I've been following Eurovision religiously for 14 years now, never missing a new song being released or selected. Eurovision has always been one of the highlights of the year for me.
We are in the midst of national selections and song reveals, usually one of the most exciting moments of the year for Eurovision die hards. And this year is the first time in 14 years I can't get myself to listen to the songs. And it's not the quality of the songs, I'm never the kind of person to complain about it. It's the other things. That one country that participates and the other five European countries that quit. For the first time, Eurovision feels tainted, morally corrupt and aimless.
I expected that, once songs started being selected and even my country returning, the excitement might come back. But now I am even contemplating not watching the actual contest. Is anyone's experience with Eurovision this year spoiled? Or at least different?
Also, let's avoid the "Eurovision has always been about politics" talks, because we already know that bloc voting and politics have always interfered. After a certain war started, it feels like the politics and voting manipulation got to another level and a boycott of this level has never been seen in Eurovision.