2017: An Overview

"CELEBRATE DIVERSITY" IN KYIV

The contest returns to Ukraine, and they've decided to "Celebrate Diversity" by showcasing all they could about their culture. In what was a very Slavic show, the 2017 competition was somber and reflected the attitude of a changing Europe. This show may have even set a new precedent for songs and challenges the preconceived notion of what a winning Eurovision song could be.

The show opens with a routine by Ukrainian rapper, Monatik. One of the biggest rising stars in the Ukrainian music scene, he performs his hit "Spinning" as they show off the lighting of the giant stage. In what can only be seen as an odd choice given the theme of this Eurovision, the show is hosted by three white men. Mostly hosted by the handsome Vova and the weird Alex, with the struggling Timur behind the scenes. They would appear in different elaborate jackets that would often steal the focus from whatever they were saying. This year returned to the format of struggling hosts, with bizarre set ups and bad English accents. The first interval, however, saw the premier of a new song from incumbent winner Jamala who is always a class act and brilliant performer.

The second semi final opens with a medley of Eurovision tunes, Ukrainian style. Hosts Vova and Alex showed off their talents, playing along and singing with the chorus dressed in traditional Ukrainian costumes. They almost make up for their adequate hosting job with this performance. The semi finals were very straight to the point and the competitions were fantastic. The mix of songs and the thrill of who would qualify, since the quality of songs were so high made for a great competition. Though some of my favorites got left behind, and one of my least favorites went through, that's just how Eurovision can be.

Following new tradition, the opening of the Grand Final began with an introduction of the 26 contestants. This year they seem to magically appear on stage under a cascade of their nation's colors. The stage is amazing and really does show all the progress technology has made each consecutive year. This year, I didn't even bother to watch the American feed on the Logo channel, due to how disappointed I was in the commentators last year. I luckily watched the BBC feed and Graham's commentary was spot on, as always.

This was a very interesting competition, the mix of songs was very different and there were very few standard pop songs. From a classical Portuguese ballad to a bizarre Ukrainian rock song featuring a giant head to a dutch Wilson Philips, this competition really showed everything Europe has to offer. The interval acts were rather amazing. First, the 2004 winner and Eurovision legend Ruslana performed in her unique style. Next, the group Onuka blew the audience away with an incredible performance showcasing traditional Ukrainian instruments mixed with electronic brilliance. Finally, Jamala shows her composure and professionalism when her performance was disturbed by a stage jumper who flashed his butt to a 182 million viewers.

The voting this year followed the successful format from last year, with separate presentations of the jury and telephone votes. This year, Portugal was the clear favorite of the jury and like last year, second place Bulgaria was nearly 100 points behind. This was not a close competition. The jury vote was like was a clumsy affair, due to the English skills of the hosts. Bizarrely, half way through the 2007 runner up Verka Serdyucha appeared to dance for what seemed like ages. With Portugal in a clear lead, we go to the televote. It really comes down to Bulgaria and Portugal. Bulgaria can't catch up, and the sincere ballad from Portugal wins. He controversially explains this is a win for 'real music' to audience, immediately alienating many fans and past winners and participants. The win set a new precedent though, as more countries announced that their entries for 2018 would be in the native languages.

The Picks of 2017

• 2017: The Best (Belgium)

• 2017: The Worst (Lithuania)

• 2017: The Guilty (North Macedonia)

• 2017: The Weird (Azerbaijan)

• 2017: The Hilarious (Romania)

• 2017: The Honorable (Bulgaria)

• 2017: The Winner (Portugal)

Semi-Final One Song Recap May 9, 2017:

Semi-Final Two Song Recap May 11, 2017:

Grand Final Song Recap May 13, 2017: