Some love it, others can’t be bothered to even think about it. It is difficult to get countries to take part, which makes every year a matter of survival. Does the Junior Eurovision Song Contest have a future? Two of EuroVisionary’s writers, from each their country, have taken a closer look at it.
The Eurovision Song Contest is still going strong. The number of participating countries changes a bit from year to year, but it is not so dramatically low that it becomes a matter of survival for the contest, that has been held since 1956. When it comes to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest things however look different – and it is very much a matter of whether or not the contest will exist, not just in a few years, but even at the end of this.
Less than two months ago the last edition was held, and won by Malta. From EuroVisionary two writers from each their non participating country were watching the contest to judge on two things: Why isn’t their country taking part and how does the future of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest looks like?
The two writers have been chosen from the fact that they have each their approach to the contest; one who follows it every year and loves to do so, and one who lost the little interest, she might have had at some point, many years ago.
Virginia Lopez, Spain writes:
"At the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, diverse countries work beautifully to create both friendly competition and a sense of connection between very different lands. For those kids taking part, it is more than just a show. It is a wonderful teambuilding experience about how music can be used as a form of communication, as a way to express thoughts and feelings".
She also warns though: "Junior Eurovision should not be a recreation of the Eurovision Song Contest, with children trying to be little adults".
Charlotte Jensen, Denmark writes:
"The entertainment in the show is another thing, which once again points in a wrong direction. It is not entertainment for children, but instead children performing something planned by the adult. Last year we saw the former year’s junior winner performing an adult song. All signs of this being a sweet little innocent girl who sings songs children can relate to, was gone. It got worse when the host Zlata Ognevich almost turned the show into porn near the end".
About her country, Denmark, having pulled out she adds: "I can only say that I agree with DR’s decision".
Both writers were asked the same two questions about why their country isn’t taking part and what the future of the contest looks like, and both give ideas as to how the Junior Eurovision Song Contest might be able to survive. You can find their blogs via the links below:
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