Europhoria - The Great, Glam & Garish History of Eurovision

Isobel and Roland are back to complete their judgy wudgy review of all of 2021's Eurovision songs and eventually decide who they think will win Eurovision 2021.  Will it be Iceland? Will it be Switzerland? Will it be France? Will it be Malta? Or will it be anyone else? Maybe! Who knows! But Isobel and Roland will try to figure it out. 

It's the eve of Eurovision week 2021 and after 2 years of waiting it is finally here! Isobel and Roland make their return to give their best judgy wudgy opinions of each Eurovision song participating in Eurovision 2021.  This part sees the pair review all songs from semi-final 1, including Italy, Germany and The Netherlands.  Tune in on Wednesday for the rest of the entries!  Happy Eurovision!

For the last time this season Isobel and Roland return and are bringing back one of the biggest revelations of the year. The pair read through the listener emails and discuss the latest updates for Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga before once more launching into a game which has taken the world by storm "Vag or no Vag".

The morning after the night before and despite feeling a little worse for wear, Roland and Isobel join together to discuss their experience of the night that never was: Eurovision 2020 AKA Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light. The pair discuss their highs and lows and the array of bevs that propelled them through the night.

In what would have been Eurovision week, Isobel and Roland take you through each and every entry which would have taken part in this year's contest. In this episode the pair review each song in the second semi-final plus France, Spain and the United Kingdom's songs. Who do we think will qualify and who will be crowned winner of Eurovision 2020? Find out in this episode!

As the week which would have been two semi-finals of Eurovision is about to begin, Isobel and Roland take you through each and every entry which would have taken part in this year's contest. In this episode the pair review each song in the first semi-final plus Germany, Italy and the Netherland's songs. Who do we think will qualify and how do we think they will do on the final night? Stay tuned to find out.

Over the years, a select few songs which were selected by their nations to enter Eurovision never actually made it to the show, for a variety of reasons they fell by the wayside before even making it to the semi-final night of the competition. This week Isobel and Roland celebrate just a small selection of those songs by holding their very own alternative to the contest as they bring you the first ever Blacklist Eurovision.

In a break from usual programming, Isobel introduces a brand new game (to which she maintains all rights and responsibilities) which makes Roland blush consistently for 20 minutes, play along at home for the entertainment of yourself and those around you!

This week in Europhoria Roland is presenting a collection of Eurovision stories which were to short for their own individual episodes but are still (to varying degrees) worth discussing. This is followed by Isobel getting her best judgy wudgy out to give a review of Roland's attempts at creating a Eurovision smash hit.

Isobel and Roland are back once again to tell tales from the great, glam and garish history of the Eurovision Song Contest. This weeks Isobel shares the trials and tribulations of Russian superstar Alex Sparrow. Roland then continues his quest to write and record a Eurovision smash hit.

Isobel and Roland are back and this week Roland is telling the tale of a man described as one of the best Croatian voices in the country's history and a symbol of Croatia. Roland then follows this up by trying to create a smash hit Eurovision song all about taking care of yourself.

Europhoria returns with the story of Claude Francois, a singer with a surprisingly long resume and even longer list of dramas. Isobel tells his tale before Roland once more attempts to create a Eurovision smash hit for Isobel to judge, this week is it time for a Marriage proposal? (No, it's not).

Isobel and Roland are returning to a weekly format for the foreseeable meaning all the more stories, songs and judgy wudginess for you to consume!  This week Roland tells and anxiety ridden story of organized crime and kidnap, the perfect story for when everyone's already feeling on edge! (Sorry!) Then Roland returns to producing attempts at creating his own Eurovision hit, find out how he does with his attempt; Irresponsible.

Isobel and Roland have finally returned from their extended break between Eurovision seasons and are ready to be their best judgy wudgy selves. In episode 55 the pair catch up on what's been happening in their own lives as well as the biggest stories happening in the build up to Eurovision 2020 before taking an in-depth look at the UK's entry "My Last Breath".

As the lights go out on the Eurovision stage for another year Isobel and Roland sit down to discuss the events of the night before. Was The Netherlands a worthy winner? How was the halftime show? What were the surprises? And who could be the special guest in 2020? All will be discussed in this week's episode!

We are well into Eurovision week now, with the first ten acts already into the final it is time for the second semi-final to take place and as such it is now up to Isobel and Roland to get judgy-wudgy on this second group of performers. In this episode they discuss which acts will make it through to the final, how well those acts could do on Saturday night and also stick their necks on the line to say exactly who they think will walk away with the crown this year. Have a wonderful Eurovision Final everyone and stay tuned for our review episode which will be published shortly after Saturday's show.

