Hello my name is Stephen Stigwood. I have always wanted to attend a Eurovision competition but the opportunity has never presented itself until now. Every year I get excited when it is time to watch and admire each country as it performs. It actually brings out many emotions in me – happiness, surprise, laughter, bewilderment…and of course reinforces my love of music.
In 2016 I hope to be celebrating my 60th birthday in Stockholm and it would be a highlight of my trip if I could attend Eurovision.
Kind Regards,
Stephen=
Category Archives: member letter
INTRODUCING MICHELLE STIGWOOD – AUSTRALIA
Hi,This is an introduction article.
I am a new member after being a fan of Eurovision since the Eighties. At that time I was living in Western Queensland 400 kilometres from the coast with very few choices for television channels – just the National broadcaster ABC and the highly entertaining multicultural broadcaster SBS – so it was always an annual highlight when Eurovision time came in the middle of a cold winter and Europe burst into my home. What I enjoyed, was listening to names of foreign countries with different sounds and very different costume designs. It was a way of keeping in touch with the rest of the world. It was a sanity saver for me in those years.
Cheers from Michelle
LETTER TO TURKEY – MICHELLE STIGWOOD (Australia)
To the Head of TV Entertainment – Turkey
Surely no other country gives Eurovision more credibility in its goal of bringing people together than Turkey – a country that has spent its entire existence as a bridge for bringing people together. Turkey is often seen as the link between East and West and Europe and Asia. It is the crossroads, and it seems important to me that we get to hear music from this part of the world. Turkish music can blend the infectious pulse of pop with a traditional arrangement that springs from its ancient well. And please don’t try and convince me that any other dancers can dance as well as the Turkish women. They swirl and weave their own unique blend of magic on stage! There is so much exuberance and feeling. I have trouble staying in my seat when Turkish pop music is playing!
I have been captivated since 2003 when Turkey won with ” Every way that I can” and I would like to implore the Head of TV Entertainment in Turkey to advocate strongly for taking an entrant to Stockholm for Eurovision in 2016. Our world needs to become more connected and not lose music that can bring people together in celebration and joy.
Yours faithfully,
M S – A fan from Australia
LETTER TO PORTUGAL – JULIA FOSKEY (Australia)
To The Head Of Rádio e Televisão de Portugal,
I am writing to you today to try and convince you that Portugal should reconsider their decision not to enter Eurovision in 2016.
I understand your withdrawal came after a long and intensive evaluation of Portugal’s participation in the competition, and that you have chosen not to include the Eurovision Song Contest in your programming grid. I also know that you intend to return in 2017. But I believe that skipping 2016 is a mistake.
For me, Portugal is one of the most important countries contributing to the wonderful blend of cultures and music that defines Eurovision. Each year the entry from Portugal exposes Europe and the world to the beautiful Portuguese language and culture. It was seeing the lovely Portuguese entries year after year that inspired me to visit Portugal in 2008, and I’m so glad I did.
Portugal consistently sends uplifting and unique entries year after year. The rhythms, language and culture of Portuguese music is something that no other country can offer, and something many Eurovision fans look forward to. While it is unfortunate that this enthusiasm has not always been reflected in the voting outcome, I can assure you that the Portuguese entry is an absolutely essential piece of the Eurovision puzzle, much like Portugal’s active role in the European community.
Portugal is a Eurovision heritage country with so many years of entries. Entering Eurovision 48 times is something to be proud of, and songs like Ha um mar que nos separa and Quero ser tua have added to the wonderful catalogue of entries from over the years.
Please reconsider your decision, because a Eurovision Song Contest without Portugal is a very sad thing to see. Perhaps a 2016 entry could even lead to the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest being held in Lisbon?
Sincerely,
An Australian fan
LETTER TO TURKEY – EMILY SMITH (Australia)
An open letter to TRT
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to you about Turkey’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, imploring you to reconsider your decision to not attend in 2016.
As a great fan of Eurovision, and of Turkish entries in particular, it deeply saddens me that you have withdrawn from the contest indefinitely. It is particularly disappointing that you have cited moral objections, as Eurovision is inherently about inclusion and diversity. The contest is a celebration of differences, with no one being unwelcome: even Australia attended this year! What makes Eurovision so great is the manifestation of diverse cultures, attitudes and beliefs all coming together in one event. While your government may have objections to certain events that have occurred within the contest, it is a great shame for you to remove yourself entirely.
The theme of inclusivity is extremely relevant now, with Turkey playing such a pivotal role in the current Syrian refugee crisis. Participating in Eurovision again would be a wonderful gesture of Turkey’s willingness to be a part of the European community, with a view to improving diplomatic relations with the rest of Europe. The political implications of Eurovision participation cannot be lost on you, with you yourselves initially withdrawing for political reasons. While the contest was initially established as a tool to unify Europe after World War II, it continues to foster harmony amongst European nations. In the face of a global humanitarian crisis, continental unity is critical and Eurovision holds the key.
