Bringing back the language rule!

[CC92]

Then the overall standard of songs would drop. All the best artists would want to wait for a year where they can sing in English and have a better chance of winning.

I doubt that. A huge percentage of English singing artists are unknown, idol winners, has beens or wannabes.

 

[MyHeartIsYours]

What's the problem with English? If a country wishes to sing in English then it is up to them and up to them only. The EBU shouldnt have the right to interfere with individual entries, that's not their purpose. I may be defensive because it is my native language but I think it's unfair to say that the quality of the contest decreases because of English, I personally dont like songs in native languages but I wouldnt say that they decrease the quality.

 

[CC92]

What's the problem with English? If a country wishes to sing in English then it is up to them and up to them only. The EBU shouldnt have the right to interfere with individual entries, that's not their purpose. I may be defensive because it is my native language but I think it's unfair to say that the quality of the contest decreases because of English, I personally dont like songs in native languages but I wouldnt say that they decrease the quality.

Unless they go so far to import acts from other countries (what the majority of broadcasters does not do) writers and artists are not familiar with English and therefore the songs become more pretentious, amateurish but for sure unable to represent their nation's local music scene.
What we can state as a fact is that they decrease the diversity and the Asian-European appeal of the contest.

 

[Yamarus]

What's the problem with English? If a country wishes to sing in English then it is up to them and up to them only. The EBU shouldnt have the right to interfere with individual entries, that's not their purpose. I may be defensive because it is my native language but I think it's unfair to say that the quality of the contest decreases because of English, I personally dont like songs in native languages but I wouldnt say that they decrease the quality.

Two things here. First, I don't think that the *quality* of the Contest has been affected by the end of the language rule. Rather, the musical and linguistic diversity of the Contest has certainly decreased with the overwhelming use of English.
Second, it is not English itself that is targeted here. English is neither worse or better than any other language, and is actually one of the best suited to pop music. What I find regrettable is the "English at all costs" mindset of most ESC countries. They think - sometimes correctly - that sending a song in their own language would hinder their chances. And just look at ESC since the end of the language rule: except for Molitva, all winning entries were in English ("Wild Dances" was half-Ukrainian). I think that for a Contest that's supposed to showcase Europe, it increasingly fails to represent the exceptional cultural diversity of our continent.

But in the end it all depends on what you expect from the Eurovision Song Contest. I see it as a window on Europe's cultural diversity, and because of that I regret that most countries now send their entries in English (worse, some of them have never ever sent an entry in their national language(s)). The ESC has become more about winning, charts and commercial success, and less about friendly competition.

PS: If you don't like songs in native languages except English, why oh why do you take interest in the ESC?? This is an honest question.

 

[MyHeartIsYours]

Unless they go so far to import acts from other countries (what the majority of broadcasters does not do) writers and artists are not familiar with English and therefore the songs become more pretentious, amateurish but for sure unable to represent their nation's local music scene.
What we can state as a fact is that they decrease the diversity and the Asian-European appeal of the contest.

Well if they sing in bad English then that's a different matter, they need better translators! It's not because it's English that's the problem.
Eurovision is more popular now than it's ever been so I really dont think that its appeal has gone down, the diversity has changed yes but I think that's made up for by the numerous musical styles in the contest today. In previous decades, songs may have been in native languages but I cant help thinking that everything sounded the same.

 

[Nikoreindeer1973]

Then our song would had sounded like lad os lave en ny i morgen.

 

[MyHeartIsYours]

Two things here. First, I don't think that the *quality* of the Contest has been affected by the end of the language rule. Rather, the musical and linguistic diversity of the Contest has certainly decreased with the overwhelming use of English.
Second, it is not English itself that is targeted here. English is neither worse or better than any other language, and is actually one of the best suited to pop music. What I find regrettable is the "English at all costs" mindset of most ESC countries. They think - sometimes correctly - that sending a song in their own language would hinder their chances. And just look at ESC since the end of the language rule: except for Molitva, all winning entries were in English ("Wild Dances" was half-Ukrainian). I think that for a Contest that's supposed to showcase Europe, it increasingly fails to represent the exceptional cultural diversity of our continent.

But in the end it all depends on what you expect from the Eurovision Song Contest. I see it as a window on Europe's cultural diversity, and because of that I regret that most countries now send their entries in English (worse, some of them have never ever sent an entry in their national language(s)). The ESC has become more about winning, charts and commercial success, and less about friendly competition.

