Whilst the contest originates from a time when radio broadcasting was much more accessible to mass audiences than the television was, visual appearance has always played a factor at Eurovision. Every contest was televised (though the televised versions of 1956 & 1964 are now lost) giving everyone an incentive to look and perform their very best. Throw on top of that that juries would have been watching the contest back then and your chances of winning can only be improved by making a visual statement. Props naturally have played a role in the contest for decades
A Perceived Performance Advantage?
The earliest clear use of a prop at Eurovision dates back to 1957, which also coincidentally happens to be the oldest surviving year we have visuals for. Germany’s Margot Hielscher sings with a landline telephone positioned next to her onstage. This prop correlates nicely with her song Telefon, Telefon by conveying that the lyrics of the song are supposed to be in the style of a telephone conversation, well before the chorus kicks in to clarify this to those listening on the radio.
In a field of only ten contestants, the song finishing in fourth maybe does not imply that props will pave the way to future contest success but it is certainly a respectable finish. As for those at home who did watch the performance on their new television sets, I can only imagine Hielscher’s novel performance was a talking point. Either way, almost right at the beginning of the contest a love for props had been established.
Props Over The Years
What exactly counts as a prop is obviously a controversial statement in itself. Context is key in a number of ways but even then whether or not a glittery microphone, a piano or a costume reveal is a prop of the same nature as a landline telephone which has been positioned on stage is a matter of opinion. As a result this list will always be incomplete but lets try and list some of the (at least notable) uses of props at Eurovision over the years. I will be limiting the inclusion of outfits per say, instead only referring to accessories if they are the clear ‘gimmick’ of the song.
Technically since Eurovision went play-back with instrumentations all instruments on stage are props. I will not be including instruments in this list for that reason unless they are an object not primarily used as an instrument out with the song. They undoubtedly function as props but for the purpose of consistency across live and playback years it makes sense not to include them. In regards to objects such as chairs, I will count them as props if they are involved in choreography but otherwise they will be viewed like instruments.
Undoubtedly I may be missing songs you feel should be included under these ‘prop’ definitions. If so, feel free to let me know!
Year | Country | Song | Artist | Prop |
1957 | Germany | Telefon, Telefon | Margot Hielscher | Landline Telephone |
1958 | Denmark | Jeg Rev Et Blad Ud Af Min Dagbog | Raquel Rastenni | Diary |
1958 | Germany | Für Zwei Groschen Musik | Margot Hielscher | Vinyl Records |
1959 | United Kingdom | Sing, Little Birdie | Pearl Carr & Teddy Johnson | Bird Puppet |
1960 | Denmark | Det Var En Yndig Tid | Katy Bødtger | Parasol (And Hat) |
