The 2019 Eurovision Song contest is over so it’s time to take stock. This was one of the largest if not the largest event since the start of the Eurovision. Thanks to Neta Barzilai’s win at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon (Portugal) in 2018, Israel organised the 2019 event. For the 64th edition of the contest, Israel went to great lengths to welcome thousands of tourists and to put on a good show for 200 million television viewers. It all went very smoothly and was a great success.
The 2019 Eurovision Contest in Israel was praised by the press worldwide.
Eurovision Village on the promenade in Tel Aviv : a breathtaking location
To have the best Eurovision experience, one needed to go to the Eurovision village situated in front of the Hotel David Intercontinental, Tel Aviv. Tens or even hundreds of thousands of people met there in an area secured by police, border police, private security guards etc. There were stands with falafel, sushi, kebabs and other Indian, Thai and French and more specialities.
There were stands as far as the eye coulde see. People could visit 70 or even 100 stands in a friendly atmosphere and music was provided by Djs from all over the world. The stands hit the jackpot financially and in particular, the chef Haim Cohen with his restaurant Yaffo-Tel aviv, which was a great hit.
The event was greatly appreciated by tourists who came mostly from Europe (or Australia and Russia) to support their candidate. Compared to some other European countries, the climate is ideal for this type of event. We had the pleasure of speaking with Italian, French, English and Portuguese tourists. Some of these are real Eurovision fans and attend the contest every year. They all agreed that this was the best Eurovision that they had been at. It was a real celebration in Tel Aviv and locals and tourists had a great time.
An unforgettable show somewhat spoiled by political actions
A video of Neta Barzilai flying an El Al aeroplane opened the festivities. The organisation by events specialists was excellent. The 4 masters of ceremonies, Erez Tal, Assi Azar, Lucy Ayoub and Bar Refaeli fulfilled their mission perfectly. The introduction to the singers showed magnificent scenery and places to visit in Israel through videos taken by drones which captured breathtaking views. Everything was perfect. The Icelandic group was known for its pro Palestinian views asked Benjamin Netanyhu to take part in an Icelandic wrestling match. Not a good proposal from the group Hatari. It was thought that there would be a clash shown live. It wasn’t during their time on stage but when the points were given that two scarves representing the Palastinian flag were shown and security rushed to take them. There was international outcry. This political act could cost Iceland dear as it’s not to take part in the 2020 contest.
Madonna’s appearance was a major failure. She sang off key and her voice was criticised by the international press. The Daily Mail headlined “Zero points! At the 2019 Eurovision, Madonna was as breathless as a grandmother with a knee replacement.” That’s telling it. Madonna sang “Like a Virgin” and a title from her new album “Future”. The singer appeared in Tel Aviv ignoring pressure from the BDS. Dressed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, Madonna wore an eye patch like Moshe Dayan.
Her dancers wearing gas masks were a reminder of the hardship of the Gulf War. At the end of her appearance, a male dancer with an Israeli flag on his back and a female dancer with a Palestinian flag held hands. This didn’t please the organisers or the European Broadcasting Union, who didn’t know about this political act. In this case too, along with Madonna’s poor performance, the press criticised the singer.
The bookmakers were right because they predicted that the Dutch singer, Duncan Laurence would win. Kobi Marimi came 23rd, a disappointing position after a very good performance. It’s a date again in Amsterdam in 2020 for the 65th Eurovision song Contes.
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