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EP 9: National Selections (Authoritarian Manipulation, Public Scandal, and the Fight For A Nation's Identity)

EP 9: National Selections (Authoritarian Manipulation, Public Scandal, and the Fight For A Nation's Identity)

FromMysteries of the EuroVerse


EP 9: National Selections (Authoritarian Manipulation, Public Scandal, and the Fight For A Nation's Identity)

FromMysteries of the EuroVerse

ratings:
Length:
56 minutes
Released:
Jan 31, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

21:06 Andrew Lambrou (Cyprus, 2023, Break a Broken Heart): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQG9YH2nCJw)
 
31:37 Troy Iwata (The Daily Show, Dash and Lily)

 
We are in the middle of National Finals season, and controversy is already swirling around some of this years' selection processes! We talk about how a country's choice of song reflects what they want to project to the world, and how authoritarians have used national selections to try to bend the identity of their countries. We also discuss some of the biggest scandals in Eurovision national finals history, and explore how broadcasters can arrive at results that people view as "legitimate."
 
Then we talk to Cyprus' representative from 2023, Andrew Lambrou. Andrew was selected by Cyprus in a surprising way, and the Australian-Cypriot-Greek singer brings his perspective to the ways in which Eurovision's universalism allows for the mixing of identities and cultures.
 
Finally, Daily Show Correspondent Troy Iwata drops by to explore some of the biggest National Finals controversies in years past, and figure out what those controversial choices say about a nation's character. It's a game we're calling "National Not-Quite Final Answer"



 


National Not Quite Final Answer
 
Belarus, 2012
 
1: Alonya - Solayoh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKewBfUE2Mg
 
2: Litesound - We Are The Heroes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JWbOKNaIAo
 
Poland 2023

3. Blanka - Solo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANM4CwbE0Is

4. Jann - Gladiator - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYtmjhR8_8E
 
Spain 2017

5. Manel - Do It For Your Lover - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwS45HBhzTs

6. Mirela - Contigo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEKotQh05ds

Spain 2022

7. Chanel - SloMo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mYBiIO0pfY

8. Tanxugueiras - Terra - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uGN9efcACw
 
Ukraine 2022

9. Alina Pash - Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAHyFdNFnrE

10. Kalush Orchestra - Stefania - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKpYMb4Zwt4
Released:
Jan 31, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (25)

Welcome to Mysteries of the EuroVerse, the podcast that delves deep into the intriguing world of the Eurovision Song Contest-- the world’s most watched non-sporting event. Eurovision has been running for nearly 70 years, and is watched by hundreds of millions of people. (It’s bigger than the Super Bowl)! Join us as we explore the history, the controversies, and all the campy fun of the biggest music competition in the world. Covering topics from the queer history of the contest to the political fights that have played out on the Eurovision stage, Mysteries of the EuroVerse features interviews with Eurovision acts, as well as guests from American pop culture. So come along with us on this journey of musical discovery!