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The hills are alive with the sound of bassy Eurotrash, Slavic rap, and gaudy operatic pop.
It could only mean one thing: Eurovision is back.
Everyones favorite European singing competition kicked off May 7, with the finale coming up on May 11.
And if theres ever been a year to watch, this might be it.
Plus there aresome truly fun songs.
Therescontroversy, too, with protests against Israels entry amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
Wait, how does it work?
Its like the Olympics plusAmerican Idol, except if everyone wrote their own songs.
Eurovision is put on by the European Broadcasting Union, and countries enter via their own national broadcasters.
Each country enters an original song that has either been pre-chosen or won a national competition.
Whos competing?
On Saturday, 25 countries will compete one last time to attempt to win it all.
So dont worry that you missed the first semifinal youll see these ones again.
This years issue centers aroundIsraels participation in the competition, as the country continues to wage war in Gaza.
The EBU has defended Israel, but viewers in other countries have petitioned for the country to be disqualified.
Even Israels song is controversial originally called October Rain, its overtly political lyrics had to be rewritten.
Israels songwriters rewrote it into a more metaphorical take, Hurricane.
Whos hosting?
Host country Sweden is putting two of its finest up to the job: Petra Mede and Malin Akerman.
Mede will also perform during the final, as will2023s Swedish winner, Loreen.
How can I watch?
Thats thanks to Peacock, which is streaming both the semifinals and the final.
It really hasa monopoly on international competitions, doesnt it?
American viewerscan even votetoo, as part of the Rest of the World.
Keep in mind that these are happening at nightin Europe, though, which is the afternoon here.
The final is May 11 at 3 p.m. ## Related
