Mysteries of the EuroVerse

Zoë Më, Voyage, Switzerland (11:47), Go-Jo, Milkshake Man, Australia (26:53), Ziferblat, Bird of Pray, Ukraine (35:21), Aurin Squire, The Good Fight, (49:59)         On this episode, we're reporting on Eurovision 2025 from Basel! First we give you updates on this year's contest directly from the press center, covering the changes to the semi-final broadcasts and Eurovision's controversial flag rule.       Then we interview three artists from this year's Eurovision -  Switzerland's Zoe Me (Voyage), Australia's Go-Jo (Milkshake Man) and Ukraine's Ziferblat (Bird of Pray).         Finally, we sit down with television and Broadway writer Aurin Squire for a game about songwriting at Eurovision 2025 that we're calling "It Takes Two to Tango, but Many More to EuroDance"         "It Takes Two to Tango, but Many More to EuroDance"         Marko Bosnjak, Poison Cake (Croatia) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOodVfY8hCs         Mamagama, Run With You (Azerbaijan) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upbiPJ9uA70         Mariam Shengelia, Freedom (Georgia) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3wu0dUNd4c           Louane, Maman (France) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj2DTSLcNnI           Gabry Ponte, Tutta L'italia (San Marino) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vkDhFhgNX0           Remember Monday, What The Hell Just Happened (UK) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hu6R3ZnOdY

Rambo Amadeus (Montenegro, 2012) - 23:05, Nico Carney (Vulture, Comedian You Should Know) - 42:30         On this episode, we talk about how Eurovision can achieve its goal of expansion. First, we use the occasion of Montenegro returning to the contest to explore the ways that Eurovision can make it easier for even more countries to join.          Then we talk to iconic Montenegrin artist, Rambo Amadeus, whose Euro Nero explores the complications of integrating into the larger European project. We talk to him about whether participating in European institutions makes sense for Montenegro - and explore why Europe is facing rising tides of nationalism and isolation.         Finally, we sit down with comedian Nico Carney to explore the difference between Yugoslavian entrants into Eurovision and the Montenegrin entrants that followed. It's a game we're calling "The Full Montenegro."           SONGS FROM THE FULL MONTENEGRO:         1. Tajči, Hajde da ludujemo (Yugoslavia, 1990) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksPXBLCwaL4         2. Rambo Amadeus, Euro Neuro (Montenegro, 2012) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHnqF5PLP2w         3. Sergej Cetkovic, Moj Svijet (Montenegro, 2014) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FJtzRSKHKg       4. Knez, Adio (Montenegro 2015) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4giAO-2aICo         5. Riva, Rock Me (Yugoslavia, 1989) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1glDWFMK_0         6. Who See, Igranka (Montenegro 2013) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR9rtB2ilZU       7. Novi Fosili, Ja sam za ples (Yugoslavia, 1987) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvOPsKnKNIQ            

Wouter Hardy (Arcade)- 3:36, NYLAN (The Code, Shhhh) - 23:46, Benji Alasu (The Code, Survivor) - 41:43       This week, we're talking to the songwriters behind two Eurovision winning hits. First we sit down with Wouter Hardy, who co-wrote Duncan Laurence's Arcade - the first Eurovision song in nearly a quarter century to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Then we turn to two writers, NYLAN and Benji Alasu who, along with Linda Dale and Nemo themselves, wrote last year's Eurovision winner, Nemo's The Code. These writers give us a window into their unique processes and help us further explore the diversity of ways in which Eurovision songs get written - and how that diversity in process affects the song you end up with in the end.       Featured Songs:     Duncan Laurence, Arcade - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eztx7Wr8PtE     Duncan Laurence, Stars - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Zv_xZiaok       Gjons Tears, Tout L'Univers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpM6o6UiBIw       Nemo, The Code - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiGDvM14Kwg       Theo Evans, Shh - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbfQqWyqgJw       Elsie Bay, 100 Years - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UbFfO_Uy80       Parg, Survivor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfH5o3XtI2c       Milune, Torn - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwBN-17HXGE       Remo Forrer, Not Okay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXZM-DH5Zb4

Sissal (Hallucination, Denmark 2025) - 3:59, Shkodra Electronike (Zjerm, Albania 2025) - 22:19, Pixie Aventura (Hulu's Drag Me To Dinner) - 43:00         This is our first episode featuring interviews with Eurovision 2025 contestants! We've talked about Eurovision's dual identity as a place for both global pop and culturally specific numbers, and in this episode we talk to two acts who embody either side of that identity: Sissal, representing Denmark with an instant Scandipop classic, Hallucination, and Albania's Shkodra Elektronike, whose song Zjerm is infused with the traditional sounds drawn from the history of music from Shkoder.         We then sit down with EuroVerse favorite Pixie Aventura who brings her Eurovision expertise to a discussion of her favorites of this year, as well as to a game covering some of this year's non-English language entries called "It's All Greek (And Lithuanian and French and Icelandic and Montenegrin and Latvian) To Me!" Eurovision 2025 features the most non-English songs since the language rule was dropped. For more information on the language rule, check-out Season 1, Episode 4.         SONGS:       Sissal     Dino Jelusic, Ti Si Moja Prva Ljubav: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=RT8eDwbt_CQ     The Olsen Brothers, Fly on The Wings of Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF8fkHK0AWs       Sissal, Here Me Now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZILZGDMyTI       Sissal, Far From Sober: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAEyRIvmdaw         Shkodra Electronike       Turtulleshë, Shkodra Elektronike - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHVz0GkB0HQ       "Turkish Kaval played by Nadishana" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PkWYNJAZqY       Saz, An Introduction, Filip Holm - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLZ0DBsa0v0       Sufi Music: Zikr, Celebrate Humanity - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKyCXVuQ9Es       Cifteli popullore, Ciftelia TV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS6aIJ5WPpk       Pixie Aventura:     Esa Diva, Melody (Spain, 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvVxhbCW9rw       *Gorilla Song, Melody - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90avMgG5NAM       GAJA, Justyna Steczkowska (Poland 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXHHDjiclxA       The Tower, Luna (Poland 2024) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhvDkF9XZx0       C'est La Vie, Claude (The Netherlands 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEHwr5k9pd0       Volevo Essere Un Duro, Lucio Corsi (Italy 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfAf9-5Oevw     Espresso Macchiato, Tommy Cash (Eurovision 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK6CUNXip7Q       Bur Man Laimi, Tautumeitas (Latvia 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_t79mQkm4       "It's All Greek (And Lithuanian and French and Icelandic and Montenegrin and Latvian) To Me!"       Asteromáta, Klavdia (Greece 2025)  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxzeTezgey4       Voyage, Zoe Me (Switzerland 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGX54zRExR8       RÓA, VÆB (Iceland 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZE1WzOwtQQ       Dobrodošli, Nina Žižić (Montenegro 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zs0yq39aFA  

Martin Green (Director of Eurovision) - 24:37, Santino Fontana (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Frozen, Tootsie) - 42:08     First we deep dive into the controversy around three of Eurovision's most provocative acts: Australia's Milkshake Man (Go Jo), Malta's Serving (Miriana Conte), and Finland's Ich Komme (Erika Vikman). We discuss broader trends that have led the contest once known exclusively as a “family show” to have to confront these boundary pushing acts - and talk about how Eurovision's recently released Code of Conduct could be a road map for the future.     Then, in a very special interview, we talk to the new Director of Eurovision - Martin Green. We discuss the various controversies the contest has to face in these politically divided, fractious times - and get a sense of how he and the organization are thinking about navigating the current social moment.     Finally, we sit down with Tony Award-winning star of stage and screen Santino Fontana (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Hans in Disney's Frozen, Tootsie) for a look at how right-wing politicians have tried to tame Eurovision acts in the past, in a game we're calling "Crazy Ex-Governments."       CRAZY EX-GOVERNMENTS:   SPAIN   Barei, Say Yay! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0I37W3RN_U   Blanco Paloma, Eaea - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxuO0qZITko     POLAND Gromee feat Lukas Meijer, Light Me Up - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfUJ2eDm6ng   Luna, The Tower - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhvDkF9XZx0   Donatan and Cleo, We Are Slavic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ920cN2HmA     UK   James Newman, Embers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMDGTsa_Qq0   Olly Alexander, Dizzy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLNUj7kvn2w     HUNGARY   Joci Papai, Origo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LflrKXL022U   Zoli Ádok, Dance With Me - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXjY3Y9RMZI     ISRAEL   Harel Skaat, Milim - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj0qaNnLk9M   Noa and Mira Awad, There Must Be Another Way - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBTQFOkFZw8  

Julien Salvia and Ludovic-Alexandre Vidal (Writers, Luxembourg 2025) - 18:23, Andrew Lippa (Big Fish, The Addams Family, Wild Party) - 34:45         This week we're talking about songwriting! In our first segment, we discuss how culture and technology have changed the collaborative model for songwriting over the years - and discuss how and why all collaborative models, even some older ones, are still relevant at Eurovision today.         Then, we talk to Julien Salvia and Ludovic-Alexandre Vidal- the songwriters behind Luxembourg's 2025 entry, "La poupée monte le son." They give us a window into their songwriting process and how it's developed over years writing for theater, and now Eurovision.         Finally, we sit down with preeminent Broadway composer, Andrew Lippa (Big Fish, The Addams Family, Wild Party) for a game that explores the differences between Eurovision and the charts. Andrew brings his songwriting expertise to bear on a number of Eurovision songs over the years- some of which were hits at the contest, while others stood out on the charts.       MAYBE THEY LIKE IT THIS WAY:     2017   Blanche, City Lights (Belgium): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbomdE81_mA     Salvador Sobral, Amar pelos dois (Portugal): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6DqfHPkKUc       2016   Jamala, 1944 (Ukraine): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCG2rw4ZXTY     Frans, If I Were Sorry (Sweden): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GTdelXRlA4       2022   Rosa Linn, Snap (Armenia): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVqGKkm7xBE    Kalush Orchestra, Stefania (Ukraine): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiEGVYOruLk       1996:   Eimear Quinn, The Voice (Ireland): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KiE1byYXtA     Gina G Ooh Ah Just A Little Bit (UK): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgN-pI1rA0E       2002   Ira Losco, 7th Wonder (Malta): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4fHMmPqC80      Marie N, I Wanna (Latvia): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M-w89U8TEU

Emilija Kokić, Riva, Rock Me, WINNER Yugoslavia 1989 (27:23), Jackie Cox (47:08)       This is the second episode in our two part series about Celine Dion! We pick up right after Celine's Eurovision victory, tracing her rise to global pop stardom, her experience of critical backlash, her health struggles and her recent comeback. As we do so, we discuss the parallels between Celine's ebb and flow of cultural relevance, and that of the contest that launched her.          Then we speak to Emilija Kokić, who won Eurovision the year after Celine for Yugoslavia, as the front woman of Riva, with the song Rock Me. We discuss that incredible moment in the late '80s when it felt like the world was opening up, and the difficult aftermath as Emilija launched her solo career against the back drop of war, genocide and the break-up of Yugoslavia.         Finally, we sit down with Jackie Cox (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 12), and explore Canadian acts at Eurovision, in a game of Tops and Bottoms that we're calling the "Not Like Us" edition. We cover everything from the code switching Canadians are often forced to do on the international stage, to the threat the country now faces from Donald Trump.         TOPS AND BOTTOMS: NOT LIKE US EDITION       Sherisse Laurence, L'amour de ma vie (Luxembourg, 1986):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTyzJSnLv3Q       Celine Dion, Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi (Switzerland 1988): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXLWfXmlXPc       Annie Cotton, Moi, tout simplement, (Switzerland, 1993): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QG-kvD7GHo       Natasha St-Pier, Je N'ai Que Mon Âme, (France, 2001): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCfqvkCEyy4       Rykka, The Last of Our Kind, (Switzerland, 2016): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96ENe3EYBE0       La Zarra, Evidement, (France, 2023): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWfbEFH9NvQ

Marie Louise Werth, Furbaz, 1989 (21:29), Gianmarco Soresi, Comedian, (36:00)       This episode is part one of a two part series about Eurovision icon Celine Dion. We start by deep diving into some broad themes of Celine's early career and life, and discuss how she as an artist faces a lot of the same challenges and biases as the contest that made her famous. Then we talk to Marie Louise Werth who, as the lead singer of Furbaz competed for Switzerland the year after Celine Dion, and competed against Celine Dion in the Swiss National Final. Furbaz is the only band ever to sing Romansh on the Eurovision stage. We then sit down with comedian Gianmarco Soresi and play a game about Switzerland's unique history at Eurovision that we're calling "Chaotic Neutral."       CHAOTIC NEUTRAL:     Jean Philippe, The Return, 1962 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCNL5rtwabo     Nemo, The Code, 2024 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiGDvM14Kwg     Vanilla Ninja, Cool Vibes, 2005 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJX8RWJg7y4     Luca Hanni, She Got Me, 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PxoMWtAC7M

Scooch, UK 2007 (24:11), Cady Huffman (43:35)       Scooch, Flying the Flag: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT6yOIC6ihI       On this episode, we're talking about Eurovision comebacks! First we explore the history of UK artists using the Eurovision stage to relaunch their careers. Then we talk to Eurovision comeback icons Scooch, whose "Flying the Flag (For You)" remains a classic to this day. Finally, we sit down with Broadway star Cady Huffman (Tony winner for her turn as Ulla in the Producers), and play her a series of Eurovision songs that either made or broke the careers of the artists who performed them. Cady tries to tell the difference between the rising stars and the ones who didn't carry on, in a game we're calling "Remember When Ulla Danced? Will Ulla Ever Dance Again!?"       Remember When Ulla Danced? Will Ulla Ever Dance Again!?       Teenage Life, Daz Sampson (UK, 2006): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYgE7O0OLyw     Long Live Love, Olivia Newton John (UK, 1974): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBi_BDvQ2ag     I See A Star, Mouth and MacNeal (The Netherlands, 1974): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YeKTR7OFWs     Cry Baby, Jemini (UK,  2003): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAJ62IG3gBo     Gwendolyne, Julio Iglesias (Spain, 1970): https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ChvTMWYplAk       Calm After The Storm, The Common Linnets (Netherlands, 2014): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWe8PRsW4T0

Konstrakta - Serbia 2022 (22:33), Charles Busch - Tale of the Allergist's Wife (43:42)     In our Season 2 premiere we're tackling Eurovision and the Avant-Garde! First, we deep dive into the history of avant-garde Eurovision acts and discuss the tension between Eurovision's desire to appeal to the broadest possible audience and its elevation of some of the most aesthetically and politically innovative pop acts of the last half century.     Then, we talk to Eurovision avant-garde darling Konstrakta, who took Turin by storm in 2022 with In Corpore Sano. Konstrakta walks us through her decades long career, where she has explored a modernity shaped by listlessness, spiritual consumerism and consternation about how it is that Megan Markle actually does get her healthy hair.     Finally, we sit down with queer theater pioneer Charles Busch, whose play, Tale of the Allergist's Wife, is the longest running Broadway comedy in the last quarter century. We get his thoughts on Eurovision's most boundary pushing acts, as well as a wild story about an alluring, antique thieving count.     "VAMPIRE LESBIANS OF EUROVISION" CLIPS     Konstrakta, In Corpore Sano (Serbia, 2022) -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odFhYxoXiuo      Rodolfo Chikilicuatre, Baila el Chiki-Chiki (Spain, 2008) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfeCIvOxXBo     Guildo Horn, Guildo Hat Euch Lieb (Germany, 1998) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo_DyXn-9Bc     Les Fatals Picards, L'amour à la française (France, 2008) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjo3PIABpVQ     Let 3, Mamma SC (Croatia, 2023) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isZ_4AnCTnA&t=1s     Verka Serduchka, Dancing Lasha Tumbai (Ukraine, 2007) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfjHJneVonE&t=1s    

Tali (Luxembourg, 2024 - 21:43), Kim Hale (ASL Interpreter, Loyal Listener - 38:59)   Our Bonus Episode 3 is all about you, the listener.     First, we go through some of the corrections and comments left on our youtube page - using the contributions of our listeners to look back on Season 1.   Then we sit down, in person, with Tali (Luxembourg, Eurovision 2024) and explore what post-Eurovision life is like for a contemporary artist.   Finally, we sit down with loyal listener Kim Hale for a game looking back on the season that we're calling, Have You Learned Nothing!?     Have You Learned Nothing!?   Loreen, Euphoria (Sweden 2012) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfo-8z86x80   Jamala, 1944 (Ukraine 2016) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCG2rw4ZXTY   Stefane and 3G, We Don't Want To Put In (Georgia 2008) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCG2rw4ZXTY

GUESTS: Alesia Michele (American Eurovision YouTuber, 22:43), Joe Iconis (Be More Chill, NBC's Smash, 39:29)   This is a very special election themed episode, where we channel our anxiety about the fall of American democracy into a discussion about Eurovision and authoritarianism.     We begin with a celebration of our wins at both the Signal Awards and Davey Awards (more award announcements to come), before diving into our main topic. We use two stories about Eurovision's interaction with Authoritarian regimes to get at the unique relationship authoritarians have to music. Trump looms large over this segment.     Then we interview preeminent American Eurovision YouTuber Alesia Michelle to talk about the state of Eurovision in the aftermath of last year's controversy.     Finally, we talk to Broadway composer Joe Iconis (Be More Chill, Bloodsong of Love, NBC's Smash), for a game about how Eurovision songs have been used in the political sphere that we're calling "Bounce or Backlash: Fear and Loathing At Eurovision"     Bounce or Backlash: Fear and Loathing At Eurovision     Dum Tek Tek, Hadise, Turkey 2009: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzKgojZqO5Y     Everyway That I Can, Sertab Erener, Turkey 2003: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0_QrKnqd5E     ABBA, Waterloo, Sweden 1974: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XJBNJ2wq0Y     Mahmood, Soldi, Italy 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22lISUXgSUw     Galasy ZMesta, I'll Teach You, 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPPOi0OjspU     Bilal Hassani, Roi, France 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VydsMYa9lyI  

