eurthvision EurthVision Song Contest 2018

[Prymont]

 

The inaugural EurthVision Song Contest will be hosted by Canastota in the United States of Prymont. It will be contested by eight countries, all of which will perform their chosen songs on the evening of June 25th. EurthVision is the first global song contest to be held by an organised body, after several national and regional variants gained traction.

Seven countries have qualified through qualifiers and semi-finals to perform, as well as the host country being granted a place in the finals alongside them. EurthVision 2018 will be organised by Prymont's Northern Music Entertainment, and will be hosted by Prymontian actress and TV personality Natalie Rødland, alongside rising national music star Jonas Riis. The contest will be held at the OstportX Arena, the largest indoor arena in the country with a seating capacity of 20,000. Throughout the previous week, tourists and locals alike have enjoyed casual music events in and around the city of Canastota, as part of the buildup for the EurthVision finals. 

 

Participants (A-Z)

Collectivist Democracy of Shffahkia, the
Derthalen
Girkmand
Het Huisselant Variota
Kingdom of Cristina
Orione Empire
Sunset Sea Islands, the
United States of Prymont

On the evening of the 25th of June 2018, all eight acts will perform their songs for their country at the OstportX Arena. Each country will be given twenty votes; ten to be issued by a panel of national music industry experts, and ten to be given by voters at home. At the end of the night, each country will reveal their votes, and once all of the results have been received, the winner of the first ever EurthVision global song contest will be revealed!

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OOC: Here we have our 2018 EurthVision song contest, boys and girls. Here's how it'll work - from Monday June 25th to Wednesday July 4th, you can post your song down below. Be creative; include what is happening on the stage, backup dancers, lighting effects, reactions from the audience, etc (see here for inspiration). Once we've either reached July 4th or all posts have been submitted, you can send my your votes either on the forum's PM system or via Discord PM. Make sure this is done by Sunday July 8th. Once I've received all of the votes, I'll wrap up the contest with a final post and reveal the winner. 

[Prymont]

As hosts, the United States were given the honour of being the first act of the night. Their chosen performer, Foolish Bandit, awaited calmly in his backstage dressing room. Unlike some of the other acts, who were likely bricking it at the thought of performing in front of millions while representing their nation to the highest artistic degree, the Afropan-Prymontian was as cool and collected as ever. Singing on a big stage in front of thousands of adorning teenage fans was how he enjoyed spending his weekends; 20,000 audience members, most of whom weren't actually full fans of him, was no big deal.

Of course, there was a sizeable portion of Bandit fans that'd snagged tickets and were impatiently awaiting the arrival of their hero. Being one of the bigger acts, FB was able to pull a few strings and allocate himself a part of the tickets, which were sold to fans at discounted prices with a host of Foolish Bandit EurthVision goodies too. Their chants overwhelmed the stadium, echoing through the corridors and faintly phasing through the walls of Bandit's room. Never before had he been given such an opportunity, to represent his country in a way he knew best. Throughout his career, he'd been known as a talent that followed an unorthodox path, wrote his own rules, and lived a life forged only by him. That was enough to warrant plenty of critics, and there'd never been a better time than now to silence them all.

 

On the stage above, hosts Natalie Rødland and Jonas Riis were stationed behind an avantgarde glass podium as bright lights shone down on them from above. Before them sat 20,000 people; music fans, journalists, critics, and people who wanted to find out what all the fuss was about on what would otherwise have been a quiet Monday night. 

"Ladies and gentlemen, and those watching at home, thank you for joining us tonight on a historic evening for the music world. Tonight, the United States of Prymont will host the world's first EurthVision song contest, bringing together the best talents from across the globe to compete against one another for the ultimate prize." Natalie Rødland, adorning a designer black dress, introduced the show, her bright smile and neat hair providing a friendly, familiar face for the viewers. Fans knew her from starring alongside Foolish Bandit on the hit TV sitcom College. Since then, she's appeared in, written, and directed three movies, alongside featuring in the online-streaming show Rogue. She'd worked her way up through the showbusiness world, and tonight was her night just as much as it was anybody else's.

