Picture of Princ found in the video, ‘🇷🇸 PRINC – MILA (INTERVIEW) @ Madrid PrePartyES 2025 // Serbia Eurovision 2025′ by the Youtube channel, eurovoxx. Serbian Flag image created by ibrandify at Freepik Image by ibrandify on Freepik
Last August, I wrote an editorial explaining why Stefan “Princ” Zdravković should appear on the television show, Miss Scarlet and The Duke. In that editorial, I referenced Auggie’s precept from R.J. Palacio’s book, Wonder, where Auggie states, “Everyone deserves a standing ovation because we all overcometh the world”. But I also said in order for a “standing ovation” to take place, the person in question has to want it. Throughout this Eurovision season, Princ has put the time, talent, effort, and energy into striving toward that “standing ovation”. After being chosen to represent Serbia in the song contest, Princ released a music video of the re-vamped version of his song, “Mila”. Within two weeks, that video received 1.1 million views, affording Princ a place in the top 20 of Eurovision’s Top 20 Most Watched videos of March 2025. Since then, Princ’s music video has received 1.8 million views in a month. On Eurovision’s Youtube channel, you’ll find Princ’s French cover of “Mila” and his cover of Måns Zelmerlöw’s song, “Heroes”, with both videos receiving positive reception. Princ has also received positive reception for his Eurovision pre-party performances at Eurovision In Concert, London Eurovision Party, and Madrid PrePartyES. He was even given a desirable running order spot in Eurovision’s second semi-final, competing toward the end of the semi-final at number 15. However, these achievements do not guarantee a coveted place in the Grand Final. This is where you come in. If you’re planning on or thinking about participating in televoting during Eurovision’s second semi-final, please consider giving Princ as many televotes as possible. You would not only help Princ take one step closer to receiving his “standing ovation”, you would also help Princ take one step closer to making his childhood vision come true, as he said in an interview, “I actually visualized myself winning Eurovision as a kid”. I truly believe Princ is a stronger representative than some people give him credit for. So, please consider giving Princ (number 15) televotes on May 15th!
Here’s a list of videos and articles to check out if you want to support Princ:
From the Youtube channel of Eurovision Song Contest:
— How the winner is decided – Eurovision Song Contest 2025 | #Eurovision2025
— Princ – Heroes (Måns Zelmerlöw Cover) | Serbia 🇷🇸 | #EurovisionALBM
— Princ – Mila (French Version) | Serbia 🇷🇸 | #EurovisionALBM
— Princ – Mila | Serbia 🇷🇸 | Official Music Video | #Eurovision2025
— Meet Princ (Short)
— Eurovision Top 20 Most Watched: March 2025 | #Eurovision2025
From the Youtube channel of wiwbloggs:
— 🇷🇸 Princ “Mila” (Serbia 2025) – LIVE @ London Eurovision Party 2025
— 🇷🇸 Princ “Mila” INTERVIEW | London Eurovision Party 2025
— 🇷🇸 Princ – “Mila” (Serbia 2025) – LIVE @ Eurovision In Concert 2025
From the Youtube channel of eurovoxx:
— 🇷🇸 PRINC – MILA (INTERVIEW) @ Madrid PrePartyES 2025 // Serbia Eurovision 2025
— 🇷🇸 PRINC – MILA (INTERVIEW) // London Eurovision Party 2025 // Serbia Eurovision 2025
I wrote a Word on the Street story three days ago about movie theaters in the United Kingdom broadcasting Eurovision’s Grand Final for a third year. Last February, I wrote another Word on the Street story about Eurovision’s Grand Final being presented in Spanish cinemas. Like the United Kingdom, Spain will continue their cinematic tradition! Eurovoix News reports Cine Yelmo, a “cinema company” from Spain, “will be airing the Grand Final of the contest live in their 42 cinemas across the country”. Those interested in attending the event can “buy tickets through a pre-sale on the company’s website”. Also like the United Kingdom, Spain is taking advantage of their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Because they are one of the “big five” countries, they are automatic qualifiers of the contest’s Grand Final. Spain is hosting PrePartyES, from April 17th to April 19th.
