Our Eurovision fan profiles are back! And we start off our new series with the lovely Jola from Brisbane.
Several Aussievision team members have met Jola at Eurovision preview parties and what always stood out to us was the passion she had for her favourite (and sometimes not so favourite) entries.
We chatted to Jola to find out how she became a fan of the Contest we all know and love, Eurovision.
Welcome to Aussievision, tell us all about yourself!
My name is Jola, I was born in Poland in 1982. In 2011 I married a charming Aussie and in January 2012 we moved to Brisbane with our then 1-year-old son. I work in a language school, where I teach English to international students. I love reading, I’m a history freak, I enjoy talking about politics and how the world is changing. I think cooking is an art and I spend most of my free time in the kitchen, listening to music and creating delicious, hearty meals for my boys. P.S. I love George Michael.
What are your first memories of Eurovision?
I’m 11, I’m listening to the radio and suddenly I hear that a singer called Edyta Gorniak came second in the Eurovision Song Contest with her song 'To nie ja'. Edyta who? And what’s Eurovision??
When and what prompted you to become a fan of the Contest?
It started in 2014, my husband and I decided to watch it and we invited a couple of friends over… It turned out to be quite a party! We’ve been celebrating it every year since.
How is Eurovision received in Poland? Is it a big event, what were your experiences like?
I haven’t been back in Poland since 2013, but from what I read on social media, most Poles think that Eurovision is an unimportant festival (sic!) of kitsch and bad taste. (Considering Poland’s 2023 entry, who can blame them?)
What has your experience of Eurovision been like here in Australia since you arrived?
Wonderful! Since we started going to Eurovision pre-parties in Brisbane, we’ve met a bunch of lovely, kind people, super-easy to talk to. Can’t wait for the next one!
Since Australia joined the competition, has that impacted on who you support each year?
I never support a particular country. Together with my husband we listen to each entry as they are released and we simply take notes: I like it / so-so / I don’t like it. Countries have nothing to do with it.
What are thoughts on how Poland is going in the Contest?
I have a feeling we’re still trying to find our feet at Eurovision. We are also quite careful and instead of sending someone authentic and decent, we send acts that ‘might appeal to the audience’. We have tried power ballads, happy Swedish pop, Polish folk… the list goes on and on. I think that in recent years the biggest problem is that the Polish broadcaster simply doesn’t get what Eurovision is, and keeps sending mostly safe, forgettable songs.
Ok so here's our quick fire round. Which Eurovision song/s:
Was the best winner?
Music wise Salvador Sobral’s 'Amar pelos dois', although personally I didn’t appreciate his comments on ‘fast food music’.
Are your top three entries of all time?
Only three?! Our playlist contains 237 songs!
But ok:
3. 'Rockstars' – Malik Harris
2. 'Birth of a new age' – Jeangu Macrooy
1. 'Nobody but you' – Cesar Sampson
(The moment I typed this, I thought of 3 more…)
Was robbed?
I don’t like this term. Even if someone came second, they had their 3 minutes and fans will listen to their song regardless.
Your guilty pleasure?
My first thought was Slavko with ‘Space’, but, come to think of it, it’s ‘Occidentali’s karma” – we always dance to it in front of the TV (I’m Francesco, my husband is the gorilla)
Was the best live stage performance?
Eleni with “Fuego” and Luca Hanni with “She got me”. Love the energy!
Favourite Australian entry?
All of them were awesome, but if I have to choose, I think it’s Jess Mauboy.
Favourite Polish entry?
Ha! Can I tell you my least favourite instead?
But seriously, Ochman with 'River' made me really proud.
Is your favourite National Final song (that didn't make it to Eurovision)?
It must be Jann with “Gladiator”. I don’t usually listen to music composed and performed by 20-year-olds, but this talented boy literally blew my mind!
And finally: Is there anything you would change about Eurovision?
I don’t think getting rid of juries in the semi-finals was a good idea. Also, when it comes to juries themselves, I think they should consist of more people, and only music experts who are into Eurovision, not some random TV employees who happen to be free on a Sunday night.
Thank you for your time Jola!