"That's right. Eight of the best musical countries from across the world have sent their superlative singers, dancers, musicians, and performers, to put on one hell of a show for you. Over the next few hours, you'll enjoy entertainment from the likes of Orioni, the Sunset Sea Islands, Shffahkia and, of course, the United States of Prymont. Are you ready?" The crowd roared in agreement in response to Jonas Riis, an up-and-coming Prymontian singer who had recently gone viral with his digitally released song, Just Us Tonight. Hosting EurthVision was his chance to blow up in the music industry, put himself out there, and set himself up for a lifelong career.

Suddenly the lights died down, plunging the stage into darkness as Rødland and Riis quickly evacuated. Stagehands removed the podium, replacing it with a standing microphone for the first act of the night. Foolish Bandit emerged into the darkness as smoke machines sent white plumes onto the stage, a single spotlight from above illuminating the centre where the singer positioned himself. He sported a unbuttoned blue @Andallan shirt and colourful floral shorts, painting a fun, happy picture that betrayed the upcoming lyrics of his song. The music started, playing out the gritty introduction as the wall behind him was lit up by a projector, playing a video made to accompany the performance.

You and I, you and I, you and I
Now it's you and I, you and I

 On the screen behind him, an attractive young woman donned a bikini on a tropical Sunset Sea Islandian beach. She stood by the calm waves, looking out over the ocean in serene tranquillity. Palm trees swayed lazily in the refreshing breeze, and the camera slowly panned to a shirtless Bandit, stood in the doorway of a straw hut a few metres out into the sea. His gaze met hers, but their expressions remained deadpan. Similarly, Bandit stood motionless on stage, his eyes closed as he held the mic to utter the hook.

Pull up in that K3, outfit cost 10G
Nobody can top me, better when you're with me
Together we are free
My place, we can do what you want at your pace
Memories of the night we erase, can't go back

 The video cuts to the next scene, which sees Bandit driving a KAP K3 on the winding mountainous backroads of Liberty Island. The camera is positioned in the back seat, showing Bandit enjoying the driving while the girl hangs her arm out of the window, catching the breeze which sends her hair sprawling behind her. FB remains still before the audience, his eyes open but glazed over as he stares endlessly into the central camera.

Acting out on set, we making out, getting some flak
Now look at us, they can't catch up, we run the pack
Was feeling so alone, gotta cry for a minute
Send a text out your way, you be over in a minute
I be over in a minute, girl cut me some slack
We were destined together, it's the zodiac

 Two more lights shine bright from above as the smoke begins to subside, revealing a handful of female dancers dressed in skimpy clothing either side of the singer. Their dancing is slow, rhythmic, and fluid, as they match the tune in beautiful harmony. Bandit is now gesticulating with his left hand as his right continues to clutch the microphone, his feet rooted to the spot. Behind him, the movie shows the two arriving at a high rise hotel in the Utopia Resort City, quickly cutting to a musky bedroom barely lit by a dull lamp in the corner. Bandit lays on the bed, staring up at the phone he holds above his face, while the woman emerges from the en-suite in just a towel. She turns her back to the camera and releases the towel just before the shot fades away.

I'm putting all these thoughts down on the track
I make masterpieces, nah this ain't whack
I tour all the globe, I do not fall back
The bandit era, people hear her, fear attack
Too big for y'all, Noah Marshall
Nah we ain't you, we don't play ball
I'm waitin' right here to throw the curveball
The harder they rise, the harder they fall,

 In the following scene, the girl watches as Bandit boards a plane at an airport, staring from a window as he takes his seat. He wears headphones and designer clothes, nodding his head slightly to the music he's listening to as her shoulders hang low in defeat. She's lost him to the music, to the life of touring and performing, to his hoardes of fans that demand to meet him. His fame and popularity has risen above laid back holidays on private beaches with a love interest. For now, they're over.
Before the audience, Bandit remains in place and the dancers continue their slow, steady routine. As he reaches the line "the harder they rise, the harder they fall," the dancers rush towards him, surrounding him as he removes the microphone from it's stand and raises his free hand in the air. 