PS: If you don't like songs in native languages except English, why oh why do you take interest in the ESC?? This is an honest question.

No English hasnt been targeted itself but that is what people are getting at because it is the main language in Eurovision. I dont think that 'English at all costs' is right either, but at the same time I dont think it's bad and certainly there shouldnt be any rules to interfere with it.
The reason all bar one winner has been in English is because there is a vast majority of songs in English so the mere probability of a song being in English winning is about 10 times greater at least than any other language. It's not because there is a bias against native languages. I hated Molitva but it won because a lot of people liked it; the fact it wasnt in English didnt matter. If countries dont think that an English song can represent their culture (personally I think it can) then it is up to them, nobody is forcing them to sing in English but they should always be able to make that decision themselves.

I see Eurovision as an entertainment show and a show of music which I happen to love (pop, bubblegum, dance, ballads )... imo these all sound better in English and so I prefer when countries are singing in English. I dont see cultural diversity as the main reason for the contest which is perhaps why I like these sorts of entries. ESC is much more competitive nowadays (from 2003 onwards especially) but I just think that's how times have changed and it's good that Eurovision is keeping up.

As to your question, like you said, most songs in ESC are in English so why wouldnt I like it? But anyway, I like it for the music and for the fun. If there is a great song in a native language then I will love it, just my preference would be English.

 

[A-lister]

Then the overall standard of songs would drop. All the best artists would want to wait for a year where they can sing in English and have a better chance of winning.

You're kidding right? You really think quality have risen the past years when almost all songs have been in English? I beg to differ!

I think though that the countries should have a choice, but I still believe that the juries need to get their act together though. THEY have the power to make a difference, instead they are biased towards everything that doesn't fit their dated English anti-European formula (with dated I refer to styles of songs and with anti-European I refer to their hate towards everything that doesn't sound western/American/Swedish).

 

[A-lister]

What's the problem with English? If a country wishes to sing in English then it is up to them and up to them only. The EBU shouldnt have the right to interfere with individual entries, that's not their purpose. I may be defensive because it is my native language but I think it's unfair to say that the quality of the contest decreases because of English, I personally dont like songs in native languages but I wouldnt say that they decrease the quality.

May I just ask why you just like to hear songs in your own language? Then why are you tuning into Eurovision in the first place? I thought this was a contest to actually get to appreciate European diversity, not to make English the new compulsory language of all Europe.

I think what's happening with Eurovision can be seen from a political point of view aswell. European Union is trying to erase borders, cultures etc. and that's exactly what's happening with Eurovision. Instead of appreciating diversity, it's currently killing it (especially with the biased juries onboard) and I find it weird with Eurovision fans not even being open to hearing something different. When it has come this far, then Eurovision as a concept is dying for sure.

 

[MyHeartIsYours]

May I just ask why you just like to hear songs in your own language? Then why are you tuning into Eurovision in the first place? I thought this was a contest to actually get to appreciate European diversity, not to make English the new compulsory language of all Europe.

The reason is because I find a song more interesting and easier to relate to if I actually know what they're singing about. Surely everybody likes to know what the lyrics of a song are and what they mean?
I'll say the same thing as before - you claim that all the songs are in English, so then why wouldnt I like it? That's a bit contradictory because you say that all the songs are in English and yet why did I like Eurovision because I like songs in English.

I think what's happening with Eurovision can be seen from a political point of view aswell. European Union is trying to erase borders, cultures etc. and that's exactly what's happening with Eurovision. Instead of appreciating diversity, it's currently killing it (especially with the biased juries onboard) and I find it weird with Eurovision fans not even being open to hearing something different. When it has come this far, then Eurovision as a concept is dying for sure.

The EBU isnt anything to do with the EU and it's purpose is for entertainment's sake. I dont like what the EU is doing but that is a political organisation and is serious, what happens at Eurovision isnt really going to affect anybody's lives is it. Maybe many Eurovision fans think the same as I do? And clearly the broadcasters dont view English as a cultural decline of diversity because you can send a song in traditional style of your country and yet the lyrics can be in English... Turkey 2009 springs to mind.

 

[Matt]

I pretty much agree with myheartisyours. Lyrics are really important to me so knowing what an artist is singing about can make a big difference for me when "judging" a song. But if a song is in poorly written english, kinda like "I can fly, so high, oh why, goodbye" I will be the first to slam it for that reason. So it has nothing to do with the fact that most songs are in english, it's important to me to understand the message of the song. Since I also speak german the odds are that I will be drawn to that language only due to the fact I know what's being said. If lyrics don't matter why not have a everyone sing "la la la la la la la la" and forget about the rest?

