IRELANDE DOUZE POINTE.
This year’s Eurovision has been cancelled. This we understand. It is not a surprise.
The annual song competition has over the years developed a bit of a cult following, and although much of the voting structure has become shrouded by politics (for better and for worse) Eurovision remains one of the most fun, wholesome events of the year.
Which is why it was especially devastating to hear this year’s competition had been cancelled due to Covid-19, but thankfully that doesn’t mean that each of the entries will be forgotten.
Rather, they’re going to be paid tribute to in a special alternative Eurovision show tomorrow night, Saturday May 18.
Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light will showcase each of the 41 entires in a non-competitive manner, celebrating the songs that unfortunately missed out on their chance to compete.
All through this week, Ireland’s Eurovision fans (come on, who among us isn’t one, really?) have been sharing their favourite Eurovision moments on Twitter with the hashtag #EurovisionAgain.
From Linda Martin to Johnny Logan to two years of Jedward, social media has been busy reminiscing about the best – and the most questionable – moments of the annual song competition.
“I’ll always remember when I was a lil gay kid tuning on TV and seeing Linda Martin win in ‘92 & then Niamh Kavanagh in ‘93 the following year, the sheer joy and excitement I felt!,” said Davina Devine, Dublin drag queen who hosts The George’s Eurovision party every year.
“I ran into the street, like what people did when their favourite soccer team won a match, jumping with pride. This was my soccer match, my gay World Cup! The glory days will stay in my heart forever!”
"Have you been injured in an accident at the workplace?" #EurovisionAgain pic.twitter.com/7PyGkocu9g
— Joe (@wittyusrname6) May 2, 2020
Lesley Roy, who should have been performing for Ireland in Rotterdam this weekend, said: “I think even though it wasn’t actually an entry, I like many people were floored when Riverdance came on the TV live from the Point Depot, I remember not taking a breath almost until the final head turn happened!
“The eruption from the audience and even the houses around me in Balbriggan was electric and I remember that being one of my fav memories of the Eurovision!”
Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light will be airing on RTÉ One this Saturday, May 16, at 8pm.
