Yup. It’s Eurovision time….

It’s been a busy week at Economy Class and Beyond towers, so normally I need a lot of bad music to relax to. Thankfully – it’s that time where Europe comes together, and enjoy the Eurovision Song Contest.

So, lets do the basics. This year, we’re in Kiev (as Ukraine won last year). Here’s there winning song by Jamala – 1944:

At the time of writing, we’ve cleared the hurdles of the two semi-finals, with some of the 16 entries not making it to the Grand Final.

The Grand Final itself will feature 26 countries (10 winners from each heat, the winning country and five countries who get a by… as they bankroll the European Broadcasting Union).

Of course, there are some good songs that have come from Eurovision – such as Conchita Wurst’s Rise Like a Phoenix:

And some more hard rock with Lordi with Hard Rock Hallelujah

… and one of my favourites – Fairytale by Alexander Rybak

Of course, there are acts that are pure and utter… well. How can I file them? Let’s see. I’ll let you make up your own mind.

Let’s try and make one of them aviation related (it a tenuous link… I know)

Then there’s this entry… featuring a Hamster Wheel.

And one from Germany featuring Dita Von Teese from 2009.

And this wonderful entry from Ukraine in 2007…

This year is full of controversy as Russia will not be taking part. Although a bit of politics is never far away with Eurovision.

However, the songs are just part of the fun. It’s the geopolitical politics that come into play when it comes to the voting for the songs.  And of course Australia taking part.

But life is short… and I’m not going into that.

Rather, I’d invite you to Kiev on Saturday evening and bring a bottle of your favourite alcohol. The Grand final starts at 21:00 CEST.

I’ll be live-tweeting through the final on @EconomyBeyond, where I will channel my inner Terry Wogan to deliver the best commentary possible.