What are your thoughts on this piece of news? Are there any Eurovision participating countries you wished screened the Grand Final at their theaters? Tell me in the comment section!
Last April, I wrote a Word on the Street story about multiple cinemas in the United Kingdom (U.K.) broadcasting Eurovision’s Grand Final. This year, the tradition continues! In an article from Eurovoix News, it’s reported that “CinemaLive who are distributing the contest in cinemas, will for a third year in a row enable fans of the contest to watch the Eurovision Song Contest on the big screen in the United Kingdom”. John Travers, who helped bring the experience to fruition in 2024, said, “There’s simply no better way to enjoy the biggest night in music than in a cinema, surrounded by fellow fans”. The U.K. is, once again, capitalizing on their involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest. They are one of the “big five” countries, so they automatically qualify for the contest’s Grand Final. United Kingdom will also host London Eurovision Party on April 13th.
What are your thoughts on this piece of news? Which Eurovision participating country do you wish screened the Grand Final at their theaters? Please tell me in the comment section!
Two months ago, I wrote a Word on the Street story about how a movie theater chain in Spain will present Eurovision’s Grand Final in their cinemas. In that article, I said I hoped fellow Eurovision participating countries are inspired to provide experiences like the aforementioned Spanish theaters to their Eurovision fans. According to Eurovoix News, I kind of got what I wanted! Originally reported on April 6th, the second-year event will be broadcast “in over 100 cinemas across the United Kingdom”. An official statement from John Travers, from CinemaLive, said, “We want audiences to enjoy themselves, come along in groups, get your fancy dress on, and come together to enjoy this incredible occasion on the big screen!” Similar to Spain, the United Kingdom (U.K.) is capitalizing on their involvement in the song contest. Labeled as one of the “big five” countries, the U.K. is an automatic qualifier for Eurovision’s Grand Final. It is also one year since the U.K. delegation co-hosted Eurovision in 2023.
Theater seats image created by weatherbox at freeimages.com. “FreeImages.com/weatherbox.”
What are your thoughts on this piece of news? Which Eurovision participating country do you wish screened the Grand Final at their theaters? Please tell me in the comment section!
Thank you for joining me for the first part of Double Feature: 2004 Edition! Similar to last year’s review of The Great Muppet Caper, my review of I Am David is spoiler-free. If you’re curious about why I chose I Am David for this double feature, you can check out the introduction in the link below.
I Am Davidposter created by Walden Media, Film and General Productions, Lionsgate Films, Artisan Entertainment, and David Productions Ltd.
1. What are your thoughts on 2004 as a cinematic year?
When I look back on the cinematic landscape of 2004, my first thought is how studios and film companies were more willing to create stand-alone productions. Twenty years ago, about fifteen sequels were released in theaters. In 2024, that number has increased, with about twenty-three sequels scheduled to premiere. My second thought about 2004 is how creativity was celebrated at the box office. The Polar Express, the reason why this double feature exists, was the tenth highest grossing film of 2004. Even though that movie was based on a pre-existing book, the production was not a remake or a sequel of a preceding film. Plus, The Polar Express brought something new to the cinematic table, as the movie was created through motion-capture technology.
2. I Am David was released on December 3rd, 2004 (around “award season”). Why do you think the film was overlooked on the award circuit?
The 77th Academy Awards was a televised event. This means those involved with the creation of the show had to make decisions that would increase or maintain higher viewership numbers. Million Dollar Baby, the movie that won Best Picture, was a film the majority of the Academy Awards’ audience had either heard of or seen. The movie was directed by Clint Eastwood and starred Hilary Swank, two actors this same Academy Awards audience were familiar with. Because I Am David premiered around the same time as Million Dollar Baby and lacked the star power Million Dollar Baby had, I Am David became overshadowed by a bigger, more popular production.
