ESC101 - A Eurovision History Podcast

Grab your sunglasses as we set sail to the Caribbean! In this week’s episode, we’re looking back at the interval act of the Eurovision Song Contest 1980: The Dutch Rhythm Steel and Show Band! Accompanied by the Lee Jackson Dancers, this Surinamese-Dutch band brought the heat and love of the Dutch Caribbean to Eurovision. Join the party and groove to some authentic steel-drum perfection!

In this week’s episode, we are exploring the life of Anabela Braz Pires, Portugal’s representative at the 1993 Eurovision Song Contest in Millstreet, Ireland. Join us as we learn about their background and what we think of their entry! Discover Portugal’s second top ten placement since 1980 up to that point, and take in Anabela’s career after the contest!

In this week’s episode, we are returning to The Eurovision Travel Guide, our monthly series where we explore a country in the Eurovision Song Contest. Join us as we explore Estonia, learning about some of their entries, their national selection methods, and some fascinating historical and musical notes! Discover the journey of a post-soviet state emerging into a new European landscape!

In this week’s episode, we are exploring the story of the Royal Albert Hall, the venue of the Eurovision Song Contest 1968. Join us as we discover the regal history behind this Eurovision Venue, and we aren’t just talking about Eurovision Queens! This venue built in honour of Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert celebrates everything the Eurovision Song Contest stands for, the promotion of art without barriers! Grab your tuxedos and fancy ball gowns as we enter into Eurovision 1968!

In this week’s episode, we are celebrating one whole year of ESC101! Join us as we look back at the past year. Discover our favourite moments, delve into some listener statistics, and join the party! A sincere thank you to everyone who has supported the podcast!

In this week’s episode, we are reviewing and reacting to the 2024 edition of Eurovision Young Musicians, a biennial classical music competition for musicians aged 12 to 21. Join us as the Orchestra makes a comeback, taking center stage in Bodø, Norway. Meet the 11 contestants and find out which piece was our favourite!

In this week’s episode, we are exploring the life of Arlette Zola who represented Switzerland at the Eurovision Song Contest 1982. Discover her humble roots as a passionate singer discovered in a cafe who rushed to stardom…several times! Arlette taught us that we aren’t locked to one singular path in life, so let’s take a journey through the twists and turns of Arlette Zola!

In this week’s episode, we are exploring the life of the host of the Eurovision Song Contest 1959 & 1961, Jacqueline Joubert. Join us as we learn about her background and how they measure up in hosting the world’s largest international televised music competition!

In this week’s episode, we are exploring the Interval Act of the 1996 Eurovision Song Contest, Beacon Burning. Join us as we learn about the ancient traditions of Beacon Burning and how Norway turned a several thousand year old warning system into an artistic masterpiece set to music!

In this week’s episode, we are returning to the Eurovision Yearbook, exploring the life of Eurovision artist Birgit Brüel who represented Denmark in the 1965 contest. Join us as we learn about her counterculture background and how one of Denmark's first Jazz singers ended up fairing at the contest!