Looking ahead to the Eurovision Song Contest 2023
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 now be bustling with preparations to host the next competition. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the 2023 event will not be held in the country.
Instead, runners-up Britain – whose entry last year was Sam Ryder’s “Space Man” – agreed to host the music competition.
King Charles III – who has publicly admitted to being a fan of the pageant – 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 primarily reflected in the colors of Ukraine and the UK. 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. It was here that Brian Epstein, later the Beatles’ manager, ran his record shop and discovered the Fab Four at the legendary Cavern Club.
However, dampening all the mirth surrounding the historic site, and despite Liverpool’s traditional working-class roots, hotel and ticket prices soared to astronomical heights after it became known that the northern city would be the site of this year’s ESC. .
‘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 tickets for multiple rehearsals start at €34 ($38), fans had to pay up to €427 for the completely sold-out finale on Saturday. Those wanting an extra special experience could share a Grand Final “suite” for 12 people. For €51,000 euros in total, or €4,260 per person, the organizers offered an extra VIP area with champagne, canapés and buffet.
Cheapest tickets for Ukrainian refugees
Refugees from Ukraine can buy tickets to ESC events for around €20. The UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport “made available” 3,000 tickets at a discount. UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lucy Frazer said this means “thousands of tickets are being offered to displaced people 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 would have the opportunity to come to the city in May. “After all, this is their Eurovision,” she said.
Sweden is ESC favorite
The 37 participating countries held preliminary rounds across the country to determine which act they will send to Liverpool. The best-known competitions are held in Italy at the San Remo Music Festival and in Sweden at Melodifestivalen. Scandinavians opted for a familiar face: ESC 2012 winner Loreen. She is considered this year’s favorite with her dark electropop number titled “Tattoo”.
The likelihood of a Swedish victory is not surprising, as the country has a rich ESC tradition. The Scandinavian nation has won the crown six times in previous competitions, most famously in 1974 with ABBA’s “Waterloo”.
The same songwriters that helped Loreen win the 2012 title are back with “Tattoo”.
Finland and Ukraine keep hope
Finland also has a promising candidate in rapper Käärijä, whose entry called “Cha Cha Cha” starts with a raucous 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. The song is about the writer Edgar Allan Poe, as can also be clearly heard 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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