Mysteries of the EuroVerse

Tali (Luxembourg, 2024 - 21:43), Kim Hale (ASL Interpreter, Loyal Listener - 38:59)   Our Bonus Episode 3 is all about you, the listener.     First, we go through some of the corrections and comments left on our youtube page - using the contributions of our listeners to look back on Season 1.   Then we sit down, in person, with Tali (Luxembourg, Eurovision 2024) and explore what post-Eurovision life is like for a contemporary artist.   Finally, we sit down with loyal listener Kim Hale for a game looking back on the season that we're calling, Have You Learned Nothing!?     Have You Learned Nothing!?   Loreen, Euphoria (Sweden 2012) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfo-8z86x80   Jamala, 1944 (Ukraine 2016) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCG2rw4ZXTY   Stefane and 3G, We Don't Want To Put In (Georgia 2008) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCG2rw4ZXTY

GUESTS: Alesia Michele (American Eurovision YouTuber, 22:43), Joe Iconis (Be More Chill, NBC's Smash, 39:29)   This is a very special election themed episode, where we channel our anxiety about the fall of American democracy into a discussion about Eurovision and authoritarianism.     We begin with a celebration of our wins at both the Signal Awards and Davey Awards (more award announcements to come), before diving into our main topic. We use two stories about Eurovision's interaction with Authoritarian regimes to get at the unique relationship authoritarians have to music. Trump looms large over this segment.     Then we interview preeminent American Eurovision YouTuber Alesia Michelle to talk about the state of Eurovision in the aftermath of last year's controversy.     Finally, we talk to Broadway composer Joe Iconis (Be More Chill, Bloodsong of Love, NBC's Smash), for a game about how Eurovision songs have been used in the political sphere that we're calling "Bounce or Backlash: Fear and Loathing At Eurovision"     Bounce or Backlash: Fear and Loathing At Eurovision     Dum Tek Tek, Hadise, Turkey 2009: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzKgojZqO5Y     Everyway That I Can, Sertab Erener, Turkey 2003: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0_QrKnqd5E     ABBA, Waterloo, Sweden 1974: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XJBNJ2wq0Y     Mahmood, Soldi, Italy 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22lISUXgSUw     Galasy ZMesta, I'll Teach You, 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPPOi0OjspU     Bilal Hassani, Roi, France 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VydsMYa9lyI

Hello EuroVerse-rs! We have a very special announcement! Mysteries of the EuroVerse has been named a Finalist for the prestigious Signal Awards (alongside podcasts we love like Las Culturistas).     We're in the Indie Podcast Category - and are also up for a Listeners Choice Award. This is where we need your help. We'd so appreciate it if you clicked the link below, signed-in with your gmail and voted for us. Voting closes on October 17th. This will introduce us to new audiences and help us continue to get awesome guests as we ready Season 2!     https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2024/shows/craft/best-indie-podcast

GUESTS: Aiko (Czechia 2024 - 22:10), EyeCue (Macedonia 2018- 36:59), Leon Neyfakh (Slow Burn, Fiasco - 48:10)   This is our first of three bonus episodes as we prepare for our big launch of season 2! After a few updates, we deep dive into the debate over Israel's score this year, and claims that the results were political-- attempting to clarify what it is when we talk about when we talk about "political voting" at Eurovision.   Then we have TWO Eurovision interviews: Aiko, who represented Czechia this year with Pedestal, and EyeCue who represented Macedonia in 2018 with the song Lost and Found.   Finally, we sit down with podcaster and journalist extraordinaire, Leon Neyfakh (Slow Burn, Fiasco), for a game about political voting at Eurovision that we're calling "Tops and Bottoms: Just Enjoy the Music Edition"     Tops and Bottoms: Just Enjoy The Music Edition   Maria Serifovic, Molitva (Serbia 2007) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSueQN1QvV4   Andy Abraham, Even If (UK 2008) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV7kgSvKPXk   TuralTuranX, Tell Me More (Azerbaijan 2023) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dvsr-L3HgY   Ell and Nikki, Running Scared (Azerbaijan 2011) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0tlQUW5X0U   Ruslana, Wild Dances (Ukraine 2004) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10XR67NQcAc   Bardo, One Step Further (UK 1982) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFYZy-8sMJI

Andreas Magnusson (Host, FalastinVision) - 6:55, Stig Karlsen (Head of Norway's Eurovision Delegation) - 13:57, Karin Karlsen (Head Organizer Eurovision 2024 for the City of Malmo) - 20:23     Bashar Murad (Wild West, Söngvakeppnin 2024) - 30:03, Tymoffi Muzychuck (Kalush Orchestra - Eurovision Winner 2022) - 47:20, Rosa Linn (Snap, Eurovision 2022, over one billion spotify streams) - 57:43     We have a SUPER SIZED episode for our season finale, as we bring in a bunch of different voices to help us figure out what happened this year, and what the organization should do next.      We begin by talking about the controversy over Israel's participation, consulting with Karin Karlsson, who organized Eurovision 2024 for the City of Malmo, Stig Karlsen, who runs Norway's Eurovision delegation, and Andreas Magnusson, the host FalastinVision - the alternative, protest version of Eurovision, centered on Palestinian artists.     Then we have three incredibly exciting guests, who represent the three overarching themes of Eurovision 2024:      Rosa Linn, whose viral song Snap has over one billion streams, is one of only three Eurovision songs since 1976 to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, is THE artist to talk to when it comes to Eurovision's push for chart dominance.      Tymofii Muzychuk who, as a member of Kalush Orchestra, won Eurovision 2022 for Ukraine, very much represents the best of what can happen when Eurovision and politics collide -- Kalush's victory became symbolic of Ukrainians' heroic resistance.      Finally, Bashar Murad, a queer Palestinian artist who almost represented Iceland in Eurovision this year, is a reminder of who's not on stage at Eurovision.

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