-->

Turkey Pays for Eurovision, UK Still On The Hunt For Talented Amateur

As well as the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, this weekend also saw the deadline for entries to the BBC’s “Your Country Needs You” talent show, which will choose the UK representative for the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Moscow in 2009.

At the same time, it’s also come to light that Turkish broadcaster TRT has paid 450,000 Turkish New Lira (about £180,000) to singer Hadise to represent Turkey in Moscow – although in previous years the payment to the artist was also used to fund the promotion of the act.

So we have one country paying big money to a recognised star, while we’re still asking for people to send in You Tube videos. Yes there may be a hidden gem in this mix of amateurs, but as I’ve said before, the performance on the night is vital. It needs to be absolutely stunning. the performer needs to capture the hearts and minds (and tapping feet) of over 40 countries. There needs to be a total command of a stadium environment, a massive amount of confidence, and the simple belief that they can win.

I know a few people online who’ve submitted their entries, and local newspapers are jumping on those who have went public, and I’m not being intentionally cruel to them, but a Eurovision final is a crucible, and any winner needs to be at the top of their game to win. Is that the place to start a career in the music industry?

I remain to be convinced that an “amateur talent show” format can find the right person – but I will be watching the UK National Finals in january with everyone else hoping we find a Dana. My hope is still that Def Leppard have submitted a copy of “Pour Some Sugar On Me” to the BBC…

November 23, 2008; Eurovision;

Possibly Related posts:

If this is your first time here, why not consider subscribing to my RSS feed?

Comments

Leave a Reply