 15 years old, but a lot of people have never seen them before and are utterly enchanted and delighted when they realise what’s happening. The song doesn’t even have to be good – it just needs to show off layers and harmonies and audiences will be all heart-eyes-emoji about it.

  2. Shai says:

    I think that the Israeli representative is this year “big head ache” for the EBU, one they have hoped not to have this year.

    Is the EBU ready to take the big jump?If it is allowed, is this the end of the backing singers as we now know?Is the looper an advantage to the singer and does it put others in disadvantage position, in a way that may harm the fairness of the competition?

    These are all fair questions that need to be addressed by the EBU. Not sure they are up to the task, though.

    On the other hand, they may choose to allow it this year, only to ban it next year with a more strict rules.

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