1963 | Netherlands | Een Speeldoos | Annie Palmen | Musical Box |
1963 | Italy | Uno Per Tutte | Emilio Pericoli | Revolving Portraits |
1969 | Finland | Kuin Silloin Ennen | Jarkko & Laura | Walking Cane |
1970 | Ireland | All Kinds Of Everything | Dana | Giant Box |
1971 | Norway | Lykken Er | Hanne Krogh | Parasol |
1974 | Netherlands | I See A Star | Mouth & MacNeal | Wind-Up Organ And Puppets |
1976 | Switzerland | Djambo, Djambo | Peter, Sue & Marc | Wind-Up Organ |
1976 | Norway | Mata Hari | Anne-Karine Ström | Glasses |
1977 | Austria | Boom Boom Boomerang | Schmetterlinge | Masks On Back Of Head |
1977 | Germany | Telegram | Silver Convention | Telegram Machine |
1979 | Switzerland | Trödler Und Co. | Peter, Sue & Marc and Pfuri, Gorps & Kniri | Gardening Equipment |
1979 | Spain | Su Canción | Betty Missiego | Scrolls |
1980 | Belgium | Eurovision | Telex | Camera, Glitter and Scarf |
1981 | United Kigndom | Making Your Mind Up | Buck’s Fizz | Removable Skirts |
1981 | Belgium | Samson | Emly Starr | Fans |
1981 | Greece | Feggari Kalokerino | Yiannis Dimitras | Rose |
1983 | United Kingdom | I’m Never Giving Up | Sweet Dreams | Bar Stools |
1985 | Denmark | Sku’ Du Spørg’ Fra No’en | Hot Eyes | Scarfs And Belts |
1985 | United Kingdom | Love Is | Vicky | Chair |
1997 | Denmark | Stemmen I Mit Liv | Kølig Kaj | Typewriter |
1997 | Iceland | Minn Hinsti Dans | Paul Oscar | Sofa |
2000 | Israel | Sa’me’akh | Ping Pong | Flags |
2000 | Netherlands | No Goodbyes | Linda Wagenmakers | Sheet/Removable Dress |
2002 | Latvia | I Wanna | Marie N | Foldable Skirt |
2003 | Austria | Weil Der Mensch Zählt | Alf Poier | Carboard Cut-Out Figures |
2003 | Turkey | Every Way That I Can | Sertab Erener | Ribboned Skirt |
2003 | Romania | Don’t Break My Heart | Nicola | Vinyl Records |
2004 | Ukraine | Wild Dances | Ruslana | Whips |
2004 | Lithuania | What’s Happened To Your Love | Linas ir Simona | Flower |
2004 | North Macedonia | Life | Tose Proeski | Chairs and Ribbons |
2005 | Moldova | Boonika Bate Doba | Zdob şi Zdub | Rocking Chair |
2005 | Romania | Let Me Try | Luminita Anghel & Sistem | Electric Saws And Stilts |
2005 | Cyprus | Ela Ela | Constantinos Christoforou | Canes And Mirrors |
2005 | Sweden | Las Vegas | Martin Stenmarck | Podiums |
2005 | Ukraine | Razom Nas Bahato | Greenjolly | Chains |
2005 | Greece | My Number One | Helena Paparizou | Ribboned Shirt |
2005 | France | Chacun Pense à Soi | Ortal | Chairs |
2006 | Armenia | Without Your Love | André | Straps |
2006 | Poland | Follow My Heart | Ich Troje Ft. Real McCoy | Masks |
2006 | Russia | Never Let You Go | Dima Bilan | Rose Petals |
2006 | Finland | Hard Rock Hallelujah | Lordi | Stilts, Horns And Masks |
2006 | Sweden | Invincible | Carola | Flags |
2006 | Iceland | Congratulations | Silvia Night | Slide, Streamers, Landline Telephone And Flags |
2006 | Moldova | Loca | Arsenium & Natalia Gordienko | Sail/Screen |
2006 | Latvia | I Hear Your Heart | Cosmos | Mannequin/Robot |
2006 | Spain | Bloody Mary | Las Ketchup | Desk Chairs |
2006 | Germany | No, No, Never | Texas Lightning | Cactus Shaped Lights |
2006 | United Kingdom | Teenage Life | Daz Sampson | Chalkboard And Desks |
2007 | Belarus | Work Your Magic | Dmitry Koldun | Climbable Screens |
2007 | Georgia | Visionary Dream | Sopho | Swords |
2007 | Switzerland | Vampires Are Alive | DJ Bobo | Candelabra And Mannequins |
2007 | Moldova | Fight | Natalia Barbu | Flags |
2007 | Denmark | Drama Queen | DQ | Giant Crown And Fans |
2007 | Poland | Time To Party | The Jet Set | Cage |
2007 | Portugal | Dança Comigo (vem Ser Feliz) | Sabrina | Fans |
2007 | Malta | Vertigo | Olivia Lewis | Fans |
2007 | Hungary | Unsubstantial Blues | Magdi Rúzsa | Suitcase And Bus Stop |
2007 | Slovenia | Cvet Z Juga | Alenka Gotar | Torches |
2007 | Austria | Get A Life – Get Alive | Eric Papilaya | (Sculpture Of) Feathers |
2007 | Lithuania | Love Or Leave | 4Fun | Screen |
2007 | Sweden | The Worrying Kind | The Ark | Revolving Platform |
2007 | United Kingdom | Flying The Flag (For You) | Scooch | Metal Detector, Food Trolley (And Contents), Armchairs And Signs |
2007 | Armenia | Anytime You Need | Hayko | Tree |
2008 | Estonia | Leto Svet | Kreisiraadio | Signs, Flags, Pom-Poms And Sun Shaped Cut Outs |
2008 | Moldova | A Century Of Love | Geta Burlacu | Sofa And Teddy Bear |
2008 | Azerbaijan | Day After Day | Elnur & Samir | Throne And Goblet (Of Wine) |
2008 | Slovenia | Vrag Naj Vzame | Rebeka Dremelj | Leads And Revolving Platform |
2008 | Ireland | Irelands Douze Points | Dustin The Turkey | Bird Puppet |
2008 | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Pokušaj | Laka | Knitting, Washing Line And Basket |
2008 | Russia | Believe | Dima Bilan | Ice Rink |
2008 | Greece | Secret Combination | Kalomira | Heart Sculpture |
2008 | Ukraine | Shady Lady | Ani Lorak | Cupboard |
2008 | Lithuania | Nomads In The Night | Jeronimas Milius | Podium |
2008 | Czechia | Have Some Fun | Tereza Kerndlová | Heart Sculpture |
2008 | Belarus | Hasta La Vista | Ruslan Alehno | Disco Balls |
2008 | Latvia | Wolves Of The Sea | Pirates Of The Sea | Ship’s Wheel And Flags |
2008 | Croatia | Romanca | Kraljevi Ulice & 75 Cents | Gramophone And Wine Bottles |
2008 | Georgia | Peace Will Come | Diana Gurtskaya | Sheet And Foot Grips |
2008 | Hungary | Candlelight | Csézy | Candelabra |
2008 | Cyprus | Femme Fatale | Evdokia Kadi | Table And Chairs |
2008 | Germany | Disappear | No Angels | Capes |
2008 | France | Divine | Sébastien Tellier | Golf Buggy And Helium Filled Beach Ball |
2008 | Spain | Baila El Chiki Chiki | Rodolfo Chikilicuatre | Toy Guitar |
2009 | Belarus | Eyes That Never Lie | Petr Elfimov | Sheet |
2009 | Sweden | La Voix | Malen Ernman | Masks |
2009 | Armenia | Jan Jan | Inga & Anush | Podium |
2009 | Bulgaria | Illusion | Krassimir Avramov | Stilts |
2009 | Finland | Lose Control | Waldo’s People | Juggling Torches |
2009 | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Bistra Voda | Regina | Cape |
2009 | Poland | I Don’t Wanna Leave | Lidia Kopania | Ribbon |
2009 | Norway | Fairytale | Alexander Rybak | Hats On Microphone Stands |
2009 | Cyprus | Firefly | Christina Metaxa | Podiums |
2009 | Slovenia | Love Symphony | Quartissimo ft. Martina | Screens |
2009 | Greece | This Is Our Night | Sakis Rouvas | Elevating Platform |
2009 | Moldova | Hora Din Moldova | Nelly Ciobanu | Mop? |
2009 | Ukraine | Be My Valentine! (Anti-Crisis Girl) | Svetlana Loboda | Revolving Climbing Frames, Stilts And Flags |
