2018: An Overview
"ALL ABOARD" IN LISBON
Portugal still holds the record for the most appearances without a win and it took 49 attempts to get their chance to host. With Lisbon as the naturally chosen place to take the 2018 contest, they weren't going to waste a single second to show off as the show heads the furthest west it ever has.
Portugal got right to the start when it comes to the semi finals. It's a quick introduction from our 4 oddly capable hosts, and wait a second - is that Kensi from NCIS? Yes it is. That's right, this year the hosts all spoke competent English and one of them was even American. How about that? They kept their intros short and led us into a tight competition for the semi finals. And while we waited for the results, we were serenaded by former Eurovision songs each interpreting last year's winning song in their own ways. It was a lovely homage to the unexpected winner from the last year who had suffered quite a lengthy health battle shortly after his win. Then, in the only real hiccup of the show, "Earth Portugal" attempted to be some kind of strange wild life documentary where a fake David Attenborough stalked the Portuguese delegation planning the contest. Their third interval act was a lovely but brief history of Eurovision.
The second semi final begins the same as the last. Quick and straight to the point, which is great because the highlight of this show is really the production. Starting with the postcards, which has each artist stepping through doors Despite from their native countries and instantly being transported to a gorgeous location within Portugal. And then there's the stage. The lack of a giant led screen for the first time in ages, they made due with amazing lighting array. So many performances were mini light shows. After the competition, their "Planet Portugal" gag and Eurovision history continues, along with a video of all the contestants enjoying themselves in the host country.
Portugal saved their gallant opening for the final ceremony. After the usual montage of the bustling city of Portugal, we're treated to a traditional Portuguese Fado performance before the flag ceremony. Here they just go all in with the nautical theme of the whole contest with sailors presenting the flags as their artists just simply walk out. Portugal wanted to focus on the music more than visual tricks it seems. This opening was quick and simple before we settled into a harsh competition.
A quick note on China before we get to the competition. This year the final didn't make it onto Chinese television after they censored the first semi-final. Why? and what did they censor? Two things, but the major offender seemed to be Albania and the band's visible tattoos! Shocking! The EBU fined the Chinese broadcaster and would impose further fines if they continued to the censor the contest. They refused and as such, the show is no longer broadcast in China. Anyway, the Portuguese competition was incredible, they really missed out. Varied styles, with Eurovision fans having different favorites and many controversial picks. This year was decisive for fans. Love them or hate them entries, even down to the ones fronted to win.
Now a quick note on the United Kingdom, as a crazily confusing moment happens halfway through her song. A man runs on stage, actually grabs her mic and manages to yell something about "the media" before being chased off stage. Amazingly the British contestant, Surie, just shakes it off and finishes her performance. Given an option to perform again at the end, she decides against this. In the official DVD, this has been edited out and replaced with her rehearsal/jury performance.
After the competition finished, the winner from the previous year made his first appearance since he won his battle with heart disease. Looking healthier than before, he performed two songs before the winner of the Junior Eurovision Contest stunned the crowd with her winning song. Portugal also showed us they have a very healthy EDM scene. But these intervals are just there to fill time before the real nail biting moments of Eurovision. The jury voting didn't show any clear favorites with Austria winning the jury vote by only a handful of points. Things really started to shake up during the tele-vote reveal. Eventually it came down to three countries, Austria, Cyprus and Israel. It was tight, it was tough. But Israel eventually came out on top, exactly 20 years from their last win. Yet again, controversial as the contest heads to one of the most divisive nations in the world. Hate or love her song, the winning performer is definitely set to become an international super star if she continues her fierce performance style.
The Picks of 2018
2018: The Best (Sweden)
2018: The Worst (North Macedonia)
2018: The Guilty (Cyprus)
2018: The Weird (Belarus)
2018: The Hilarious (Moldova)
2018: The Honorable (Czechia)
2018: The Winner (Israel)
Semi-Final One Song Recap May 8, 2018:
Semi-Final Two Song Recap May 10, 2018:
Grand Final Song Highlights May 12, 2018: