Selin Genc takes us on a return trip, economy class, to the Eurovision of the early 00s, where austerity was answered with excessive performances – and a singing turkey!
Extract: 'Even in times of fiscal paralysis, why do we counterfeit surplus through displays of extravagance? As Eurovision demonstrates, the more there is to fret, the more glamour we parade. Or is it an elaborate charade to keep the spirit uplifted during trying times? Perhaps countries send their most outlandish contesters to divert a triumph and avoid hosting the expensive display. ‘I got no ambition // For high position in competition // With air condition’ Rambo Amadeus wisely states. When the bubble had burst and the worst had happened, the performances became all the more fervent and ecstatic.'
