Eurovision: Scandals, Scandals Everywhere and Not a Drop of Innocence
Eurovision promises catchy tunes and exuberant performances, but behind the curtain lies a treasure trove of scandals, from divorce drama with Sandie Shaw to Jemini’s infamous ‘nul points’. As Olly Alexander prepares to dazzle, we look back at the outrageousness of past contestants, proving that Eurovision is as much about the gossip as it is about the music.
Eurovision, the ultimate music extravaganza that promises a night of glitter, glamour, and family fun, is often anything but innocent. With Olly Alexander wriggling around on stage like he’s auditioning for a role in a ground-breaking toilet drama, he’s found himself at the centre of swirling controversies. Dancers in scantily clad outfits? Criticism, please! Meanwhile, whispers about boycotting due to Israel’s presence add to the spectacle we’re all ogling at home. But Olly’s hardly the only songbird who’s landed in the proverbial birdcage. Over the decades, Eurovision has cradled its fair share of raucous rabbit holes filled with outrageous scandals. The drama hasn’t been chicken feed – we’re talking extra-marital affairs, rigged votes, and performers competing while pregnant (seriously, Katie Price?). Take Sandie Shaw, for instance. In 1967, she was almost thrown off the show for being the surprise ‘other woman’ in a scandal involving a set of divorcing spouses. “The BBC wanted to fire me… they didn’t think it was the right image,” she said while no doubt staring at the competition in disbelief. That didn’t stop her from winning with her catchy tune, though. Fast forward to 2003, when the UK entry Jemini achieved something unique – the infamous ‘nul points’ (or zero points, for the laymen). Blame it on dodgy tech or the UK’s political status, but that certainly didn’t help their careers! Meanwhile, our beloved ABBA received a pitiful nil from UK judges before climbing their way to super-stardom. The irony? They apparently got zero points because they were too much competition for Olivia Newton John. How’s that for a backhanded compliment? And if that’s not absurd enough, let’s talk about the 2021 winner’s ‘cocaine controversy’. While all of Italy could celebrate, Damiano David was accused of snorting something that certainly wasn’t fairy dust. “I was looking for broken glass,” he protested, probably wishing he was just looking for a decent excuse. So, as we cheer Olly on this Eurovision night, let’s not forget the rich tapestry of hilarity and outrageousness that comes with this grand spectacle. It’s a song contest where the unexpected reigns supreme and the drama? Well, it’s just as crucial as the music!
Eurovision began as a song contest in 1956, aiming to unite European nations through music. Over the years, it has evolved into a cultural phenomenon known for its flamboyance and often outrageous controversies. From love triangles to allegations of foul play, each edition of the contest pages through a book of bizarre events that can only be matched by reality TV drama. The recurring theme is that while audiences tune in for catchy tunes, they often get sucked into the sensationalism and scandals of the performers behind those tunes.
In conclusion, Eurovision continues to be a stage not just for music, but for a bevy of scandals that keep tabloids on their toes and fans entertained. From shocking revelations to political protestations, the contest adds layers of drama to the musical fun. So, as we indulge in Olly Alexander’s show-stopping antics tonight, let’s embrace the chaos – after all, what’s Eurovision without a sprinkle of scandal?
Original Source: www.the-sun.com