2004 was when The Passion of the Christ made waves at the box office. Becoming the third highest grossing film of that year, it earned the distinction of being one of the most successful faith-based movies in history. Similar to Million Dollar Baby, The Passion of the Christ contained star power, directed by Mel Gibson and starring Jim Caviezel. I wouldn’t go so far as to call I Am David a faith-based movie. However, elements of faith are woven into the story. While Jim Caviezel stars in I Am David, his presence in this film is very limited. With all that said, I Am David became overshadowed by another big, more popular title.
3. Is there anything about I Am David you liked or didn’t like?
The story of I Am David revolves around the titular character escaping from a Bulgarian labor camp in 1952. Throughout his journey, David takes refuge in the natural landscape surrounding him. The natural environment in this film serves two purposes; protecting David and giving him a gateway to freedom. A peaceful scene where he casually walks through a tunnel of trees beautifully captures this idea, providing a symbolic light at the end of the tunnel. The importance given to Europe’s natural landscape allows it to become its own character, with the elements, more often than not, working in David’s favor. It also showcases a side of Europe that could be easily taken for granted.
I Am David is a story where the audience learns more about David as the film progresses. While this keeps the audience invested in the film, this creative decision means answers aren’t provided until toward the end of the movie. On the one hand, I, kind of, wish some of the revelations about David were revealed sooner. But, on the other hand, major questions were answered within two plot twists that I found effective. Even though the longer wait for answers is a flaw, I was able to, for the most part, overlook it because of the strength of the plot twists.
4. In your Word on the Street story about a potential sequel for The Polar Express, you mentioned the technology that was applied to the film. Could you detect any technology incorporated into I Am David?
As far as I could tell, I didn’t sense any technology within I Am David other than cinematography, sound, and editing. Because of the nature of the movie, though, I don’t think technological film-making techniques were necessary.
Italian countryside image created by Bill Silvermintz at freeimages.com. “FreeImages.com/Bill Silvermintz.” Photo by <a href=”/photographer/edudflog-58908″>Bill Silvermintz</a> from <a href=”https://freeimages.com/”>FreeImages</a>.
5. I Am David is based on a book published in the 1960s. Has the entertainment industry changed its approach to adapting pre-established stories?
Throughout 2004, about twenty adaptations based on literature premiered in theaters. Out of those twenty, eleven adaptations contained a built-in audience for a variety of reasons. Observing which movies are scheduled to premiere in 2024, the entertainment industry is, once again, choosing source material with a built-in audience. But now this selection process has expanded beyond literature; with movies, tv shows, and popular characters receiving their own adaptations. Even though there were productions in 2004 based on popular IPs (intellectual properties), the number of adaptations based on IPs has doubled in twenty years, with about 44 of 2024’s films fitting this criterion. One of these films is the musical remake of Mean Girls. While the original movie was based on the book, Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman, the remake is based on the 2004 film.
6. Did you develop any thoughts and/or questions while watching this film?
I didn’t develop any questions while watching I Am David. But as I followed the story, I took note of the film’s exploration of light and darkness. When the film begins, David attempts his escape from the labor camp. This scene is intense, emphasizing David’s dire situation through limited lighting, cinematography, and music. Flashbacks are sprinkled throughout the story, showing only enough harshness to get the point across. When the lighter moments appear in the movie, they feel earned, taking place after David experiences a trial in his journey. Primarily showcased in bright lights and with peaceful, even cheery music playing in the background, these lighter moments address how our world can be a beautiful place. Showing the light and darkness taking place in the world, especially in Europe post World War II, is a more balanced way of presenting the environment surrounding David.
7. On Ebert & Roeper, I Am David was not covered. Why do you think the movie was omitted from the show?
Ebert & Roeper, one of the iterations of At the Movies, was a nationally televised program. Smaller titles with limited releases were sometimes featured on the show. But the types of movies that populated the program were mainstream productions with widespread releases. This decision was likely made to maintain the show’s viewership, similar to the aforementioned 77th Academy Awards. The choice to emphasize more mainstream films was also probably made to provide the show’s audience with a chance to check out the movies brought up on the show, as those titles would be showing in more theaters.
