It’s that time again: Eurovision Song Contest Week!

It’s coming to that time of year again. Get your power ballads,  ultra-poppy tunes, epic timed key changes ready as we head into that most glorious time of the year.

And lets not forget the block voting, the backstabbing and allegedly what some call music.

Of course – It’s Eurovision Song Contest week.

Wait… Eurovision Song Contest Week? Of course. You don’t think this song contest is just for Saturday 14th May don’t you?

So lets have a look back and try and put this post on a flying related trajectory… and we’ve got Scooch with “Flying the Flag”.

I can only apologise for this. Don’t leave please?

In more recent years, Eurovision has had its fair share of political fights, and even the invasion of the Australians (who are joining Eurovision for the second year).

A total of 42 counties are taking part – so, Eurovision isn’t for one night – it’s for 3 different nights:

• Semi Final 1 – 10th May – 18 countries taking part
• Semi Final 2 – 12th May – 18 countries taking part (originally 19 until Romania was forced to withdraw)
• The Grand Final – 14th May

Let’s look back at some entries that have done well in the past. We’ll kick off with one every knows – Waterloo by ABBA. Yes, ABBA shot to fame thanks to Eurovision.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQn1gJdVKi4

Into more recent times, let’s head to 2000 with the Olsen Brothers signing “Fly on the Wings of Love” (hey we’re on topic almost. There might be flying).

And who could forget Austria’s entry from 2014 featuring Conchita Wurst – Rise like a Phoenix.

And then there’s what I file under “Ooookkaaayy”. See this entry from Ukraine in 2014 with their Hamster wheel. Seriously. There is a human hamster wheel on stage which cannot be explained for any logical reason.

Last year, Sweden won with Måns Zelmerlöw – Heroes (and some clever video synchronisation).

And no doubt, Eurovision 2016 will provide its usual fill of drama, pyrotechnics, outfits of questionable taste and maybe… some music.

I’ll providing Twitter updates and thoughts during Semi-Final 1, Semi Final 2 and of course – The Grand Final. You can follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond… and on Snapchat as kevincm1975 as I try not laugh too much… or inherit the spirit of Sir Terrance Wogan’s commentary skills.

Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.

Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can also follow me on Instagram too!

Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to European readers