Although I am feeling rather festive, it has not been the happiest of times for Eurovision fans and followers. Some saw the writing on the wall in May 2024 as mismanagement, poor organisation and political vote escalation soured the fandom's enjoyment. I won't over-repeat or regurgitate what has happened in EBU Ivory Towers since JJ's welcome win in May, but needless to say the lack of action from management and the statements regarding what they describe as 'events' have been out-of-touch and frankly spineless. Former ESC contestants and winners distancing themselves from the contest and high-profile countries boycotting the show makes one wonder who the contest is really for and what the powers-that-be regard as the integral heart of the show.
With a smattering of national finals occurring in 2025, I needed to decide what to do with this blog. Many Eurovision websites have decided to give this year a miss; some prominent followers have taken up alternative projects and pursued new things in the long term: others have severed ties completely. I feel so very very sad and empty. It is wrong that a creation founded on bringing people together now makes people feel they cannot be associated with the show and decisions (by people who really should know better) are pulling the community apart. ESC has been a part of my life since forever and on a purely selfish level, I just can't let go that easily. I have found it a wonderful platform to keep in touch with all our favourite (and not so favourite) television channels as well as discovering and rediscovering names in the 'local' music scenes. Yes, changes have been made to the Eurovision semis/final production AND to the voting procedures but part of me feels it won't be enough.
To cut a long story short, I will be reviewing the selected Eurovision songs in 2026 albeit in a condensed form. Similarly, the podcast reviews format will be rejigged anyway depending on the amount of countries that decide to actually appear in May.
With all that said, our ALBUMBLE podcast will continue as ever with the odd Eurovision influence every so often.
Enjoy the ESC250 on NYE and I'll be writing the first reviews, right here, in January.
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