Hello EuroVerse-rs! We have a very special announcement! Mysteries of the EuroVerse has been named a Finalist for the prestigious Signal Awards (alongside podcasts we love like Las Culturistas).     We're in the Indie Podcast Category - and are also up for a Listeners Choice Award. This is where we need your help. We'd so appreciate it if you clicked the link below, signed-in with your gmail and voted for us. Voting closes on October 17th. This will introduce us to new audiences and help us continue to get awesome guests as we ready Season 2!     https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2024/shows/craft/best-indie-podcast

GUESTS: Aiko (Czechia 2024 - 22:10), EyeCue (Macedonia 2018- 36:59), Leon Neyfakh (Slow Burn, Fiasco - 48:10)   This is our first of three bonus episodes as we prepare for our big launch of season 2! After a few updates, we deep dive into the debate over Israel's score this year, and claims that the results were political-- attempting to clarify what it is when we talk about when we talk about "political voting" at Eurovision.   Then we have TWO Eurovision interviews: Aiko, who represented Czechia this year with Pedestal, and EyeCue who represented Macedonia in 2018 with the song Lost and Found.   Finally, we sit down with podcaster and journalist extraordinaire, Leon Neyfakh (Slow Burn, Fiasco), for a game about political voting at Eurovision that we're calling "Tops and Bottoms: Just Enjoy the Music Edition"     Tops and Bottoms: Just Enjoy The Music Edition   Maria Serifovic, Molitva (Serbia 2007) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSueQN1QvV4   Andy Abraham, Even If (UK 2008) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV7kgSvKPXk   TuralTuranX, Tell Me More (Azerbaijan 2023) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dvsr-L3HgY   Ell and Nikki, Running Scared (Azerbaijan 2011) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0tlQUW5X0U   Ruslana, Wild Dances (Ukraine 2004) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10XR67NQcAc   Bardo, One Step Further (UK 1982) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFYZy-8sMJI

Andreas Magnusson (Host, FalastinVision) - 6:55, Stig Karlsen (Head of Norway's Eurovision Delegation) - 13:57, Karin Karlsen (Head Organizer Eurovision 2024 for the City of Malmo) - 20:23     Bashar Murad (Wild West, Söngvakeppnin 2024) - 30:03, Tymoffi Muzychuck (Kalush Orchestra - Eurovision Winner 2022) - 47:20, Rosa Linn (Snap, Eurovision 2022, over one billion spotify streams) - 57:43     We have a SUPER SIZED episode for our season finale, as we bring in a bunch of different voices to help us figure out what happened this year, and what the organization should do next.      We begin by talking about the controversy over Israel's participation, consulting with Karin Karlsson, who organized Eurovision 2024 for the City of Malmo, Stig Karlsen, who runs Norway's Eurovision delegation, and Andreas Magnusson, the host FalastinVision - the alternative, protest version of Eurovision, centered on Palestinian artists.     Then we have three incredibly exciting guests, who represent the three overarching themes of Eurovision 2024:      Rosa Linn, whose viral song Snap has over one billion streams, is one of only three Eurovision songs since 1976 to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, is THE artist to talk to when it comes to Eurovision's push for chart dominance.      Tymofii Muzychuk who, as a member of Kalush Orchestra, won Eurovision 2022 for Ukraine, very much represents the best of what can happen when Eurovision and politics collide -- Kalush's victory became symbolic of Ukrainians' heroic resistance.      Finally, Bashar Murad, a queer Palestinian artist who almost represented Iceland in Eurovision this year, is a reminder of who's not on stage at Eurovision.     

Immediately after we recorded our last episode, things went wild. We'll be back next week with more analysis, but we wanted to give you an up-to-the-minute update as we've had one artist disqualified and several others begin to openly protest from the Eurovision stage or not show up at all. Going into tonight, it's unclear what will happen but we wanted you to have all the information we do as you watch.

In this episode we report LIVE from Malmö, Sweden! As controversy swirls around Israel's participation in the contest and Eurovision tries to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ABBA's win with a contest more geared toward high spectacle and chart topping pop songs than ever, we're bringing you a super-sized episode!   First we talk to Eurovision winner Emmelie de Forest who won the contest last time Malmö, Sweden hosted, with her hit song “Only Teardrops.” She reflects on how the contest, and the city of Malmo have changed in the past decade— and talks to us about what it's like to cross-over from the world of Eurovision to the contemporary pop charts.   Then we speak to this year's contestants from Azerbaijan, Fahree and Ilkin Dovlatov, whose song Ozunle Apar combines two Eurovision staples: a contemporary pop songwriting, mixed with a national folk tradition.   We then sit down with the EBU Deputy Director General, Jean Philip de Tender and try to get him to articulate the principles on which Eurovision makes decisions about what countries are allowed to remain in the Eurovision coalition, as well as getting him to speak to the heightened security situation on the ground.   Next up is Gåte, a Norwegian folk-metal band whose song was in danger of disqualifying on a technicality - their lyric text, based on a 1000 year-old medieval ballad, was thought to possibly violate Eurovision's rule that songs must be “original.” After a rewrite, and a stunning performance in the Semi-Final, Gate is on their way to compete in the final TONIGHT.   We wrap up our episode with Nemo, who's song The Code is one of the favorites to win Eurovision 2024. Another one of the favorites, Angelina Mango of Italy, then drops by to receive our award for NYC's Best Eurovision Song of 2024.   SONGS: Emmelie de Forest Segment:   Only Teardrops: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k59E7T0H-Us   Rainmaker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNdrYzZ55gI Drunk   Tonight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EarZE6V28tA Never   Give Up on You, Lucie Jones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl1GYTg4GmA   Rabbit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwvNi2SoIfE   Fahree and Ilkin Dovlatov Segment   Ozunle Apar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhN9r8TH2Hw   Fahree: Dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ouCoavhq1c   Apardi Uzalqlara: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YejL-n9sH3o   Ilkin Dovlatov:   Insalar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36o6ljxKy7Q   Geceler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXQkOFiquv8   Gåte Segment   Ulveham: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UycoKAz1Jm8   Horpa (Acoustic Version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3FwBYV_LiA   Nemo Segment   This Body: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-b82ZfJHdw   The Code: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiGDvM14Kwg    

Since we're reporting on the ground from Malmo, our regularly scheduled episode will come out at the end of the week to coincide with Eurovision 2024! Until then we'd love to share two previous episodes we think set this year's contest up well. This is our episode about Sweden's takeover of Eurovision and global pop, in advance of them hosting this year's contest.   Dr. Alban, Hello Afrika, One Love (26:30), Deborah Ann Woll, (HBO's True Blood, Netflix's Daredevil, (37:13)   This week, we're talking about the Swedish domination of pop music. How  this tiny country took over one of the world's largest entertainment industries is a story with a ton of twists and turns-- and, of course, Eurovision is at the center of it. First we deep dive into that history and try to figure out what it is about Sweden that has made it such a pop power house.   Then we talk to EuroDance star Dr. Alban, who has sold over 16 million records worldwide, and who was part of the original group of artists at Cheiron studios-- the hit factory that launched Ace of Base, The Backstreet Boys, 'NYSNC, and Britney Spears.   Finally, we sit down with Deborah Ann Woll, star of True Blood and Daredevil, for a game we're calling "Victory is Oh, So Swede," where we try to figure out what gives those Swedish Eurovision songs their extra edge.   VICTORY IS OH, SO SWEDE: Empty Room, Sanna Nielsen, 2008- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjQFiFXH2IU Ring Ring, ABBA, 1973- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL0EoXdpOqg Charlotte Nilssen, Tusen och en natt, 1999 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMtcHdzr1c8 Charlotte Nilssen, Take Me To Your Heaven, 1999 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0xypjODpY4 Mans Zelmerlow, Hope and Glory, 2009 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBifUBqFkwA Carola, Fangad Av En Stormvin, 1991 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ml6pJqc_bw Herreys, Diggy-Loo Diggy-Ley, 1984 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls2Lq07iWPM Loreen, My Heart is Refusing Me, 2011 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjrVoonz4WE Loreen, Euphoria, 2012 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfo-8z86x80 Loreen, Tattoo, 2023 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vul5zgC5Yvg  