8. Now that it’s been twenty years since I Am David premiered, has the movie stood the test of time or become a product of its time?
This film has definitely stood the test of time! A major reason for this is due to the timeless, universal messages woven into the script. Perseverance, trying to find the goodness in our world, and kindness progressing the journey forward are messages most people can appreciate. These messages may also inspire audience members to apply them to their own lives.
9. After watching I Am David, is there anything you can take away from your movie viewing experience?
If I could describe I Am David in one word, it would be ‘genuine’. Every aspect of this film, from the acting performances to the screenwriting, allowed the story of David and his journey to be told with genuine emotion and sincerity! Creative decisions were delivered as pleasant surprises for me, such as the plot twists that caught me off guard. I was really impressed by the inclusion of Europe’s natural landscape, given enough emphasis to be its own character. The exploration of light and darkness provided a more balanced perspective on David’s world. I Am David is a movie I wish had been nominated during “award season”. In fact, I wish more people knew about this film! But if someone wanted to watch I Am David, I would suggest watching it knowing as little information about the story as possible, as I don’t want the film’s aforementioned plot twists to be spoiled for first time viewers.
Though this piece of movie news isn’t actually “movie news”, it does involve movie theaters. Therefore, this month’s Word on the Street story provides an interesting tidbit of news. Originally reported on February 23rd by Eurovoix News, the Spanish theater chain, Cinesa, has agreed to present Eurovision’s Grand Final in their theaters. With tickets becoming available on April 1st and continuing this screening for a seventh year, Cinesa is carrying their tradition of bringing Eurovision to the contest’s Spanish fans. Over the years, I’ve heard of sporting events and theatrical productions being broadcast in cinemas. There have even been concerts recorded in a documentary style and screened at theaters. But this is the first time I have heard Eurovision being shown in a movie theater. Spain is certainly capitalizing on their presence in the competition, as Spain is not only competing in Eurovision’s Grand Final, the Spanish band, Megara, will be representing San Marino. Cinesa’s decision to present Eurovision’s Grand Final makes me hope fellow Eurovision participating countries are inspired to provide experiences like this for their Eurovision fans!
You may have read the title of this editorial and thought the following:
A. Who the heck are Evan Williams and George Blagden?
B. Why do you want to see Evan and George go to Eurovision?
C. Why are you writing another Eurovision editorial after Das Sound Machine weren’t chosen to represent Germany for this year’s Eurovision?
That third question references my editorial from last year, where I explained why Das Sound Machine should be chosen to represent the German delegation at Eurovision 2023. Though Das Sound Machine weren’t selected, Eurovision’s German delegation did almost everything I wanted; from choosing a “showstopper” to trying something different. With Germany once again receiving a score within the bottom three at this year’s Grand Final, maybe there’s a chance the German delegation could choose Das Sound Machine for Eurovision 2024. Speaking of Eurovision 2024, now comes the part where I explain who George Blagden and Evan Williams are. Evan and George are Canadian and British actors who worked together on the television show, Versailles. They also happen to have musical talents that could make them eligible for Eurovision representation. My editorial is intended to answer the second question; why I want to see George and Evan go to Eurovision next year. Before I begin my explanations, I want to stress how any Eurovision related decisions are up to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the participating Eurovision delegations, and Evan and George themselves.