At the same time, a song that is being performed in a language I don't speak can still receive a lot of support from me. But those singers need to be able to deliver the song in such a way that it makes it more of a Universal language where the melody, tone of voice, interpretation of the song etc tells a story. A few good examples to me are Finland 2010, Portugal 2010, Serbia 2007, Serbia & Montenegro 2004 etc.

 

[seb89]

I'm for bringing back the language rule. It's a shame countries don't want to send entries in their own languages, just because they are afraid it would be less understandable:
1. Singing in English wouldn't make it more understandable tbh, I'm sure a lot of people don't understand English.
2. Sing in your own language(s) and subtitle it.

Imo, I don't think a song in English can represent someone's culture. Language = culture, your own language contains your culture. A country were it snows a lot, their language has a lots of words for snow, all with a different meaning, singing in English would that completely. But of course you need to understand the language to understand the culture.

Tbh our radio is full of English songs, that's why I find it nice to watch Eurovision for it's diversity, so I would prefer to hear some songs in 'exotic' languages. But at the end, it's the broadcaster who decides...

Then the overall standard of songs would drop. All the best artists would want to wait for a year where they can sing in English and have a better chance of winning.

That's rude. So singing in song in your own language is automatically worse?? And singers who sing in their native language are not good?

 

[MyHeartIsYours]

I pretty much agree with myheartisyours. Lyrics are really important to me so knowing what an artist is singing about can make a big difference for me when "judging" a song. But if a song is in poorly written english, kinda like "I can fly, so high, oh why, goodbye" I will be the first to slam it for that reason. So it has nothing to do with the fact that most songs are in english, it's important to me to understand the message of the song. Since I also speak german the odds are that I will be drawn to that language only due to the fact I know what's being said. If lyrics don't matter why not have a everyone sing "la la la la la la la la" and forget about the rest?

At the same time, a song that is being performed in a language I don't speak can still receive a lot of support from me. But those singers need to be able to deliver the song in such a way that it makes it more of a Universal language where the melody, tone of voice, interpretation of the song etc tells a story. A few good examples to me are Finland 2010, Portugal 2010, Serbia 2007, Serbia & Montenegro 2004 etc.

Im the same about when artists sing in English and the lyrics are daft or when they sound silly in English, I've always said they should then sing in English. And like you I also like non-English songs (for me like Serbia 2010, the French songs since 2006, etc), Im not against native languages it's just I have a preference for songs in English because I can understand them.

Also I am a supporter of the UK perhaps sending an entry in Welsh or another of our languages.

 

[MyHeartIsYours]

I'm for bringing back the language rule. It's a shame countries don't want to send entries in their own languages, just because they are afraid it would be less understandable:
1. Singing in English wouldn't make it more understandable tbh, I'm sure a lot of people don't understand English.
2. Sing in your own language(s) and subtitle it.

Imo, I don't think a song in English can represent someone's culture. Language = culture, your own language contains your culture. A country were it snows a lot, their language has a lots of words for snow, all with a different meaning, singing in English would that completely. But of course you need to understand the language to understand the culture.

Tbh our radio is full of English songs, that's why I find it nice to watch Eurovision for it's diversity, so I would prefer to hear some songs in 'exotic' languages. But at the end, it's the broadcaster who decides...

Singing in English does make it more understandable for most people in Europe because it is the official language in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Malta (approx. 70 million people already), is the major non-official language in Cyprus and in the rest of the countries, it is usually the second and if not third language spoken by the people. And also, because of the fact that the music industry is dominated by English-speaking writers and composers means that it's obviously going to be the most used language.

Language is just 1 small part of a country's culture, it doesnt mean that something cant represent your culture if it's in another language. Also really does Europe have such distinct cultures any more? It doesnt really and it is the style of music that tells more of a culture rather than the language it's in. For instance, Ireland 2010 and 2007, you could easily tell they were Irish songs because of the sound and style of the music, the fact they werent in Irish Gaelic didnt have any affect on that.

 

[seb89]

Singing in English does make it more understandable for most people in Europe because it is the official language in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Malta (approx. 70 million people already), is the major non-official language in Cyprus and in the rest of the countries, it is usually the second and if not third language spoken by the people. And also, because of the fact that the music industry is dominated by English-speaking writers and composers means that it's obviously going to be the most used language.

