Mysteries of the EuroVerse

Zoë Më, Voyage, Switzerland (11:47), Go-Jo, Milkshake Man, Australia (26:53), Ziferblat, Bird of Pray, Ukraine (35:21), Aurin Squire, The Good Fight, (49:59)         On this episode, we're reporting on Eurovision 2025 from Basel! First we give you updates on this year's contest directly from the press center, covering the changes to the semi-final broadcasts and Eurovision's controversial flag rule.       Then we interview three artists from this year's Eurovision -  Switzerland's Zoe Me (Voyage), Australia's Go-Jo (Milkshake Man) and Ukraine's Ziferblat (Bird of Pray).         Finally, we sit down with television and Broadway writer Aurin Squire for a game about songwriting at Eurovision 2025 that we're calling "It Takes Two to Tango, but Many More to EuroDance"         "It Takes Two to Tango, but Many More to EuroDance"         Marko Bosnjak, Poison Cake (Croatia) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOodVfY8hCs         Mamagama, Run With You (Azerbaijan) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upbiPJ9uA70         Mariam Shengelia, Freedom (Georgia) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3wu0dUNd4c           Louane, Maman (France) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj2DTSLcNnI           Gabry Ponte, Tutta L'italia (San Marino) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vkDhFhgNX0           Remember Monday, What The Hell Just Happened (UK) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hu6R3ZnOdY

Rambo Amadeus (Montenegro, 2012) - 23:05, Nico Carney (Vulture, Comedian You Should Know) - 42:30         On this episode, we talk about how Eurovision can achieve its goal of expansion. First, we use the occasion of Montenegro returning to the contest to explore the ways that Eurovision can make it easier for even more countries to join.          Then we talk to iconic Montenegrin artist, Rambo Amadeus, whose Euro Nero explores the complications of integrating into the larger European project. We talk to him about whether participating in European institutions makes sense for Montenegro - and explore why Europe is facing rising tides of nationalism and isolation.         Finally, we sit down with comedian Nico Carney to explore the difference between Yugoslavian entrants into Eurovision and the Montenegrin entrants that followed. It's a game we're calling "The Full Montenegro."           SONGS FROM THE FULL MONTENEGRO:         1. Tajči, Hajde da ludujemo (Yugoslavia, 1990) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksPXBLCwaL4         2. Rambo Amadeus, Euro Neuro (Montenegro, 2012) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHnqF5PLP2w         3. Sergej Cetkovic, Moj Svijet (Montenegro, 2014) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FJtzRSKHKg       4. Knez, Adio (Montenegro 2015) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4giAO-2aICo         5. Riva, Rock Me (Yugoslavia, 1989) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1glDWFMK_0         6. Who See, Igranka (Montenegro 2013) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR9rtB2ilZU       7. Novi Fosili, Ja sam za ples (Yugoslavia, 1987) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvOPsKnKNIQ          

Wouter Hardy (Arcade)- 3:36, NYLAN (The Code, Shhhh) - 23:46, Benji Alasu (The Code, Survivor) - 41:43       This week, we're talking to the songwriters behind two Eurovision winning hits. First we sit down with Wouter Hardy, who co-wrote Duncan Laurence's Arcade - the first Eurovision song in nearly a quarter century to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Then we turn to two writers, NYLAN and Benji Alasu who, along with Linda Dale and Nemo themselves, wrote last year's Eurovision winner, Nemo's The Code. These writers give us a window into their unique processes and help us further explore the diversity of ways in which Eurovision songs get written - and how that diversity in process affects the song you end up with in the end.       Featured Songs:     Duncan Laurence, Arcade - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eztx7Wr8PtE     Duncan Laurence, Stars - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Zv_xZiaok       Gjons Tears, Tout L’Univers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpM6o6UiBIw       Nemo, The Code - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiGDvM14Kwg       Theo Evans, Shh - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbfQqWyqgJw       Elsie Bay, 100 Years - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UbFfO_Uy80       Parg, Survivor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfH5o3XtI2c       Milune, Torn - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwBN-17HXGE       Remo Forrer, Not Okay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXZM-DH5Zb4

