This episode is part one of a two part series about Eurovision icon Celine Dion. We start by deep diving into some broad themes of Celine's early career and life, and discuss how she as an artist faces a lot of the same challenges and biases as the contest that made her famous. Then we talk to Marie Louise Werth who, as the lead singer of Furbaz competed for Switzerland the year after Celine Dion, and competed against Celine Dion in the Swiss National Final. Furbaz is the only band ever to sing Romansh on the Eurovision stage. We then sit down with comedian Gianmarco Soresi and play a game about Switzerland's unique history at Eurovision that we're calling "Chaotic Neutral."

On this episode, we're talking about Eurovision comebacks! First we explore the history of UK artists using the Eurovision stage to relaunch their careers. Then we talk to Eurovision comeback icons Scooch, whose "Flying the Flag (For You)" remains a classic to this day. Finally, we sit down with Broadway star Cady Huffman (Tony winner for her turn as Ulla in the Producers), and play her a series of Eurovision songs that either made or broke the careers of the artists who performed them. Cady tries to tell the difference between the rising stars and the ones who didn't carry on, in a game we're calling "Remember When Ulla Danced? Will Ulla Ever Dance Again!?"

In our Season 2 premiere we're tackling Eurovision and the Avant-Garde! First, we deep dive into the history of avant-garde Eurovision acts and discuss the tension between Eurovision's desire to appeal to the broadest possible audience and its elevation of some of the most aesthetically and politically innovative pop acts of the last half century.

Tali (Luxembourg, 2024 - 21:43), Kim Hale (ASL Interpreter, Loyal Listener - 38:59)

Our Bonus Episode 3 is all about you, the listener.

Hello EuroVerse-rs! We have a very special announcement! Mysteries of the EuroVerse has been named a Finalist for the prestigious Signal Awards (alongside podcasts we love like Las Culturistas).

We're in the Indie Podcast Category - and are also up for a Listeners Choice Award. This is where we need your help. We'd so appreciate it if you clicked the link below, signed-in with your gmail and voted for us. Voting closes on October 17th. This will introduce us to new audiences and help us continue to get awesome guests as we ready Season 2!

https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2024/shows/craft/best-indie-podcast

GUESTS: Aiko (Czechia 2024 - 22:10), EyeCue (Macedonia 2018- 36:59), Leon Neyfakh (Slow Burn, Fiasco - 48:10)

This is our first of three bonus episodes as we prepare for our big launch of season 2! After a few updates, we deep dive into the debate over Israel's score this year, and claims that the results were political-- attempting to clarify what it is when we talk about when we talk about "political voting" at Eurovision.

Then we have TWO Eurovision interviews: Aiko, who represented Czechia this year with Pedestal, and EyeCue who represented Macedonia in 2018 with the song Lost and Found.

Finally, we sit down with podcaster and journalist extraordinaire, Leon Neyfakh (Slow Burn, Fiasco), for a game about political voting at Eurovision that we're calling "Tops and Bottoms: Just Enjoy the Music Edition"

Tops and Bottoms: Just Enjoy The Music Edition

Maria Serifovic, Molitva (Serbia 2007) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSueQN1QvV4

Andy Abraham, Even If (UK 2008) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV7kgSvKPXk

TuralTuranX, Tell Me More (Azerbaijan 2023) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dvsr-L3HgY

Ell and Nikki, Running Scared (Azerbaijan 2011) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0tlQUW5X0U

Ruslana, Wild Dances (Ukraine 2004) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10XR67NQcAc

Bardo, One Step Further (UK 1982) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFYZy-8sMJI