World News for Students of English

26-05-2021 07:00

Known for its kitsch pop music and flamboyant costumes, the annual Eurovision Song Contest is hated and loved by many.

The event is produced by the European Broadcasting Union, and it was first held in Lugano, Switzerland, in 1956 with seven participants. Since then, 52 countries have entered, singing over 1,600 songs.

The show began not in search of the greatest voice, but as a chance to test the limits of live television broadcast technology. Stage performance has always been front and center of Eurovision’s heart, and performances must be sung live. They must not exceed three minutes or involve live animals, confetti, pyrotechnics, and smoke jets.

Ireland holds the title for the most wins; however, Sweden isn’t far behind. Its first win in 1974 was with ABBA’s song ‘Waterloo’ that remains one of Eurovision’s most successful songs.

Difficult words: kitsch (art or other objects that are considered ugly or without style, but they are enjoyed by other people), flamboyant (brightly colored and easily noticed), confetti (small pieces of colored paper that are thrown at celebrations), pyrotechnics (special effects with fire).

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