Sissal (Hallucination, Denmark 2025) - 3:59, Shkodra Electronike (Zjerm, Albania 2025) - 22:19, Pixie Aventura (Hulu's Drag Me To Dinner) - 43:00         This is our first episode featuring interviews with Eurovision 2025 contestants! We've talked about Eurovision's dual identity as a place for both global pop and culturally specific numbers, and in this episode we talk to two acts who embody either side of that identity: Sissal, representing Denmark with an instant Scandipop classic, Hallucination, and Albania's Shkodra Elektronike, whose song Zjerm is infused with the traditional sounds drawn from the history of music from Shkoder.         We then sit down with EuroVerse favorite Pixie Aventura who brings her Eurovision expertise to a discussion of her favorites of this year, as well as to a game covering some of this year's non-English language entries called "It's All Greek (And Lithuanian and French and Icelandic and Montenegrin and Latvian) To Me!" Eurovision 2025 features the most non-English songs since the language rule was dropped. For more information on the language rule, check-out Season 1, Episode 4.         SONGS:       Sissal     Dino Jelusic, Ti Si Moja Prva Ljubav: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=RT8eDwbt_CQ     The Olsen Brothers, Fly on The Wings of Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF8fkHK0AWs       Sissal, Here Me Now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZILZGDMyTI       Sissal, Far From Sober: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAEyRIvmdaw         Shkodra Electronike       Turtulleshë, Shkodra Elektronike - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHVz0GkB0HQ       "Turkish Kaval played by Nadishana" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PkWYNJAZqY       Saz, An Introduction, Filip Holm - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLZ0DBsa0v0       Sufi Music: Zikr, Celebrate Humanity - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKyCXVuQ9Es       Cifteli popullore, Ciftelia TV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS6aIJ5WPpk       Pixie Aventura:     Esa Diva, Melody (Spain, 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvVxhbCW9rw       *Gorilla Song, Melody - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90avMgG5NAM       GAJA, Justyna Steczkowska (Poland 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXHHDjiclxA       The Tower, Luna (Poland 2024) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhvDkF9XZx0       C'est La Vie, Claude (The Netherlands 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEHwr5k9pd0       Volevo Essere Un Duro, Lucio Corsi (Italy 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfAf9-5Oevw     Espresso Macchiato, Tommy Cash (Eurovision 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK6CUNXip7Q       Bur Man Laimi, Tautumeitas (Latvia 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_t79mQkm4       "It's All Greek (And Lithuanian and French and Icelandic and Montenegrin and Latvian) To Me!"       Asteromáta, Klavdia (Greece 2025)  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxzeTezgey4       Voyage, Zoe Me (Switzerland 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGX54zRExR8       RÓA, VÆB (Iceland 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZE1WzOwtQQ       Dobrodošli, Nina Žižić (Montenegro 2025) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zs0yq39aFA

Martin Green (Director of Eurovision) - 24:37, Santino Fontana (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Frozen, Tootsie) - 42:08     First we deep dive into the controversy around three of Eurovision’s most provocative acts: Australia’s Milkshake Man (Go Jo), Malta’s Serving (Miriana Conte), and Finland’s Ich Komme (Erika Vikman). We discuss broader trends that have led the contest once known exclusively as a “family show” to have to confront these boundary pushing acts - and talk about how Eurovision’s recently released Code of Conduct could be a road map for the future.     Then, in a very special interview, we talk to the new Director of Eurovision - Martin Green. We discuss the various controversies the contest has to face in these politically divided, fractious times - and get a sense of how he and the organization are thinking about navigating the current social moment.     Finally, we sit down with Tony Award-winning star of stage and screen Santino Fontana (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Hans in Disney’s Frozen, Tootsie) for a look at how right-wing politicians have tried to tame Eurovision acts in the past, in a game we're calling "Crazy Ex-Governments."       CRAZY EX-GOVERNMENTS:   SPAIN   Barei, Say Yay! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0I37W3RN_U   Blanco Paloma, Eaea - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxuO0qZITko     POLAND Gromee feat Lukas Meijer, Light Me Up - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfUJ2eDm6ng   Luna, The Tower - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhvDkF9XZx0   Donatan and Cleo, We Are Slavic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ920cN2HmA     UK   James Newman, Embers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMDGTsa_Qq0   Olly Alexander, Dizzy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLNUj7kvn2w     HUNGARY   Joci Papai, Origo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LflrKXL022U   Zoli Ádok, Dance With Me - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXjY3Y9RMZI     ISRAEL   Harel Skaat, Milim - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj0qaNnLk9M   Noa and Mira Awad, There Must Be Another Way - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBTQFOkFZw8  

