Colorful Opening Parade: Kick-off for Song Contest Week in Basel
In the best May weather, Basel opened the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) with a lively parade through the city. Tens of thousands of people lined the streets along a 1.3-kilometer-long turquoise carpet from the town hall to the exhibition grounds. Singers walked like on a fashion runway from the town hall, where the President of the Government, Conradin Cramer, greeted each one individually.
ESC Starter JJ on the Turquoise Carpet at the Opening Ceremony
Austria's starter JJ ("Wasted Love") wore an oversized black pinstripe suit and dark sunglasses, waving a red-white-red flag to the onlookers. Germany's hope is the Austrian sibling duo Abor and Tynna with the song "Baller". Tynna appeared on the runway in a white, bridal-like dress with a train.
The stars traveled along the enthusiastic spectators partly with historic trams to the Eurovision Village at the exhibition grounds, where the party will continue all next week. The delegations were accompanied by traditional costume and music clubs and many costumed members of the clubs that otherwise celebrate the legendary Basel Carnival every year after Ash Wednesday.
First Semi-Final on Tuesday Without Austria
The actual ESC competition starts on Tuesday with the first semi-final. The countries with the five largest broadcasting companies are automatically qualified for the final, as is host Switzerland. The other 31 countries must compete for the remaining 20 final spots in the semi-final. Austria's representative JJ will sing for his final ticket in the 2nd semi-final on Thursday.
Favorites for Song Contest Victory Remain Cool
For weeks, betting offices have been considering Sweden's entry as the favorite. The three lads, who come from Finland and amusingly sing about the joys of sauna visits, appeared relaxed with the favorite role in Basel. "If we win, the Finns could claim it as a victory, but Sweden has to pay for hosting the next ESC," they said cheerfully upon arrival at the Eurovision Village. On social media, many clips are already circulating where people imitate the dance moves with a sauna towel from the video for the Swedish song "Bara Badu Bastu".
(APA/Red)
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