I hate the rise
I'm feeling so alone on the tour bus, can't write the chorus
Just got you on my mind, can't believe you're taken
I write it on paper, my mind is mistaken
Ah, damn, forgot the words, so caught up, man I lost the verse
Die in the back and the hearse in reverse
I ain't going nowhere in the front seat, nah, deceased

 As he sings "I hate the rise", bright purples, blues, pinks and reds flood the stage, their strobe effects instantly changing the tempo of the dancing as the women perform energetic, precise movements. Their heads whip around in time with the music as Bandit jumps around the stage, his hyper movements once again portraying a false image. The video also changes style, with still images flashing up every second to provide a larger picture; he's writing lyrics in the studio, sitting alone on the tour bus, resting his head in his hands in his dressing room, meeting with journalists for interviews. When the song comes to a pause with "Ah, damn," the dancers freeze in their positions while Bandit comes to a stop, clutching his head and looking down at the floor, before continuing with the song. During this, the lighting had stopped too, before resuming it's crazy, erratic style. 

I don't act, I just play a lot, I ain't rich, I get paid a lot
Wannabe rappers wanna be me
So why ain't they singing that Foolish B?
My life isn't simple, it's in 3D
Nah, man, it ain't easy
Crowd goes wild, lost in her smile I ain't seen for a while
Got her on speed dial

 While the lighting and the dancers continue their crazy, sharp movements, Bandit is reduced to walking casually along the stage, nearing the edge to sing to his fans who reach forwards and scream for his touch. He reaches down to meet them, embracing with a couple before returning to the centre of the stage. As for the movie, Bandit is back home in Prymont, and recordings from his 2010 tour at the OstportX Arena play. The crowd is much smaller and don't know the lyrics like they do today, but they're just as enthusiastic, bouncing around and enjoying the performance.

Free at last, gonna chase her down man, yeah I try it, yeah I try it
And I need you now, so come on now girl, go figure out
And my fans all sayin', oh, they going out?
Turns out that they fake it, hide out in the public
Come and find you, paparazzi hound you, people beggin'
Say something, say something

 Now, Bandit's movements become aggressive, as he slices the air with his hand in time to his rapping. The dancers crowd him once again, their hands invading his body and tugging at his clothing to match the intensity of the song. He makes no effort to shrug them off or move away from them, but doesn't outwardly enjoy it either. When he sings "say something, say something", the lighting subdues and the women rush back into the shadows, leaving Foolish Bandit alone in the single white light that is cast upon him. The video shows Bandit boarding another plane and returning to the Sunset Sea Islands. He rushes through busy streets in the city, racing to the beach where he knows he'll find his girl.

You and I, you and I, you and I
Now it's you and I, you and I
 

 After reuniting the microphone with it's stand, he takes up his first pose of the performance, eyes closed, and sings the last two lines. Behind him, he is shown finding the woman on the beach, bringing her in for an embrace as the two finally have smiles on their faces. Finally, for the ending scene, a selfie that he'd taken with Natalie in the Sunset Sea Islands flashes up just for a split second, before the video ends, leaving Bandit stationary as the outtro of the song plays. As it finishes, the stage returns to darkness for the stagehands to erect the podium and for the hosts to return; when the lights come back on, Bandit is gone.

 

The hosts wait for the raucous, everlasting applause to die down, offering celebrations and congratulations of their own before silence is presented for them. "Well, what a start to the night that was! Will anyone be able to top Foolish Bandit? If you want to show your support at home, please follow the on-screen instructions - or, you can save your vote for later if you prefer another act."

"And, of course, all of the national judges will be rating the performance, not only on the song, but also on the stage effects and dancing routines to determine their score. All will be revealed at the end of the night. Now, on to the next nation!"