Several Participating Countries Desperately Need a “Fan Favorite”
At this year’s Eurovision, Sweden won the contest with a total of 583 points. Though receiving more jury votes then televote points, Loreen was, arguably, one of the most popular artists competing in Liverpool. But she wasn’t the only representative people were excited about. Finland’s representative, Käärijä, was beloved among televoters and Eurovision’s audience. People loved him so much, they chanted his name and the title of his song, “Cha Cha Cha”, during the voting portions of the Grand Final. While Finland and Sweden benefitted by sending strong representatives to Eurovision, some participating countries weren’t lucky enough to have a “fan favorite”. A few of them were San Marino, Ireland, Denmark, and the United Kingdom (U.K.). Competing in the semi-finals, Ireland, Denmark, and San Marino didn’t receive enough points to attend the Grand Final. Denmark and San Marino garnered only 6 and 0 points in semi-final two, while Ireland only got ten points in the first semi-final. Even though the U.K. automatically qualified for the Grand Final, as they are one of the “Big Five” countries, they received 25th place, a far cry from the second place they got in 2022. Participating countries like the aforementioned four need a “fan favorite”, someone the audience is willing to spend money on in order to give them televotes. In my opinion, George and Evan have the potential to become “fan favorites” for reasons I will get to later in this editorial.
The Indefinite Run of the Writers and Actors Strikes
I don’t want to talk too much about the current writers and actors strikes, as I try to make 18 Cinema Lane a place where readers can take a break from the stressing issues of the world. But since these strikes could affect whether Evan and George can compete in Eurovision, I’ll briefly mention the strikes. Since about May, screen-writers in Hollywood have chosen to go on strike, similar to the Writers’ Strike that took place in 2007. A few months later, several actors in Hollywood have chosen to carry on their own strike. Now you’re probably wondering, “How can these strikes affect George and Evan if they’re British and Canadian”? Any project that Evan or George is attached to could be delayed or even cancelled as a result of any of these strikes. According to their filmographies on IMDB, both Evan and George have two upcoming projects. On Evan’s filmography, a movie titled 1 Million Followers and a short film titled Terminally Unique are in post-production. Meanwhile, on George’s filmography, a project called The Chelsea Cowboy is in post-production. Another project on George’s filmography, called Montserrat, is in pre-production. If any of the aforementioned four projects are affected by the strikes and if Evan and George have time on their hands, maybe there would be room in their schedules for Eurovision.
Eurovision is a televised musical competition. Since 1956, solo artists, duos, trios, and even bands have shared their talents in the hopes of winning the contest. As I mentioned in the introduction, George and Evan happen to have musical talents that could make them eligible for Eurovision representation. They are not only singers, but guitarists as well. On George’s Youtube channel, simply titled ‘George Blagden’, there are some videos showing George performing song covers. In one of these videos, George performs an acoustic cover of the song, “Hallelujah”. The steady guitar cords pair nicely with George’s vocals, creating a simple melody that is pleasant to listen to. Meanwhile, Evan created a song titled “Lola” for a short film of the same name. Also performed acoustically, Evan’s soulful vocals provide the perfect musical match. George and Evan have even performed a duet together! In a video from the Youtube channel, Fr Conventions, they performed a song titled “Take Me Away”. Both Evan and George’s vocals sound beautiful together, creating a solid acoustic duet.
Remember earlier in this editorial, when I said George and Evan have the potential to become “fan favorites” for a participating Eurovision delegation? The reason I believe this is because they already have fans who would be so excited to see them attend Eurovision! Like I said in the introduction, both Evan and George starred on the television show, Versailles. During that show’s three-season run, fans from all over the world tuned in to catch the drama within France’s famed palace. Vikings, another show George starred on, also attracted a fanbase within a three-season run. Evan appeared on the tv program, Degrassi: The Next Generation. Degrassi is a Canadian multi-generational show that has developed a large fan following over the years. If fans of these previously referenced tv shows, plus Eurovision fans and audience members who simply like Evan and George’s talents, were to spend money on televotes for George and Evan, they could garner enough televotes to not only make it to the Grand Final, but also receive a good score.
