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!
This year, I was introduced to the television show, Miss Scarlet and The Duke, a mystery program airing as part of the PBS Masterpiece collection. While I have enjoyed watching the show, I believe it’s missing one person; Stefan “Princ” Zdravković. For those who don’t know, Stefan “Princ” Zdravković is a musical artist who tried to represent Serbia’s delegation of Eurovision by competing in the delegation’s national contest, Pesma za Evroviziju (also known as PZE). The more I watched Miss Scarlet and The Duke, the more I saw how Stefan “Princ” Zdravković could appear on the show. Therefore, I am presenting four key reasons why he should appear on Miss Scarlet and The Duke! Before I share my reasons, I want to give a reminder how any decisions about whether Stefan “Princ” Zdravković appears on the show are up to Miss Scarlet and The Duke’s creative team and Stefan “Princ” Zdravković himself, who I will be referring to as “Princ” throughout this editorial. Though I am aware the show is changing its name to Miss Scarlet from season five and onward, I will continue to call the program Miss Scarlet and The Duke in this article.
Pictures of Stefan “Princ” Zdravković found in the videos, ‘Princ “Cvet sa Istoka” Interview | Pesma za Evroviziju 2023’ and ‘PRINC – Cvet sa Istoka (INTERVIEW) // Pesma za Evroviziju 2023 // Serbia Eurovision 2023’ by the Youtube channels, wiwibloggs and eurovoxx. Images of Miss Scarlet and the Duke found on IMDB and created by Element 8 Entertainment, A+E Studios, 87 Films, Alibi Channel, and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)
Recruiting Local Talent
Since season two, Miss Scarlet and The Duke has filmed in Serbia. This decision has caused the show’s creative team to build their story’s world from scratch. According to the Executive Producer, Patty Lenahan Ishimoto, “Basically what ended up happening was we just built London. Anything that we couldn’t find, we built”. The decision to film in Serbia has also provided opportunities for Serbians to get involved with the program, either in front of the camera or behind it. Princ is from Serbia, specifically from Vranje. If he were to appear on Miss Scarlet and The Duke, he would receive an opportunity to, essentially, work within his own backyard. If any episodes were filmed on location, such as (for example) a part of the story taking place around Vranje’s White Bridge, Princ may also work in an environment he’s familiar with.
Miss Scarlet and The Duke will soon embark on its fifth season. During the show’s four-year lifespan, a fanbase from both the U.K. and the U.S. has been garnered, with the show providing reasons for the audience to return. But Miss Scarlet and The Duke’s creative team are not the only ones with built-in enthusiasm. When Princ competed in PZE last March, he not only qualified for PZE’s Final, he ended up receiving second place. Princ even received more televote points than Luke Black, the artist who was chosen to represent Serbia at Eurovision. To put Princ’s score into perspective, he acquired a higher score at last year’s PZE Final than Konstrakta did at this year’s PZE Final. For those who don’t know, Konstrakta represented Serbia at Eurovision in 2022. She qualified for Eurovision’s Grand Final, where she received fifth place. Going into 2024’s edition of PZE, Konstrakta had more name-recognition and built-in enthusiasm than Princ did in 2023. In his interview with the Youtube channel, Wiwibloggs, Princ said “I’m probably more famous in Bulgaria, actually, right now”. But, as I previously mentioned, Princ’s score in the PZE Final was higher than Konstrakta’s. He also obtained more televote points than Konstrakta, not only in PZE’s Final, but in the contest’s Semi-Finals as well. These numbers present an example of how there are people, including myself, who would be enthusiastic if Princ appeared on Miss Scarlet and The Duke.
In this chart of the PZE Final scores from 2023 and 2024, I highlight each competitor’s televote points, which were received from the audience. Also highlighted are Princ’s and Konstrakta’s overall scores in the PZE Final. PZE scores found on the website, Eurovision World.
This chart highlights the televote scores from Princ’s and Konstrakta’s semi-finals in PZE. Semi-Final scores found on the website, Eurovision World.