2009 | Netherlands | Shine | The Toppers | Torches |
2009 | Germany | Miss Kiss Kiss Bang | Alex Swings Oscar Sings! | Sofa And Whip |
2009 | United Kingdom | It’s My Time | Jade Ewan | Stairs |
2009 | Spain | La Noche Es Para Mí | Soraya | Sheet |
2010 | Moldova | Run Away | SunStroke Project ft. Olia Tira | Revolving Platform |
2010 | Russia | Lost And Forgotten | Peter Nalitch & Friends | Drawing (Of A Woman) |
2010 | Slovakia | Horehronie | Kristina Pelakova | Whips |
2010 | Latvia | What For? (Only Mr God Knows Why) | Aisha | Curtains |
2010 | Serbia | Ovo Je Balkan | Milan Stanković | Revolving Platforms/Screens |
2010 | Poland | Legenda | Marcin Mroziński | Towels And Apple |
2010 | Malta | My Dream | Thea Garrett | Wings |
2010 | North Macedonia | Jas Ja Imam Silata | Gjoko Taneski | Platform |
2010 | Bealrus | Butterflies | 3+2 | Wings |
2010 | Lithuania | Eastern European Funk | InCulto | Foam Instruments |
2010 | Armenia | Apricot Stone | Eva Rivas | Apricot Stone Statue |
2010 | Denmark | In A Moment Like This | Chanée & N’evergreen | Screen And Moving Platforms |
2010 | Azerbaijan | Drip Drop | Safura | Stairs |
2010 | Netherlands | Ik Ben Verliefd (Sha-la-lie) | Sieneke | Giant Musical Box |
2010 | Croatia | Lako Je Svet | Feminnem | Bench And Heart Sculpture |
2010 | Turkey | We Could Be The Same | MaNga | Electric Saw And Flags |
2010 | United Kingdom | That Sounds Good To Me | Josh Dubovie | Hollow Cubes |
2011 | Armenia | Boom Boom | Emmy | Boxing Gloves |
2011 | Turkey | Live It Up | Yüksek Sadakat | Cage |
2011 | Russia | Get You | Alexj Vorobjov | Platform And Screens |
2011 | Malta | One Life | Glen Vella | Podiums |
2011 | Croatia | Celebrate | Daria | Ribboned Hoop |
2011 | Portugal | Luta É Alegria | Homens Da Luta | Signs |
2011 | Ukraine | Angel | Mika Newton | Sandbox Table |
2011 | Moldova | So Lucky | Zdob şi Zdub | Unicycle |
2011 | Sweden | Popular | Eric Saade | Screens |
2011 | Cyprus | San Aggelos S’agapisa | Christos Mylordos | Foot Grips |
2011 | Estonia | Rockerfeller Street | Getter Jaani | Miniature Houses |
2011 | United Kingdom | I Can | Blue | Screens |
2012 | Montenegro | Euro Neuro | Rambo Amadeus | Banners And Horse Carboard Cut-Out |
2012 | San Marino | The Social Network Song (Oh Oh – Uh – Oh Oh) | Valentina Monetta | Laptop, Smart Phone, Camera, Tablet And Pom-Poms |
2012 | Cyprus | La La Love | Ivi Adamou | Bench |
2012 | Denmark | Should’ve Known Better | Soluna Samay | Sofa |
2012 | Russia | Party For Everybody | Buranovskiye Babushki | Rotating Oven And Baking Tray |
2012 | Austria | Woki Mit Deim Popo | Trackshittaz | Pole Dancing Poles |
2012 | Ireland | Waterline | Jedward | Fountain |
2012 | Netherlands | You And Me | Joan Franka | Fire Pits |
2012 | Ukraine | Be My Guest | Gaitana | Screens |
2012 | Georgia | I’m A Joker | Anri Jokhadze | Podiums |
2012 | Turkey | Love Me Back | Can Bonomo | Capes |
2013 | Slovenia | Straight Into Love | Hannah | Masks |
2013 | Russia | What If? | Dina Garipova | Lamps |
2013 | Ukraine | Gravity | Zlata Ognevich | Podium |
2013 | Belarus | Solayoh | Alyona Lanskaya | Disco Ball |
2013 | Moldova | O Mie | Aliona Moon | Rising Projection Dress |
