Eurovision Update 20 May 2021

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As ever this event comes with its obligatory baggage, melodrama, geopolitical voting and much controversy! It simply wouldn’t be Eurovision without these, now would it?

Here are the first 10 qualifiers

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPB4TA2H5xY/

Image Credit: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe (The Gayly Mirror)
Månesking on the Turquoise Carpet of Eurovision 2021 in Rotterdam, representing Italy. Suits designed by no other than ETRO!

Image Credit Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe (The Gayly Mirror)
Senhit from San Marino on the Turquoise Carpet 2021

Image Credit Geekycraze.com (The Gayly Mirror)
Anxhela Peristeri from Albania on the Turquoise Carpet

Fun facts:

• Eurovision got off to a tricky start with individuals from Iceland and Poland testing positive for Covid-19, thus missing the opening event. As delegations from Romania and Malta stayed at the same hotel as the Polish team, they, too, couldn’t attend the Turquoise Carpet
• The first semi-final kicked off in Rotterdam with 10 acts securing their place in the final on Saturday 22 May 2021.
• The second semi-final takes place on Thursday 20^th May.
• The finale on Saturday 22 May will see 26 countries compete for the crown at an event where only 3500 people are allowed in – all tested for covid-19.
• The Belarusian entry was disqualified as it mocked the anti-government demonstrators in Belarus.
• The Russian entry is also controversial as some in Russian society think it mocks women (but allegedly it’s a feminist song that actually glorifies women!)
• The event is now in its 65th year.
• A total of 39 countries are taking part in this year’s contest – all European with the exception of Israel, which confirmed its spot in the final.
• The first 10 finalists are Lithuania, Russia, Sweden, Cyprus, Norway, Belgium, Israel, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Malta.
• Apparantly songs were heavily influenced this year by current events such as: Black Lives Matter, MeToo, and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression brought on by the pandemic and lockdowns.
• This year’s favourites are Italy, France, and Malta.