Eurovision is coming up! Here is the vital information:
Semi-Final 1: May 22nd
Semi-Final 2: May 24th
Final: May 26th
All Shows start at 21:00 CET. That's 22:00 in Ukraine and 3:00pm EST.
It can be watched anywhere online at Eurovision.tv
Ironically, because of the late start of the shows in Ukraine, and the fact that my host family doesn't have a TV, I may have to miss the live show. But that doesn't mean you should (although, most of the acts in the second semi-final, so you can skip that).
This year's contest is taking place in Azerbaijan. Due to security concerns, Armenia decided to not compete, but that still leaves 42 countries in the contest. Poland also decided to drop out this year. However, Montenegro has returned.
In previous years, I made a top ten list of songs that I found amusing for some reason. This is year, there are few gimmicks and joke songs, but there are a bunch of songs I actually enjoy. I don't know if this means Eurovision is getting better or if my taste in music is getting worse. I'll let you decide. Here are the 12 best and/or most entertaining entries for 2012.
12. Finland- Nothing amazing, I just like Swedish
11. Israel- Not something I expected from Israel, but I appreciate it
10. Austria- Quit Eurovision because they never win, and when they finally return, they do this
9. Italy- Sticking with a jazz influence
8. United Kingdom- Engelbert Humperdinck is still alive?
7. Ireland- Still traumatized from winning Eurovision 3 years in a row back in the 90's, Ireland resubmits Jedward
6. Sweden- Did she kill that man?
5. France- Experimenting with English again, but only for the chorus
4. Iceland- How has Iceland never won?
3. Russia- This is just adorable
2. Montenegro- Exactly what I expected from someone called Rambo Amadeus
1. Ukraine- The fact that this is number one has nothing to do with the fact that I want Ukraine to host Eurovision next year