Since we're reporting on the ground from Malmo, our regularly scheduled episode will come out at the end of the week to coincide with Eurovision 2024! Until then we'd love to share two previous episodes we think set this year's contest up well. This is our episode about Israel's participation in Eurovision.   Guests: Paul Jordan (Dr. Eurovision), Dave Keating (Brussels Based EU Reporter), and Elias Jahshan (This Arab is Queer) featured in the Deep Dive - 1:37 Zack Beauchamp (Senior Foreign Policy Correspondent, Vox.com) - 27:24 Professor Shibley Telhami (Brookings Institute, Council of Foreign Relations) - 45:47 This week, we're talking about the controversy surrounding Israel's participation in Eurovision. First we talk about the history of countries being sanctioned by Eurovision, and try to get at the fundamental questions of values that underlie the debate over whether Israel should participate. We turn to Eurovision expert Dr. Paul Jordan, EU expert Dave Keating, and editor of "This Arab is Queer," Elias Jahshan for context. Then, we turn to two experts for further context concerning the war in Gaza and where the conflict stands. Zack Beauchamp is a senior Foreign Policy Correspondent at Vox, and Shibley Telhami holds the Anwar Sadat Professorship for Peace and Development at University of Maryland, a senior non-resident fellow at Brookings, and has authored, co-authored and edited several books, including the One State Reality. He has advised every American president from George H.W. Bush to Barack Obama.   Deep Dive Videos:   Bashar Murad, Wild West, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Moqt2hnlEM   Eden Golan, Hurricane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJYn09tuPw4   Books by our Guests:   Zack Beauchamp, The Reactionary Spirit: How America's Most Insidious Political Tradition Swept the World  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/154170441X?tag=hacboogrosit-20   Shibley Telhami, Nathan Brown, Michael Barnett, Marc Lynch, The One State Reality, https://www.amazon.com/One-State-Reality-Israel-Palestine/dp/1501768409/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=   Elias Jahshan, This Arab is Queer, https://www.amazon.com/This-Arab-Queer-Anthology-Writers/dp/086356478X   Dr. Paul Jordan, The Modern Fairytale https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/33429        

Daniela Ruah (21:12), Dylan Baker and Becky Ann Baker (36:25) This week we're talking about hosting Eurovision. First we deep dive into the ways in which countries have used hosting Eurovision to communicate narratives about their nation's culture and politics to the wider world. Then we talk to NCIS LA star and Host of Eurovision 2018 in Lisbon, Daniela Ruah. Finally, we sit down with stars of stage and screen, Dylan Baker (Happiness, Dream Scenario) and Becky Ann Baker (Girls, Freaks and Geeks) to explore the acts chosen to represent Eurovision host countries in a game we're calling “Eurovision Tops and Bottoms: I Can Host Edition”   SONGS FEATURED IN EUROVISION TOPS AND BOTTOMS   Greenjolly, Razom Nas Bahato, Ukraine 2005 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5u6J_mbhLU     Anastasia Prikhodko, Mamo, Russia 2009 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxZGknFxE58     Tajči, Hajde Da Ludujemo, Yugoslavia 1990 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksPXBLCwaL4     Jelena Tomašević feat. Bora Dugic, Oro, Serbia 2008 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3NMkyDSEb0     Salomé, Vivo cantando, Spain, Eurovision 1969 -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQgb7QdZIv0     Cláudia Pascoal, O Jardim, Portugal 2018 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHjGbADMcOI

Interviews with Eurovision 2024 Contestants: Hera Bjork, Iceland (19:59), Marina Satti, Greece (35:57) Performances: Liam Oh (Sam Ryder, Spaceman, UK 2022) - 44:58, Magnus Riise “Ulveham/Unforgettable” (Gåte, Norway 2024, Marcus and Martinus, Sweden, 2024) - 49:41   This is our final live episode of Mysteries of the EuroVerse -- the one where we crown Best Eurovision song of 2024 based on YOUR votes! This week, we looked at songs from , with two special guests. TV Showrunner Karen DiConcetto (SKAM Austin, Recovery Road), who was also part of a pop duo with three top ten UK singles (Daphne and Celeste), and Liam Oh will be starring in Norman Lear's last show (Netflix, TBA).   We're also featuring two interviews with Eurovision 2024 performers! Hera Bjork (Iceland, Scared of Heights), and Marina Satti (Zari).   We finish things off with our results and two very special performances of Eurovision songs -- Liam Oh sings Sam Ryder's "Spaceman" (UK 2022) and Mysteries of the EuroVerse Co-Host Magnus Riise presents a very special Norwegian mash-up,  “Ulveham/Unforgettable” (Gåte, Norway 2024, Marcus and Martinus, Sweden, 2024).   “Tattoo/Waterloo” Singers (ABBA 1974 and Loreen 2023, Sweden): Emily Durand, Charlotte Topp, Noa Miranda, Sophie Stromberg, Lake Wilburn, Luana Psaros, Nichole Conrad, Erica Walker, Maria Reed, Margaret Warrington, Nichole Conrad, Andrew Brooks, Nichole Conrad, Tessa Miller Kiesz.   2024 Songs Discussed:     Gåte, Ulveham, Norway - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UipzszlJwRQ   Marina Satti, Zari, Greece - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTSTnLWGUPs   Marcus and Martinus, Unforgettable, Sweden - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yekc8t0rJqA   Kaleen, We Will Rave, Austria - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqda15G4T-4   Hera Björk, Scared of Heights, Iceland - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OouUsCZ3xkM   Nebulossa, Zorra, Spain - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSZqlQZ0_us   Raiven, Veronika, Slovenia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWcSsi7SliI   Aiko, Pedestal, Czechia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iTcX6NlAqA   Alyona, Alyona and Jerry Heil, Teresa and Maria, Ukraine - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_8cNbF8FLI    

Interviews with Eurovision 2024 Contestants: Iolanda, Portugal (23:06), Sarah Bonnici, Malta (38:02)     Performances: Magnus Riise Performs “Before the Party is Over” (Mustii, Belgium, 2024)     This is our third of four live episodes of Mysteries of the EuroVerse -- where we crown Best Eurovision song of 2024 based on YOUR votes!      This week, we looked at songs from Belgium, Ireland, Georgia, Israel, Latvia, Albania, Denmark, Portugal, Malta and Italy, with Broadway playwright Douglas Lyons (Chicken and Biscuits, Apple TV's Fraggle Rock).    We're also featuring two interviews with Eurovision 2024 performers! Iolanda (Portugal, Grito), and Sarah Bonnici (Malta, Loop).   Finally, we finish things off with a performance of Mustii's Before The Party is Over, performed by Mysteries of the EuroVerse Co-Host Magnus Riise. And, of course, the results of who won our “Third Heat”   We've got one more event at THE SPOT in Hell's Kitchen (599 10th Avenue) at 8pm on Thursday April18th— THE GRAND FINAL. Come by, celebrate the music, and make sure your voice is heard!   “Satellite” Singers (Lena, Germany, 2010): Shira Bouskila, Liam Joshua Munn, Emily Durand Charlotte Topp, Maddie LaFerr, Maria Reed, Tessa Amy Knips, Cole Duffy, Tess Miller Kiesz, Margaret Warrington   SONGS FROM THE NIGHT:   Mustii, Before The Party's Over - Belgium: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCe9zrWEFNc   Bambie Thug, Doomsday Blues - Ireland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGRXRrlIspY     Nutsa Buzaladze, Firefighter- Georgia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blMwY8Jabyk     Eden Golan, Hurricane- Israel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJYn09tuPw4     Dons, Hollow - Latvia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TIji6Ac8b4     Besa, Titan - Albania: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrjFhjpm7D8     Saba, Sand - Denmark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pCtdFnv9eQ     Iolanda, Grito - Portugal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5wDGhcDSpQ     Sarah Bonnici, Loop - Malta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6eS60n4wg8     Angelina Mango, La Noia - Italy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKzWskcTTA8    

