This week we welcome Sydneysider Priyant (@Priyant1987 on twitter) to Aussievision Fan of the Week! He shares with us some unique taste, hot takes and a love of all things Melodifestivalen.
Thank you for being our Aussievision fan of the week! Tell us a little about yourself...
I was born in Fiji and moved to Australia when I was 10. I used to work for a major retailer developing their chocolate but recently embarked on a career change to work on projects in the disability sector, which has been very rewarding. I'm an avid baker and had my Carrot Cake and Brownies featured by Poh on SBS which was neat! I love sparkling water, coffee and Gilmore Girls and think raspberries are very overrated.
~ I was totally jealous when I saw queen Nigella Lawson on twitter commented on your video a few days ago!! She must have sensed a fellow passionate baker. (Liv)
How did you get into Eurovision? What was the first year you watched?
I made a friend Stefanie at an Italian Valentine's Day event called ValenTALIANS and she implored me to watch so I saw the incredible Loreen victory in 2012. I remember being mesmerised by Gaitana and Anggun but I recently saw a Facebook memory from that night and was horrified to see that I wanted Pasha Parfeny to win!
~ Pasha Parfeny!! I feel like Eurovision itself would have imploded if somehow the Moldovans managed to pull that one out of the bag in 2012. What a fantastic year to get into Eurovision! (Liv)
Who was your winner for Eurovision 2021? What made them special to you?
From the moment I saw her preview clip in the National Final - Barbara Pravi. Her performance in Rotterdam was transcendent and the staging was well, perfect. I had faith that the public would connect with this and I'm so glad they did.
~ I'll admit I was sceptical and thought it would go over the publics head - but I am pleased for Barbara and the French delegation that their performance was rewarded! (Liv)
Who is your favourite Eurovision performance and why?
(Queen) Suzy - 'Quero Ser Tua'. The use of colours, the energy, the dancers and the beautiful Portuguese language. It's catchy as heck. It breaks my heart that this didn't qualify but perhaps that's formed part of it's legacy.
~ I'll speak for Dale and give this a big "yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas queen" moment (Liv)
How and when did you find the twitter fandom?
Twitter fandom is complicated so I'd like to talk about another group. Each week I have a zoom call with a group of Eurofans. During the US Election and Black Lives Matter protests I would wake up and see Instagram stories from Benjamin Ingrosso's mother Pernilla Wahlgren - to the point where I was getting my news from her. So that's started the Pernilla Wahlgren News Network where I get to discuss Eurovision feelings in great detail.
Which Aussie artist/s would you love to see on the Eurovision stage? Which song/s best showcases that artist?
I am not a fan AT ALL but Delta Goodrem would be incredible. She has the experience, the ability to deliver a great song and performance, and she has the financial backing to sustain the demands of being a legitimate Eurovision contender.
~ It's hard to deny the experience of Delta! Certainly would be a safe choice for us. (Liv)
Which national final do you look forward to the most? What makes it special?
Sorry to be a Basic B but Melodifestivalen. The calibre is always very high and the production value creates a really special contest. I was fine with 2020 being cancelled because we got Melfest...
What is your opinion on returning artists? Is there one you would like to see again?
I love it when used in moderation. I think artists lately are bringing something new when they return usually because they've grown as an artist or taken away valuable lessons. I could narrow my favourite to one but I can't narrow this one down! I hope Germany changes its rules and allows Iveta Mukuchyan represent them, and I want Donny Montell back!
If you could pick only three performances to encourage new people to watch Eurovision what would they be:
Loreen - 'Euphoria' (for birthing a new age)
Måns Zelmerlöw - 'Heroes' (the staging and song)
Duncan Laurence - 'Arcade' (to show staging may not be everything).
I will say the one studio song I play that every Non-Eurofan in my life immediately adds to their playlist is Victor Crone's 'Storm'.
~ A solid spread of accessible entries that have made major charting impact globally! (Liv)
Which Eurovision song:
Is the best winner?
Loreen!
Has the best live vocal?
Dami Im (but my favourite live vocal was Tornike's Kermit The Frog rendition in his first rehearsal)
Was the best Australia Decides entry (that didn’t make it to Eurovision)?
Electric Fields would've struggled with no pre-recorded vocals in 2019 and a very limited budget, and Vanessa's staging was a mess. So my answer is no one.
Was robbed?
Greta Salomé - 'Hear Them Calling'. The Non-Qualification hurts and it's such a stellar song. 2021 shout out to Senhit and Flo Rida who were also robbed of a top 5 finish!
Is your guilty pleasure?
D mol. 'Heaven'. Sigh. Not Tom Leeb though because I feel no guilt listening to 'Mon Alliée'!
Is your favourite National Final song (that didn't make it to Eurovision)?
Anna Bergendahl - 'Ashes to Ashes'.
And finally which Australian entry is your favourite…
This is the only difficult question. Jess was special because I saw her live, Kate was incredibly iconic and I listen to Isaiah's song the most but alas, it's Dami Im. What an amazing moment for Australia she created.
Any other titbits or comments you’d like to make?
I hope we select an artist that understands Eurovision and it's demands as well as the finances and resources needed in order to be successful.
We’ve just been announced as the hosts of the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane! If you had to bet on any Australian Eurovision alumni performing, who would you guess will feature during the event?
Most have real staying power to remain relevant in 11 years time but I'll put your winnings from Måneskin on Jessica Mauboy.
~ Hah! For anyone who didn't know I made $1,700 betting on Måneskin to win well before rehearsals started. I would say Jessica Mauboy is a pretty safe choice to see!! Would be great to see continued Indigenous representation as well. (Liv)
Thank you so much for your time Priyant and being wonderfully patient! Once the world settles down again I hope to meet at a Eurovision event one day and chat all things Melfest.