All Of It: Eurovision's Homecoming Weekend – Detailed Summary

Hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, "All Of It" delves deep into the cultural phenomenon of the Eurovision Song Contest. In the May 19, 2025, episode titled "Eurovision's Homecoming Weekend," host Alison Stewart engages with Paul Jordan, affectionately known as Dr. Eurovision, to unpack the intricacies of this vibrant competition.

Introduction to Eurovision 2025

At the outset of the episode, Alison Stewart sets the stage by highlighting the recent events surrounding Eurovision. She mentions significant sports victories in New York, such as the Knicks defeating the Celtics and the commencement of the Subway Series between the Mets and the Yankees. However, the primary focus remains on Eurovision, which captivated millions globally.

Alison Stewart (00:07):
"Coming up on the show today, we'll preview the upcoming Loisaida Festival. We'll learn about a new free four-week performance series in Domino Park. It's called, wait for it, Sugar Sugar. And Somali American chef Hawa Hasan joins us to talk about her new cookbook, setting a place for us. That's the plan. So let's get this started with Dr. Eurovision."

Eurovision's Rich History and Evolution

Dr. Eurovision, Paul Jordan, provides a comprehensive overview of Eurovision's origins and its transformation over the decades.

Alison Stewart (02:13):
"The first Eurovision was held in Switzerland in 1956. Why? Where did Eurovision come from?"

Paul Jordan (02:20):
"Eurovision was a kind of experiment really, in broadcasting. If we think about, you know, the 1950s, television was in its infancy and it was an idea to bring countries together to pioneer new broadcasting techniques and to try and create an international television show. And it grew year upon year and now it's nearly 70 years old. So the idea, yes, it was a television show, but it was also to unite Europe."
"And if we think about the '50s, you know, it wasn't long after World War II. So it was an attempt to really unite people through music and that's what it still does today." (02:20)

Over the years, Eurovision has morphed from a modest black-and-white broadcast in small auditoriums into a massive, colorful spectacle watched by nearly 200 million people annually.

Paul Jordan (02:56):
"Eurovision started off as a very, you know, small television show. It was broadcast in black and white. It was in very small auditoriums, even up until about 25, 30 years ago. It used to have quite a distinguished audience, you know, invite-only guests, dignitaries. And now it's one massive party." (02:59)
"The production values of the show. It is one of the slickest, most professional broadcasts in the world." (03:40)

Personal Journey with Eurovision

Paul Jordan shares his personal connection to Eurovision, tracing his passion from childhood to his academic pursuit.

Alison Stewart (03:40):
"I want to be clear about this. You have a PhD on Eurovision from the University of Glasgow. First, when did you fall in love with Eurovision?" (03:40)

Paul Jordan (03:53):
"I, like many people in Europe, grew up with it. So it was always on television every year. The first year that I remember watching was around the mid-90s, 1993, and the UK sent a famous singer called Sonia and she was in the lead in the voting and it looked like she was going to win. And then Ireland beat her at the last minute and I became absolutely, you know, engrossed with it and I found it so exciting." (03:53)

His fascination deepened as he attended his first Eurovision in 2000 and later pursued it academically, culminating in a PhD published in 2011. This journey not only enriched his career but also fostered lasting friendships within the Eurovision community.

Eurovision 2025: The Grand Finale in Switzerland

The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest returned to Basel, Switzerland, the birthplace of Eurovision, under the theme "Welcome Home." Dr. Eurovision provides insights into the event's atmosphere and outcomes.

Alison Stewart (01:52):
"So Eurovision was back in Switzerland this year. The theme was 'welcome home.' What was the energy like in Basel?" (01:52)

Paul Jordan (01:52):
"The energy was incredible. And Eurovision is such a joyous event. It brings people together from around the world. Some people who are even there are from countries that aren't even taking part. And it was just sheer fun. It was utterly joyous." (01:52)

The event featured three live shows, captivating an audience of nearly 200 million viewers globally.

Austria Takes the Crown: JJ with "Wasted Love"

This year's Eurovision victor was Austria, represented by the operatic singer JJ with the song "Wasted Love."

Alison Stewart (06:14):
"This year's winner was Austria, represented by an artist named JJ. The song was called 'Wasted Love.' Who's JJ?" (06:14)

Paul Jordan (06:14):
"JJ is an Austrian operatic singer, and the song itself was very unusual and an incredibly strong vocal. But the interesting thing about Eurovision is that you can sing in any language you want. So JJ sang in English and was rewarded by the juries." (06:14)

"Wasted Love" stood out for its captivating operatic performance and exceptional vocal prowess, appealing greatly to the professional juries, which comprise half of the final vote.

