The truth about Eurovision- whether you like it or not.

 So, tonight is the night. 

I have a feeling Safura might actually win. Azeries all over the world will be celebrating. This project seems to have been the focus of the whole nation and the object of considerable investment. As the BBC Breakfast show presenter commented this morning, a lot of talent was bought in by Azerbaijan, including the song composer and Beyonce’s choreographer.

I hope all this attention is good for the country. I hope all those poor pensioners in Azerbaijan appreciate that it was more important to invest in the arguably most talentless music show in the world, than increase their minimum pension.  Everyone is talking about Azerbaijan being the hottest favourite in this year’s Eurovision. How much of that talk is generated by the funds behind it, we will never know. One thing is for sure, the world is fascinated just how seriously Azeries  took their entry this year.

One  positive thing I can say about Safura is that she does seem to have a strong, powerful voice. Considering she is only 17, I wonder if she has an amazing future ahead of her.  Of course, she needs to drop those cheap seductive poses, the sultry gazes and the parted rain-catching sensual lips ... but that is not entirely the poor girl’s fault, is it.

The song itself is appalling, especially the drip drop part, but catchy in a very annoying, can't-get- rid- of- it, way. And very Eurovision. Because-and many of you might disagree, either because you have no taste  or just believe you have to like it to support your country- I just have to say...

Eurovision is crap. 

It is the cheesiest show that currently exists in this world.

The BBC presenters this morning were discussing why the UK seems to have this somewhat snobbish attitude towards the Eurovision; whilst a lot of other countries seem to be taking it so seriously. 

To me, the answer is obvious. The countries that take Eurovision seriously simply have no good pop music. They are hopelessly behind, and will never catch up, unless they stop investing national funds into crap.

When I was a little girl, we were incredibly hungry for anything cool and western; and the only time we got to listen to something cool and western was on the New  Year’s eve. We would stay up all night, waiting through the boring Soviet New Year programs until the early hours in the morning, when the Sanremo festival would glue us to the screens.  The inspiration behind the Eurovision, it was a glimpse into the western life and music.  I would sit the whole New Year’s eve at home with my old- fashioned tape recorder ready to be taping every song.  I wonder if, in a way, despite all the best music now easily available back home, Eurovision has the similar allure. Perhaps, it goes all the way back to Sanremo times, when we thought it was cool to watch it? Or is it because, for countries like Azerbaijan, Eurovision is the only chance to feel like a part of the world’s pop culture?

Of course, I wish Safura all the success tonight. Compared to some other entries she does seem to have it all. (Well, almost all. Except for the moves. The poor girl can’t move even with the help of the Beyonce’s choreographer.)  

I am all for Azerbaijan getting more known in the world. It will help me personally- I won't have to explain where and what it is every time I meet someone new.

I just wish it was known for something else but the lack of style or taste, which Eurovision represents.  

It makes me cringe when I watch the official Drip Drop video.

I feel embarrassed for the country. And frustrated, too. Because, Azerbaijan does actually have good music. Hiding behind the curtain of corruption and cheesy facade, struggling to survive in the country that invests a fortune into the trashiest song contest in the world, there are some truly unique young talents. Never to be discovered, never to be known to the world. So... yes. Great job, Azerbaijan! Let’s get famous for our lack of style and taste! Bravo. Or Bravissimo as they would say in Sanremo.