The Eurovision Song Contest has been going strong since 1956, with an offering every year since then apart from in 2020. It’s a huge cultural event, with approximately 160 million viewers every year. It also attracts a lot of betting activity, with many people staking on who they think will win.
A lot of work goes into making Eurovision one of the most epic events of the year, and the behind-the-scenes preparation sometimes goes unnoticed.
Eurovision is a Spectacular Cultural Event
There’s no doubt that Eurovision is one of the biggest events of the year, and this is reflected by the various betting opportunities that bookies offer for it. Many bettors logged on to stake on this year’s edition, with Sweden as the favourites in the Eurovision 2023 winner odds at 10/11. Despite being odds-on to win, there were still returns to be made from staking on the Scandinavian nation. By using a bet calculator, bettors were able to easily find out how much they could stand to win.
Online betting sites tend to offer odds on events like the World Cup and general elections, and it’s clear that Eurovision is up there with these. Part of the reason why Eurovision has managed to reach such global acclaim is thanks to the exceptional production values that are on display every year. A lot of work goes into making every live show an incredible and memorable occasion.
Eurovision Has Grown Bigger and Better Every Year
In the early days of Eurovision, the event was a simple affair with basic lighting and limited props. The ambition and creativity that went into the stage production increased as the competition grew in popularity and started to reach a global audience. In recent years, the minds tasked with putting on a spectacle have taken advantage of the opportunity to innovate and tell stories. This has brought about the integration of LED screens and augmented reality in some circumstances.
The main stage at Eurovision now spans more than 1,000 square metres, meaning that there’s a vast amount of space for intricate props and lighting rigs. It’s a modular stage, and this allows for quick and seamless transitions between acts. This means that all genres of music can be accommodated, and every performer has the chance to bring their vision to life.
Lighting and Visuals
Every year, viewers of Eurovision are treated to some cutting-edge lighting techniques. The rig for the contest features hundreds of moving lights and lasers, which are meticulously programmed prior to the competition. They have to be perfectly synchronised with the music and choreography, and they always add some extra layers and wonder to the performances.
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Eurovision has always implemented visual innovations when they have emerged. Augmented reality has been incorporated since 2019, when the Dutch entry used it to showcase a virtual world that was integrated with the live performance.
The art of stage production is an integral part of Eurovision, and one of the main factors towards its success and appeal. With technology improving every year, it’s only going to continue getting bigger and better.
