Our international Eurovision fan of the week is Matthew from the UK aka @tchuqo on Twitter. Read his full Q&A with us below:
What is your name and where are you from? I’m Matthew and I’m from Chesterfield in the United Kingdom.
What do you do or tell us something interesting about you? I’ve been in a long distance relationship with a Brazilian for over five years, and I plan on moving to Brazil (Espírito Santos state) later this year.
Wow that IS long distance, glad to see you will be together permanently soon though. The Brazilian obsession also makes a lot of sense now! ~ Aussievision
When did you first get into Eurovision? 2008. The girl I used to sit next to in Maths suggested it to me because she knew I loved languages and anything to do with numbers, and she knew I’d geek out over it. I don’t even think she could have realised she was setting me up with my big passion for years to come. I watched some of the first semi-final and it looked fun, and then I tuned in again for the final on the Saturday night and I was hooked straight away.
It was the voting in the final that got you wasn't it!
Which is your favourite Eurovision year and why? I’m going to say 2018 simply because it was the year that I actually went to some of the live shows. I think seeing the show live is on every eurofan’s bucket list, but I had to wait over a decade to be in a position where I could go and the opportunity was everything I had hoped for.
If you could change one thing about Eurovision what would it be? Jon Ola Sand has made lots of changes since he took over that I don’t fully support. But I think the most problematic thing for me is the running order draw. I understand the reasons given for having a producer-designed running order, but I can’t see past it being used as a tool to manipulate which countries stand a chance, which countries overshadow one other and which countries basically shouldn’t bother showing up. Personally, I never saw any issues with the random draw, and although it was occasionally frustrating when one of your favourites was drawn in a poor slot, but at least it felt fairer because it was completely random.
True, it's a tough one - as a show to remain relevant it has worked, but you're totally right - it's an unfair advantage in a competitive contest.
If you could only listen to three Eurovision songs for the rest of time, what would you choose?
-Euphoria (Sweden, 2012) -I Anixi (Greece 1991) -Fuego (Cyprus 2018)
Wow we did not see that Greek song coming, like the mix up!
Which Eurovision song: ·
Had the best staging? Eleni’s staging of Fuego in Lisbon was impressive, and really set the attitude that fans have for the song. I’d go as far as saying she was flawless, and I’m still slightly disappointed that she didn’t take the trophy (although I loved Toy too).
Best live vocal? Throw as much shade at me as you like, but I’m going to say Jacques Houdek at Eurovision 2017. To go from one vocal style to another repeatedly during a performance, and not once go out of tune is an impressive feat, whatever your views on the song itself.
Very fair point!
Was robbed? There are many NQs from across the years that I haven’t agreed with, but I have never understood how Hear Them Calling didn’t qualify in 2016. Everything about it was so good, the performance was on point. What more does Europe want?
We were in a Helsinki bar full of a fair few Icelandic supporters when that happened. They were not happy!
From before 2000 is your favourite? I Anixi – Sophia Vossou (Greece, 1991) – Robbed by an out of tune saxophonist.
Do you enjoy more now, than when they performed? There are so many songs that I initially hated that I’ve grown to really like. In particular, I’d point out Let’ Tmou (Slovakia 2009), Shine (Georgia 2010) and San Aggelos S’agapisa (Cyprus 2011)
Did you last play? Recently I’ve basically been playing Telemóveis (Conan Osiris) on repeat so it’s been a while since I listened to a past Eurovision song. But I listen to Nova Deca (Serbia 2018) a lot because I just find the song really epic and it puts me in a good mood every time I hear it.
Is your guilty pleasure? I really enjoy Weil der Mensch zählt (Austria 2003) and even though I know it’s not the best song I just find it really fun.
Any other interesting honourable mentions? I just want to give a shout out to Conan Osíris (Telemóveis), Electric Fields (2000 and Whatever), Maruv (Siren Song) and Monika Marija (Criminal) for giving me so much joy during this National Final season.
What national finals have you enjoyed this season or are you most looking forward to? Personally, I thought that Festival da Canção was the strongest national final this year, and I downloaded so many of the songs.
Do you already have a favourite song for 2019? If it wins the NF, Telemóveis will be my favourite Eurovision entry ever (sorry Loreen). But so far, Zero Gravity is my favourite.
Now that's an answer we can get behind!
What did you think our national final Australia Decides? I think it was the most fun I’ve had during a selection show this year. Most of them felt really dry and unentertaining but Australia’s, despite being on in the morning here, was a bundle of laughs. It shows that Australia really understands Eurovision, which makes some of the past entry choices really puzzling. I hope Australia never plays it safe again!
There was an unsaid desire among everyone that we wanted RISK this year. I wouldn't be surprised if the public play it safer in the future.
And finally... Tonight Again, Sound of Silence, Don't Come Easy, We Got Love or Zero Gravity? Easy question. 1. Zero Gravity 2. We Got Love 3. Tonight Again 4. Sound of Silence 5. Don’t Come Easy
Thank you for your time Matthew!