Last night Eurovision came to London.
It’s not often you hear that is it? Soho’s Shadow Lounge played host to the UK Eurovision preview party and what a night it was! Paddy O’Connell and Nicki French introduced six acts from the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest that were in town to showcase their songs.
Eurovision is a funny old world – songs which you might have discounted on first listen suddenly seem to stand out as the weeks go on. Certainly this was the case for me last night – I hadn’t given Bulgaria’s Poli Genova or Switzerland’s Anna Rossinelli a prayer, yet the strong vocals and stage presence from these singers made me reconsider my predictions. Similarly Romania’s Hotel FM, led by Brit David Bryan were incredibly competent and will certainly be able to cut it live on the night. Maybe it was the atmosphere of the place (or maybe it was the booze…) but with Eurovision 2011 being such an open field it wouldn’t be too absurd to envisage these entries as easily qualifying through to the Saturday night final.
The Eurovision Preview Party is really a testament to the commitment of the performers. The singers last night didn’t get paid and have to cover a lot of the expenses themselves. So what is the point of this event for them then?
Well without stating the obvious, it’s an opportunity for the singers to publicise themselves and their song in the run-up to the main event. Many working press were at the show last night and it was a chance for the singers to get that little bit of extra publicity. With so much down to getting your name out there before the televotes are cast, events like this provide another little shot in the arm and the chance for some name recognition in the mainstream media.
What was also apparent was the enthusiasm of the performers who genuinely seemed to be up for it and loving their whole Eurovision experience. The show last night also provided an opportunity for the entrants to ingratiate themselves to the hardcore Eurovision fans, many of whom cover Eurovision for various media outlets – which in turn help to generate that extra little bit of positive publicity. Whilst the jury is still out on the overall impact of these promotional tours (Ruslana put the format to good use in 2004 but it failed to help Angelica Agurbash in 2005), the event last night was primarily for the fans who support this contest year in and year out.
The carnival isn't over yet (picture by Nicki French)
For most of the singers Eurovision is a once in a lifetime opportunity so it’s understandable that they would want to make the most of it. After all it’s not every day that you represent your country on a world stage. Also as many of them showed last night, it’s an opportunity to party, have fun and enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity (Dana International not withstanding).
Even though it was on home ground, there’s a marked difference in terms of how the UK’s chances are being rated by the fan community. There is an expectation in the air that Blue will provide the BBC with its strongest showing in years and this was apparent when “I Can” was played last night, the dance floor filled up with quick speed.
A huge pat on the back should also go to all the organisers of the event last night. This party was arranged late in the Eurovision season and to get the acts they did in such a short time, especially Dana International, is a triumph. The party was a resounding success and proved that there is a Eurovision following in the UK. It also showed very clearly that it’s not just the song which is the issue at Eurovision, being able to belt it out and sell it to your audience is what counts.
The party was the perfect way to ease many into Eurovision season and has certainly whetted my appetite for what lies ahead in Dusseldorf.