Politics aside, it is worth noting that Turkey has had great Eurovision success in recent years. Reaching the top ten seven times in ten years is a remarkable feat, and one of which you must be proud. Your bold stage presentations and Mediterranean/oriental flavoured pop music products are a winning combination; the voting population cannot get enough. And just think, Eurovision 2017 held in Istanbul could even further strengthen Turkey’s relationship with the rest of Europe. This could be a key opportunity for you to use the recent popularity of Turkish music and culture to your advantage.
Looking closer to home, Eurovision is very popular within Turkey itself. This year, hotel searches for Vienna increased by 91% in Turkey, higher than in any other country in the world. Clearly there is still huge support for Eurovision within Turkey. It is a great shame that Turkish fans can no longer enjoy the broadcast from within their own country, in addition to not being represented on the stage.
Let’s not forget that there are approximately 150,000 Turkish people living in Sweden. They must also be very disappointed that a representative from their homeland will not be joining them in Stockholm. There are millions of Turkish people living across Europe who are actively involved with Eurovision, as displayed in Eurovision voting. Turkey has historically received the most points from Germany, which has the largest Turkish population in the world outside of Turkey, estimated at four million people. The second and third most points received have come from France and the Netherlands, who have the second and third largest Turkish populations in Europe. Vast numbers of Turkish people at home and abroad support Eurovision and they are being let down by your non-participation.
There are a multitude of reasons why Turkey should reconsider their position, but in the end it boils down to this: a Eurovision without Turkey does not feel complete. Something is missing. Your absence is felt deeply by all the fans, Turkish and otherwise, and we urge you to rejoin us.
Kind regards,
Huge Eurovision fan
LETTER TO LUXEMBOURG – STEVE HUMPFREYES (Australia)
Dear RTL TV Luxembourg,
We would like to see you return to the Eurovision Song Contest stage in 2016.
After Italy’s successful return to the Eurovision stage in 2010, and in a short period of time Italy have produced two almost winners in the ESC competition in recent years. Now is the perfect time to bring back another classic country and blast from the past.
Luxembourg. Who in the past have been able to bring some amazing talent to the show from all over Europe. As one of the main french speaking countries when Eurovision was born way back in 1956.
Its clear to us many eurovision fans remember and adore Luxembourg’s entries from the past. So they want to see Luxembourg RTL back again.
Most certainly small countries have shown evidence of struggling to keep going in the Eurovision today. Mainly due to the low budgets and then there is always that big staging that seems to be more essential to success in ESC today.
We have good news for Luxembourg, and what EBU can do to help Luxembourg and other countries wanting to come back in Stockholm 2016.
We have the perfect solution, as its no secret EBU are keen to help out and include the mini state countries like Monaco San Marino. They are looking at making an exception for small countries with below a certain population they will now be able to have a joint Eurovision entry.
Doing this will advantage Luxembourg in the following ways:
(a) This will make those high costs half for a small country like Luxembourg.
(b) Euro-club parties can be shared as well by this duel entry policy.
(c) If Luxembourg and their partner country win ESC then they will have bids from both small countries to decide the following years host town or city.
(d) The small duel countries will have separated voting and do not have to share countries scoreboard votes at all.
Luxembourg is one of the historical Eurovision classics with a past 5 Eurovision winners as well as a back to back wins that is rare in today’s Eurovision back in 1972 and 1973.
Since 1956 through until 1993 -Luxembourg rarely missed ESC. In fact before Ireland’s Avalanche of winners in and during the 90s Luvembourg & France were the most successful competitor at Eurovision. So I think it’s important that they more than anyone else continue this tradition. Also we need a ole country to give the swedes a run for their money. (as the saying goes)
We hope this proposal will help bring Luxembourg and another small country back to Eurovision in 2016.
Summary Luxembourg 5 Winners 1961- 1983:
Jean-Claude Pascal – “Nous les amoureux”
France Gall – “Poupée de cire, poupée de son”
Vicky Leandros – “Après toi”
Anne-Marie David – “Tu te reconnaîtras”
Corinne Hermès – “Si la vie est cadeau”
LETTER TO PORTUGAL – NATHAN MOUNTFORD (Australia)
To the Head Of TV Entertainment RTP,
Why?
48 times and counting. What’s another year?
People of the world are sick of visiting cold countries! 2017 is the year for sunshine and sardines!
I love the idea of a refresh – RESET, REFRESH and surprise us, NOW. Like a Portuguese tart! It has a lot of history but is always fresh, so eat it while it’s hot.
Listen to your people – a Crowdfunding campaign? Who does that – people who love their country, their music and their Eurovision.
I visited Lisbon in 2015 and I want more. I make a pledge to visit Portugal every year that I attend Eurovision. Eurovision has broadened my geographic knowledge and made me want to visit different places including Portugal. Which BTW reminded me of Australia (and I love my country).
Katia Averia has put her hand up. Say YES. Ask her brother to chip in some money! If not, go to any Fado bar. Pick one of your many fantastic singers (so many to choose from, maybe your the lucky country).
Get Nando’s (famous in various countries for Peri Peri sauce and Portuguese Chicken) to sponsor the entrant. I’m sure they’ll have some great ideas to create a fantastic social, advertising and media campaign (look them up on Wikipedia).
