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The Documentary: Good evening Europe

Good evening Europe

09/05/2023 GMT

BBC World Service - The Documentary, Good evening Europe

Emmelie de Forest reveals stories behind iconic songs from the Eurovision Song Contest

Emmelie de Forest reveals the stories behind iconic songs from Eurovision's past, in a documentary which takes a serious look at a serious song contest.

On the week of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, Eurovision winner Emmelie de Forest reveals some of the amazing stories behind iconic songs from the competition's history.

The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual musical extravaganza which attracts millions of viewers, not just in Europe, but all over the world. Outside of sport, it’s one of the world’s most watched events. 

But it’s not all about the bright lights and even brighter costumes. In this documentary, Emmelie uncovers the surprising and moving stories behind some of the memorable songs from Eurovision's past and reveals how the musical entries shaped and reflected their countries. 

Through the programme, Emmelie journeys across the Eurovision map from Ukraine to Norway, from Sweden to Italy. Featuring stories from 2016 winner Jamala, 2001 winner Dave Benton and a member of the group who made Eurovision history with their song Waterloo back in 1974: ABBA. 

We find out just what Eurovision means to the entrants and to their nations back home. And we discover how the surprising stories behind some memorable entries can reveal something bigger about the history of a continent. 

This is a serious look at a serious song contest which continues to captivate audiences across the globe.

Image: Emmelie de Forest performs during a dress rehearsal for the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, on 17 May, 2013 (Credit: John MacDougall/AFP via Getty Images)

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