Eurovision Song Contest

The countdown to the most important European event of the year has kicked off. No, it wasn't the Winter Olympics in Turino, it is the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest in Athens this coming May.

Wingman sent me a link to the latest controversy in Serbia-Montenegro, where the country has decided not to participate in this year's contest due to some internal fighting over their country's oifficial entry. Very scandalous. Poor, cute boy band No Name (pictured below). Their chances for international stardom (and by "international" I really mean a shot at recognition in Serbia-Montenegro and perhaps neighboring Yugoslavia) may be gone forever.

But what I find most intriguing is that S-M faces "a possible 3 year ban from the contest and a fine of up to 35,000 Swiss Francs" because they've withdrawn. Which begs the question, is it really that important to the ESC people that S-M participate?? This ain't the United Nations or the Olympics. It's a glorified American Idol, for chrissakes.

After witnessing last year's contest I find it unbelieveable that so many people take the event seriously (to my eyes, the whole thing looks like an episode of Star Search, and that ain't no complement). Personally, I thought the ESC was just a geography lesson for kids, with pyrotechnics and sequened outfits. But in a way I guess it is refreshing to think that with everything that happens in this world, there are people and whole nations that can put such misplaced priority on the ESC.

Last year I experienced my first Eurovision Song Contest Party while I was in London (the play-by-play is here). I am hoping that I can return to London in May to experience the drama firsthand.