Work With What You’ve Got
In Miss Scarlet and The Duke’s second episode from season two, ‘The Black Moth’, William ‘The Duke’ Wellington, one of the show’s protagonists, tells Eliza Scarlet, the show’s other protagonist, to “use what you have to your advantage” in order to stand out as London’s only female detective. William’s advice could also be given to Princ if he appeared on Miss Scarlet and The Duke, as he possesses skills, talents, and attributes that would work in his favor. Like I have mentioned in this editorial, Princ is a musical artist. He not only has versatile singing vocals, he is also a talented guitarist. Perhaps he could perform a song in an episode or create a song for the show. Princ is also a marital artist with a black belt in karate. Marital arts have, so far, not been incorporated onto Miss Scarlet and The Duke, as fist-fighting and boxing have been the only fighting styles included in the show’s action scenes. Featuring martial arts in Miss Scarlet and The Duke’s story would bring something new to the show’s table as well as provide Princ with material to work with, as he would master the fight choreography. Miss Scarlet and The Duke establishes a world where characters with tattoos exist. When examining a specific tattoo in the first season’s second episode, ‘The Woman in Red’, Eliza says about the tattoo “It gave insight to a person’s past. Perhaps a badge of belonging like to the Navy or a quiet rebellion hidden on one’s body for one’s eyes only”. Princ has several tattoos on his arms, including one on his left forearm that appears to be a series of pine/Christmas trees. The inclusion of, at least, one of Princ’s tattoos in the show’s story could be used to serve a character’s backstory or symbolize a MacGuffin/clue. However, this specific idea is dependent on if Princ is comfortable with his real-life tattoos being incorporated onto the show.
In this photo, I point out the tattoo I referenced in this editorial. Photo found in the video, ‘Princ “Cvet sa Istoka” Interview | Pesma za Evroviziju 2023’ by Youtube channel, wiwibloggs
Steps Toward Eurovision
In some of his interviews, Princ has expressed a desire to compete in Eurovision. He said in his interview with Youtuber, Alesia Michelle, “I actually visualized myself winning Eurovision as a kid”. While you’re reading my editorial, you’re probably wondering, “If Princ wants to go to Eurovision, why would he spend his time working on Miss Scarlet and The Duke? What does one have to do with the other?” Miss Scarlet and The Duke broadcasts on Alibi, a U.K. channel owned by BBC Studios. BBC is the official broadcaster of the U.K. delegation of Eurovision. Princ is affiliated with the Serbian delegation of Eurovision through his participation in PZE. If he still desires to compete in Eurovision, Princ could use these connections, as well as his experience appearing on Miss Scarlet and The Duke, as a networking opportunity to get one step closer to Eurovision. This could be achieved by either finding people who could lead him in the right direction toward the song contest or by meeting people who could become vital members of his technical/artistic team. For example, Princ could collaborate with someone from Miss Scarlet and The Duke’s cinematography department to create a music video or figure out the most optimal camera angles for a live performance. Another example is Princ could receive advice from the show’s wardrobe department to achieve the most photogenic appearance for not only a live performance, but for other Eurovision related events, such as the Turquoise Carpet.
I’ve made it a habit on 18 Cinema Lane to try to give more underrated people, characters, films, and topics their “standing ovation” because, according to Auggie from Wonder, “Everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their life because we all overcometh the world”. But, as I said in April, in order for a “standing ovation” to take place, the person in question has to want it. Based on what I’ve observed, Princ is working toward that “standing ovation”. He’s even willing to deal with rejection and disappointment to make that “standing ovation” a reality. Princ could receive his “standing ovation” by appearing on Miss Scarlet and The Duke. It’s a situation where those involved with the program, including the fans, would benefit as well. In his interview with Alesia Michelle, when asked if he knew any of the fellow competitors of 2023’s PZE, Princ replied “So I think that, uh, supporting each other is very important”. Through this editorial, I’m hoping someone, either from Miss Scarlet and The Duke’s creative team or even a Eurovision delegation, recognizes Princ’s talent as well as his potential for success and provides him with the support to not only make his dreams come true, but to also finally give Princ his “standing ovation”!
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!
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!
As the season of Fall evolves into Winter and the Christmas/holiday season is upon us, it’s time for my annual Movie Blogger’s Christmas Wish-List! This is a tradition where I create a list of movie related things I’d like to receive for Christmas. Similar to last year’s list, there are four items on my wish-list. These items are a combination of realistic requests and wishful thinking. Each item has been placed in one of four categories, with the categories following the quote; “Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read”. With explanations out of the way, let’s get into this year’s Christmas wish-list!
I wrote an editorial back in August about how Evan Williams and George Blagden should go to Eurovision 2024. I even mentioned this in my review of The National Tree. One of my arguments in that editorial was the writers and actors strikes that took place during the time I published my editorial. But as of mid to late December 2023, both the actors and writers strikes have ended. Even if George and Evan had the time to participate in Eurovision, there is no guarantee a participating delegation will select them as their representatives. Therefore, I really hope a delegation sees Evan and George’s potential and sends them to Eurovision! If you’re interested, you can read my editorial at the link below.
