Eurovision is... A full collection of eurofans' tales

EUROVISION IS… A FULL COLLECTION OF EUROFANS’ TALES ABOUT ME + Hi! I’m Sara and I’m a Eurovision fan from Italy! I’m a Eurovision blogger for Eurovisionin.com and The Douze Pointe on i********:. I’m the author of the (my first ever) book “Che cos’è l’Eurovision?” for Italian speakers. While I was writing it, I had the idea to write a new one, this time in English. Since I genuinely think the Eurovision fandom is one of the best because of their open minded attitude, the feeling of unity, the curiosity and appreciation for different cultures, the right level of funny sassiness, I thought it was a good idea to give voice to this fandom by interviewing the fans and put their thoughts in a book! I had no idea what to expect at the beginning, but I was sure their answers were going to be super honest and deep. I also thought of creating a full playlist with a song from each of the fans I interviewed and put them on a Spotify playlist, so check it out! With this book, I want to celebrate Eurovision, its values, and its incredible fans! Thanks in advance to every eurofans and bloggers (more than 100!) who wanted to support me in this project and made part of this adventure! Last but not least, the last tale you will find in this book is mine! :) There, you will find my personal experience as eurofan! So, let’s start! Or better, let the Eurovision Song Contest begin! PLEASE NOTE: For the sake of homogeneity of this literary work, the following tales have been filtered through my own artistic view. © All rights reserved. Any reproduction of this book is allowed by citing the author. It's specified that the following text is an original production. Dedicated to all Eurovision fans! EUROVISION IS… …sense of unity Umut, 33 | Türkiye ?? My interest in Eurovision started when I first watched famous Greek singers such as Helena Paparizou and Sakis Rouvas on stage! They were so successful that I still listen to them today. There were other great singers too and nearly all the stage performances were awesome! However, what was the reason that a 15 year old child loved Eurovision so much and waited for every grand final with excitement? While most young people were listening to Eminem and 50 cent, why is a teenager so excited about ESC? The sense of unity, this was the reason! I realized that I felt the same feelings as many other nationals. As a teenager who had never been abroad, I immediately felt a sense of joy, unity and togetherness. Besides my own country, I supported my favorite one in every edition. I enjoyed every moment of the voting process, which became shorter later. I found out that people can set aside the differences and disputes during the ESC. Eurovision also made it easier for me to know the cultures of countries. I had a chance to see their famous cities, costumes and folk songs. I feel lucky to have witnessed unforgettable moments of the contest. I hope the ESC is going to attract much more attention in the coming years and the whole of Europe will discover new talents. Song of the heart: It is really hard to say that one song is my favorite and the best. There are a few songs that I enjoy listening to even today. However, if I could say the song of my heart, it could be Wild Dances by Ruslana. It gives me a sense of freedom and positive energy. The song was performed in Istanbul, Türkiye. Ruslana and her team also cracked the glass of the stage and left an unforgettable memory, which only few people know. I am not going to stop listening to the breath-taking songs of Ruslana. I also appreciate her efforts to boost the morale of Ukrainian people. I hope I could have a chance to go to one of her concerts in future. …a place where I can shelter Alessio, 17 | Italy ?? Hi my name is Alessio, I’m Italian and I’m 17 years old and I’m a huge Eurovision fan! I discovered Eurovision just a few years ago, when it was canceled in 2020 before coming back stronger than ever in 2021 in Rotterdam. Since then, I started watching all the previous editions! But my esc related memory I have is surely from this year(2022). I was doing an internship on a ship, and I had to watch the final sitting in an aisle where there was the only Tv available! It was a little uncomfortable, but totally worth it! Eurovision is not just a music and tv contest for me, but a place where I can shelter when I’m in a bad mood or when I just want to chill. And finally, I like Eurovision fans who love to party and are always cheerful and ready to support their favorite country. Song of the heart: If I had to pick one song which represents myself, I’d surely choose "I DON'T FEEL HATE " by Jendrik, because it perfectly represents the ideals of my life. …a variety of songs Jelle, 20 | The Netherlands ?? I always used to watch Eurovision with my parents, so it’s always been a part of my family and life. We used to watch it all together and since I was younger I loved the variety of the participating songs. I had the opportunity to discover and appreciate a lot of music genres I didn’t know and that I wouldn't discover without Eurovision. Another thing I really like about Eurovision is its competitive aspect! I always found it very compelling! I also like the fandom. The Eurofans are fun, full of opinions and sometimes a bit dramatic! XD Song of the heart: Coming Home by Firelight (Malta 2014) a folk song with a great message in a music genre I like! …diversity in music and artists Sasho, 20 | Ireland ?? I discovered Eurovision in a very odd and pretty dramatic way. I was a baby and I was sick in the hospital. I was in bed and I couldn't do much, so I just turned on the tv and watched for the first time the Eurovision show. Since then, it became part of my family and an event not to be missed. Seeing such a diversity in artists and music, especially l***q+ representatives, is really really nice and touching :*) I hope Eurovision keeps on representing all the people, regardless of their genre, color or religion! Song of the heart: Nothing will ever top Hatrid Mun Sigra, but nothing hits harder than Not The Same as someone who grew up queer and neurodivergent :) …a great international event! Benedetta, 25 | Italy ?? I always loved music and gatherings and international events like the Olympics, so when I discovered Eurovision in 2014 it was easy for me to fall in love with a format like that and such a huge and great international event! I also really appreciate the fandom, which is like a family to me. Song of the heart: Since 2021 it became Shum, the Ukrainian entry of the band Go_A.I love EDM and dnb and hearing it blended with folk elements won my heart <3 …enjoyment of music and togetherness Marko, 22 | Bosnia and Herzegovina ?? I’m a sucker of music and so it was natural for me to fall in love with Eurovision as soon as I watched the contest on tv. Eurovision is not just good and diverse music for me. It means unity, enjoyment of music and togetherness. These are the main values of this contest which are really important, especially in this historical period where war, disagreement and hate tend to prevail. Song of the heart:Probably Fairytale, because it's the first ESC song I truly adored and it brings me good memories. …being who you want to be Lloyd, 26 | United Kingdom ?? I was a huge X Factor fan and one of the participants in X Factor, Andy Abraham, took part in Eurovision as the UK representative in 2008. Since then I started following Eurovision, and what I like about it the most is that you can be who you want to be, you’ll not be judged for this. Eurovision is one of the greatest things to ever happen in music. It never limits anyone. You do get the stereotypical "cheesy pop" but it opens people's eyes to different genres and cultures. Had it not been for Eurovision, I'd never have listened to rock songs or songs in a language different from english. You get so many people from all around the world together to support their song and country as well as others. However, sometimes the fandom can be toxic when people do not have the same opinion (mainly on social media). Song of the heart:There are too many to choose from. It would be either Hero by Charlotte Perrelli in 2008 as it was the song that got me hooked on the contest, or Together by Ryan O'Shaughnessy in 2018 as it is a touching, simple yet effective song. ….A feast of fun! Gogo, 42 | Greece ?? Eurovision is simply…a feast! A feast of colors, human beings, community, discovery, joy, music and fun! Eurovision songs make you feel better, can be related to a certain period or moment of your life and otherwise you feel related to them for the rest of your life! Song of the heart: "Satellite" Germany. It cheers me up and makes me feel better! ….talking to people from different cultures distant to mine! Michał, 14 | Poland ?? Even though my family had watched Eurovision 2011 and 2016, I didn’t pay attention to the contest until 2018, when some songs from the official ESC Youtube channel appeared on my timeline. Since then it's slowly become the highlight of my year and there's not a day, possibly not an hour I don't think about it! I follow it all year long and enjoy watching national finals. I love how through Eurovision, I got to speak to many people from other countries and cultures so distant to mine. Before becoming an eurofan, I felt as if everyone from outside Central Europe was alienated and I couldn't relate to them, but through Eurovision I discovered how many similarities I have with people of other nationalities and religions. I love how inclusive this community is, people of all races, nationalities and genders enjoy the show. To me, Eurovision is life. Song of the heart: Ukraine 2016, "1944" by Jamala. It tells such an emotional story I can relate to because of the aggressor being the same in both the history of Crimea and my country. …the week of the year when life actually is good! Fran, 17 | Croatia ?? As many Eurofans did, I discovered Eurovision by zapping on tv and I got immediately intrigued by it! It’s surely the week of the year when life actually is good! I also enjoy the fandom. Even though I think eurofans are very opinionated, I believe that they are incredibly cool! Anyway, “Always stay cool like a swimming pool ?” (I bet you to get the reference…) Song of the heart: Occidentali's Karma. I love the lyrics. …an opportunity to experience new music, cultures and languages! Amanda, 37 | Australia ?? Hi! I discovered Eurovision by watching it with my parents! For me Eurovision is an opportunity to experience new music, cultures, languages and talents. Furthermore, it is a chance for the world to come together in love and unity. And if a woman like me who lives in a very far continent can feel this togetherness, it really means that Eurovision has the real power to unite people so distant among them through music for 3 nights, and it’s amazing! Song of the heart: Spirit in the Sky, Keiino. Because the song is about fighting for the right to be respected and loved for the person you are. …Such a good show! Ana Studnička, 21 | Slovenia ?? I’ve been watching ESC shows for so many years now. For me it is an yearly appointment that I enjoy every time. Eurovision is such a good show you get easily addicted to! The hours I spend watching the show are so relaxing I can’t do without it! It has everything: music, cheerfulness, compelling voting, stunning special effects. Everything is perfectly made to entertain and amused you at best for almost three hours! Song of the heart: All Slovenian songs because I am Slovenian. From foreign songs I’d say Zitti e Buoni from Maneskin, Stefania from Kalush Orchestra and Only Teardrops by Emmelie de Forest... These ones sound so good to me! …variety and diversity Gabriella, 40 | The Netherlands ?? I remember my classmates at school mentioning the contest back to my school time. They talked about it very passionately, so I got curious about it and decided to watch it. Then the magic happened! And I got taken under the Eurovision spell!Finally, I really like Eurovision for its variety and passionate diversity in ideas, musical taste and representation. Song of the heart:Fai Rumore, as it perfectly describes what these past years have meant to me and to all of us. …Nationalism, good music and more