Singing from the same songsheet
Keep up to date with the musical event of the year
The big weekend is upon us, with all the pomp and pageantry associat- ed with a massive visual feast beamed live around the world.
But despite the crazy costumes and extravagantly glitzy sets, it’s not Coronation II, the Sequel.
No, it’s Eurovision week, and with the grand final taking place on Saturday evening, what better way to get in the mood than go behind the scenes in Liverpool via the Official Eurovision Song Contest Podcast.
The team behind the daily countdown to the main event have been casting their net around the continent since last November, looking at some of the winners of the individual countries’ selection competitions – including of course Mae Muller who represents the UK with ‘I Wrote a Song’.
And in the past week things have got somewhat frenzied with daily episodes updating us on where the various nations are at, as they aim to win the greatest prize in pop.
Your host is music reporter and presenter Steve Holden, who guides you through this year’s contest, as well as speaking to all 37 acts competing this year to find out more about them – their songs, who they are, and how they’ll be preparing for Liverpool.
There’s also loads of behind-the-scenes access from the run-up to the event, including chat with
Heads of Delegation – basically the ‘fixers’ for the artists, who will deal with everything from getting the stars and their luggage to Liverpool to dealing with the fallout from any unexpected early exit in the semi-finals. And Steve chats with Sacha Jean-B apt is te, Creative Director – a grand title for what is a pretin ty important role, charge of the whole look and feel of an evening known almost as much for its flamboyanteyecan- dy as the music itself. But it is all about the music really, so Holden sets out to find contestants past and present to give this unique flavour of the event. There are the big names of course – Duncan Laurence, who won for the Netherlands with‘ Arcade’ in 2019, and Italian rock Måneskin, ers although sadly we won’t experience the costumes of ‘Hard Rock Hallelujah’ winners Lordi.
And aptly, the UK’s most recent winner Katrina Rew out of Katrina & The Waves recalls her triumph of 1997.
But perhaps most excitingly, joining Eurovision’s Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl on the
16th episode is Björn Ulvaeus from Abba. We fin d out, nearly 50 years since the Swedes won with ‘Waterloo’, what
Björn thinks of how the contest has changed since their heyday, and – given that we’ re in Liverpool due to Russia’swaron Ukraine– Euro vision’ s importance for democracy in Europe under the banner ‘United in Music’.
But that's the serious side to a fun escape from the trials of the modern world.
Listen at https://eurovision.tv/podcast
CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 20)
If you don’t want to lose people in your life who are important to you, be ready to make an extra effort to please those you love.
If you sense you and a partner are drifting apart, start thinking of ways to revamp your love life.
CANCER (Jun 22 - Jul 23)
You’re going through experiences you have never been through before. You will need some time alone to reflect on your feelings. You might want to share your happiness and elation with someone special. Enjoy every wonderful moment you spend together. A partner is going out of their way to make you feel loved and appreciated.
AQUARIUS (Jan 21 - Feb 19)
You don’t mind going along with alternative suggestions if someone can’t make some arrangements.
You will have no objection to having to make spontaneous decisions.
A friend who is a stickler for routine will not be finding it so easy to cope.
LEO (Jul 24 - Aug 23)
You would love to track down someone you lost touch with years ago.
They have been on your mind a lot lately and you would love to meet up again.
This could be a good time to start your detective work.
Ask around as other people who once knew them might point you in the right direction.
PISCES (Feb 20 - Mar 20)
You could do with some quiet time to call your own.
Turn off your mobile, pull down the window blinds and lose yourself in a good book or sentimental movie.
Hiding away from the world may not solve all your problems but it will give you a chance to relax and recoup your energy.
ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 20)
Learning to overcome your desire to please everyone will pave the way for greater happiness.
An older friend or relative will not share your zest for life. Other people will find it infectious.
New hobbies capture your interest and you are starting to look to the future through new eyes.
VIRGO LIBRA (Aug 24 - Sep 23) (Sep 24 - Oct 23)
Your thoughtful suggestions can bring you and your family closer together.
While everything feels so good, propose new ways that you might all connect more often.
Encourage a loved one to launch their own business or start a dream project.
If you’re arranging a group outing or family get-together, keep pushing for what you want.
If you aren’t happy with arrangements, negotiate better terms.
Devote time to activities that bring you happiness. You might even find yourself enjoying taking charge of a team effort.
TAURUS (Apr 21 - May 21)
Someone has been promising far more than they could ever deliver.
You aren’t creating unrealistic expectations, you have just put your trust in the wrong person.
Although you are tempted to give up, use your initiative instead.
You can continue without their support.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 - Nov 22)
Share your bright ideas in a work or study situation and this will light up your life. You won’t be able to fault the helpfulness and friendliness of those around you.
You are standing on the threshold of a new life chapter and building a loving and supportive network.
GEMINI (May 21 - Jun 21)
You are starting to wonder how much you and a friend actually have in common.
They never seem happy unless you are the one who finances everything.
If they can’t appreciate spending time together on simple pleasures they may not be the right person for you.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 - Dec 11)
Keep a close eye on finances. It may be necessary to introduce new economic measures to bring spending back in line.
A sudden and surprising development in a relationship will give you a lot to think about.
Are you single? A friendship or work relationship could develop into a romance.