Our Eurovision Fan of the Week is Phil from the UK aka 'Duke of Preston' @DOPreston on Twitter and Instagram. Read his full Q&A about Eurovision with us below.
What is your name, where are you from and what do you do?
My name is Phil and I’m from Preston, UK. I’m an accountant.
Tell us how you got into Eurovision?
I remember watching my first Eurovision in 1992, Michael Ball was representing for the UK. I was babysitting with my friend and we had started to watch the film Misery(we were only 13) and turned it off because we were too scared, thankfully Eurovision was on the TV so we watched that instead
That is our favourite way anyone has ever got into the contest - being scared into it by Kathy Bates! ~ Aussievision
Have you been to the contest and if so, how many times?
I’ve been to the contest twice, first was for Malmo in 2013 and then Copenhagen in 2014. Malmo was a weird experience and I almost didn’t go to Copenhagen but I’m glad I did, was a very good show. We had tickets for Stockholm in 2016 but a week before the contest our AirBnb host decided to cancel our booking and we couldn’t arrange any new accommodation in time.
That is such a shame, we'll be keeping our fingers crossed that our AirBnB holds up for Rotterdam!
As a British Eurovision fan, you've had some tough times recently. Where do you think the UK are at and what are you hoping for in the 2020s?
The UK (BBC) just doesn’t seem to have a long term plan. They chop and change from one format to the next. Even when they do get the song right, Molly 2013, Lucie in 2017 for example, they don’t build on it, the year after they just return to lacklustre songs and performers. I wouldn’t even mind coming last if the song was good!
You're right, very haphazard - same with 2010 after finishing 5th the year before. Hopefully a more consistent decade ahead for you.
Which is your favourite Eurovision year and why?
Fave Eurovision year 2008, that year seemed to be the return to Europop and it was great, 'Shady Lady', 'Hero', 'This is my life', all still sound amazing.
If you could change one thing about Eurovision what would it be?
One thing id like to change (which would be impossible) is to go back to hearing the songs for the first time on the night. So many songs sound amazing as a recording but on the night are a car crash!
Which artist would you like to see return to the competition?
I'd love to see Celine Dion return, would absolutely be amazing. If not her, Scott Fitzgerald as he was robbed!
I think Serhat winning the contest has better odds than a Celine return. But an interval act one day perhaps?
If you could pick only three Eurovision songs to listen to for the rest of time, what would they be?
Three Eurovision songs would be 'What about my Dreams' Kati Wolf, 'Every Way that I Can' Sertab Erener, 'Love Shine a Light' Katrina and the Waves.
Which Eurovision song:
Is the best winner?
'Every way that I Can' - Sertab Erener
Now that's what we're talking about, a favourite here at Aussievision
Has the best live vocal?
Conchita Wurst - 'Rise Like a Phoenix'
Was robbed?
Poli Genova, 'If Love was a Crime'
Is the best from this decade?
Loreen - 'Euphoria'
Well the ESC250 poll shows people agree with you!
Is your guilty pleasure?
'Wir geben ne party', Mekado, Germany 1994.
That is an absolute bop, love it!
Is your favourite National Final song (that didn't make it to Eurovision)?
'I Need You', Deuce 1995.
Ahh good old Deuce, 'On the Bible' went big in Australia!
And finally... Tonight Again, Sound of Silence, Don’t Come Easy, We Got Love or Zero Gravity?
Sound of Silence, absolutely stunning!!
Thank you for joining us Phil!
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