I hope you enjoyed “Eurovision’s Greatest Hits” a couple of weeks ago. It certainly lived-up to its title, and paraded an entertaining selection of Eurovision alumni. I liked the partnership between presenters Petra and Graham. I think she had the better gags and was more entertaining, and there were enough different acts to keep us all happy. I guess it’ll still be on BBC iPlayer for those who missed it?
As I mentioned in my previous post I have been personally invited to attend the EBU’s 60th anniversary conference, which takes place in London at BAFTA HQ tomorrow.
I do feel privileged and honoured to be there. I have been researching the ESC for over a decade now, and it is still a really fertile area of academic research. I am delighted that my contribution is being acknowledged, as well as my profile.
There is a fascinating line-up of academics, media specialists, representatives from the EBU, fans and former winner. There are a few couple of Keynote speakers who I know very well: my good friends Dr Karen Fricker and our (the UK’s) very own “Dr Eurovision”, Dr Paul Jordan. Good news is that he will once again be part of the BBC3 broadcasts of the semi-finals this year in Vienna.
There are panels which have been convened around various themes. I am on the first panel of the day which is considering how the ESC is a ritual. You can follow the whole day via www.eurovision.tv, as it will be streaming live (be sure to check out new jacket!). It starts at 10.00am, and my panel is at 11.00am, so if you are interested to see a lively conversation with myself, good friend Professor Brian Singleton, and former winner Dave Benton (Estonia 2001) tune in.
Right, I’m off to London. Hope it’s a bit cooler down there!