Interviews with Eurovision 2024 Contestants: Tali (Luxembourg) 20:37, Natalia Barbu (Moldova) 38:45.     Performances: Ali Ewoldt Performs "Zero Gravity" Kate Miller Heidke (48:57), Magnus Riise Performs "The Tower" Luna (Eurovision 2024 Cover) (52:19)     This is our second of four live episodes of Mysteries of the EuroVerse -- where we crown Best Eurovision song of 2024 based on YOUR votes. This week we looked at songs from Poland, Croatia, France, Cyprus, Moldova, Serbia, Armenia, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, with Broadway star Ali Ewoldt (Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera).      At the end of the episode, you'll find out who made it out of our "2nd Heat." We're also featuring two interviews with Eurovision 2024 performers! Tali (Luxembourg), and Natalia Barbu (Moldova). You'll also hear a cover of Luna's Tower by Mysteries of the EuroVerse Co-Host Magnus Riise, and a cover of Eurovision classic Kate Miller Heidke's "Zero Gravity"!     We've got two more events at THE SPOT in Hell's Kitchen (599 10th Avenue) at 8pm on Thursday April 11th and 18th. Come by, celebrate the music, and make sure your voice is heard!   Only Teardrops Singers: Nichole Conrad, Maddie LaFerr, Charlotte Topp, Maria Reed, Emily Durand, Noa Miranda, Myea Patterson, Tess Miller Kiesz.     Poland, Luna, The Tower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhvDkF9XZx0   Croatia, Baby Lasagna, Rim Tim Tagi Dim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBsgTJQFl9k   France, Slimane, Mon Amour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfoOop2HXxQ   Cyprus, Silia Kapsis, Liar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q5QozrtEPA   Moldova, Natalia Barbu, In The Middle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jom9sNL5whs   Serbia, Teya Dora, Ramonda: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=lWzPO6nPpwU   Armenia, Ladaniva, Jako: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=_6xfmW0Fc40   Switzerland, Nemo, The Code: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiGDvM14Kwg   Luxembourg, Tali, Fighter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV3sORfrREE

Silvester Belt, Lithuania 2024 (23:43)   This is our first of four live episodes of Mysteries of the EuroVerse -- where we crown Best Eurovision song of 2024 based on YOUR votes. This week we looked at songs from the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Finland, Australia, Estonia, San Marino, Azerbaijan and Lithuania, with Mysteries of the EuroVerse favorite, stunt queen Izzy Uncut. At the end of the episode, you'll find out who made it out of our "1st Heat."   We're also featuring an interview with Silvester Belt himself, who is representing Lithuania at Eurovision this year with the hit song Luktelk. You'll also hear a live cover of Euphoria from The Mysteries of the EuroVocalists Choir, under the music direction of Alex Ngo!   We've got three more events at THE SPOT in Hell's Kitchen (599 10th Avenue) at 8pm on Thursday April 4th, 11th and 18th. Come by, celebrate the music, and make sure your voice is heard!   THE SONGS UK - Olly Alexander, Dizzy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLNUj7kvn2w The Netherlands - Joost, Europapa - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT2wY0DjYGo Germany - Isaak, Always on the Run - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twhq3S4YHdQ Finland - Windows95man, No Rules - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf1NS1vEhSg Australia - Electric Fields, One Blood - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJ2IaHxCvdw Estonia - 5miinust, Puuluup, We Don't Know Anything About These Drugs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=htPAhtVgKsI& San Marino - Megara, 11:11 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXcDmbtDQTs Azerbaijan - Fahree feat Ilkin Dovlatov, Take Me With You - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNhAk4rVgNc Lithuania - Silvester Belt, Luktelk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrL668EQRu0

Windows95man (23:14), Flamy Grant (35:34)   This week we're looking at Eurovision 2024 through the lens of the big themes we've talked about in our first season. We talk about Eurovision's relationship to America and contemporary pop, we examine the contest's move away from English language dominance, we dive into the updates on juries and voting, and, finally, we cover this year's biggest controversies.   Then we talk to our first Eurovision 2024 contestant, Finland's Windows95man-- a performance artist who shot to viral fame when a photo of him dressed as the character he created was retweeted by John Cena.   Finally, we sit down with Flamy Grant, a Christian drag queen who shot to #1 on the iTunes Christian Charts after being attacked on twitter by a right wing pastor. Flamy tries to figure out which controversial numbers succeeded at Eurovision in a game we're calling "Topping The Right with Flamy Grant"   Windows95man, No Rules, Finland 2024: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf1NS1vEhSg   Flamy Grant, Good Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiXscOjacIM     TOPPING THE RIGHT WITH FLAMY GRANT   Joan Manuel Serrat, La La La, 1968: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se24_GEA8vc   Gigliola Cincetti, Si, Italy 1974: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7HnHFAJg7I   Concita Wurst, Rise Like a Phoenix, Austria 2014: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaolVEJEjV4   Elena Tsagrinou, El Diablo, Cyprus 2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk4amZlPa4g   Hadise, Dum Tek Tek, Turkey 2009: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Nx6iVCaix0   Mahmood, Soldi, Italy 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=tEwvUu1dBTs          

Dr. Alban, Hello Afrika, One Love (26:30), Deborah Ann Woll, (HBO's True Blood, Netflix's Daredevil, (37:13)   This week, we're talking about the Swedish domination of pop music. How  this tiny country took over one of the world's largest entertainment industries is a story with a ton of twists and turns-- and, of course, Eurovision is at the center of it. First we deep dive into that history and try to figure out what it is about Sweden that has made it such a pop power house.   Then we talk to EuroDance star Dr. Alban, who has sold over 16 million records worldwide, and who was part of the original group of artists at Cheiron studios-- the hit factory that launched Ace of Base, The Backstreet Boys, 'NYSNC, and Britney Spears.   Finally, we sit down with Deborah Ann Woll, star of True Blood and Daredevil, for a game we're calling "Victory is Oh, So Swede," where we try to figure out what gives those Swedish Eurovision songs their extra edge.   VICTORY IS OH, SO SWEDE: Empty Room, Sanna Nielsen, 2008- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjQFiFXH2IU Ring Ring, ABBA, 1973- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL0EoXdpOqg Charlotte Nilssen, Tusen och en natt, 1999 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMtcHdzr1c8 Charlotte Nilssen, Take Me To Your Heaven, 1999 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0xypjODpY4 Mans Zelmerlow, Hope and Glory, 2009 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBifUBqFkwA Carola, Fangad Av En Stormvin, 1991 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ml6pJqc_bw Herreys, Diggy-Loo Diggy-Ley, 1984 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls2Lq07iWPM Loreen, My Heart is Refusing Me, 2011 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjrVoonz4WE Loreen, Euphoria, 2012 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfo-8z86x80 Loreen, Tattoo, 2023 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vul5zgC5Yvg  

Guests:   Paul Jordan (Dr. Eurovision), Dave Keating (Brussels Based EU Reporter), and Elias Jahshan (This Arab is Queer) featured in the Deep Dive - 1:37 Zack Beauchamp (Senior Foreign Policy Correspondent, Vox.com) - 27:24 Professor Shibley Telhami (Brookings Institute, Council of Foreign Relations) - 45:47 This week, we're talking about the controversy surrounding Israel's participation in Eurovision. First we talk about the history of countries being sanctioned by Eurovision, and try to get at the fundamental questions of values that underlie the debate over whether Israel should participate. We turn to Eurovision expert Dr. Paul Jordan, EU expert Dave Keating, and editor of "This Arab is Queer," Elias Jahshan for context. Then, we turn to two experts for further context concerning the war in Gaza and where the conflict stands. Zack Beauchamp is a senior Foreign Policy Correspondent at Vox, and Shibley Telhami holds the Anwar Sadat Professorship for Peace and Development at University of Maryland, a senior non-resident fellow at Brookings, and has authored, co-authored and edited several books, including the One State Reality. He has advised every American president from George H.W. Bush to Barack Obama.   Deep Dive Videos:   Bashar Murad, Wild West, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Moqt2hnlEM   Eden Golan, Hurricane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJYn09tuPw4   Books by our Guests:   Zack Beauchamp, The Reactionary Spirit: How America's Most Insidious Political Tradition Swept the World  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/154170441X?tag=hacboogrosit-20   Shibley Telhami, Nathan Brown, Michael Barnett, Marc Lynch, The One State Reality, https://www.amazon.com/One-State-Reality-Israel-Palestine/dp/1501768409/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=   Elias Jahshan, This Arab is Queer, https://www.amazon.com/This-Arab-Queer-Anthology-Writers/dp/086356478X   Dr. Paul Jordan, The Modern Fairytale https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/33429        

