As I said in my most recent tableau article, the Eurovision Song Contest has become a huge phenomenon across the pond, with audiences spanning anywhere from 100-600 million worldwide. Any show that popular is bound to have spinoffs, which Eurovision does.
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest was held starting in 2003. The contest is held in a similar format to the traditional Eurovision and showcases performers between the ages of 10 and 15. The roster of participating countries tends to change radically every year. The most recent contest was held in Cyprus on November 22, 2008 with 15 participating countries. Georgia's duo of Bzikibi claimed the win with their song "Bzzz..."
The Eurovision Dance Contest was first held in 2007. Each dance team features one professional dancer and one non-professional dancer, often a celebrity (Sound familiar? It's actually inspired by a similar British TV show). Each country is allowed one two-minute dance, and 20% of their score comes from a professional jury while 80% comes from fan televoting. 14 countries participated in the 2008 version of the contest, and Edyta Herbuś & Marcin Mroczek of Poland claimed the win.
Eurovision fever has even caught on in Asia. The European Broadcasting Union recently announced it was selling the format of the contest to an Asian company, which will hold a similar contest there. The first contest is tenatively scheduled for November 2009, and the rumor is that Singapore will host the contest. It will feature 15 competing countries. You can check out the details here.
Post written by J.P. Stroman.
Eurovision Spins Off Many Other Contests
Creed Set to Reunite
In a move that is sure to spark both elation and anger, the rock band Creed is set to reunite for a summer tour. Though bandmembers have yet to make an official announcement, their official website was relaunched with a video that says "Coming Summer 2009." Creed sold more than 40 million copies of their three albums worldwide before disbanding in 2004 amid internal strife between lead singer Scott Stapp and guitarist Mark Tremonti. Creed won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group for their smash hit "With Arms Wide Open." Tremonti's new band, Alter Bridge, which was formed with three original members of Creed along with singer Myles Kennedy, is rumored to be opening for Creed on the summer tour.
For what it's worth, I think this is a welcome development. Sure, Scott Stapp had his share of typical rock star screw-ups, but the music sizzles with passion and Tremonti's guitar work is phenomenal. If you've never listened to them, now is the time. I will definitely be seeing their show.
Post written by J.P. Stroman.
Conshafter tonight!
Richmond's own Conshafter is coming to the Outback Lodge (located conveniently above that place we go but don't remember how we got there, Down Under) tonight! Their sound is very Richmond-esque, a little harder than your average small-venue band in Charlottesville. Be sure to check it out!
A Welcome Return
Yesterday morning, Eminem’s new video for the first single off his upcoming album, Relapse, made its debut on MTV (albeit at 6:00am, the only time they still play videos apparently). The song “We Made You” has a mid-tempo old-school vibe, with a fun chorus that sounds like a demented nursery rhyme. The video is a typical, overblown affair from a rapper who has made a name for himself playing off the ridiculousness of pop culture. It wouldn’t hurt if next time he at least attempted some sort of subtlety, but we’re certainly not complaining. Check out the video above!
Post written by Dave Taggart.
A Question for Monday
Song of the Week: Cut Copy - "Far Away"
Here at tableau, we listen to this shit on repeat... and if you missed seeing them live (which some of us did...), don't jump off the deep end. They'll be back.
Post written by Stephanie Garcia.
Scott's Pick of the Day: Kid Cudi - Poke Her Face (ft. Kanye West & Common)
Quite some hype and even more potential from Kid Cudi, who has yet to release his first album!