Language is just 1 small part of a country's culture, it doesnt mean that something cant represent your culture if it's in another language. Also really does Europe have such distinct cultures any more? It doesnt really and it is the style of music that tells more of a culture rather than the language it's in. For instance, Ireland 2010 and 2007, you could easily tell they were Irish songs because of the sound and style of the music, the fact they werent in Irish Gaelic didnt have any affect on that.

It makes it more understandable for people who speak and understand English, but a lot of people don't. If I hear a song in English (third language), I don't automatically understand it either. Lyrics for me aren't always important. It's nice to understand them of course, but on the other hand, if the rythm is good and they sing good, I fall for it too. I don't understand a word what Chen is singing, but I simply love his songs. Unfortunately I understood Saade's 'Popular', I liked the melody, but the lyrics sorry... I'm pretty sure if it was in Swedish, I would have liked it probabely. You like Immanuel Casto's and Koit Toome/Getter Jaani's song too, if I'm correct ?

Ireland... for me: Gaelic would be better . After all it is just a matter of taste.

You are right about the music industry, but I have the radio/MTV and all other music channels for that . I don't want to say that I don't like songs in English or say that songs in English are bad, not at all, but it would be nice to see some 'other music' in Eurovision.

For me, Europe has still distinct cultures. Even between Flanders & Netherlands I can see a huge amount of differences. And in the UK they still use miles,... .

 

[Mickey]

Then the overall standard of songs would drop. All the best artists would want to wait for a year where they can sing in English and have a better chance of winning.

You're kidding right? You really think quality have risen the past years when almost all songs have been in English? I beg to differ!

I think though that the countries should have a choice, but I still believe that the juries need to get their act together though. THEY have the power to make a difference, instead they are biased towards everything that doesn't fit their dated English anti-European formula (with dated I refer to styles of songs and with anti-European I refer to their hate towards everything that doesn't sound western/American/Swedish).

That's rude. So singing in song in your own language is automatically worse?? And singers who sing in their native language are not good?

I'm responding specifically to the suggestion that countries should be forced to sing in native language every other year.

Irrespective of whether it is accurate, there is a belief that English songs are more likely to win Eurovision than native languages.

Under the proposed rule, a respected and successful artist could be approached to sing for their country. Their response? "No thanks; I'd rather sing in English next year and have a chance of winning". Countries would then resort to their second or third choice before someone is willing to try their luck on entering Eurovision under what they see (perhaps wrongly) as a handicap to victory.

I don't want the language rule back at all, but I think a half and half could be worse.

 

[Yamarus]

Irrespective of whether it is accurate, there is a belief that English songs are more likely to win Eurovision than native languages.

I think that with 13 ESCs since the end of the language rule, you can safely say that winning with an English song is *much* more likely. It's not a belief.

Also really does Europe have such distinct cultures any more?

:shock:

 

[A-lister]

So I've read some of the responses in here and here's my response to some of it.

Firstly, pardon me for saying, but I find some of statements rather ignorant. MyHeartIsYours say that most Europeans know English (which is false) and goes on about that there are no cultural diversity to begin with (or they are dying), so basically all of Europe is Anglo-saxic then? Or should be? I don't know if you say these things because you happen to be an English speaker yourself and belong to that culture, but it's not really true and it's kinda sad if this is something to promote (no offense to English or Anglo-saxic culture, but that's not the whole world).

In many eastern parts Russian is the second most known language and then comes German, English might end up fourth or even fifth in some cases, the general population do NOT know English that well. Same goes for some Central and Southern European countries aswell. So that leaves us with basically the Nordic countries and the English speaking ones, which do not represent all Europe!

And yes cultures ARE dying in Europe, but they do still exist but somehow it seems to you that they better be extinct? That just because English and Anglo-saxic is dominating we just have to obey to that idea? And don't misunderstand me, I have NOTHING against those, but my world doesn't stop there and nor does Europe.

This leads me to my comment about EBU and politics. EBU is not an direct political project BUT it was started (as many other projects in Europe) after WW2 to bring Europe together, so was the EU and other projects. EBU is a television networking project and don't underestimate culture and entertainment when it comes to forming ideas. When EU is breaking down borders, taking away sovereignty and slowly deleting cultures etc. obviously EBU CAN play a part in all this and they actually do. Culture and identity plays just as big part in forming nations and mindsets as economics and pure politics do, it's not to be underestimated, and taking those away just to impose something else is not the right way to go.