Episode 14: Eurovision Behind The Iron Curtain   25:00 Dr. Dean Vuletic (Historian, “Intervision: Popular Music and Politics in Eastern Europe”)   40:28 Chris Molanphy (Chart Expert, Host of Slate's Hit Parade, Author, "Old Town Road")    This week we're talking about the Intervision Song Contest - the Eurovision equivalent organized by communist governments during the cold war. Putin has been making noises about restarting the ISC, but as we talk about, he fundamentally misunderstands the original festival. Intervision was a liberalizing force, run by reformers working to open their countries to the rest of the world. We discuss what Intervision is and why it's so often misremembered.   Then we talk to a true Eurovision and Intervision expert, Dean Vuletic, a historian specializing in Eastern Europe, whose work has focused on the history of Intervision.   Finally, we sit down with Chris Molanphy, the host of Slate's Hit Parade, and author of Old Town Road. Chris is an expert on the American pop charts, and brings his knowledge of American music trends to analyzing songs in the ISC -- as we try to figure out how different the songs coming out of the Eastern Bloc were from their contemporaneous Western equivalents. It's a game we're calling Intervision Tops and Bottoms, Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the ISC.   Marta Kubicova, A Prayer for Marta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IzKWTcK1po   Helena Vondráčková, Painted Jug: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=c-kcwGpItzQ&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.plotek.pl%2F&feature=emb_imp_woyt Intervision Tops and Bottoms, Or How I Learned to Stopped Worrying and Love The ISC Karel Gott, 1965,  Tam, Kam Chodí Vítr Spát (Where The Wind Goes To Sleep) - Czechoslovakia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CZLrd69eds Kati Kovac, 1977, Elegy - Hungary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BephMNnWFFA Farah Maria, 1977 El Recuerdo De Aquel Largo Viaje - Cuba: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UorQpuOB5I Czerwone Gitary, Nie Spoczniemy, 1977 - Poland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IWb1K75nAY Tahmina Niyazova, Zangi Telefon, 2008 - Tajikistan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVDv4XNWmHw        

Linda Martin (Winner, Ireland 1992), Elisabeth Andreasson (Winner, Norway 1985), Senhit (Grand Final feat Flo Rida, 2021), Barrett Foa (NCIS: LA, The Residence - Netflix)   On this episode, we explore what it takes to be a Eurovision Icon and what separates Eurovision icons from pop icons-- diving into how the aesthetics, music and politics of Eurovision affect the stars who get elevated.    More importantly, we talk to three (!!) Eurovision icons: Linda Martin, who is one of only five performers to place both #1 and #2 at Eurovision, Elisabeth Andreasson (aka Bettan), who shares that distinction with Linda Martin-- and who has competed in Eurovision four times, and Senhit, who was selected to represent San Marino at three separate Eurovisions.   Finally we talk to Barrett Foa, who came back to NCIS: LA for 12 seasons about what it's like to be an icon within a particular fandom. We then play a game where he tries to identify what makes a Eurovision icon. It's a game we're calling Eurovision Tops and Bottoms, Icon or I Can't!   SONGS FROM DEEP DIVE   Cliff Richard, Move It: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5mIq3yF6Nc Cliff Richard, Congratulations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xJcE9tnY6E Zdob si Zdub, Boonika Bate Toba: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVhtWfC7RF4 Loreen, Euphoria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfo-8z86x80 Dima Bilan, Believe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-72s4WzUcKI Tommy Seebach, Under the Stars in the Sky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HOHvMXYOwA   Special credit to Christian Fahrenbach, who introduced Charlie to the list of artists who had competed over three separate decades.   SONGS FROM GUESTS   Linda Martin, Why Me?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zyicQLmQq4 Bobbysocks, La Det Swinge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDN2xut6IBw Senhit, Adrenalina feat Flo Rida: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRAN7AzEKak   TOPS AND BOTTOMS: Icon or I Can't   Malcolm Lincoln -Siren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFbVAQjESzE -Bye: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9EW385MtKY   Elisabeth Andreasson - La Det Swinge (Bobbysocks): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDN2xut6IBw - I Evighet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3tthxma94o   Kati Wolf -What About My Dreams?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuGUz1ExflY - Ne Engedj El!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb0snaRL_zE   Senhit - Stand By: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYR9twFdeYc - Adrenalina: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRAN7AzEKak   Linda Martin - Terminal 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDN2xut6IBw - Why Me?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zyicQLmQq4

EP 12: The Spin-Offs   Riker Lynch (Glee, Dancing With The Stars, American Song Contest) John D. Carrion, Executive Director of The NYC Gay Men's Chorus   On this episode, we're talking about the numerous times that the European Broadcasting Union (or EBU) has tried to spin-off the Eurovision concept. We start by taking about the European spin-offs that were started under the EBU's network of national broadcasters, including Eurovision Young Musicians, Eurovision Young Dancers, and Junior Eurovision. We then talk about the complications of exporting the Eurovision brand under a commercial model abroad, focusing in on the American Song Contest-- hosted by Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg.   We then interview American Song Contest runner-up Riker Lynch as he pulls back the curtain on the process of bringing the Eurovision concept to American audiences.   Finally, Executive Director of the NYC Gay Men's Chorus and Eurovision fan John D. Carrion stops by to play a game about the American Song Contest called Eurovision: Lost In Translation. John uses his knowledge of Eurovision to evaluate ASC numbers and analyze what it is about the Eurovision format that's so difficult to export.   Riker Lynch, Feel The Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of46fG2nl3s   LOST IN TRANSLATION WITH JOHN CARRION:   Michael Bolton, Beautiful World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9ES-AmDLBo Macy Gray, Every Night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSz20WF2fo8 AleXa, Wonderland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wyjs37rHy8 Sisqo, It's Up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDkyzOMozVc Jewel, The Story: https://www.facebook.com/nbc/videos/761038514913774/ Tenelle, Full Circle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeWlPwUl2mQ  

German Nenov (Ukraine's Creative Director Eurovision 2023), SuRie (UK 2018), Izzy Uncut (Watch What Happens Live)   On this episode, we explore the technology required to make a spectacle like Eurovision happen-- and we discuss how Eurovision's identity as a technological innovator is connected to its self-identity as an institution meant to stitch Europe back together. We talk with Ukraine's Creative Director for Eurovision 2023, German Nenov, about how the show comes together.   Then we sit down with SuRie, the UK's 2018 Eurovision contestant. Her performance marked one of the times that the machinery of Eurovision stopped-- as a man rushed the stage nearly interrupting her performance. We talk with SuRie about how she kept the performance on track, and also what it's like for an artist to try and translate their work to the needs of the Eurovision stage.   Finally, New York's premiere stunt queen, Izzy Uncut, drops by to evaluate spectacle at Eurovision. We talk about some of Eurovisions most iconic moments of athleticism and surprise in a game we're calling "Cooter Smash or Cooter Pass."   SuRie, Storm, 2018 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dmlXBBC6J8   Cooter Smash or Cooter Pass: 1. Svetlana Loboda, Be My Valentine (Ukraine 2009) https://youtu.be/xqclaNucp24?si=KOuXVK_rCJ4W0aB9 2. Javine, Touch My Fire (UK 2005) https://youtu.be/k8zTZkCdeyg?si=Ahm7TFfq32IStxiI 3. Tanja, Amazing (Estonia 2014) https://youtu.be/wi9Q1ufjooE?si=HcSYWRVPI8CqbTIj 4. Hadise, Dum Tek Tek (Turkey 2009) https://youtu.be/TzKgojZqO5Y?si=St3i1mEBpLv_iM4R 5. Blanka, Solo (Poland 2023) https://youtu.be/RuGQ58gN8Wg?si=yFIQQ1ZnL9WWBvfS 6. Chanel, SloMo (Spain 2022) https://youtu.be/TmRIQ-JSFuE?si=yhiChN6_Ez21qlaj      

Sally Ann Triplett 18:41 (Prima Donna - Love Enough For Two - UK 1980 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8fUTTwOp40, Bardo - One Step Further UK 1982 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qy6S7LvtNc) Tvorchi 31:26 (Heart of Steel- Ukraine 2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neIscK1hNxs) Size Matters With Josh Keating 36:44   In this episode, we talk about a core inequality in Eurovision's system for choosing the acts that make it to the Grand Final-- and how that's a reflection of a difficult balance that most international institutions have to face: How do you balance a commitment to fairness with the need to appeal to the larger countries that keep you funded. We talk to two Eurovision acts: Sally Ann Triplett, who represented the UK twice, and Tvorchi, who represented Ukraine this past year in Liverpool. Then Vox.com Senior Foreign Policy Correspondent Josh Keating stops by for a game focused on how the power imbalance at the core of Eurovision affects the music on the night of the Grand Final-- as Eurovision's largest countries ("the big 5") get to skip the semi-finals entirely. This very serious game is one we're calling "Size Matters with Josh Keating" 1.  I Want Your Love - Eduard Romanyuta - Moldova 2015 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px1MoZ0k7qY) 2. Still In Love With You - Electro Velvet - UK 2015  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6r1tUhl1cQ) 3. Divine - Sebastian Tellier - France 2008 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZQjBCvFd9E) 4.  Let Me Love You - Tamara, Vrcak & Adrijan - North Macedonia 2008 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLpZyiROXzk) 5. Blood & Glitter - Lord Of The Lost - Germany 2023 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y12_YMs9kCQ) 6. Sudden Lights - Aija - Latvia 2023 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAjVA3qwqGk) 7. Help You Fly - Ivan - Belarus 2016 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-13I_VF5d4k) 8.  Say Yay! - Barei - 2016 Spain (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0I37W3RN_U) 9. That Sounds Good To Me- Josh Dubovie - UK 2010 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8363R9XbGY 10. Eastern European Funk - InCulto - Lithuania 2010 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8363R9XbGY&t=31s)