Paul Jordan (08:23):
"I think because it was unique on the night. It was very captivating, and JJ has an amazing voice... I think it was just very, very well performed." (08:23)

Despite not capturing the public vote entirely, JJ's song secured enough points to triumph overall.

Israel's Yuval Shines Amid Controversy

Israel's entry, performed by Yuval with the song "A New Day Will Rise," garnered significant attention and stirred emotions due to geopolitical tensions.

Alison Stewart (10:50):
"In the midst of the war in Gaza last year, the audience booed the Israeli contestant. How did it go this year?" (10:50)

Paul Jordan (10:50):
"This year they had a very strong song. Unfortunately, the audience did boo again... but Israel won the public vote by quite a landslide. There was a big campaign online for people to vote for Israel, which raised questions about credibility because it was against the rules." (10:50)

Yuval's heartfelt performance resonated deeply with many, especially considering her background as a survivor of the October 7th, 2023 attacks. However, the ongoing conflict in Gaza made her participation a sensitive topic for some viewers.

Yuval's Performance Excerpt (12:05):
"And even if you say goodbye? You'll never go away? You are the rainbow in my sky..."

Non-European Participation: Australia in Eurovision

Australia's inclusion in Eurovision has been a topic of interest, reminiscent of Israel's participation despite being outside Europe.

Alison Stewart (09:00):
"Israel, not in Europe, but it competes in Eurovision. The same is true of Australia. So why are non-European countries allowed to compete?" (09:00)

Paul Jordan (09:00):
"Israel is part of the European Broadcasting Union... Australia was invited as a one-off in 2015 to celebrate the show's 60th anniversary. They returned as an associate member. It's also about money, as participation fees help reduce overall costs for other countries." (09:00)

Australia's continued presence in Eurovision underscores the contest's expanding global appeal and the strategic considerations of the European Broadcasting Union.

Celine Dion’s Absence: A Missed Appearance

Anticipation surrounded Celine Dion's potential appearance at the finals, given her history as a former Eurovision winner. However, her participation was ultimately sidelined.

Alison Stewart (16:18):
"Celine Dion was expected to make an appearance at the Eurovision finals. Why did she not appear?" (16:18)

Paul Jordan (16:49):
"It was reported that her private jet was spotted in Basel. Unfortunately, she has a condition called stiff person syndrome, which is triggered by adrenaline, loud noises, and excitement—common at Eurovision. It would have been risky for her to attend." (16:49)

Celine Dion's health considerations took precedence, highlighting the challenges of accommodating performers with medical conditions in such dynamic environments.

Notable Performances and Future Prospects

The episode also touches upon Sweden's entry and the unexpected results that further exemplify Eurovision's unpredictability.

Sweden's Entry - Kai's "Barabada Bastu":

Alison Stewart (14:40):
"Let's talk about Kai. They sang Sweden's song. It's kind of hilarious. What did you think of the song?" (14:40)

Paul Jordan (14:49):
"I liked it. I thought it was good fun. They're Finnish singing in Swedish, which was the first time in 25 years. Sweden has a massive love of Eurovision, with shows like Melodifestivalen watched by millions." (14:49)

Kai's "Barabada Bastu" injected humor and novelty, emblematic of the diverse range of performances that make Eurovision uniquely entertaining.

Celine Dion's Participation of Past Winners:

Paul Jordan (17:35):
"Abba launched their career in 1974. Helio Iglesias has taken part. Riverdance became an interval act. Even songs like 'Volare' from the 1950s are still recognized today." (17:35)

These references underscore Eurovision's role as a springboard for international stardom and enduring cultural impact.

Conclusion: The Unpredictable Spirit of Eurovision

As the episode wraps up, Dr. Eurovision emphasizes the contest's enduring appeal and its capacity to surprise.

Paul Jordan (13:21):
"Eurovision is exciting because it's unpredictable. It can be very unpredictable and sometimes you can win without winning either the jury vote or the public vote because you get enough points to get through." (13:21)

This unpredictability ensures that each year's competition brings fresh excitement, making Eurovision a beloved cultural event that continually evolves while celebrating unity through music.

For listeners who missed the live excitement of Eurovision's Homecoming Weekend, this episode offers a thorough and insightful recap, enriched by expert analysis and personal anecdotes from a seasoned Eurovision enthusiast.