Julien Salvia and Ludovic-Alexandre Vidal (Writers, Luxembourg 2025) - 18:23, Andrew Lippa (Big Fish, The Addams Family, Wild Party) - 34:45         This week we're talking about songwriting! In our first segment, we discuss how culture and technology have changed the collaborative model for songwriting over the years - and discuss how and why all collaborative models, even some older ones, are still relevant at Eurovision today.         Then, we talk to Julien Salvia and Ludovic-Alexandre Vidal- the songwriters behind Luxembourg's 2025 entry, "La poupée monte le son." They give us a window into their songwriting process and how it's developed over years writing for theater, and now Eurovision.         Finally, we sit down with preeminent Broadway composer, Andrew Lippa (Big Fish, The Addams Family, Wild Party) for a game that explores the differences between Eurovision and the charts. Andrew brings his songwriting expertise to bear on a number of Eurovision songs over the years- some of which were hits at the contest, while others stood out on the charts.       MAYBE THEY LIKE IT THIS WAY:     2017   Blanche, City Lights (Belgium): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbomdE81_mA     Salvador Sobral, Amar pelos dois (Portugal): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6DqfHPkKUc       2016   Jamala, 1944 (Ukraine): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCG2rw4ZXTY     Frans, If I Were Sorry (Sweden): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GTdelXRlA4       2022   Rosa Linn, Snap (Armenia): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVqGKkm7xBE    Kalush Orchestra, Stefania (Ukraine): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiEGVYOruLk       1996:   Eimear Quinn, The Voice (Ireland): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KiE1byYXtA     Gina G Ooh Ah Just A Little Bit (UK): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgN-pI1rA0E       2002   Ira Losco, 7th Wonder (Malta): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4fHMmPqC80      Marie N, I Wanna (Latvia): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M-w89U8TEU

Emilija Kokić, Riva, Rock Me, WINNER Yugoslavia 1989 (27:23), Jackie Cox (47:08)       This is the second episode in our two part series about Celine Dion! We pick up right after Celine's Eurovision victory, tracing her rise to global pop stardom, her experience of critical backlash, her health struggles and her recent comeback. As we do so, we discuss the parallels between Celine's ebb and flow of cultural relevance, and that of the contest that launched her.          Then we speak to Emilija Kokić, who won Eurovision the year after Celine for Yugoslavia, as the front woman of Riva, with the song Rock Me. We discuss that incredible moment in the late '80s when it felt like the world was opening up, and the difficult aftermath as Emilija launched her solo career against the back drop of war, genocide and the break-up of Yugoslavia.         Finally, we sit down with Jackie Cox (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 12), and explore Canadian acts at Eurovision, in a game of Tops and Bottoms that we're calling the "Not Like Us" edition. We cover everything from the code switching Canadians are often forced to do on the international stage, to the threat the country now faces from Donald Trump.         TOPS AND BOTTOMS: NOT LIKE US EDITION       Sherisse Laurence, L’amour de ma vie (Luxembourg, 1986):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTyzJSnLv3Q       Celine Dion, Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi (Switzerland 1988): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXLWfXmlXPc       Annie Cotton, Moi, tout simplement, (Switzerland, 1993): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QG-kvD7GHo       Natasha St-Pier, Je N'ai Que Mon Âme, (France, 2001): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCfqvkCEyy4       Rykka, The Last of Our Kind, (Switzerland, 2016): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96ENe3EYBE0       La Zarra, Evidement, (France, 2023): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWfbEFH9NvQ

