Why San Marino failed – despite being a superstar under the disco ball.
An ESC in the middle of the city: Unlike the arena zone of Liverpool 2023, an entire district has to be enclosed this year. There are also dashing policewomen in black combat vests with the yellow inscription “Social Media” on the back patrolling in front of the intricate multi-purpose exhibition hall complex called Wiener Stadthalle. Austria can be modern.
The time machine is started in the hall itself. A VIP named Boy George came especially to the opening party at the weekend. In the spotlight you then imagine yourself in the heyday of MTV: glitter, rainbow colors, disco ball aesthetics and a pop star whose campy super hits had shaken up UK pop in the 1980s.
Together with the Italian pop singer Senhit from San Marino, the Culture Club icon was supposed to lead the dwarf state to the final. The big coup never happened. It’s already over in the semi-finals.
Weeks of speculation surrounding Boy George’s appearance
There was speculation for weeks about a possible ESC appearance by George O’Dowd (64) before his appearance was finally confirmed. Unlike Flo Rida, who was only flown into the Marino mission in 2021 at the last minute, George walked the entire rehearsal course. This project obviously wanted to be more than a cheap promotional stunt.
And the performance of “Superstar” actually delivered exactly what ESC fans expected from this combination: maximum camp factor. Senhit sparkled like a walking disco ball in a silver jumpsuit, George sat enthroned in a crystal-like DJ booth, while mirrored walls and rainbow lights transformed the multi-purpose hall into a gaudy Pride party. At the end, both marched down the catwalk, accompanied by massive pyrotechnics. Futile shooting.
In the end, ten other countries were able to celebrate: Greece, the favorite Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Moldova, Israel, Serbia, Lithuania, Croatia and Poland made it to the grand final.
Vicky Leandros, Victoria Swarovski and a bizarre slapstick moment
After a nostalgic look back at 70 years of song competition, chanson lady Vicky Leandros intoned her retro hit in a sparkly robe with “L’amour est bleu”. The red robe of crystal heiress and presenter Victoria Swarovski was filed away from the Viennese boulevard as a “peephole” design, while sidekick Michael Ostrowski took on the “sweary” part.
Things got particularly bizarre during a performance with Australia’s former participant Go-Jo. Between kangaroos, dirndl clichés and a singing Swarovski, the performance fluctuated between slapstick and external embarrassment, which caused a wild response on social networks.
Surprise from Greece, violin from Finland
One of the surprise acts came from Greece: Akylas mixed techno, rap and a completely over-the-top stage show including cat-ear beanies in “Ferto”. Some fans already see this as a possible ESC winner.
The preliminary favorite Finland was completely different: Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen delivered an exalted mix of real (!) violin, rock plus the apparently indispensable fire inferno with “Liekinheitin”.
Israel appearance with hecklers, pro-Gaza demo expected at the finale
The Israeli singer Noam Bettan had to endure a few heckles from the audience during his performance, but he pulled through with confidence. Compared to the competitions in Malmö, Sweden, and Basel, the anti-Israel actions have so far been limited. Nevertheless, a large pro-Gaza demo is expected at the finale on Saturday.
And of course the big star moment of the evening couldn’t be missed: Boy George got caught up in the retro loop. The game with the legionnaire from London was too transparent.
