Eurovision Song Contest 2023: an overview
The Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2022 with the song “Stefania”.
Under normal circumstances, this would mean that Ukraine would normally be filled with Eurovision vibes. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the 2023 version of the event will not be held in the country.
As a result, runners-up Great Britain – whose entry last year was Sam Ryder’s “Space Man” – agreed to host the music competition.
King Charles – who declared himself a fan of the contest – and Queen Camilla symbolically turned on the lights at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena in April, revealing this year’s stage design.
The motto, “United by Music”, should be reflected primarily in the colors of Ukraine and the United Kingdom. According to scenographer Julio Himede, the architecture “is inspired by a broad embrace and opens its arms to Ukraine, the performers of the show and guests from all over the world”.
Astronomical hotel and ticket prices
Liverpool made pop music history as the birthplace of the Beatles. Indeed, it was here that Brian Epstein, later the Beatles’ manager, ran his record shop and discovered the Fab Four at the legendary Cavern Club.
For all the gaiety of the historic site and Liverpool’s traditional working-class roots, hotel and ticket prices soared to astronomical heights after word spread that the northern city would be the venue.
‘Unprecedented’ leverage
As a spokesperson for BonusCodeBets, whoanalyzed all Booking.com and Airbnb listings in the city and noticed an increase of around 360% in prices, told the Echo of Liverpool: “We always see an increase in accommodation prices at major events, but Eurovision prices are unprecedented.”
Ticket prices aren’t exactly a bargain either. While multi-rehearsal tickets start at €34 ($38), you had to pay up to €427 for the fully sold-out final on Saturday, May 13th. Those who wanted something really special could share a “suite” for the Grand Final with 12 people. For €51,000 euros (€4,260 per person) there was an extra VIP area with champagne, canapés and buffet.
Cheapest tickets for Ukrainian refugees
Refugees from Ukraine can get tickets to ESC events for around €20. The UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport “made available” 3,000 tickets at a discount. This means, says UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, “thousands of tickets are being given away to people displaced by war so they can attend a show that honors their homeland, their culture and their music”.
Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson expressed her delight at the news that displaced Ukrainians will have the opportunity to come to the city in May. “After all, this is their Eurovision.”
Sweden is ESC favorite
The 37 participating countries held preliminary rounds across the country to determine which act they will send to Liverpool. The most well-known competitions are held in Italy with the San Remo Festival and Melodifestivalen in Sweden, where each country has reduced its entries. The Scandinavians opted for an old acquaintance — ESC 2012 winner Loreen. And she is considered a favorite with the dark electropop number, titled “Tattoo”.
The likelihood of a Swedish victory is not surprising, as the Scandinavian country has a rich ESC tradition, winning the crown six times, including most famously ABBA’s “Waterloo” in 1974.
Loreen’s title-winning songwriters are again responsible for “Tattoo”.
Finland and Ukraine keep hope
Finland also has a promising candidate in rapper Käärijä, whose entry called “Cha Cha Cha” starts with a mix of techno, metal and synthpop. According to the artist, the song is a tribute to Rammstein.
“Who The Hell Is Edgar” is the Austrian entry by Teya & Salena and is about the writer Edgar Allan Poe, who can also be heard clearly in the chorus: “Poe, Poe, PopopoPoe”.
The Ukrainian entry “Tvorchi” (Heart Of Steel) is also highly preferred by fans in the run-up to ESC, as is the French entry “Evidemment” by La Zarra. Bookmakers see them in third and fourth place, ahead of Spain and Norway.
Source: DW
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