Use the world’s biggest free resource, the internet. Get some tips from Switzerland and find an International star to sing for you. Hint: Australia is desperate to go again (perhaps under the title of Portugal)!
Quero Ser Tua ‘went off’ at the Euro Fan Café’ in Vienna. People are listening. Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh. Remember when Russia won in 2008? All I heard was “it’s Russia’s time to win”. Well, last year in Vienna I heard a lot of “it’s Portugal’s time to win”! I can’t say you will win but I predict if a country in your region does, tourists will be lining up at your door.
To be serious though…
…This is a great opportunity that not every country in the world has. I’m from Australia. We have been lucky enough to participate once (most likely). One time. And so many others will never have the chance. But Portugal does. I would love to showcase our talent every year. And it’s not just about the talent; it’s about so many things:
Tradition. Pride. Competition. Showcasing. Celebrating. Peace.
But most importantly, although we have our differences, we can come together as a united people and enjoy a moment together – a moment that can change your life forever.
Think of all the people with sad faces right now. Then think of all the people with smiles on their faces when you agree to reinstate your participation. Even people from Australia!
Don’t give up.
LETTER TO PORTUGAL – STEPHEN STIGWOOD (Australia)
Head of TV Entertainment Portugal – broadcaster RTP
I am disappointed and surprised that Portugal has decided not to join in the competition for Eurovision 2016 – Stockholm.
Having visited Portugal in 2009 I found the country to be steeped in music and the traditional music, Fado, was very moving and unique. It is a lament to all that has been lost…in love and in war. This wonderful music was performed from so many different musicians from humble men in their local cafe or bar to professional Fado artists who had perfected their craft and sound. I felt that Portugal had a strong musical spirit and this is supported by the fact that Portugal has been an entrant is 48 Eurovision competitions and this is the most of any country! A remarkable feat of persistence! This fact shows that the country loves music and always enjoys a chance to perform. What a wonderful way to showcase Portugal to the rest of Europe and the world. Keep entertaining us Portugal. We need to hear more of your special music.
Please reconsider…It is only a matter of time until Portugal wins but of course if Portugal does not enter, then their time for winning will never come!
Regards,
A heartbroken fan
LETTER TO LUXEMBOURG – DARREN TOMPSETT – UNITED KINGDOM
Kent
DA1 5QU
Royaume – Uni
20th October 2015
45 bd Pierre Frieden,
1543 Luxembourg
Dear RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg,
Hello my name is David Theron, OGAE UK & Rest of World Member, and I am writing to you from Royaume Uni (United Kingdom) to express my desire for Luxembourg to rejoin the Eurovision Song Contest.
I have been a fan for nearly twenty years and over this time I have enjoyed many songs from different countries. I love the fact that some entries are sung in their own language; this is what Eurovision is all about celebrating different styles of music around Europe.
I feel that Luxembourg is one of these countries that always presents a song that really shows off their country and gives us the viewers a little taster of their nationality.
As you are aware Luxembourg has participated 37 times and won the contest five times:
1961 Jean Claude Pascal “Nous les amoureux” 31 points
1965 France Gall “Poupée de cire, poupée de seń” 31 points
1972 Vicky Leandros “Aprés tol” 128 points
1973 Anne Marie David “Tu te reconnaîtres” 129 points
1983 Corinne Hermes “Si la vie est cadeau” 142 points
All amazing victories and I know that Luxembourg could win again if they had the right help and guidance. Having finished in the top ten twenty-two times is a big achievement not duplicated by many other countries.
For Luxembourg to move forward I think that creating a new television show to find the artist/song to represent them would be successful and of course the public will be heavily involved. This has worked in many countries and in some cases; the chosen song has gone on to win the contest. I know that funding can be an issue but I’m sure that sponsors, like local radio stations, music companies, the tourist board would all benefit from a win. You just need a great artist and song to convince these sponsors and show them that it would be very rewarding for both parties.
Fans of Eurovision from all over Europe have lots of ideas and I am one of those people that could help out other countries on how to make a comeback to the contest. Social Media is a key part of marketing these days that really wasn’t around during Luxembourg’s successful Eurovision run. International street teams can promote your song and artist in their local country which would cost you little to nothing for free publicity.
I would love Luxembourg to come back with a winning song that is current, fresh but still has traditional values by being in your native tongue.
Last year’s motto was building bridges and I feel that Luxembourg should build towards connecting with other countries that can bring them back in the contest. For instance, if Luxembourg won maybe a shared contest between the Benelux countries would not only split the costs but also celebrate the true meaning of the contest, One Vision – A Euro Vision.
Eurovision is big celebration that is adored all over Europe, being the oldest and most watched non-sporting television programme in the world; Luxembourg deserves to be a part of that. So come join us.
So let’s help find you some funding and select a well written song and get the prestigious title of “Six-Time Winner!” It would seem a shame that such a successful country in the contest isn’t represented now with the contest entering its sixty-first year. With many countries returning to the contest like Italy it would be great to have Luxembourg back as well.
If you need to contact me, please feel free I am happy to help such a worthy country get back into the Eurovision Song Contest.
Yours sincerely,
David Theron (name changed)