Edited June 25, 2018 by Prymont (see edit history)

[Variota]

Variota

Kom Maar - Hete Henk

 

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Hete Henk jokingly pointing at his outfit during rehearsals

 

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While Foolish Bandit was a tough act to go after, Hete Henk wasn't anxious. Even when making his films, he never had issues with stage fright. Cameras? Bring them on. Live viewers? Bring them on. And really, why wouldn't he be confident? Het Huisselant was a land filled with talent, a land with a booming culture, one that was exported to many different nations. And from all those artists, both the domestic and international voters had selected him. His song was upbeat, happy, fun, light. Foolish Bandit could also give a show but his song was heavier, more about the bad. And if Variotans knew how to do anything, it was the good. The glitzy, the fun, the gaudy camp deliciousness that you pretend to hate but secretly love. Raw and delicious, forcing your eyes to it like a car crash, you feel like you should look away but you can't. And soon, you find yourself copying it. That sort of stuff. Would the juries love Hete Henk? He really did not know but he knew one thing, if the public has any taste, he'll get their votes.

Nasionale TeleSicht Variota had arranged to loan some staff from the Propaganda en Morraalmagt, as they were used to handling large shows in a variety of conditions. This had turned out to be a good move as last minute choreography changing had led to a more intricate technical need. Luckily, all was handled and deemed possible, although the Prymontians seemed amazed that someone would want to do that. They apparently never had seen a proper performance. Luckily for everyone, this was soon to change.

As Foolish Bandit's performance ended and he left the stage, all lights were dimmed and during this time, the technicians rolled everything in place. When the lights were turned back on, one could see Hete Henk sitting at a bar in the middle of the stage, on the sole bar stool in front of it. Four round basins containing a long metal pole in the middle were situated in a square around the bar, each filled with a copious amount of baby oil. Hete Henk's outfit was an eccentric choice, a bright and sparkly jumpsuit-like outfit with the Variotan flag as a pattern*. Unlike Foolish Bandit, Hete Henk had asked for a more mobile microphone, something he could just wear as when he spread his arms, the outfit showed the entire Variotan flag. Not having to hold a microphone meant being able to do more of those tricks. 

The music starts, the back-screen shows a Variotan luxury resort and some cheering can be heard by Variotans, fans of Variota and fans of Hete Henk himself. A cocktail glass prop is quickly lowered down as Hete Henk grabs a condom packet from between his belt. As he starts singing, he grabs the cocktail in his other hand, signifying some of the fun stuff Hete Henk wants to do with you. He remains seated at the bar but, from a camera perspective, he remains eye contact with you. For just this moment, all that exists is you and Hete Henk. Kom maar...

Kom maar naar mi toe ja
Ek geef ji wat ji wil ja
Alle leuke ting'n
Ga ek met ji sing'n

Kom maar naar mi toe ja
Ek geef ji wat ji wil ja
Alle leuke ting'n
Ga ek met ji sing'n 

Hete Henk jogs to the front of the stage and frisbees the condom packet, which he had signed before the show, into the crowd before turning around and showing off the Variotan flag on the back of his outfit. Four muscular men in old women costumes are quickly lowered onto the stage, each taking their place at a different pole. As soon as Hete Henk returns to singing, they hang onto the pole in a horizontal pose that resembles as if they're sleeping. Hete Henk points towards the crowd and the cameras in a persuasive manner while singing.

Ek weet het sgat,
Ji frau ligt plat,
Ek weet het sgat,
Ji wil met mi in bat,
Ek weet het sgat,
Ji frau ligt plat

The men in old women costumes tear off their clothes, held together with velcro for ease of removal and removed their wigs, which are all hoisted towards the ceiling using wire. Each of them are now revealed to wear nothing more than a jockstrap with the Variotan coat of arms on them and some gloves. As the next bit starts, Hete Henk dances enthusiastically between the four basins as the four men start oiling themselves up. The background video changes into a first person perspective of being taken into the Pink Pony, the infamous Variotan nightclub, and partying.

Kom maar naar mi toe ja
Ek geef ji wat ji wil ja
Alle leuke ting'n
Ga ek met ji sing'n

Kom maar naar mi toe ja
Ek geef ji wat ji wil ja
Alle leuke ting'n
Ga ek met ji sing'n

The men are done oiling up, looking delicious and shiny, and remove their gloves, dropping them into the baby oil. The gloves were done in order to prevent the dancers from being unable to grip with their hands. Sure, they had to train for weeks in order to be able to reliably do the choreography without slipping away due to the oil but it was worth it. They leave their basins and dance towards Hete Henk, standing near the bar.