2013 | San Marino | Crisalide (Vola) | Valentina Monetta | Lamp |
2013 | Azerbaijan | Hold Me | Farid Mammadov | Glass Box |
2013 | Finland | Marry Me | Krista Siegfrids | Boquets |
2013 | Malta | Tommorow | Gianluca | Bench |
2013 | Bulgaria | Samo Shampioni | Elitsa Todorova & Stoyan Yankulov | Mask |
2013 | Romania | It’s My Life | Cezar | Sheet |
2014 | Sweden | Undo | Sanna Nielson | Additional Lighting |
2014 | Albania | One Night’s Anger | Hersi | Podium |
2014 | Russia | Shine | The Tolmachevy Sisters | See-Saw |
2014 | Azerbaijan | Stat A Fire | Dilara Kazimova | Trapeze |
2014 | Ukraine | Tick-Tock | Mariya Yaremchuk | Giant Hamster Wheel |
2014 | Moldova | Wild Soul | Cristina Scarlat | Hair Extensions |
2014 | San Marino | Maybe | Valentina Monetta | Podium And Screen |
2014 | Portugal | Quero Ser Tua | Suzy | Flags |
2014 | Montenegro | Moj Svijet | Sergej Ćetković | Roller Skates |
2014 | Georgia | Three Minutes To Earth | The Shin And Mariko | Paraschute |
2014 | Poland | My Słowianie – We Are Slavic | Donatan & Cleo | Handkerchiefs, Butter Churner, Wash Basin, Scrubbing Board (And Washing) |
2014 | Austria | Rise Like A Phoenix | Conchita Wurst | Podium |
2014 | Lithuania | Attention | Vilija Matačiūnaitė | Holes In Skirt |
2014 | Greece | Rise Up | Freaky Fortune ft. RiskyKidd | Trampoline |
2014 | Romania | Miracle | Paula Seling & OVI | Circular Keyboard Sculpture |
2014 | Denmark | Cliché Love Song | Basim | Sheet |
2015 | Denmark | The Way You Are | Anti Social Media | Podiums |
2015 | Moldova | I Want Your Love | Eduard Romanyuta | Climbing Frame |
2015 | Romania | De La Capat/All Over Again | Voltaj | Suitcases |
2015 | Serbia | Beauty Never Lies | Bojana Stamenov | Masks And Flags |
2015 | Sweden | Heroes | Måns Zelmerlöw | Screen |
2015 | United Kingdom | Still In Love With You | Electro Velvet | Stairs |
2015 | Australia | Tonight Again | Guy Sebastien | Street Lamps |
2015 | Austria | I Am Yours | The Makemakes | Piano Fire Pit |
2015 | Germany | Black Smoke | Ann Sophie | Lamps |
2015 | Spain | Amanecer | Edurne | Cape |
2016 | San Marino | I Didn’t Know | Serhat | Platform |
2016 | Russia | You Are The Only One | Sergey Lazarev | Climbable Screen |
2016 | Cyprus | Alter Ego | Minus One | Cages |
2016 | Estonia | Play | Jüri Pootsmann | Playing Car |
2016 | Iceland | I Hear Them Calling Me | Greta Salóme | Screen |
2016 | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Ljubav Je | Dalal & Deen ft. Ana Rucner and Jala | Barbed Wire Fence |
2016 | Belarus | Help You Fly | Ivan | Screen |
2016 | Australia | Sound Of Silence | Dami Im | Giant Box |
2016 | Slovenia | Blue And Red | ManuElla | Pole Dancing Pole |
2016 | Belgium | What’s The Pressure | Laura Tesoro | Platforms |
2016 | Italy | No Degree Of Separation | Francesca Michielin | Balloons, Flowers And Vegetable Statues |
2016 | Germany | Ghost | Jamie-Lee Kriewitz | Trees With Lasers |
2017 | Sweden | I Can’t Go On | Robin Bengtsson | Treadmills |
2017 | Australia | Don’t Come Easy | Isaiah | Treadmill |
2017 | Montenegro | Space | Slavko | Hair Braid |
2017 | Azerbaijan | Skeletons | Dihaj | Collapsible Room, Ladder And Horse Mask |
2017 | Greece | This Is Love | Demy | Pool |
2017 | Moldova | Hey Mamma | SunStroke Project | Bouquet |