21:06 Andrew Lambrou (Cyprus, 2023, Break a Broken Heart): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQG9YH2nCJw)   31:37 Troy Iwata (The Daily Show, Dash and Lily)   We are in the middle of National Finals season, and controversy is already swirling around some of this years' selection processes! We talk about how a country's choice of song reflects what they want to project to the world, and how authoritarians have used national selections to try to bend the identity of their countries. We also discuss some of the biggest scandals in Eurovision national finals history, and explore how broadcasters can arrive at results that people view as "legitimate."   Then we talk to Cyprus' representative from 2023, Andrew Lambrou. Andrew was selected by Cyprus in a surprising way, and the Australian-Cypriot-Greek singer brings his perspective to the ways in which Eurovision's universalism allows for the mixing of identities and cultures.   Finally, Daily Show Correspondent Troy Iwata drops by to explore some of the biggest National Finals controversies in years past, and figure out what those controversial choices say about a nation's character. It's a game we're calling "National Not-Quite Final Answer"   National Not Quite Final Answer   Belarus, 2012   1: Alonya - Solayoh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKewBfUE2Mg   2: Litesound - We Are The Heroes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JWbOKNaIAo   Poland 2023 3. Blanka - Solo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANM4CwbE0Is 4. Jann - Gladiator - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYtmjhR8_8E   Spain 2017 5. Manel - Do It For Your Lover - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwS45HBhzTs 6. Mirela - Contigo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEKotQh05ds Spain 2022 7. Chanel - SloMo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mYBiIO0pfY 8. Tanxugueiras - Terra - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uGN9efcACw   Ukraine 2022 9. Alina Pash - Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAHyFdNFnrE 10. Kalush Orchestra - Stefania - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKpYMb4Zwt4

Blanka (Poland 2023) - 19:31 Her song, Solo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvQRpV1-ZhY Theodor Andrei (Romania 2023) - 30:09 His song, DGT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRxv-AUCinQ Pixie Aventura (Hulu's Drag Me To Dinner) - 42:16   On this episode, we're talking about the fandom! The unique nature of the Eurovision fandom comes from the fact that it's a sprawling international set, communicating across national boundaries, but then uniting once a year in a completely different city. We explore the network of Eurovision fanclubs under the OGAE umbrella-- with help from the president of OGAE himself, Simon Bennett. We talk about how social media has affected the fandom, the unique character of the Eurovision community and how that's been shaped by the particular nature of the song contest. Then we interview two 2023 artists, Blanka (Poland), and Theodor Andrei (Romania) who each experienced the darker side of the fandom-- we talk about how each dealt with their situation, and how, in both cases, blame for fans anger can really be laid at the feet of their national broadcasters. Finally, Pixie Aventura (Hulu's Drag Me To Dinner) stops by and shares her Eurovision expertise with us, as we evaluate which Eurovision numbers have that true camp punch to be able to survive on NY's cut throat Drag Scene. 1. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x81g3nx Manizha Russian Woman 2021 (Russia) 2. https://youtu.be/76KOUIfDry8?si=J_dxvXKnjPpny6y9 Elina Nechayeva - La Forza - Estonia Eurovision 2018 3. https://youtu.be/VlpBPO9_L4E?si=KCAfnHu9vs_fWYWY - Kate Miller-Heidke - Zero Gravity - Australia Eurovision 2019 4. La Zarra - Évidemment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbrTtYHL5nQ 5. https://youtu.be/CZQjBCvFd9E?si=vm3P2eVnglGiOhEb - Sébastien Tellier - Divine (France) Live 2008 Eurovision Song Contest 6. https://youtu.be/3Qa7_y21oOY?si=mqtUyhff5a7KtP3M - Can Bonomo - Love Me Back - Turkey - Live - Grand Final - 2012 Eurovision Song Contest Liverpool Revenue from Eurovision: https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2023/10/26/university-joins-liverpool-in-eurovision-civic-pride/

1:07- Deep Dive- Eurovision and Contemporary Pop 21:43 Joker Out (Slovenia 2023) 39:58 Killer Notes or Killer Nodes with Telly Leung This week we're discussing Eurovision's relationship to contemporary pop-- and specifically what it is about the rules of the world's largest song competition that complicate its relationship to the charts. We cover rules around back-up singers, auto-tune, the orchestra, and use of tracks. Then, we talk to pop rock darlings Joker Out, who represent a new wave at Eurovision-- their hit song Carpe Diem garnered a tremendous amount of streams across platforms. They followed that up with Novi Val, releasing an English language version with music legend Elvis Costello.   Finally, Telly Leung (Broadway's Allegiance and Aladdin, Glee, Netflix's Warrior) stops by. In addition to being a broadway star, Telly is also a professor of vocal performance-- and he uses his knowledge of vocal technique to analyze some of Eurovision's most dramatic vocal showcases. It's a game we're calling Killer Notes or Killer Nodes.   Mentioned:   One Step Further - Bardo Album Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qy6S7LvtNc Eurovision Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSAoeFYipxc   Loreen - Euphoria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfo-8z86x80   Reiley - Breaking My Heart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04C8E7PUMQo    Joker Out's Carpe Diem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfTiuZaESKs   From "Killer Notes or Killer Nodes":    Dancing in the Rain, Spain 2014, Ruth Lorenzo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OtuM3Zvkeo   Harel Skaat, Milim, Israel 2010: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj0qaNnLk9M   Playing with Fire, Ovi and Paula Seling, Romania 2010- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9EtMZXeQZw   Manel Navarro Do It For Your Lover 2017 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwS45HBhzTs (the song), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWP67FyGwUI (the fail)   Bulgaria Krassimir Avramov 2009 - Illusion - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL3VuL1Vy7w

21:24 Interview with Fazla (Bosnia, 1993) - All The Pain In The World, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmbrJkzQ4Ik 36:20 Interview with Jeff Hiller (Somebody, Somewhere)   In this episode we look at politics at Eurovision in the modern era. First, we examine a series of conflicts in Europe, and discuss how Eurovision's increasingly dominant self-conception as "apolitical" has hampered its ability to consistently confront contemporary events. Then, we talk to Fazla, who escaped Sarajevo under siege in the dead of night-- dodging sniper fire and scaling a mountain barefoot to make it to Eurovision and deliver a very important message. Finally, we comedian Jeff Hiller (Somebody, Somewhere) examines how even Eurovision's campiest numbers can carry important messages in a game we're calling "Is That A Political Message in Your Pocket, Or Are You Just Happy To See Me?"   From "Is That A Political Message in Your Pocket or Are You Just Happy To See Me?"   Donatan and Cleo - We are Slavic - Poland 2014 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=VJ920cN2HmA   DJ BoBo - Vampires Are Alive - Switzerland 2007 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9YTasUpAjw   Ireland Douze Points (aka the Dustin the Turkey Song) - Ireland 2008 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ps3kxGo_gro   Pirates of the Sea - Wolves of the Sea - 2008 Latvia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQy0PJEkQhA   Verka Serduchka, Lasha Tumbai - Ukraine 2007 -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfjHJneVonE   Let 3, Mama SC! - Croatia 2023 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1-hSh10PB4

19:55 - Gjon's Tears talks about his 2021 Eurovision near-win 35:00 - Michael Hsu Rosen plays a game putting the people against the powerful   We dive into one of the biggest controversies among Eurovision fans: how Eurovision selects its winners. Should they rely on the expertise of industry juries or should we let the people decide? We explore the evolution of Eurovision's constantly evolving selection process, and talk about the different implications of its varying forms.   Then we talk to Gjon's Tears, whose song Tout L'universe was a favorite of the juries, but was prevented from winning because of the televote-- eventually placing 3rd overall. We talk about everything from his experience at Eurovision, to his search for identity and belonging through music, to how his 2021 performance helped him overcome his body insecurity.   Finally, we chat with Michael Hsu Rosen who performed with the NYC Ballet, before going on to star in several popular Netflix hits (Pretty Smart, Glamorous). He draws on his experience operating in artistic worlds that are ruled alternately by expert and public opinion to explore why certain songs are jury favorites, and why others steal the heart of the people.   SONG LINKS   Mentioned in Deep Dive Loreen - Tattoo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3vJfR81xO0 Kaarija - Cha Cha Cha - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJHe-iZ5HSI   Gjon's Tears - Tout L'Univers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuimHmJMEFA   Mentioned in the Game   Keiino - Spirit in the Sky (Norway 2019) - https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x799hq2 Zdob si Zdub - Trenuletul (Moldova 2022) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9RJQPZsj8E Il Volo - Grande Amore (Italy 2015) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TOMqZV2jA8 Destiny - Je Me Casse (Malta 2019) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TdBbLVCAzk Tamara Todevska - Proud (North Macedonia 2019) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw-NQ1a1zZ0 Konstrakta - In Corpore Sano (Serbia 2022) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odFhYxoXiuo Teya and Selena - Who the Hell is Edgar? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JEJe85Xmnk)  