Eurovision 2019 is finally upon us and so, as is tradition, Isobel and Roland will take you through each and every entry into this year's contest. In this episode the pair review each song in the first semi-final plus France, Spain and Israel's songs. Who do we think will qualify and how do we think they will do on the final night? Stay tuned to find out. We are also delighted to announce that "Europhoria The Greatest Hits" is now available on all good streaming platforms; a compilation of Roland's best attempts at creating his own Eurovision smash hit. The next episode will be published on the morning of the second semi-final 2019.

It's episode 54 of the Europhoria podcast and Isobel and Roland are back to tell stories from the great, glam and garish past of the Eurovision song contest. This week Roland tells the story of Lale Andersen and how her song became an anthem for the soldiers of World War II, regardless of borders, boundaries and bunkers. Roland then attempts the impossible by creating a song which could possibly achieve douze point status for the second week in a row. Song: Turn Back My Clock

You are joining Isobel and Roland on a very special week, not only is it a bumper edition of "any other bid'ness" but Isobel has become quiz master for one week only and you're all invited to take part in her big fat Europhoria Pub Quiz, featuring questions covering many different topics from Eurovision past. Roland takes the reigns once more in an attempt to create a Eurovision smash hit, with this week's song named: "Boy Crush".

Isobel and Roland are back once more to tell tales of the great, glam and garish from Eurovision past. After catching up on some listener letters Roland proceeds to tell Isobel all about the UK's first ever winner of the Eurovision Song Contest Sandie Shaw and her journey to stardom. After this Roland once again attempts to impress Isobel with his Euro-pop songwriting mastery and create a song that can win the Eurovision Song Contest.

After a week's delay due to Isobel's jet-setting the fabulous Euro-pair return to take you once more into the stories of the great, glam and garish from Eurovision past. After wading through sackfulls of emails Isobel tells tale of the many scandalo's of the Sanremo Music Festival. Once the tales have been told we have a rather special attempt at the creation of a Eurovision smash hit!

Isobel and Roland are here once again with a very special 50th official episode of the Europhoria Podcast. It's Roland's 30th birthday and the pair are finally reunited to record in the same room in over a year. After catching up on Eurovision news and some top-notch celeb-spotting, Roland tells the story of the fabulous Sestre from Slovenia and their less-than-fabulous journey to the Eurovision Song Contest. Roland then does his best to impress Isobel with this week's attempt at creating a Eurovision smash hit.

Isobel and Roland return for the first proper episode of the season! After catching up on news of an old classroom callout and their thoughts on the UK's decision in Eurovision You Decide, Isobel tells the tale of the very limited edition event dubbed "The Alternative Eurovision", which some say launched the career of a true pop princess. Towards the end Roland relaunches his attempts to create a truly iconic Eurovision hit song, will this season be the one he finally does it? Tune in to find out!

We're baaaaaaaaaack! Just in time to have our judgy wudgy way with this year's Eurovision You Decide UK entrants, Isobel and Roland launch the new season of Europhoria in style. This week the pair catch up on everything that's happened over the past few months and then look ahead to the upcoming national finals and share one or two highlights. The new season will continue every two weeks between now and when the big show finally arrives. Prepare for stories galore in the new season of Europhoria!

Well that's it, Eurovision is over for another year, but that won't stop Isobel and Roland from relishing in great, glam and garish stories from Eurovision past. This week Roland explains the dramatic and often tragic life of Eurovision legend Katie Boyle, before closing up the season with a collaborative song. We will return soon!

Eurovision 2018 is less than a week away and so Isobel and Roland are here to take you on a bumper episode discussing everything you need to know about all the songs featuring in the competition this year. Featuring special guest opinion from Matt Baker (not from Blue Peter) and Eurovision betting expert Stephen Cass. 

Episode 46 of the Europhoria Podcast and Isobel and Roland are back to discuss one of the indisputable legends of Eurovision, Lys Assia and the story of the first ever Eurovision song contest. Then, after more than a year of waiting, something truly magical happens... listen to find out what!

Episode 45 of Europhoria and Roland and Isobel catch up with some correspondence before Roland tells his story of a Eurovision scandal in Belarus which ended up involving the peak of power. After the story the pair commence their new game using Google's translate tool to create brand new songs from previously featured Eurovision hits. Can this be the path to create a Eurovision hit?