2017 | Latvia | Line | Tirana Park | Screens |
2017 | Austria | Running On Air | Nathan Trent | Moon Sculpture |
2017 | North Macedonia | Dance Alone | Jana Burčeska | Screens |
2017 | Romania | Yodel It! | Ilinca ft. Alex Florea | Cannons |
2017 | Ireland | Dying To Try | Brendan Murray | Hot Air Balloon |
2017 | Switzerland | Apollo | Timebellle | Stairs |
2017 | Belarus | Historyja Majho Zyccia | Naviband | Airship |
2017 | Italy | Occidentali’s Karma | Francesco Gabbani | Gorilla Mask |
2017 | United Kingdom | I Will Never Give Up On You | Lucie Jones | Mirrors |
2017 | Ukraine | Time | O. Torvald | Giant Head Sculpture |
2018 | Azerbaijan | X My Heart | Aisel | Podiums |
2018 | Czechia | Lie To Me | Mikolas Josef | Platform And Screens |
2018 | Israel | Toy | Netta | Shelves Of Lucky Cats |
2018 | Belarus | Forever | Alexseev | Bow And Rose |
2018 | Estonia | La Forca | Elina Nechayeva | Projection Dress |
2018 | Bulgaria | Bones | Equinox | Platform |
2018 | Austria | Nobody But You | Cesar Sampson | Platform |
2018 | Finland | Monsters | Saara Aalto | Stairs And Rotating Platform |
2018 | Armenia | Qami | Sevak Khanagyan | Stonehenge Like Sculpture? |
2018 | Ireland | Together | Ryan O’Shaughnessy | Bench and Street Light |
2018 | Romania | Goodbye | The Humans | Mannequins |
2018 | San Marino | Who We Are | Jessika ft. Jenifer Brening | Robots And Signs |
2018 | Denmark | Higher Ground | Rasmussen | Sails |
2018 | Russia | I Won’t Break | Julia Samoylova | Mountain Sculpture Dress |
2018 | Moldova | My Lucky Day | DoReDos | Cupboards |
2018 | Netherlands | Outlaw In ‘Em | Waylon | Platform |
2018 | Australia | We Got Love | Jessica Mauboy | Lighting Sculpture |
2018 | Poland | Light Me Up | Gromee ft. Lukas Meijer | DJ Booth Platform |
2018 | Malta | Tabboo | Christabelle | Revolving Screens |
2018 | Sweden | Dance You Off | Benjamin Ingrosso | Platform With Lighting Sculpture |
2018 | Ukraine | Under The Ladder | Mélovin | Stairs And Coffin Piano |
2018 | Portugal | O Jardim | Cláudia Pascoal ft. Isaura | Lamps |
2018 | United Kingdom | Storms | SuRie | Lighting Sculpture |
2018 | Germany | You Let Me Walk Alone | Michael Schulte | Screen |
2019 | Cyprus | Replay | Tamta | Screens |
2019 | Poland | Fire Of Love (Pali się) | Tulia | Rotating Platform |
2019 | Czechia | Friend of A Friend | Lake Malawi | Light Sculptures And Platforms |
2019 | Australia | Zero Gravity | Kate Miller-Heidke | Acrobatics Poles? |
2019 | Iceland | Hatrið Mun Sigra | Hatari | Grenade Sculpture |
2019 | Estonia | Storm | Victor Crone | Green Screen |
2019 | Portugal | Telemóveis | Conan Osíris | Stairs |
2019 | Greece | Better Love | Katherine Duska | Flower Sculpture And Swords |
2019 | San Marino | Say Na Na Na | Serhat | Platform |
2019 | Ireland | 22 | Sarah McTernan | Diner Counter (And Stools) |
2019 | Moldova | Stay | Ana Obdescu | Snow Art Table, Bird Cage, Wine Glass And Candles |
2019 | Romania | On A Sunday | Ester Peony | Armchair |
2019 | Denmark | Love Is Forever | Leonora | Giant Chair And Ladders |
2019 | Austria | Limits | Pænda | Lamps |
2019 | Croatia | The Dream | Roko | Wings |
2019 | Malta | Chameleon | Michela | Screens |
2019 | Russia | Scream | Sergey Lazarev | Cupboards |
