Re: UNITED KINGDOM 2011
Someone wrote that the UK send what represents UK and that it's Europe's fault not getting it? Well I have to disagree; UK music scene is defenetly not just has-been generic camp disco or ballads.
UK think they are too good for ESC and therefor doesn't feel the need to send something good, but then expect the results.
It's pretty simple; countries viewing ESC as crap sends crap aswell.
This sums it up well.
In previous years, when entries were decided via public vote, rubbish usually prevailed. It’s important to remember that many of those who vote aren’t necessarily ESC fans, that is to say, (much akin to those on the forum), those who take an active interest in the contest itself as opposed to those who just tune in on the night ‘for the lols.’ Changing British perception of the ESC is going to be an arduous task, as I get the impression that a large proportion (and to some degree, myself) view the contest as a bit of kitsch drabble.
In my household, I was brought up to consider ESC as a comedy event. Indeed, a part of what makes ESC entertaining for me, are the ‘bad’ and OTT entries. It appeals to my immature and somewhat ‘self deprecating’ side. I watch badly dubbed kung fu movies for the same reason; it’s escapism from the polished maturity of high brow cinema. I have to admit, when I watch ESC I don’t want to see a contest full of flawless, ‘chart topping’ hits. I at least want to witness something that appeals to my childish and moronic side (be it Alf Poier, Elnur & Samir, Ich Troje...)
Irrespective of my ‘amusement’ towards the train wreck entries of the past, I would for once, like the UK to enter something that has a fighting chance of winning for a change (although we all secretly hope the ueber manure ones might get lucky). I hated our song in 2009, but I felt that in terms of attitude towards the ESC, it was a positive step forward by both the BBC and the British public. Unfortunately the momentum generated from 2009 was not continued into 2010, but this was mainly due to a dire choice of song writer and execution (poor Josh simply had to ‘make do,’ which is why I never blamed him personally for the UK’s poor placement).
The BBC must receive a few tapes from prospective entries (i.e. independent artists who would kill to be on ESC). I think it’s about time the BBC spent more time planning for future ESC entries, sourcing good entries from an extensive pool of UK talent before the Christmas period. In my opinion its often left too late, resulting in rushed, botched entries (2010).
The public will always get to make the final decision, be it choosing artist, song or both. The only thing is, given a choice between 1) a grown man dressed in a nappie singing baa baa black sheep backwards like a mongoose on helium and 2) Celine Dion (okay, maybe not the best example) the British public could vote for either... :?
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. For me personally, I dont mind if a British song fails so long as it's not the result of political or diaspora voting.