About the lyrics aspect:

I understand the point with understanding lyrics and we all appreciate different things in music for sure, but I still find this argument kind of silly when we all know by know Eurovision has NEVER really been about good lyrics in the first place, that's not what this contest got known for or is known for. Even entries from English speaking countries and entries from countries where English can be seen universally as "second language" are sending songs with quite nonsense lyrics and that's more or less always been the case.

And why is this? Because it's a song competition where you ought to reach out to millions of potential voters in 3 minutes, there's simply not room or space for that clever lyrics, so I don't really buy into that whole "lyrics argument". If we were talking music in general maybe, but not so much for Eurovision.

Also, and I guess this might be just for me, but there's a reason why music is called a universal language in itself. I didn't make up that phrasing and I think there's a point in it.

And yes, I think there is a problem that European diversity is NOT reflected as much any longer in the contest and I think the whole concept of this original idea IS dying because of that. Entries are still representing countries, that's the whole basic concept of this contest, and why is that? Just because? Offcourse not.

I don't believe in forcing countries to sing in their native languages, but currently I think this ignorant idea about Anglo-saxic culture and English superiority has indeed been taken over and I don't think it's good for the contest at all.

Instead of bringing our countries together and share the diversity that actually DO exist (as the original idea was), it has ended into blending all Europe into just another mini-USA or anglo-saxic sort of unity.

And yes, I KNOW the impact English has and I know what countries dominated the music industry, but if that's what you want why just not turn into your local radio? I really believe Eurovision is something bigger and more interesting than that and it has its history which we can't just erase.

 

[MyHeartIsYours]

It makes it more understandable for people who speak and understand English, but a lot of people don't. If I hear a song in English (third language), I don't automatically understand it either. Lyrics for me aren't always important. It's nice to understand them of course, but on the other hand, if the rythm is good and they sing good, I fall for it too. I don't understand a word what Chen is singing, but I simply love his songs. Unfortunately I understood Saade's 'Popular', I liked the melody, but the lyrics sorry... I'm pretty sure if it was in Swedish, I would have liked it probabely. You like Immanuel Casto's and Koit Toome/Getter Jaani's song too, if I'm correct ?

Ireland... for me: Gaelic would be better . After all it is just a matter of taste.

You are right about the music industry, but I have the radio/MTV and all other music channels for that . I don't want to say that I don't like songs in English or say that songs in English are bad, not at all, but it would be nice to see some 'other music' in Eurovision.

For me, Europe has still distinct cultures. Even between Flanders & Netherlands I can see a huge amount of differences. And in the UK they still use miles,... .

A lot of people dont, but more people have English has a first, second, third or subsequent language in Europe than any other, so more people in Russia for example will understand a Croatian entry if it's in English rather than Croatian. For me, lyrics are one half of the song and I do like to relate to them, I cant do that if I dont understand what's being sung. But like you point out, I do still like songs that arent in English and often songs are more suited to their native language, particularly if they are made/produced by a person of that individual country.
But there shouldnt be any language rule because it removes the freedom of broadcasters and artists to come up with a song they truly want. They shouldnt be forced into singing in English and they shouldnt be forced into singing a native language.

But English isnt a problem at Eurovision. It is my country's language and my culture so I am proud of it, some people (not you though) talk it down and I dont think that's fair. Not all Eurovision entries are in English, a non-English song won in 2007 so I dont know what the problem is. I can understand if my country constantly sent a song in another language it may not be my favourite thing so I know where you're all coming from, but to remove the choice would be wrong imo.

 

[MyHeartIsYours]

Firstly, pardon me for saying, but I find some of statements rather ignorant. MyHeartIsYours say that most Europeans know English (which is false) and goes on about that there are no cultural diversity to begin with (or they are dying), so basically all of Europe is Anglo-saxic then? Or should be? I don't know if you say these things because you happen to be an English speaker yourself and belong to that culture, but it's not really true and it's kinda sad if this is something to promote (no offense to English or Anglo-saxic culture, but that's not the whole world).