Now comes the part of my editorial when you’re likely asking yourself, “What the heck is CowHouse Films and what it does have to do with George and Evan’s chances of going to Eurovision”? If Evan and George were to represent a delegation at Eurovision next year, CowHouse Films could play a key role in their potential success. On Versailles, George and Evan worked alongside their co-star, Alexander Vlahos. Alexander co-created the independent movie company, CowHouse Films. In his Q&A live video on the company’s official Youtube channel, Alexander mentions creating a music video for Evan, titled “So It Goes”. He also mentions needing funding for some upcoming projects, such as “Shoeless Summer” and “The Lord Won’t Mind”. If Evan and George were to go to Eurovision in 2024, they could collaborate with CowHouse Films to not only create a music video, but also bring an on-stage concept to life. With that said, if George and Evan were to make it to the Grand Final and place somewhere in the Top Ten, that good placement could attract more clients to CowHouse Films. More clients would equal more revenue, which would result in more funding for future projects.
Once upon a time, there was a Canadian vocalist named Celine. Eurovision’s Swiss delegation loved Celine’s vocals so much, they selected her as their representative for the contest. The Swiss delegation were not the only ones who adored her musical talents, as she ended up winning Eurovision. Since then, Celine has enjoyed a fruitful career, from performing one of the most famous movie theme songs of all time (“My Heart Will Go On”) to having a residency in Las Vegas. I believe none of these things would have happened had the Swiss delegation not chosen Celine as their representative back in 1988. If they could take a chance on Celine Dion before she became the beloved artist she is today, then I think it’s only fair for a Eurovision delegation to take a chance on Evan Williams and George Blagden. To me, they have what it takes to make Eurovision history, as well as join an ever-growing community of musical artists from all over the world. Now, the question remains: who would like to give George and Evan their “golden ticket” to Malmö?
For the past four weeks, I’ve been participating in the Eurovisionathon readathon! Hosted by Helen, from the Youtube channel, Helen’s Book Haven, this event encourages participants to read books associated with Eurovision’s competing countries in a month-long time-frame. This was my first year taking part in the readathon and, like other readathons, I was curious to see how well I’d perform. In the months leading up to the event, I cultivated a TBR (to be read) list of diverse literary works, in an attempt to make my reading experience as enriching as possible. My goal was to read twenty-six books in a month, as there were twenty-six countries competing in Eurovision’s Grand Final. But was I able to obtain this goal or was this goal too lofty? Let’s find out in this break-down of my Eurovisionathon results!
Eurovisionathon 2023 book collection image created by Sally Silverscreen
In this year’s Eurovision, thirty-seven countries competed in the contest. There were six countries that automatically qualified for the Grand Final. These countries were the “Big Five” (United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy) and Ukraine (the winner of the previous year’s song contest). Two Semi-Finals determined the rest of the countries partaking in the Grand Final alongside the six aforementioned countries, with fifteen countries competing in the first Semi-Final and sixteen countries competing in the second Semi-Final. Out of the six automatic qualifiers, I read five books, as I knew I would receive guaranteed points no matter how those countries performed.
Eurovisionathon 2023 “book collection “Big Five” and Ukraine image created by Sally Silverscreen
From the first Semi-Final, I read six books. These books represented Portugal, Croatia, Israel, Moldova, Sweden, and Finland. All six countries advanced to the Grand Final.
Eurovisionathon 2023 First Semi-Final image created by Sally Silverscreen
From the second Semi-Final, I read four books. These books represented Romania, Iceland, Australia, and Slovenia. Only Australia and Slovenia advanced to the Grand Final.
Eurovisionathon 2023 Second Semi-Final image created by Sally Silverscreen
Eurovisionathon ended on the day of Eurovision’s Grand Final. A country’s combined jury and televote score determined how many points a readathon participant received. The more books a participant read, the more points they were given. Thirteen out of the fifteen books I read represented countries that competed in the Grand Final. Three of these books represented countries that missed the top twenty; Germany, Portugal, and Slovenia. Three books I read represented Moldova, Spain, and France, countries that made the top twenty. Croatia is the only country whose book I read that placed in the top fifteen. The rest of the books I read represented countries who were given top ten placements, with Israel, Finland, and Sweden among Eurovision’s top three countries.
