Our Eurovision Fan of the Week is Betty from Tasmania. Have a read of her Q&A with us below:
What is your name and where are you from?
Betty Evans. Grew up in Qld, now living in Tassie.
What do you do or tell us something interesting about you?
I’m a data analyst in the public service, a choir conductor and a mum.
I’ve written and recorded English covers of two recent Eurovision songs, Amar Pelos Dois and Soldi. I’m currently working on a paper about song translation for the Eurovision conference at the University of Sydney in April 2020.
That's fantastic, and your covers are beautiful. Particularly loved Amar Pelos Dois ~ Aussievision
When did you first get into Eurovision?
I stumbled across Eurovision in 1997 - Paul Oscar made an impression! I watched 1998 in full with a friend who was already a fan. We were so thrilled that Dana won. After that I watched on and off and even hosted a party or two, but it was in 2004 (Ruslanaaaa!) that I became a truly committed fan. It’s now become the highlight of my year. I call 2004 – 2010 the Golden Age… all those crazy, exuberant, ethnic-tinged entries - just my cup of tea!
It was certainly an interesting decade and got so many fans into the contest!
Which is your favourite Eurovision year and why?
2010 was a spectacular year with so many great songs – Playing With Fire, Run Away, Drip Drop, Apricot Stone, Shine, Ovo Je Balkan and more!
Big fan of 2010, doesn't get enough love from fans ~ Dale
If you could change one thing about Eurovision what would it be?
The time of year! It’s hard hosting a party in Tassie in mid-May – everyone feels like hibernating. I’ve given up on the Sunday night SBS broadcast, and now I stream the Grand Final in the afternoon. I never listened to the commentary anyway, too busy taking notes and gossiping ☺
Which artist would you like to see return to the competition?
I fell in love with Aistė Smilgevičiūtė in 1999 and I’d love to see her again.
If you could pick only three Eurovision songs to listen to for the rest of time, what would they be?
Oh gosh what an impossible question! I really can’t choose, so I’ll pick some of the less popular ones that come to mind… Autumn Leaves and Ghost are both wonderful songs with great lyrics and solid singers that failed in performance. And then… Spirit In The Sky for pure joy!
Those, without a doubt, are the most 'interesting' choices we've had from a fan for that question! At least you have a good mix of genres!
Which Eurovision song:
Is the best winner?
I know it’s controversial, but I feel 1944 is possibly the most important song that has ever been performed at Eurovision. Most anti-war songs fail because they come from the head, not the heart, but 1944 comes from the gut, from memory and intuition. It’s not pleasant to listen to by itself, but the visual production perfectly illustrated and enhanced the song. As a whole package, 1944 is inspired, deep and powerful, a work of art.
Even though we will agree to disagree, think you nailed it with the description there - from the gut and a visual production that enhanced the song.
Has the best live vocal?
Polina Gagarina was incredible. I’ve tried to sing A Million Voices at karaoke and it is a real challenge. She, like Jamala, was channelling something – at the end of her performance she was shaking. Hats off to her!
Unlucky not to win, an incredible and perfect Eurovision performance
Was robbed?
I don’t really think in those terms… when I am surprised by a result, the data analyst in me just wants to work out how it happened! But… I wish the Babushki had entered in a different year so that they didn’t have to come up against Loreen – surely they would have won in 2011, and maybe 2013 too?
Haha have to agree on the data analysis and understanding 'why' (how good is Eurovision for that!) but my god no, thank god Loreen stopped the Babushkis! They almost beat her in the televote! ~ Dale
Is the best from this decade?
Apart from those mentioned already: Soldi is an incredible song. Like 1944, it comes from a seed of true emotion, crafted into something complex and powerful.
Is your guilty pleasure?
I am beyond guilt ☺
Haha great answer!
Is your favourite National Final song (that didn't make it to Eurovision)?
I don’t really do the NFs properly yet… can I say 2000 And Whatever?
Of course you can, it's a National Final song!
Any other interesting honourable mentions?
Bringing the crazy… Push the Button! Water! Boonika Bate Toba! LovePower! Jan Jan! Hora Din Moldova! Guildo Hat Euch Lieb!
And finally... Tonight Again, Sound of Silence, Don’t Come Easy, We Got Love or Zero Gravity?
Zero Gravity! Kate on a stick! She may have “only” come 9th but she will be remembered forever. She has entered the Pantheon. Iconic!
Thank you for your time Betty!
コメント