When I watched Curious Caterer: Fatal Vows, I was pleasantly surprised to discover Max Lloyd-Jones starred in the film! Though I liked his performance, I wondered why he hasn’t been cast in a Hallmark mystery movie as a detective? Based on his projects I have seen, I think Max has what it takes, talent wise, to portray this type of character. Another performance I was impressed with was Madeleine Arthur’s from 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost! In that movie, Madeleine’s portrayal of Ruby Baker stole the show, as her performance was one of the best parts of that film! I would like to see Madeleine and Max star as the lead actress and actor in a Hallmark mystery film! Even if the movie was a stand-alone picture, I would be curious to see Max and Madeleine work together on a Hallmark project!
A movie related piece of clothing or accessory I’d want to wear
Speaking of 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost, I want to talk about one of Ruby’s pair of shoes! Toward the beginning of the movie, Ruby wore a cute pair of white high heeled shoes at her birthday party. These heels were covered in a white lacy material. Topped with a little black bow, Ruby’s shoes had a timeless style that allow them to work with an outfit from the 1920s or the 21st century!
Because Ruby wore this pair of shoes while dancing, it was difficult to find a good photo of the shoes. Photo found on Hallmark Channel
Because Ruby wore this pair of shoes while dancing, it was difficult to find a good photo of the shoes. Photo found on Hallmark Channel
A book I’ve read that I’d like to see adapted into a film
For this year’s Christmas Wish-List, I’ve selected a poem I’d like to see adapted into a film. When I reviewed Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven and Other Poems, I talked about how I liked ‘The Coliseum’. From my interpretation, the narrator is describing an abandoned facility, with a series of voices reminding the reader how the history, stories, and people associated with the titular coliseum should be remembered. This is one of those poems I think could lend itself well to visual media! Flashbacks would showcase the coliseum’s past or the voices could be shown on screen as ghosts. Since the poem itself is open to interpretation, the story could fit into almost any genre. It seems like ‘The Coliseum’ is one of Edgar’s more underrated pieces of literature, so it would be interesting to see how it’s adapted!
What are your thoughts on my Christmas wish list? Are there any movie related things you’d like to receive during the Christmas/holiday season? Tell me in the comment section!
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!
At the beginning of this year, I announced I was participating in the Eurovisionathon readathon. Created by Helen, from the Youtube channel, Helen’s Book Haven, the goal of this readathon is to read books associated with countries competing in Eurovision within a month-long time-frame. One of the books I planned to read was The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World, as one of the countries featured in the text is Moldova. When the themes for 2023’s Buzzwordathon were announced, I discovered April’s theme was ‘emotions’. This means at least one emotion related word had to be in a book’s title. The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World happens to contain three emotion related words: bliss, grump, and happiest. Therefore, I was able to read this book for both readathons!
In The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World, Eric Weiner, the book’s author, attempts to find the happiest countries in the world, based on data and research. Each chapter to devoted to this exploration, with Eric including study results, some of a country’s history, and even insight from a few of a country’s residents. Throughout the text, Eric brings up thought-provoking ideas that made me contemplate how Eric’s findings applied outside of the book. One common finding was Eric’s discovery of more ways to describe sadness than happiness. This discovery reminded me of my best and worst movies of the year lists. When I write these lists, I find it easier to talk about movies I don’t like. That’s because I feel compelled to explain why a movie is bad. But if I come across a movie I like, that movie, in my opinion, speaks for itself. This makes me put more thought into writing about good movies.
The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World contains ten chapters. Most of these chapters are longer in page length, ranging from about fifteen to twenty pages. If I were reading this book just for Buzzwordathon, the length of the chapters wouldn’t be an issue. Since I read the book for Buzzwordathon and Eurovisionathon, the chapters made the book feel longer than necessary. Despite its flaws, though, The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World is a fine and interesting book. While I don’t plan on revisiting it, the book did allow me to expand my literary horizons!
Overall score: 3.6 out of 5
Have fun during Buzzwordathon and Eurovisionathon!
Sally Silverscreen
Disclaimer: The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World contains content that may be offensive to some readers, as Eric’s approach to each country discussed is honest and realistic. Reader discretion is encouraged.
18 Cinema Lane 