Marie Louise Werth, Furbaz, 1989 (21:29), Gianmarco Soresi, Comedian, (36:00)       This episode is part one of a two part series about Eurovision icon Celine Dion. We start by deep diving into some broad themes of Celine's early career and life, and discuss how she as an artist faces a lot of the same challenges and biases as the contest that made her famous. Then we talk to Marie Louise Werth who, as the lead singer of Furbaz competed for Switzerland the year after Celine Dion, and competed against Celine Dion in the Swiss National Final. Furbaz is the only band ever to sing Romansh on the Eurovision stage. We then sit down with comedian Gianmarco Soresi and play a game about Switzerland's unique history at Eurovision that we're calling "Chaotic Neutral."       CHAOTIC NEUTRAL:     Jean Philippe, The Return, 1962 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCNL5rtwabo     Nemo, The Code, 2024 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiGDvM14Kwg     Vanilla Ninja, Cool Vibes, 2005 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJX8RWJg7y4     Luca Hanni, She Got Me, 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PxoMWtAC7M

Scooch, UK 2007 (24:11), Cady Huffman (43:35)       Scooch, Flying the Flag: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT6yOIC6ihI       On this episode, we're talking about Eurovision comebacks! First we explore the history of UK artists using the Eurovision stage to relaunch their careers. Then we talk to Eurovision comeback icons Scooch, whose "Flying the Flag (For You)" remains a classic to this day. Finally, we sit down with Broadway star Cady Huffman (Tony winner for her turn as Ulla in the Producers), and play her a series of Eurovision songs that either made or broke the careers of the artists who performed them. Cady tries to tell the difference between the rising stars and the ones who didn't carry on, in a game we're calling "Remember When Ulla Danced? Will Ulla Ever Dance Again!?"       Remember When Ulla Danced? Will Ulla Ever Dance Again!?       Teenage Life, Daz Sampson (UK, 2006): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYgE7O0OLyw     Long Live Love, Olivia Newton John (UK, 1974): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBi_BDvQ2ag     I See A Star, Mouth and MacNeal (The Netherlands, 1974): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YeKTR7OFWs     Cry Baby, Jemini (UK,  2003): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAJ62IG3gBo     Gwendolyne, Julio Iglesias (Spain, 1970): https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ChvTMWYplAk       Calm After The Storm, The Common Linnets (Netherlands, 2014): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWe8PRsW4T0

Konstrakta - Serbia 2022 (22:33), Charles Busch - Tale of the Allergist's Wife (43:42)     In our Season 2 premiere we're tackling Eurovision and the Avant-Garde! First, we deep dive into the history of avant-garde Eurovision acts and discuss the tension between Eurovision's desire to appeal to the broadest possible audience and its elevation of some of the most aesthetically and politically innovative pop acts of the last half century.     Then, we talk to Eurovision avant-garde darling Konstrakta, who took Turin by storm in 2022 with In Corpore Sano. Konstrakta walks us through her decades long career, where she has explored a modernity shaped by listlessness, spiritual consumerism and consternation about how it is that Megan Markle actually does get her healthy hair.   Finally, we sit down with queer theater pioneer Charles Busch, whose play, Tale of the Allergist's Wife, is the longest running Broadway comedy in the last quarter century. We get his thoughts on Eurovision's most boundary pushing acts, as well as a wild story about an alluring, antique thieving count.         "VAMPIRE LESBIANS OF EUROVISION" CLIPS       Konstrakta, In Corpore Sano (Serbia, 2022) -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odFhYxoXiuo        Rodolfo Chikilicuatre, Baila el Chiki-Chiki (Spain, 2008) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfeCIvOxXBo       Guildo Horn, Guildo Hat Euch Lieb (Germany, 1998) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo_DyXn-9Bc       Les Fatals Picards, L'amour à la française (France, 2008) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjo3PIABpVQ       Let 3, Mamma SC (Croatia, 2023) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isZ_4AnCTnA&t=1s       Verka Serduchka, Dancing Lasha Tumbai (Ukraine, 2007) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfjHJneVonE&t=1s

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