Episode 44 of Europhoria and Isobel and Roland settle in to discuss the issue of Microstates in the Eurovision Song Contest. Can they win? If they do are they able to host? And where will Roland and Isobel go on their tour of the countries?  After Isobel's story the pair continue their quest to create a perfect Eurovision Song, this time using the help of Google Translate to write new lyrics.

Episode 43 of Europhoria and after catching up on (some of) the latest Eurovision news Roland tells Isobel the tale of one of the biggest transformations of a Eurovision act and consequently their entire country.  The quest to create the perfect Eurovision song continues, and this week we're throwing some words into the mix as well. Could this be the week we finally crack it? Not likely!

Episode 42 of the Europhoria podcast and Isobel tells the tale of a man who is often overlooked but owns some of the biggest Euovision records (we're talking Guinness, not vinyl). Roland and Isobel then take their first steps in creating music to be curated and created by the audience, be sure to get in touch with advice!

Episode 41 of the Europhoria podcast and it's time to learn how (or how not) to make the most out of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in your country, and find out about the deep deep irony of the company named "Wonderful Copenhagen". Then Roland and Isobel continue their efforts to scientifically design the greatest Eurovision song of all time. This week they analyse pitch and key.

In this special bonus episode Isobel and Roland give their views on each of the six acts entering the UK national finals "Eurovision You Decide". Who will be their favourite, will they fly into space with Liam? Will they battle storms with SuRie? And which song makes Isobel particularly angry? Listen to find out!

Europhoria season 3 kicks off with a bang as Isobel tells the tale of the world famous Julio Iglesias and how he went from being a footballer to a lawyer to a world famous musician who took part in Eurovision 1970. Roland then explains a new format for creating a Eurovision song attempt where you yourself can get involved in helping us create a smash hit. Tune back in later this week to hear a bonus episode of Roland and Isobel's take on this year's Eurovision You Decide entries.

We're back baby! Like two intrepid explorers waking up from deep space stasis sleep, Roland and Isobel get underway catching up on the Eurovision news that happened in their absence. This week's episode is a miniphoria intended to ease everyone into the flow but season three begins properly next week so be sure to tune in then when normal programming will resume!

Episode 38 of the Europhoria podcast and it is the last episode of this season! After discussing some lovely emails Roland tells Isobel about the highs and lows of one Eurovision power couple. Roland then tries one more time to produce a Eurovision song, however, this week he has included a message for Isobel. Isobel then joins the fun by producing a surprise of her own to wrap up the season! See you next time! Show Timing 2:28 - Eurovision News 3:48 - Any Other Bid'ness 10:56 - Eurovision Story 33:10 - Eurovision Song Attempt

Episode 37 of the Europhoria podcast and Isobel and Roland open up a rather mysterious wine to kick off the show. Isobel then proceeds to tell the tale of how one of her favourite lines from a Euovision song came to be. Roland then attempts to create a song to win over the Tween Girls and get them to vote! Will it convince Isobel? Listen to find out! Show Timings 5:41 - Eurovision News 8:35 - Any Other Bid'ness 11:02 - Eurovision Story 32:33 - Eurovision Song Attempt

Episode 36 of the Europhoria podcast and after catching up on some lovely mail Roland proceeds to finish up his Eurovision trilogy of when former singers become political with the amazing tale of Kiev's Queen of the Night. Isobel then tolerates Roland's attempt to create a Eurovision smash hit yet another time, but how well will he score? Show Timings 3:11 - Eurovision News 4:30 - Any Other Bid'ness 12:54 - Eurovision Story 38:13 - Eurovision Song Attempt

Episode 35 of the Europhoria podcast and Roland and Isobel are feeling a little funny, which means things go off at a bit of a tangent also meaning you get an extra bumper length episode! Isobel explains about a man who decided to make himself a feature of Eurovision 2010. Roland then takes a different tack with his Eurovision song attempt.  Show Timings 3:55 - Eurovision News 7:47 - Any Other Bid'ness 9:39 - Eurovision Story 45:00 - Eurovision Song Attempt

Episode 34 of the Europhoria Podcast and Roland is continuing his trilogy of former Eurovision stars who dip their toes in the world of politics. This week Roland focusses the lens on an Irish legend in the competition. Roland then tries to get a little funky with his attempt to create a Eurovision smash hit song. Can Isobel handle the funk? Will Roland take it too far? Listen to find out! Show Timing 5:07 - Eurovision News 7:14 - Any Other Bid'ness 14:56 - Eurovision Story 36:57 - Eurovision Song Attempt

