Eurovision Presents Fun with Flags!
Steven Perkins brings you all the latest breaking Eurovision news, including a new relaxed flag policy following last year's controversy AND what is the UK's favourite Eurovision song of all time? Well, the BBC conducted a survey and the results are in...
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Mentioned in this episode:
Efendi - ‘Mata Hari’ (Azerbaijan, 2021): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTQ22S5YC7Q
The Roop - ‘Discoteque’ (Lithuania, 2021): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNweec5olYw
Olsen Brothers - ‘Fly On The Wings Of Love’ (Denmark, 2000): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF8fkHK0AWs
Sam Ryder - ‘Space Man’ (United Kingdom, 2022): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ0hqX_92zI
Loreen - ‘Euphoria’ (Sweden, 2012): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfo-8z86x80
Conchita Wurst - ‘Rise Like A Phoenix’ (Austria, 2014): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRUIava4WRM
Alexander Rybak - ‘Fairytale’ (Norway, 2009): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXwgZL4zx9o
Käärijä - ‘Cha Cha Cha’ (Finland, 2023): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6rS8Dv5g-8
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Transcript
In today's episode, flying the flag for EU and others as Eurovision rolls back last year's strict flag policy.
Speaker A:It's a coxfest on Radio 2's commentary for this year's event and find out who's in pole position as the results of the BBC's search for the UK's favourite 21st century Eurovision song are revealed.
Speaker A:I'm Stephen Perkins and this is Doucepoix.
Speaker A:Hello London, we are ready for your vote.
Speaker A: th of April: Speaker A:So let's check in with the latest headlines from the world of Eurovision.
Speaker A: e many elements of Eurovision: Speaker A:Following a backlash from fans, the EBU promised to review the flag policy for this year's event in Basel.
Speaker A:And now the new rules have been revealed with greater freedom for audience members.
Speaker A:Flags will be allowed at Eurovision as long as they do not contravene Swiss law.
Speaker A:So flags that promote discrimination or banned terrorist organisations, for example, are still not permitted.
Speaker A:But pride flags and EU flags will be allowed in the audience this year, as will flags from non competing countries, apparently including the Palestinian flag, which was another source of controversy in previous contests.
Speaker A:However, the rules will be a lot tighter for delegations who will only be allowed to display the official flag of the country that they are representing while they are on stage or giving scores, as well as when they appear at any official Eurovision events, including the opening ceremony and appearing in the green room.
Speaker A:As for the opening flag parade, each act may only carry one flag and that will be provided by host broadcaster SRG ssr.
Speaker A:This does feel like a reasonable compromise to me.
Speaker A:The draconian restrictions on the audience have been lifted and they are allowed freedom of expression.
Speaker A:And the policy for the artists, while a little rigid, does seem like the only realistic way to avoid the show itself from becoming overtly politicised.
Speaker A: of solidarity for Ukraine in: Speaker A:And it does seem unfair certain acts.
Speaker A:For example, Danish entrant Sisal, who is Faroese, has posted on social media that she would have wanted to display the Faroe Islands flag on stage at Eurovision if she could, but there was probably never going to be a version of this rule that pleased everyone.
Speaker A: ctions in future years if the: Speaker A:I know Dare to dream right in slightly more UK centric news, the BBC's Radio 2 Eurovision coverage has added a new host to its line up as Sarah Cox will be heading to Basel next month to join Richie Anderson on the Radio 2 Commentari team.
Speaker A: semi final commentary team in: Speaker A:Meanwhile, there have been more announcements of guest performers who will be taking part in this year's contest.
Speaker A: who represented Azerbaijan in: Speaker A:More details on what they'll all be doing will hopefully be revealed as the contest draws closer.
Speaker A:And finally, you may remember a few weeks ago we Talked about the BBC Radio 2 poll to find the UK's favourite 21st century Eurovision song.
Speaker A:Well, the results are in.
Speaker A:Skip ahead now if you don't want to be spoiled.
Speaker A:I'll give you a moment.
Speaker A:Okay?
Speaker A: nd place finish from Turin in: Speaker A: ne's euphoria for Sweden from: Speaker A:Now let us never speak of this again.
Speaker A:That is all for this week.
Speaker A:I will be back next week with another full length episode when Eurovision journalist Adrian Bradley will be joining me to predict who will triumph in this year's semi finals.
Speaker A:It's going to be a good one, so don't miss it.
Speaker A:In fact, if you haven't done so already, why not subscribe via your podcast platform of choice to ensure you don't miss any of our upcoming episodes, especially as we'll be doing lots of extra shows in the week of Eurovision itself.
Speaker A:And if you'd be so kind as to give us a glowing review while you're there, we'd be very grateful for your help in spreading the good word about Tous Poirot.
Speaker A:Until next time, good night, Europe, and good morning, Australia.
