Hold the world's madness, Eurovision has begun

Hold the world's madness, Eurovision has begun

Just in time, against a backdrop of war in Europe, comes Eurovision, the world's biggest live music event with its quirky, camp celebration of culture and song. 

Watched by millions, the song contest held this year in Italy's northwestern city of Turin is providing a welcome moment of celebration and solidarity amid the geopolitical turmoil caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine's rap folk band Kalush Orchestra is the favourite to win. 

"I think it's amazing that this year Eurovision can happen again, especially now with the circumstances in Europe," German fan Matthias Korte, 30, told AFP. 

"I believe there is a Eurovision spirit and you can feel it when you're here," said Duarte, 53. "It unites people and all in a very joyful way."

- 'Give That Wolf a Banana' -

In its 66th year -- 2020's edition was cancelled because of coronavirus -- the cultural mash-up is camp and over-the-top, and often just outright odd.

Enjoying a flood of popular support and tipped by bookmakers to win the cult competition is Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra, with the brisk rap lullaby "Stefania". 

But with striking lyrics such as "I'll always find my way home even if all the roads are destroyed", the song has become "really close to the hearts of many Ukrainians", said frontman rapper Oleh Psiuk, who along with the band received special government authorisation to attend Eurovision. 

"They are authentic, original and really unique, and this is what we want to showcase."

Although watched by viewers of all ages, the competition sometimes verges on the provocative. 

Sheldon Riley of Australia -- one of the handful of non-European countries to compete -- showed off a voluminous white ostrich feather cape worthy of Liberace, while Moldova's Zdob si Zdub & Advahov Brothers have brought a high-octane dose of energy with their accordion and fiddle-laden "Trenuletul".

Last year's winners, Italy's leather-clad glam band Maneskin, will perform at the finale Saturday with a new single, "Supermodel".

The European Broadcasting Union, which organises Eurovision, excluded Russia from the show on February 25, the day after its invasion.

Votes are cast by music industry professionals and the public from each country. Out of fairness, nobody can vote for their own nation.

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