As the countdown to Lisbon gets ever closer to zero, many of the stars of Eurovision 2018 are taking the opportunity to meet their fans and hone their crowd-pleasing skills at the numerous preview parties taking place all over Europe throughout May.
In this week’s Newsletter, we bring you a roundup of which artists have been hitting the stage at which events, plus a major announcement about the 2018 interval act and the long-awaited announcement of the Semi Final running orders.
In the meantime, here’s a handy roundup of some of the best ESC Insight content you might have missed during the past few weeks…
ESC Insight Podcast: Jukebox Jury
Ewan Spence and his ever-rotating lineup of guest pundits submit more of this year’s 43 entries to the Hit, Miss or Maybe test as Juke Box Jury passes the halfway point.
When Local Celebrations Take On Eurovision Song Contest Selections
March saw John Egan experience his first ever Norsk Melodi Grand Prix. In this thoughtful piece, he examines the delicate balance between a national Song Contest, local TV audiences and the ultimate prize of a ticket to the Eurovision Song Contest…
Uncovering The Popular Tropes Of The Eurovision Story Contest
Eurovision is more than just a Song Contest – in order to win, you also need a story. Guest writer Jenny Gerlach looks at some of the approaches taken in recent years, and which of this year’s three-minute wonders fit the tropes.
Remembering Lys Assia, The First Lady of Eurovision
As the first winner of the Eurovision Song Contest in 1956, Lys Assia’s place in the history of our Contest was guaranteed the moment the credits rolled over ‘Refrain’. But it was her passion for the Song Contest throughout her life that endeared her to the fanbase. Ewan Spence remembers her career and a playful sense of adventure.
Remembering Katie Boyle: Eurovision’s Definitive Host
Another Eurovision legend also left us last month. Ewan Spence looks back at how four-time Contest host Katie Boyle helped to define the role of the presenter, leaving an indelible mark on Eurovision that endures to this day.
Why Iceland Is The Cutest Eurovision Nation Ever
They may not have fielded a finalist in a few years, but Iceland’s National Final, Söngvakeppnin, has been getting bigger and bigger at home. Ben Robertson pays one of Europe’s smallest but most determined competitors a long overdue visit…
Right Song, Wrong Contest: Trapped In Your National Final
We all have our favourites in the National Final season, and it can feel deflating when they don’t win, but nothing smarts more than the feeling when a genuine contender fails at the first hurdle. Monty Moncrieff looks at some of the factors that can leave a potential Eurovision winner stranded on home soil…
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