Mysteries of the EuroVerse

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