Deep Dive - Eurovision's Language Rule - 1:19 Interview - Go_A (Ukraine, 2021) - 18:19 Tops and Bottoms - Soman Chainani (The School for Good and Evil) - 32:30     In this week's episode we explore Eurovision's language rule-- which, during the eras' it's been in effect, has required that countries only submit songs in their own national languages. Defenders of the rule claim that it's necessary to preserve the diversity of language in Eurovision, while critics point out that it's unfair to require representatives from smaller nations to perform in languages unfamiliar to the televoting audience. We talk about how the on-and-off implementation of this rule tracks with larger issues at Eurovision, including the commercialization of the festival, the balance of power between larger and smaller nations, whether globalization necessarily means loss of national identity, and whether pop music is moving into a new phase of internationalism.   Then we talk to 2021 Ukrainian Eurovision entrants Go_A. The band is steeped in Ukrainian folklore and, in the interview, they provide a unique perspective on the importance of language choice in songwriting, and how music can communicate cultural history. Something very important right now in the shadow of Putin's war.   Finally, we play a Eurovision game with New York Times Best Selling novelist Soman Chainani (The School for Good and Evil). As this is the language episode, we focus specifically on the lyrics, and Soman brings the experience of watching his novel adapted into a hit Netflix movie to bear on a discussion of how language choices affect staging.   GO_A's Shum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCr0R8rbOAA   GAME CLIPS:   Fulenn - Alvan and Ahez (2022, France), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO07xLUlK2g Hard Rock Hallelujah - Lordi (2006, Finland),  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAh9NRGNhUU Monsters - Sara Aalto (2018, Finland), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEeIeQ-j2zk Fallen Angel - Tix (2021, Norway), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJcE8G8J8VI Heroes - Mans Zelmerlow (2015, Sweden), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sGOwFVUU0I Fairytale - Alexander Ryback (2012, Norway), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXwgZL4zx9o

#03: Pop, Power, and Politics 1:15 Deep Dive into The Political History of Eurovision 16:46 Jamala (Eurovision Winner, 2016, Representing Ukraine) 30:49 Brooke Gladstone (Peabody Award-winning host of On The Media) These days, Eurovision claims to be “apolitical,” but that wasn't always the case. We explore how Eurovision was founded in the aftermath of World War II, alongside political institutions like the UN, with the aim of stitching Europe back together. And we talk about how the contest dealt with ‘political' songs over its first half century.  Then we talk to Jamala, the Ukrainian singer who performed her Eurovision winning song about Stalin forcing Crimean Tatars out of their homes two years after Putin had done the same for her generation.  Finally, we introduce American journalist Brooke Gladstone to the contest through a game where she guesses whether or not a song was censored for being too political. This leads to a conversation about how Eurovision might better function as a public square, particularly in a time of increasing conflict in Europe. Links: Jamala's Album QIRIM: https://open.spotify.com/album/4oiDxgPCPh6FZDNQFCLziC?si=q43ss1SUSvm6B6zHTXBCyQ Jamala's Eurovision Winning Song, 1944: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxS6eKEOdLQ   "Is It Political?"   Marry Me - Krista Siegfrids -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdU02F9lT2g Ne ver, ne boysia - Tatu - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRwsNuDX3Kg We Don't Wanna Put In - Stephane & 3G - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P6-7Rw4xug 1944 - Jamala - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxS6eKEOdLQ Madonna's Eurovision Performance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=VG3WkiL0d_U&t=0s  

#02: Queer-o-Vision 18:36 - Gustaph (Eurovision Contestant, 2023, Representing Belgium) 35:18 Robin de Jesus (Three time Tony Nominated actor, Netflix's tick…tick..BOOM!, Hulu's Welcome to Chippendales) There's always been something a little queer about Eurovision. In our second episode, we explore the contest's history with the LGBTQ+ community– and how this “family show” has, at many points in its nearly 70 year existence, been way out front on LGBT rights issues. We also discuss the moments when the contest hasn't lived up to its image. We then talk to Gustaph, who, as a teen, left a promising career as a popstar in Belgium because of pressure to stay in the closet– only to emerge two decades later on the world's largest stage with a song that's unabashedly queer. The surprise hit of Eurovision this year, it catapulted to the top ten after being placed toward the bottom in the betting markets. We discuss how Gustaph's out and proud second act reflects a radically changed culture, and the ways in which homophobia, now subtler, seeps into both the fandom and supposedly “aesthetic” criticism.  Tony nominated American actor Robin de Jesus then stops by to play a game of “Gay or Eurovision.” As he guesses whether a number is performed by a queer artist, or if its queer aesthetics are just part of the Eurovision brand; we talk about the evolution of queer style and queer music in a time of expanding rights and mainstreaming of the community. And that conversation sounds gay to you— you have no idea how gay it gets.   Links: Dana International on Pinkwashing: https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/r1emcq8g2   Ping Pong: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/may/12/israel   Mango TV Scandal: https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-44078305   The Queer Politics of Eurovision: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnjtzn7ZkCs   Charlie's Politico Article: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/05/20/tricky-politics-of-eurovision-during-war-00097885   Gay or Eurovision:   Give That Wolf A Banana - Subwolfer - Norway, 2022 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJjo8s3fKUM   Lasha Tumbai - Verka Serduchka - Ukraine, 2007 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfjHJneVonE   Cezar - It's My Life - Russia, 2013 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgHWFiavqjA    Mahmood and Blanco - Brividi - Italy, 2022 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MgMhzfUmiA   Minn Hintsi Dans -Paul Oscar - Iceland, 1997 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-D4AAkYpsk  

Guests: David Dobkin (Director: Wedding Crashers, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga with Will Ferrell), Jerry Mitchell (Three Time Tony Award Winning Director/Choreographer, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde) Eurovision is the most watched song contest in the world– with viewership reaching 200 million people. It's larger than the Superbowl! But while Eurovision songs have charted 28 times in America, 19 of those times came before 1974. This was shortly followed by a dry spell that featured only one Eurovision song on the US charts in nearly 50 years. What happened? And why, over the past three years, have we seen a resurgence– with Eurovision acts touring major venues in the states, garnering awards and press coverage, and, yes, charting?  We explore these questions, and then talk with David Dobkin, the director of the movie responsible for the suddenly growing American interest in Eurovision– taking a look behind the scenes at the Will Ferrell vehicle that streamed #1 on Netflix, and tracing David's personal journey of discovering and falling in love with the contest as he made the film. Then we introduce Eurovision to Tony Award Winning Director Jerry Mitchell live on the podcast, with a game we call “Tops and Bottoms with Jerry Mitchell.” As we sip palomas in his Fire Island home, Jerry brings his expertise, honed through years of staging Broadway's biggest musicals, to help us evaluate what makes a successful Eurovision production number. Theme Song - Music: Tim Rosser, Lyrics: Charlie Sohne, Vocals: Magnus Riise TIMECODES: Deep Dive, “Why is America Waking Up to Eurovision Now?” - 1min14sec Interview with David Dobkin, Director “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga” - 16min39sec Interview with Jerry Mitchell, Tony Winning Director/Choreographer of Kinky Boots and Legally Blonde - 38min54sec LINKS: Charlie's Politico Article: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/05/20/tricky-politics-of-eurovision-during-war-00097885 Eurovision Songs on the Billboard Hot 100: https://www.aussievision.net/post/every-eurovision-song-to-chart-on-the-us-billboard-hot-100 Success of the Eurovision Movie https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2020/06/28/a-new-netflix-offering-has-unseated-floor-is-lava-for-the-1-spot/?sh=6320f9734271   EUROVISION US CHART TOPPERS MENTIONED:  Rosa Linn - Snap  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIKIgjLGf98 Duncan Laurence - Arcade https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eztx7Wr8PtE Maneskin - Beggin' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg72z08aTXY   WATCH EUROVISION: THE STORY OF FIRE SAGA: https://www.netflix.com/title/80244088   FROM ‘TOPS AND BOTTOMS WITH JERRY MITCHELL': Kaarija, Cha Cha Cha (Finland 2023) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJHe-iZ5HSI Konstrakta, In Corpore Sano (Serbia 2022) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po7HDHTBBE0 Reiley, Breaking My Heart (Denmark 2023)  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1DvuxpKkHY Anna Bergendahl, This Is My Life (Sweden 2010) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNk6CZ77ags Cornelia Jakobs, Hold Me Closer (Sweden 2022) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWDThAfryW4 Kate Ryan, Je T'adore (Belgium 2006) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JHnre0q3ow Loreen, Tattoo (Sweden 2023) -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7mCELuFz5I