Im not talking about countries historic cultures, they're obviously extremely diverse. Im talking about their everyday cultures, the way people go about the lives, the cafes they go to, the shops they shop at, the music they listen to, the films they watch, the tv they like, etc. I could work around Switzerland, Spain or Germany and I could just as well be in the UK, Sweden or the USA. Apart from the obvious differences (linguistic, climate, architecture), Western Europe is under the cultural dominance of the United States, whether you choose to call that Anglo-Saxon culture or whatever that's up to you. But it's true. The United Kingdom is in a bit of a different position because of the fact that British-American culture is virtually the same with just a few differences but we are still under the influence of the US and would be even more so if we did not have their culture already as our own.

In many eastern parts Russian is the second most known language and then comes German, English might end up fourth or even fifth in some cases, the general population do NOT know English that well. Same goes for some Central and Southern European countries aswell. So that leaves us with basically the Nordic countries and the English speaking ones, which do not represent all Europe!

Eastern Europe is slightly different yes, but the reason for that is a legacy of the Cold War. The generation of Eastern Europeans my age are following a similar pattern as Western Europe and so English is becoming much more widely known. I dont know where you get the fourth of fifth language from, German is spoken by more Europeans than English as a first language yes but not in total. For most countries, except in a few circumstances, English is the second language and is the most taught foreign language in education. And in countries like the UK with English as the first language, it is French which is the second language, not German. And Russian is much less known in Western Europe than English is in Eastern Europe.

And yes cultures ARE dying in Europe, but they do still exist but somehow it seems to you that they better be extinct? That just because English and Anglo-saxic is dominating we just have to obey to that idea? And don't misunderstand me, I have NOTHING against those, but my world doesn't stop there and nor does Europe.

Why are you trying to make things up like that? I've never said anything of the sort, I've stated fact. Im not asking anybody to obey and as far as Im aware, the UK delegation hasnt asked anybody to obey them at Eurovision either! In fact, countries are making the choice of their own, and you are asking them to obey your opinion by forcing them to sing in a particular language .

This leads me to my comment about EBU and politics. EBU is not an direct political project BUT it was started (as many other projects in Europe) after WW2 to bring Europe together, so was the EU and other projects. EBU is a television networking project and don't underestimate culture and entertainment when it comes to forming ideas. When EU is breaking down borders, taking away sovereignty and slowly deleting cultures etc. obviously EBU CAN play a part in all this and they actually do. Culture and identity plays just as big part in forming nations and mindsets as economics and pure politics do, it's not to be underestimated, and taking those away just to impose something else is not the right way to go.

The EU is breaking down borders and trying to take away sovereignty and culture, but they're not trying to replace it with AngloSaxon culture! They hate us! They're trying to turn it Franco-German. What EBU is in fact doing is giving countries the free choice of which language they want to sing in, if the countries themselves choose to sing in English, then that is not the problem of the EBU's, is it?

And why is this? Because it's a song competition where you ought to reach out to millions of potential voters in 3 minutes, there's simply not room or space for that clever lyrics, so I don't really buy into that whole "lyrics argument". If we were talking music in general maybe, but not so much for Eurovision.

Exactly, so why do you think it's such a big deal if countries sing in English or not?

And yes, I think there is a problem that European diversity is NOT reflected as much any longer in the contest and I think the whole concept of this original idea IS dying because of that. Entries are still representing countries, that's the whole basic concept of this contest, and why is that? Just because? Offcourse not.

The whole concept was to bring Europe together, to unite people through music after some terrible years and to try and lighten the mood for one day a year (the 1950's were extremely tough for people, it's not like the war just ended and it was all rosy). The concept was shown once again when Russia joined but I feel that the concept is being challenged now by other reasons and factors, the use of English not being one of them.

I don't believe in forcing countries to sing in their native languages, but currently I think this ignorant idea about Anglo-saxic culture and English superiority has indeed been taken over and I don't think it's good for the contest at all.

If you believe in a language rule then you are talking about forcing countries to sing in certain languages. Nobody's suggested English superiority, it may be a preference but it is a preference established by native countries themselves (Sweden for example nearly always sings in English, that doesnt mean your entries are any better or any worse than if they were in Swedish, it just means that your broadcaster made a choice about which language they preferred).

Instead of bringing our countries together and share the diversity that actually DO exist (as the original idea was), it has ended into blending all Europe into just another mini-USA or anglo-saxic sort of unity.

I dont think so, that has been the general trend of world culture in the global village. I think the erosion of individual cultures is very sad (I know the way Welsh culture used to be treated here for example, Im glad that it is now on the rebound) but singing in English is not eroding one's culture, as I said earlier, the style of music has a much stronger link with culture than the language of the lyrics.