One preview show down, two to go, as Ben Robertson returns from a Latvian evening and brings us the week’s news in the Eurovision Insight Newsletter.
This week we have the issues of running order and being the favourite, along with news from Australia on the semi-final act, and some advice on how to get through the on-season’s off-month of April.
The easiest way to get through the fourth month is to attend the Preview Concerts and Events put on by fans around the continent. After attending the Latvian preview (with PeR, Donatan’s Cleo, and Conchita Wurst), Robertson’s Reflection this week looks at the issue of running second in the semi-finals:
The issue is, all Eurovision fans and all delegations know what a number two running order position means. I guarantee you after meeting the Latvian Head of Delegation in Riga, that she will be saddened by the draw. As Ewan has said, being the favourite in this part of the year, gaining momentum, is important. Latvia has just had all the wind punched straight out of them. To be told you have to sing 2nd hurts. When I put this to Aarezmnieki in Riga on Saturday night, they confirmed their first reaction was one of dissapointment. To be drawn there is just bad luck, but we all know what number 2 means even if the stats don’t tell that story. It may never lose that stigma.
As always, grab the newsletter to get the full story. Subscribers should have their copy now. If you missed it, or want to read it online then head over to the ESC Insight Newsletter archive, and feel free to sign up either in the text box below or when you’re finished reading!