Eurovision 2010: Abandon Ship!
Earlier this year it seemed as if the next edition of the Eurovision Song Contest was going to have the largest number of participants ever. Not only was there talk of Lichtenstein FINALLY getting an entry, but talks of Austria, San Marino, Monaco, and even Luxemburg's return to the stage (hell, there hasn't been an entry from Luxemburg since 1993!). However, not only have none of these countries returned (San Marino is still a "maybe" technically but I'm no longer holding my breath), but so far four more countries have jumped ship -- Hungary, the Czech Republic, Montenegro, and as of today, Andorra.
All of these countries claim financial difficulties, and that's not unlikely; most broadcasters have had budget cuts after the economic fiasco over the last year. That being said, though, none of the withdrawing countries have made it to the final over the last two editions, and there's no doubt in my mind that this is a factor. Hungary was last place in its semi-final in '08 and had to replace its song twice this year; Montenegro and the Czech Republic both debuted the same year but neither had ever qualified to the final, with Montenegro's "friendly votes" never being enough and CR having TWO last-place finish, one "nul point" score, and a total number of points in three years of 10. And Andorra? Andorra's been around since 2004, and has also never qualified, with some at Andorra's broadcaster calling sending entries to the contest a "waste" since they never made it to the final. A shame, as I always rooted for Andorra -- if ever there was an "underdog" in the contest it's Andorra!
So now we're down to 37 countries. It's certainly a respectable number, but the number hasn't been that low since Athens 2006, and the new two-semi system was meant for a good deal more to participate. It'll be interesting to see who else may have to bow out, as there are talks of Lithuania and Latvia also not being able to secure funding in order to particpate.
All of these countries claim financial difficulties, and that's not unlikely; most broadcasters have had budget cuts after the economic fiasco over the last year. That being said, though, none of the withdrawing countries have made it to the final over the last two editions, and there's no doubt in my mind that this is a factor. Hungary was last place in its semi-final in '08 and had to replace its song twice this year; Montenegro and the Czech Republic both debuted the same year but neither had ever qualified to the final, with Montenegro's "friendly votes" never being enough and CR having TWO last-place finish, one "nul point" score, and a total number of points in three years of 10. And Andorra? Andorra's been around since 2004, and has also never qualified, with some at Andorra's broadcaster calling sending entries to the contest a "waste" since they never made it to the final. A shame, as I always rooted for Andorra -- if ever there was an "underdog" in the contest it's Andorra!
So now we're down to 37 countries. It's certainly a respectable number, but the number hasn't been that low since Athens 2006, and the new two-semi system was meant for a good deal more to participate. It'll be interesting to see who else may have to bow out, as there are talks of Lithuania and Latvia also not being able to secure funding in order to particpate.