Ajaa

As Hete Henk sings Ajaa, the men grab him with two tearing his outfit off, one lifting him and the other removing Henk's shoes, throwing it all to the back of the stage. Flames and fireworks light up the sky, temporarily taking away visibility of the stage. Cheers and whistles can be heard as it's revealed that he's wearing bermuda-style swimming trunks with, again, the Variotan flag on them. As they release Henk and the next bit begins, they start twerking towards him. Once in a while, Henk slaps a dancer on the cheeks.

Mann'n fan alle kleur'n,
Will'n bij mi hor'n,

Kom maar lekker naar mi toe ja
Kom maar lekker hier ja

Kom maar, kom maar hey
Kom maar, kom maar hey
Kom maar, kom maar hey

Hete Henk returns to the single bar stool, with two of the men laying on the bar and two kneeling next to Henk, one of each on each side. Hete Henk seductively pets the two laying on the bar as he sings,  all four men are seemingly focused on Hete Henk as the sole object worthy of attention. The two kneeling next to him attempt to pull on the swimming trunks but are teasingly slapped away by Henk.

Ek weet het sgat,
Ji frau ligt plat,
Ek weet het sgat,
Ji wil met mi in bat,
Ek weet het sgat,
Ji frau ligt plat

Hete Henk and the dancers move towards the poles with Hete Henk ordering each dancer to their pole one-by-one. Each dancer, once they've reached the poles, starts doing a different routine with and on the pole. Dancers pretend to laugh at the one being brought back, as they won't be the one spending time with Henk, until it is revealed that Henk is ordering all four dancers to return, causing them all to show disappointment at not being picked.

Kom maar naar mi toe ja
Ek geef ji wat ji wil ja
Alle leuke ting'n
Ga ek met ji sing'n

Kom maar naar mi toe ja
Ek geef ji wat ji wil ja
Alle leuke ting'n
Ga ek met ji sing'n

Kom maar naar mi toe ja
Ek geef ji wat ji wil ja
Alle leuke ting'n
Ga ek met ji sing'n

Kom maar naar mi toe ja
Ek geef ji wat ji wil ja
Alle leuke ting'n
Ga ek met ji sing'n

As he brings the last man to his pole, the dancer pretends to trip and tears off Henk's bermuda swimming trunks. Again, cheers and whistles are heard as it is revealed that Hete Henk is wearing a skin-tight speedo with the Variotan flag on it. With all four dancers at their poles, they change and start doing the same routine. With Henk in a speedo, he moves towards the middle of the stage and, while holding his crotch, points towards the crowd.

Kom maar naar mi toe ja

Henk moves his crotch forward in a 'come and get it'-type motion. As he does this, short bursts of flames are released to give the motion more umph.

Kom tan

Henk again moves his crotch forward in a 'come and get it'-type motion with similar pyrotechnics. Swooning by homosexuals and women alike can be heard in the crowd.

Kom maar naar mi toe ja

Henk moves his crotch in the same manner as both times before this but this time, fireworks are released and the dancers can be seen hurrying to Henk, hearing his call. The dancers scurry up to Henk and rub their bodies against him in a manner meant to slightly oil him up while also showing off the raw sexuality of the modern dance and the pleasurably smooth environment similar to one of a Variotan nightclub. The screen changes into one of the secluded VIP rooms of the Pink Pony, giving the viewer a first-person perspective of getting a table dance from a twink. The bar stool in front of the bar is quickly removed by a stage hand while attention is drawn on Henk and the dancers.

Mann'n van alle kleur'n,
Will'n bij mi hor'n, 

Kom maar lekker naar mi toe ja
Kom maar lekker hier ja

Kom maar, kom maar
Kom maar, kom maar
Kom maar, kom maar

One of the dancers picks up Hete Henk and throws him over his shoulder. As the dancer turns to wink at the crowd, he takes the back of Hete Henk's speedo and, for a split second, shows the Eurthvision Song Contest Henk's bare buttocks. Cheers, whistles and gasps could all be heard at the same time. Of course, in some regard, the commotion was something strange as Hete Henk was someone who revealed much, much more for a living. Hete Henk is put down on the bar and lays down on the bar, the four dancers pawing at him as he sings the next bit.