2019 | Netherlands | Arcade | Duncan Laurence | Lamp |
2019 | North Macedonia | Proud | Tamara Todevska | Mirrors |
2019 | Azerbaijan | Truth | Chingiz | Robotic Arms And Triangle Sculpture |
2019 | Israel | Home | Kobi Marimi | Screens |
2019 | Spain | La Venda | Miki | Giant Doll House? |
2021 | Russia | Russian Woman | Manizha | Dress On Wheels |
2021 | Sweden | Voices | Tusse | Additional Lighting |
2021 | Ireland | Maps | Lesley Roy | Carboard Cut Outs |
2021 | Cyprus | El Diablo | Elena Tsagrinou | Screen |
2021 | Norway | Fallen Angel | Tix | Platform, Wings And Chains |
2021 | Croatia | Tick-Tock | Albina | Platform |
2021 | Belgium | The Wrong Place | Hooverphonic | The Wrong Place |
2021 | Ukraine | Shum | Go_A | Platform With Trees, Barrles Of Sand |
2021 | Malta | Je Me Casse | Destiny | Platform |
2021 | San Marino | Adrenalina | Senhit ft. Flo Rida | Revolving Platform |
2021 | Greece | Last Dance | Stephania | Stairs And Grreen Screen |
2021 | Austria | Amen | Vincent Bueno | Platform |
2021 | Poland | The Ride | Rafał | Torches |
2021 | Moldova | Sugar | Natalia Gordienko | Revolving Platform |
2021 | Bulgaria | Growing Up Is Getting Old | Victoria | Revolving Platform And Sand |
2021 | Switzerland | Tout L’univers | Gjon’s Tears | Platform/Sculpture |
2021 | Denmark | Øve Os På Hinanden | Fyr Og Flamme | Platforms |
2021 | United Kingdom | Embers | James Newman | Platform And Giant Trumpets |
2021 | Spain | Voy A Quedarme | Blas Cantó | Moon Sculpture |
2021 | Germany | I Don’t Feel Hate | Jendrick | Hand Costume? |
2021 | Italy | Zitti E Buoni | Måneskin | Platform |
What Comes Around Goes Around
Whilst it is clear to see that props have been around for a while, their usage (at least by my definition) is greater than ever. This is really quite natural as the contest, television as a whole and music in general have all established themselves as bigger and bigger spectacles. But with so many props now being used, it is no longer uncommon for the same prop to appear twice in the same contest.
Props like screens of course can look very different to one another so often this isn’t a problem but it is somewhat amusing that we live in an era of Eurovision where your whole gimmick can now simply be not having a gimmick.
Whilst similar occurrences are common and successful formats are reworked into something bigger and more technically complex than before, it is amazing the diversity and new ideas that still come around in the contest. Even old prop ideas such as the landline phone or the bird puppet were completely reworked in the 2000’s. I don’t think it is too controversial to say this allowed them to create a drastically different effect. Props have been here since essentially the start and yet they continue to surprise us.
In that sense Eurovision still is filling our craving for new and exciting TV experiences but there will always be the staple comfort of the familiar lurking in the background. Things can be new and exciting but there will always be ‘a bench, a tree, a (on the LED) street’ hiding amongst them somewhere.
Phew
As you can imagine a lot of hours went into researching this so a comment or share is always appreciated. Thank you for sticking around.