Episode 33 of the Europhoria Podcast and this week we take a (slightly rambling) look at the wonderful life of a legend in Romani music, one Esma Redžepova. Along the way we also discuss the Borat movie, Isobel's shoe collection and a snake eating a fish (hence to bonus-length runtime!). Roland then attempts to make amends for his offensive Eurovision song played last week by performing a song with a rather more upbeat message to it! Show Timings 3:16 - Any Other Bid'ness 11:06 - Eurovision Story 47:40 - Eurovision Song Attempt

Episode 32 of the Europhoria podcast and things get political with a twist in this week's episode. After opening a rather exotic (and rather sweet) wine the pair discuss one of the most popular Eurovision songs of all time. Roland is very tired... what impact will this have on his Eurovision song attempt? Listen to find out. Show Timings 3:43 - Eurovision News 5:20 - Any other Bid'ness 13:12 - Eurovision Story 37:03 - Eurovision Song Attempt

Episode thirty one of the Europhoria podcast and whatever Isobel promises she delivers. So this week we dive headfirst into the weird and wonderful world of the UK's infamous rapping entry, Daz Sampson. In honour of Daz, Roland attempts to imagine what a 2018 entry from the man himself would sound like. Find out if Isobel can be convinced on the virtues of Hip Hop in Eurovision. Show Timings 3:33 - Eurovision News 5:03 - Eurovision Story 37:51 - Eurovision Song Attempt

Episode thirty of the Europhoria podcast and after a week off in Edinburgh Isobel returns to the podcast, perfectly in time for Roland to tell her all about the worst man in the history of the Eurovision song contest. Roland then attempts to convince her he's written a Eurovision smash hit with his latest song submission. How will Isobel react? Show Timings 2:53 - Eurovision News 8:22 - Any other Bid'ness 15:12 - Eurovision Story 37:28 - Eurovision song attempt

Isobel has gone to Edinburgh to spread the good word about Eurovision so we're taking a gap this week.  However, in order to bridge the gap until then Isobel has a very special 'treat' for all of you! Enjoy and see you next week!

Episode 29 of the Europhoria Podcast and after a busy weekend Isobel and Roland are back to delve into the history of Eurovision. This week Isobel tells tale of the first black singer in the contest. Meanwhile Roland's attempts at creating metaphors in his song attempt forces an overwhelming reaction from Isobel. Show timing 4:16 - Eurovision News 5:30 - Any other bid'ness 14:30 - Eurovision Story 35:30 - Eurovision song attempt

Episode 28 of the Europhoria podcast and Roland and Isobel have a sackful of your lovely mail to get through. After they do this and update the prize fund for the winner of the song contest Roland tells the tale of the calamitous Eurovision Song Contest 1991. Roland then tries to win Isobel over with his song about love. Will it be met with love in return or the fire of Isobel's fury, tune in to find out! Show Timing 3:34 - Eurovision News 4:20 - Any Other Bid'ness 17:05 - Eurovision Story 40:18 - Eurovision Song Attempt 

Episode 27 of Europhoria and once again Isobel delves deep into the archives of Eurovision hopefuls to tell the tale of the weirdest band in the world. After a remarkable story about a remarkable band Roland attempts to do the remarkable and satisfy Isobel's need for Euro-pop. Will he succeed by creating the next entry for Eurovision? Listen to find out! Show Timings 2:05 - Any Other Bid'ness 7:40 - Eurovision Story 38:08 - Eurovision Song Attempt

Episode 26 of Europhoria and because Roland is spending the next week in New York, he and Isobel are doing back to back episodes, so prepare for a boozy couple of weeks! Roland returns to an earlier story to pick up on one very small element, which, since recording, has blown up into a global political scandal. In an attempt to win more points from Isobel this week in the song judgement, Roland comes up with ideas for how to stage his song attempt. Show Timings 4:06 - Eurovision News 6:14 - Any other Bid'ness 10:00 - Eurovision Story 36:20 - Eurovision Song Attempt

Episode 25 of Europhoria and Isobel and Roland are discussing a rather unusual, and very furry halftime show of a Eurovision contest from time gone by. Roland then tries to correct his extremely poor showing of writing a song contest entry from last week. Will he succeed? Tune in to find out!

Episode 24 of Europhoria and Isobel has had a big weekend, but fortunately it is Roland's turn to tell a story this week. After a quick catch-up with Any Other Bid'ness Roland explains the long and complex relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan. After the triumph of last week's song RSVP, can Roland be just as successful this week? Unlikely, but listen to find out! Show Timings 3:40 - Any Other Bid'ness 16:25 - Eurovision Story 53:05 - Eurovision Song Attempt