Recommendations of the Editorial team
In 70 years, the Eurovision Song Contest has developed from a chanson competition with black and white jerky broadcasts into a mega media machine.
There will be an Asian edition for the first time from autumn 2027, as was confirmed yesterday at the daily “Media Briefing”. The final in the Far East will take place on November 14th in Bangkok.
Hundreds of volunteers are bustling about in the European engine room of this world’s largest live TV event, without whom all of this would hardly be possible. The widely networked community of ESC fan clubs, in turn, ensures the special atmosphere in the hall itself and in the city’s fan zones.
ROLLING STONE spoke to Karin Pointner (41), who is involved in both camps in Vienna. On Friday afternoon (May 15th) she drove out to the airport in Schwechat to receive the British ESC fan clubs.
Where does the enthusiasm for volunteering come from?
You have been in the ESC fan club for more than ten years and are now also in the volunteer team at the ESC in Vienna. Where does this enthusiasm come from to get involved there for free?
Karin Pointner: “I have a lot to do with volunteer work both professionally and privately. I just like to help out, lend a hand and support where support is needed. Combining this commitment with the ESC is doubly nice.”
Backstage: Encounters with the acts
Where will you be deployed as a volunteer – where it suits you or do you specialize? You mentioned backstage. Will you meet the stars of the final rounds there?
Karin Pointner: “There are a variety of areas for the volunteers – in the town hall and also at other places in the city. I support all the concerns of the participating delegations in the ‘Delegation Area’ directly in the town hall. Since all the delegations are there, it naturally happens that I can see and greet the participating acts. Sal da Vinci from Italy appropriately distributed ‘baci’ there – kisses, that is.”
Fan club meetings and previews
What happens at the fan club meetings and parties that you mentioned in the preliminary interview?
Karin Pointner: “Our fan club, OGAE Austria, organizes events not only during, but also before and after the ESC week, such as concerts, parties or an annual ‘preview’, which I have moderated several times – including this year. At this ‘preview’ we look together at the contributions of all participating countries and evaluate who is our common favorite. Other fan clubs also organize regular meetings. This always creates opportunities to get to know fans of other nations.”
The personal ESC highlight
Has there been a highlight ESC for you in recent years and why? Which city had the best spirit?
Karin Pointner: “It’s been a while, but I was able to witness Conchita’s victory live in Copenhagen in 2014. I laughed and cried at the same time, stood there with my mouth open and was in the arms of unknown fans who were sitting near us during the show. I will never forget that.
I have to admit that Vienna does have a very cool spirit – unfortunately the weather doesn’t really cooperate this week, but there are so many ESC locations and fan meeting points in the city. The whole city is literally screaming ESC.”
On the musical development of the ESC
How do you see the long-term musical development away from “pop chanson” towards techno hits and pathos hymns?
Karin Pointner: “I can’t agree with that. There’s always something for everyone at the ESC. And let’s be honest: some things can definitely be described as chanson this year too – except perhaps the metal contribution from Serbia.”
