In less than two hours it will be the 56th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, to be held in Dusseldorf. Yet again, I will sit glued to the television as the show is aired live via satellite on the Portuguese station, RTP Internacional. I will, as ever, thoroughly enjoy some of the better songs, whilst groaning and laughing out with derision at some of the terrible songs on display.
And some of it is toe-curdling stuff, to which anyone who has ever watched the show can attest.
So, why do I bother? Why do I sit through this music fest, this ode to kitsch and camp in high gear so derided and so made fun of by so many? Why?I'll tell you why...
1. Because Eurovision is an opportunity to just sit back and just enjoy the show, knowing none of it is terribly important.
2. Because, even through all the dreck and the horrendous songs, there are always those few songs that really shine through, that are really quite good, and which are sung really rather well.
3. Because even the dreck and horrendous songs can be so much fun.
4. Because no one does glorious, technicolour kitsch quite like the Eurovision Song Contest. And, once in a while, I'm a total sucker for technicolour kitsch.
5. Because any competition that gave ABBA their breakthrough is deserving of respect. Enough said.
6. Because I love a good competition, especially between countries. Countries, flags, voting - hell, I'm in. Douze points, baby!
7. Because it's fun and all done with good heart and for the hell of it. It's a terrific, fun tonic. And, hey, how many things can one say that about in this day and age?
8. Because in its own funny, weird little way, it does unite Europe, which is really great to see. Even if for only one night.
9. Because after a few years in the early- to mid-2000s of hyper-regionalism in the voting which really made me very angry, it seems they've (to an extent) sorted that one out. Unless Moldova or Sweden win tonight - and then I'll be spitting blood and hating Eurovision all over again!
10. Because it's a constant in my life. Every year in mid-May I know that I can look forward to this camp, kitsch musical affair that seems to drip with technicolour. It's something I can look forward to. Something akin to what the Oscars once meant to me and no longer do.
I take Eurovision for what it is and enjoy every moment, both the great and the atrocious. Isn't that enough?
Do you get my point?
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