Eurovisionathon 2023 Grand Final image created by Sally Silverscreen
With all of that said, my total score was two thousand, seven hundred, and ninety-three points! For my first time participating in Eurovisionathon, I’d say I did a pretty good job! With 2024’s contest on the horizon, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year’s readathon. Thank you, Helen, for hosting this event. The next Eurovision Song Contest can’t come soon enough!
Ok, so you probably read the title of my editorial and thought, “Sally, don’t you know Das Sound Machine is not a real musical group”? Readers who are familiar with Eurovision will likely think, “Isn’t Germany planning on hosting a national contest”? As of November 9th, 2022, Germany’s national broadcasters, NDR/ARD, have announced their plans to host a national final “in early March”, according to Eurovoix News. The application process for potential representatives is currently open. There’s even the likelihood of the broadcasters seeking out artists and their respective record labels to participate in the selection. With Germany still looking for a Eurovision representative, I think it would be really cool if the cast members who portrayed Das Sound Machine in Pitch Perfect 2 represented Germany in Eurovision next year! It sounds like a pipe dream on paper. But the more I’ve thought about it, the more I realized how my idea could realistically work. Before I explain how Das Sound Machine could compete in 2023’s Eurovision, I’d like to first explain why this plan should work.
Das Sound Machine image created by Gold Circle Films, Brownstone Productions, and Universal Pictures
Germany Desperately Needs a Showstopper
In 2023, there will be thirty-seven countries participating in Eurovision. Twenty-six of those countries will compete in the grand final, with Germany being one of them. Even though Germany automatically qualifies for the grand final, because they are one of the “Big Five” countries, they still need to stand out with a memorable entry. But if Germany is serious about their chances at Eurovision success, they need an entry that will stand out for the right reasons. In 2021, Germany placed second to last in the grand final, with a total of three points. This year, Germany received last place with only six points. As NDR/ARD searches for the perfect representative, they can use that desperation to not get a low score as motivation to submit the best entry possible. Germany was not the only country in 2021’s grand final to receive disappointing results. The United Kingdom didn’t receive any points, while Spain only got six points. The following year, Spain and the United Kingdom sent Chanel and Sam Ryder to Eurovision, who both placed in the top three.
There Has Never Been an A Capella Entry at Eurovision
Over Eurovision’s fifty plus year history, a variety of musical genres have been represented. But according to my research, no country has ever submitted an a capella entry. If Germany were to select Das Sound Machine to represent them next year, an original a capella number would not only bring something new to Eurovision’s table, it would give Germany a chance to try something different. According to an article from Wiwibloggs, this year’s national final, Unser Lied für Turin, was not met with favorable results. This is because of “the lack of variety within the songs but also for its production”. Before 2021, Italy had neversent an entry that was strictly rock. Sure, their entries may have contained elements of rock. ButMåneskin and their song, “Zitti e buoni”, was the first rock group Italy selected for Eurovision. This huge musical risk led to huge rewards, as Italy not only won Eurovision for the first time since 1990, but Måneskin has also found success after their song contest victory. The public’s response to Unser Lied für Turin and Italy’s recent Eurovision achievements should encourage Germany to think outside the box.
Das Sound Machine was given only two performances in Pitch Perfect 2: their Car Show number and their World Championship Finale number. Despite these limited performance opportunities, Das Sound Machine uses their talent to create what is, in my opinion, the best moments of the film! While reflecting on these two performances, there are three key elements that could help Das Sound Machine at Eurovision. The first is their energy! As I said earlier in this editorial, there will be twenty-six countries competing in the grand final. From what I’ve heard, the grand final’s run-time can reach up to four hours. Having performers who can consistently maintain a high energy level during their performance would keep viewers both in the stadium and at home invested in the show.
