This Saturday it happens again, The Eurovision Song Contest 2014 which is held this year in Copenhagen. It is a great chance for our dear Chinese and other readers to get a glimpse of the European culture.

Yes, it is a song contest between the countries in Europe, but at the same time so much more. It is a spectacular show and a carnival of open-mindedness. Its richness is the diversity. You can see opera, child singers, half-naked women, rap, humoristic numbers, great dance performances etc. Although the nationalistic theme is quite clear as all the performances are representing their countries, the show manages to create a fairytale-like feeling of unitedness and friendship between the countries.

I have been watching this show since I was little. I remember waiting for the results under my blanket half sleeping on the sofa in the middle of the night. I still remember the old times, when all the results were given point by point from all the capitals of Europe and all the points for each country were spoken in English and France. A great way of learning the names of the counties and numbers: “The United Kingdom, twelve points; Le Royaume-Uni, douze points” I think the learning aspects is still there. You could print out a blank map of Europe and try placing the countries on the map as they are performing. If that is too easy, you can try to memorize the capitals and try to place them as well.

For a kid, this was the first time to be exposed to trans-sexuality and gay culture. I have to admit, it was a very nice way. To see a drag-queen win and crowds supporting him was a great way for a kid like me to learn how everyone can be accepted as themselves.

Some people have criticized the show elements becoming more important than the singing in the 2000’s. Yes, there have been tasteless performances, but so what? It belongs to the concept. Each country can decide who they will send there to perform, and after that it is the European people’s votes that count. Personally, I think this year’s show coming back to a singing contest, and the show elements are reduced a bit compared to couple of years ago.

Now when the semifinals are over and the finalists are clear, the normal procedure is to make guessing for the winner.

Here are the finalists in the running order:

This year there is a huge favorite among the public from Austria, a bearded lady called Conchita Wurst. Not a bad choice at all, she looks good and sings nice too.

Conchita Wurst posing.

Still, my personal favorite is the lovely duo Common Linnets from Netherlands with their soft and beautiful country-style song. I just felt I could easily go to their gig in club to listen some more of their songs.

Duo from the Netherlands

There are also some performances when I would like to turn off the music and just enjoy the show.

"Cream and butter tastes so good. We prepare for you delicious food". Lyrics from the Polish song.

A good example of this is the Polish girl’s performance. However, I think the boobs factor will give them surprisingly many points. They might even get more points than my countrymen, for whom I wish all the best, the super cute high school boys from Finland, the Softengine.

The boys from Softengine look a bit surprized after winning the Finnish national competition and becoming the representatives of Finland for this years Eurovision. They come from a small town and nobody knew them before this. It must be very special for them to perform in the final knowing hundreds of millions of people globally are watching the show.

All in all, the show is going to be very entertaining with all the ingredients. I will enjoy it whole-heartedly!