Get Ready – Eurovision is Back for 2021!

It’s been two years since we saw the eclectic collection of madness that is Eurovision. Following the global pandemic over the last 18 months, Eurovision had to be cancelled last May. And, while we managed to get the Eurovision Song Contest film (to mixed reviews), it just wasn’t the same. However, tonight we can strap in, grab our favourite drinks and laugh/bop along to/grimace at the Euro-centric singing competition, once again.

Why Was Eurovision Cancelled Last Year

Last year’s Eurovision, set to take place in Rotterdam, was designed without a pandemic in mind. In other words, it was going to be the crowded, messy, scream-fest that we know and love. However, these are exactly the kind of conditions in which the coronavirus loves to thrive in. As such, the producers and country decided to place everything on hold.

There was never a question as to whether the dates would be pushed back to later in the year. Instead, the Eurovision team made the right choice in postponing the entire festival, completely. This way, we’d receive the same hosts, same dates and so on – just a year later. Eurovision tickets for 2020 remain valid for those looking to enjoy the Eurovision 2021 show.

The Theme of 2021’s Eurovison

Last year’s theme was ‘Open Up’ – and it’s the same this year. This may seem a little simple to some – but that’s exactly the intention of the producers. It has been left incomplete so that audiences across the world can conclude their own meanings and feelings. This is a particularly clever move when you consider the feelings between the UK and mainland Europe, following Brexit.

“Feel the freedom to complete the slogan in your own way. We found it was important to choose a theme that reflects the spirit of our times. With the slogan, we warmly invite people to open up to others, to different opinions, each other’s stories and of course to each other’s music,” according to executive producer Sietse back in 2019.

At the same time, the logo has undergone some slight changes. “The logo connects Rotterdam with the capitals of the participating countries and symbolises coming together, regardless of the form,” says Sietse. It places Rotterdam as the centre of “the beating heart of Europe”. Clever Frank, the company behind the design, says that they have kept the main essence of the logo but were “extending the design” to add a festive touch. One which marks the celebration of Eurovision coming back.

What does this mean for the previous entrants?

Fans of previous entrants will be pleased to know that many of the same bands and artists will be playing, this year. Although, sadly, Icelandic band Daði og Gagnamagnið will be unable to perform, due to a band member testing positive for Covid-19. The band were originally cited as being one of the key runners for first place – especially after their music video went viral.

Interestingly, there has been some jostling of the performers. For example, Bulgaria and Ukraine are now in the competition. Although Hungary and Montenegro did confirm that they would not be returning. Sadly, Armenia has withdrawn, due to social and political unrest, following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. Finally, Belarus was disqualified after it was discovered that their entry was in violation of the rules.

However, many of the original contestants – including the UK entry to Eurovision – will be returning. Whether you see this as good news or bad news is up to you. But, what we can promise, is that the biggest party in Europe will be just as fun as it has ever been.

Who is the favourite for Eurovision 2021?

It would seem that bookmakers have got the odds of Italy coming in at number one, this year. This is closely followed by France, Malta and Switzerland. Of course, these are based on the demographically appropriate judges making their decisions, beforehand. All of whom are in place and judging the songs well before the night begins.

So, Just How Does the Voting System Work in Eurovision?

An excellent question and one that takes a bit of getting used to. Before televoting was a thing, it was based entirely on what judges thought about each song. Luckily, all of this began to change as the universality of our world meant being open to quicker, more direct communication. Instead, juries from each country are now able to provide partial judgement.

It begins when the country’s jury award points to others in the competition (you cannot vote for yourself). So, the jury will vote for another country, in rising points of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12. These are usually given in a time-consuming but super-exciting way (if you’re into that kind of thing). Next, it’s the public’s turn.

After all of the songs have been performed, the presenters will say the key words, “Europe, start voting now!” These words allow the voting system to open up, for viewers to phone in and vote for who they think should win. Viewers get 15 minutes to make their choice, after which the main presenters will say “Europe, stop voting now!” Once the votes have all been counted, each country’s presenter will usually (in a time-consuming but exciting way, of course) reveal the votes. All in reverse, for the most exciting countdown, naturally.

Eurovision 2021 Line-Up

• 🇨🇾 – Cyprus / Elena Tsagrinou – El Diablo
• 🇦🇱 – Albania / Anxhela Peristeri – Karma
• 🇮🇱 – Israel / Eden Alene – Set Me Free
• 🇧🇪 – Belgium / Hooverphonic – The Wrong Place
• 🇷🇺 – Russia / Manizha – Russian Woman
• 🇲🇹 – Malta / Destiny – Je Me Casse
• 🇵🇹 – Portugal / The Black Mamba – Love Is On My Side
• 🇷🇸 – Serbia / Hurricane – Loco Loco
• 🇬🇧 – United Kingdom / James Newman – Embers
• 🇬🇷 – Greece / Stefania – Last Dance
• 🇨🇭 – Switzerland / Gjon’s Tears – Tout l’Univers
• 🇮🇸 – Iceland / Da∂i Freyr og Gagnamagni∂ – 10 Years
• 🇪🇸 – Spain / Blas Cantó – Voy A Querdarme
• 🇲🇩 – Moldova / Natalia Gordienko – SUGAR
• 🇩🇪 – Germany / Jendrik – I Don’t Feel Hate
• 🇫🇮 – Finland / Blind Channel – Dark Side
• 🇧🇬 – Bulgaria / Victoria – Growing Up is Getting Old
• 🇱🇹 – Lithuania / The Roop – Discoteque
• 🇺🇦 – Ukraine / Go_A – Shum
• 🇫🇷 – France / Barbara Pravi – Voilà
• 🇦🇿 – Azerbaijan / Efendi – Mata Hari
• 🇳🇴 – Norway / TIX – Fallen Angel
• 🇳🇱 – The Netherlands (Hosts) / Jeangu Macrooy – Birth of a New Age
• 🇮🇹 – Italy / Måneskin – Zitti E Buoni
• 🇸🇪 – Sweden / Tusse – Voices
• 🇸🇲 – San Marino / Senhit – Adrenalina