Das Sound Machine’s second key element is their mastery of the choreography! Because Eurovision is a live show, representatives need to give the audience something interesting to look at. Whether it’s dance routines, large scale props, or cool special effects, these ingredients could work in a representative’s favor. Based on Das Sound Machine’s aforementioned performances, each member displays control over their body, allowing every movement to stay parallel to the beats within the songs. This understanding between the physical and the musical showcase Das Sound Machine’s musicality. The third key element is the group’s creativity! During their World Championship Finale number, Das Sound Machine had very few props at their disposal. Instead of seeing it as a limitation, they used this as an opportunity to be creative! While performing Fall Out Boy’s “Light Em Up”, some Das Sound Machine members got into a strategic formation, coming together to create a ship. Other members of Das Sound Machine stood on either side of the formation, giving the appearance of water.
Das Sound Machine image created by Gold Circle Films, Brownstone Productions, and Universal Pictures
Built-in Enthusiasm
After seeing Pitch Perfect 2 for the first time, I remember thinking, “I wish Das Sound Machine was a real group”. Whenever I think about that movie, I always feel Das Sound Machine is the much stronger group than the Barden Bellas. If I get the opportunity to watch Pitch Perfect 2, I only watch the scenes featuring Das Sound Machine. It seems like I’m not the only one who feels this way. On the Youtube channel, King Samo, there are two videos featuring Das Sound Machine’s performances. In the comment sections of these videos, over a thousand commenters praised Das Sound Machine. Most of the comments were about how the group should have won the film’s World Championship. But there are other commenters who simply want to express their love for Das Sound Machine. Three commenters on the World Championship Finale video have made the following comments this year:
As a German person it’s insanely hilarious to me how every other country seams to think of us as this overly perfect nation when really, we’re not comparable with incredible groups like “Das Sound Machine“ at all. Just look at our contestants for the Eurovision Song Contest. We embarrass ourselves everytime. So can we please have them perform for us this year?
If DSM were a real group they would’ve won Eurovision and they would of deserved to win.
this would win the eurovision
As the comment section of the aforementioned videos show, there is built-in enthusiasm for Das Sound Machine. If Germany sent Das Sound Machine to Eurovision next year with a strong, original a capella number, that could translate well for grand final televoting.
According to official Eurovision rules, the maximum number of group members is six. This means Das Sound Machine couldn’t have the number of members they did in Pitch Perfect 2. From an a capella perspective, though, a six-person group could still create a strong original number. According to Wikipedia, only two Pitch Perfect 2 cast members are listed as official members of Das Sound Machine: Flula Borg and Birgitte Hjort Sørensen. NDR/ARD would recruit four German a capella singers to accompany Flula and Birgitte. If Das Sound Machine were selected to represent Germany at next year’s Eurovision, expenses related to the contest would be co-funded by NDR/ARD and Universal Music Group, as Das Sound Machine was created specifically for Pitch Perfect 2. Universal Music Group is Universal Studio’s music label. On their website, there are eight German music labels associated with Universal Music Group. If possible, more than one of these labels could help fund any Eurovision expenses.
As of early to mid November, 2022, only three participating countries have chosen their representative. About half of the participating countries are planning on hosting a national contest. With the weeks leading up to Eurovision, it’s exciting to hear who will be selected to compete. This anticipation reminds me of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, as the golden tickets are waiting to be discovered. Unlike Ronald Dahl’s story, receiving a “golden ticket” to Eurovision is not as simple as tearing open the wrapper of a candy bar. Each participating country has their own process of choosing their representative. Even if they do choose to host a national contest, various factors go into making that event a reality. My idea of Das Sound Machine representing Germany at 2023’s Eurovision is just that: an idea. Even if Das Sound Machine were selected to participate in Unser Lied für Liverpool, there’s no guarantee they’ll be granted that “golden ticket”. But no matter who ends up representing Germany next year, I still believe Das Sound Machine should receive their “standing ovation”. So NDR/ARD, if you’re reading this, will you consider giving Das Sound Machine their Eurovision “golden ticket”?
Have fun at Eurovision!
Sally Silverscreen
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