Eurovision

Lot of people talk about Eurovision: some of them talk badly about it because they think the decisions are all based o politics; and some of them well because they love every song contestants sing. However, most of these people don’t know its origins.

Eurovision was an idea initially taken by Marzel Bezençon, who wanted to represent the idea of an Italian festival (Festival di San Remo). He wanted to unify European countries by means of songs. Finally, he got it the first time in 1956, with only 7 countries, but every country sang 2 songs each, one extraordinary case in this festival. 

From that year on, lots of countries have participated. Even, from African countries like Morocco. In the first decades, until the 80’s, there were already 20, although some countries decided not to participate anymore. However, the countries involved increased.

In 1992, Yugoslavia was divided, so this led to many countries whose aim was to continue participating. The quantity in 2000 was 24 countries, but it nearly doubled, and this year, they are 43 countries.

Eurovision has been done in lots of places. Mainly, in the ones in which the winner comes from. For example, this year, Eurovision is going to be done in Stockholm because Sweden won last year with Heroes and Mans Zelmerlow.

Spain has been participating since 1961. We have won only twice, in two consecutive years, 1968 with “La, la, la” and Massiel; and “Vivo Cantando” (I live singing) with Salomé. On the other hand, we have been in last place for four times. Spain, also, is part of the countries which passes directly to the finals, because it forms part of the “Big 5”.

This year, our performer will be Barei. He was chosen among 6 contestants: Barei, Salvador Beltran, Maria Isabel, Xuso Jones, Maverick and Electric Nana. Will he be a favorite this year?