Eurovision 2020 In Memoriam

The 7 Best (And Weirdest) Songs That We Will Miss

Today would have marked the 65th Edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. And while it’s not the first cultural casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic, its inevitable cancellation has caused many a pang in the hearts of fans cross the globe. Eurovision is a show notable for themes of inclusion, diversity, and tolerance— to say nothing of its silliness. It’s exactly the content that would have been perfect for these trying times.

For the uninitiated, Eurovision is an annual singing competition every May that takes place in (you guessed it) Europe. Any country in the European Broadcasting Union (which surprisingly includes some a few non-European countries like Israel and Azerbaijan) is eligible to compete with an original song and a spunky up-and-coming singer. Over the course of a week, viewers and juries vote songs through two semi-finals, until a grand winner is decided. The winning country then hosts next year’s contest.

Over the years, Eurovision has propelled many artists to international stardom, including ABBA, Celine Dion, and Bucks Fizz. Taking place annually since 1956, it has become a cultural behemoth, racking up nearly 200 million viewers every year. And it’s a goddamn delight.