#evening hosts

The lady with the European vision celebrated her 70th birthday on Saturday. The Ninth Symphony composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1823, giving musical expression to Friedrich Schiller's 1785 poem "Ode to Joy" — and yet... seriously? This is my third time writing about Eurovision on Tumblr, and frankly, I expected a more dignified birthday party. Instead, we got flattened lemonade. A few high-class artists ended up at the wrong party, forced to dance on tables to slavic and arabic club rhythms. There was no sense of authenticity in the final — just copied costumes. And when I looked at the audience, it was mostly men, with barely any flags. I couldn’t even see the EU flag in the EU song contest. Warriors are responsible for their own words and deeds. So, here are my 10 favorites of 2026. 1)Thank you to the stage creators and those people we didn't see, but they were part of the big show too! You surprised me and so I sat most of the show exploring, what the stage offered. 2)Thank you to the evening hosts for the high-quality entertainment over all three evenings. For the songs, visual enjoyment, laughter, and the great atmosphere. 3)One of the best female vocalists from Latvia, Atvara, in the second semi-final. A powerful performance with a song telling a story about many families around the world and a real problem. As always, Latvians can beautifully express and sing about serious issues. 4)Portugal with 5 charming gentlemen, Bandidos do Cante - Rosa. Completely outside the Eurovision style, wonderful male voices, thank you. 5)Alicija - Pray (Poland). Another powerful lady with a voice. A silver corset reminiscent of armor. Accessories remind me of a lady I follow for her jewelry - making talent - Mariia Khas, shuwuu.shop. Slightly expensive for ordinary EU residents, but an interesting personality. 6)The Italians (Sal Da Vinci - Per Sempre Sì) this year reminded us of family values and demographic issues. 7)Ukrainian crane, Leleka - Ridnym. Easy, horizon, wide wings, dreams, and a bright future for Ukraine. I listened with wet eyes and a lump in my throat. Wishing you success! Regardless of the final place, come out stronger! 8)Croatia with Lelek - Andromeda. The Latvian relay baton passed on to folk ladies. Slightly reminiscent of nuns. If you understand the roots, you can figure out further - Earth guardians. 9)Norway with Ya Ya Ya (Jonass Lovv). A Norwegian Freddie Mercury style - joy and mischief coming through every time. Thank you. Yes, 70 years! 10)Look mum no computer - "Eins, Zwei, Drei!". I don't know about others, but for me, this was the British version of "Skip Beat!". Even the jumpsuit, just a soft pink. I wonder if anyone still remembers this cool manga and anime about Kyoko Mogami. 11)Malta with Aidan - Bella. I had heard about the Knights of Malta, but instead, a cowboy with a wonderful, unobtrusive voice for good romantic comedies arrived. A performance, where the viewer fantasizes, and not everything is laid out. 12)French Merelina with braids and a feminine, romantic, opera-worthy strong voice. Thank you, Monroe - "Regarde!" it was a true pleasure. I also enjoyed the singing along and other performances, like Parov Stelar and Zurcaroh - Welcome to the Funfair, that didn't compete, but created a pleasant atmosphere, like Lordi with 'Save Your Kisses for Me' (bat wings) and many other old and beloved songs over the years. 🤭 Honestly, I'm not thrilled about certain slavic attempts to return everywhere; we shouldn't sleep and allow it. If people can shout about arabs, then why are we silent about ukrainians, who protect our homes in Europe and the EU? It seems like hypocrisy!