No Kitsch Please, We’re British: UK Torn on Glam Eurovision
Wogan, who died in January, hosted the BBC’s Eurovision coverage for more than 25 years, and his skeptical, sarcastic commentary contributed hugely to British viewers’ enjoyment of the show.
But it often riled other nations. Christer Bjorkman, one of the producers of this year’s contest in Stockholm, said last month that Wogan’s “mocking” attitude led a generation of Britons to view Eurovision as irrelevant, and stopped the country sending strong acts.
“It’s a lot easier to joke than to win,” Bjorkman said.
This year’s U.K. entry is Joe and Jake, two likable but untested lads who teamed up after appearing on “The Voice,” a TV talent show. Few expect them to triumph over slick performers including French singer Amir and Russian former boyband star Sergey Lazarev. The Russian is bookies’ favorite to win with “You Are the Only One,” a pulsing techno-anthem staged with dazzling visual effects.
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