LINCOLN SQUARE — Eurovision, the granddaddy of singing contests, returns in all its weird and wacky glory on Saturday, with a viewing party at DANK Haus.
What's Eurovision?
Picture "American Idol" if Phillip Phillips had performed naked surrounded by a wolf pack (as proposed by Belarus' contestant IVAN).
Produced by the European Broadcast Union since 1956, Eurovision has launched the careers of major acts such as ABBA. In recent years, the show has mostly become known for contestants' over-the-top costumes and staging in a bid to nab viewers' votes — more than 200 million people tuned in worldwide in 2015.
Germany's entrant looks like a futuristic member of the Mickey Mouse Club. Why? It's Eurovision. [Eurovision]
The silliness occasionally takes on a more serious tone. In 2014, bearded drag queen Conchita Wurst of Austria made history with her win, seen in large part as a rebuke of Russia's anti-gay laws.
Thanks to the internet, the contest's popularity now stretches beyond the borders of participating countries.
The finals will air for the first time in the U.S. on Logo and also will stream online at LogoTV.com.
The U.S. can't compete — not being European, though Australia gets an invite because they're bonkers for the show — but will be represented this year by Justin Timberlake, who's expected to perform during Saturday's finale.
Doors at DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave., open at 1:30 p.m. and the show starts at 2 p.m. With 26 finalists, expect to settle in for the afternoon. Heads up for DANK's German contingent: Germany's Jamie-Lee has the 10th performing slot.
Will Malta's contestant walk on water? It's Eurovision. [Eurovision]
A quick survey of this year's contestants indicates a heavy trend toward soloists and power pop ballads. We're counting on Georgia's Nika Kocharov and Young Georgian Lolitaz to bring the crazy but there's an outside chance Malta's Celine Dion-soundalike Ira Losco will walk on water. It's Eurovision — anything can happen.
Admission at DANK Haus is free; food and drink will be available for purchase.
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