Ek weet het sgat,
Ji frau ligt plat,
Ek weet het sgat,
Ji wil met mi in bat,
Ek weet het sgat,
Ji frau ligt plat

The four dancers hurry to their poles to do one last quick routine while the cocktail prop from the beginning of the song is again lowered to the bar. As with the first time, Henk manages to grab a condom packet, this time from within his speedo. The screen turns to a new video, albeit in the same VIP room. The same guy from the previous video has now moved on to giving a lapdance.

Kom maar naar mi toe ja
Ek geef ji wat ji wil ja
Alle leuke ting'n
Ga ek met ji sing'n

Kom maar naar mi toe ja
Ek geef ji wat ji wil ja
Alle leuke ting'n
Ga ek met ji sing'n

Kom maar naar mi toe ja
Ek geef ji wat ji wil ja
Alle leuke ting'n
Ga ek met ji sing'n

Kom maar naar mi toe ja
Ek geef ji wat ji wil ja
Alle leuke ting'n
Ga ek met ji sing'n

The dancers hang on their pole, holding still and point to Hete Henk, who is quickly standing up. As soon as he stands, the bar top begins to rise as small bursts of pyrotechnics are released. Once the bar has fully risen, the front collapses and reveals another Variotan flag, this time painted onto the wooden internals of the bar**. The dancers quickly move towards the bar and Henk jumps, caught by the dancers. A large and final burst of flames released just as the dancers seem to want to remove Henk's speedo. At the moment that you'd finally be able to see something interesting, the lights cut out, teasing the crowd.

 

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For the translation, see the OOC thread. 

*Imagine something like this but with the Variotan flag as its pattern:

**For the bar, think of something similar that Sakis Rouvas uses here, except the bar simply rises up. Due to the limited height of a bar and as we can't remove a part of the stage, we collapse the front to increase the total size of the flag.

 

Edited July 2, 2018 by Variota (see edit history)

[Sunset Sea Islands]

The Radiant Republic of the
SUNSET SEA ISLANDS

SYSTEM EURTH - SYNTHETIC SOCIETY

The camera pans over the cheering audience. The girl that caught Hete Hank's signed set of condoms proudly presents it to the camera. Whether they adore the Variotan sex idol or not, his performance left a strong impression on the viewers. Rødland and Riis seemed to have enjoyed it a lot. Whilst the technicians are busy cleaning the stage off excess baby oil, the Prymontian hosts bridge the time by praising the show that Hank just put on. The organisers knew that a slippery stage would be a problem for SYSTEM EURTH, the Sunset Sea Islandian act for tonight. A flat platform is brought on stage. It was not only meant to ensure that baby oil residue would not endanger their performance, it would also make the relatively small Sunset Sea Islandian singers better visible for the audience. Once the hosts concluded their meaningless rambling, SYSTEM EURTH was introduced and the camera panned towards the stage again.

It is still dark, but a pulse of light travels down strips of light emitting diodes encompassing the path from the stage entry to its centre. A dim spotlight guides the view of the audience towards the artists who just began entering the stage. They move in perfect unison, marching like a band of robots. With every step another pulse of light travels to the centre stage.

A multitude of sounds starts playing over the speakers, first quiet, then growing louder and louder. Every speaker in the room plays the sound of an electric appliance, some modern, some obsolete. Cellphones ringing, modems dialing into the internet, thousands of mechanical keystrokes, buzzing, whirring, sparks, and the sounds of electric discharges. The volume of the sounds reaches its climax when the seven men reach their destination. Then, the sounds cut off completely and the music starts playing.

 

An istallation of neon tubes lights up behind the men as the melody commences. Individual tubes light up, some only blink for a second, others fade out slowly. More and more tubes join the seemingly senseless blinking. It takes the audience a moment to realise that the flickering of the lights resembles the beat of a human heart. The members of SYSTEM EURTH nod their heads to the melody in perfect synchronicity. A couple of fake security cameras that have been dormant until this moment, boot up and start nodding in the same rhythm.

Then, the lead vocalist starts singing:

The dawn of synthetic society 
Connecting mankind more than ever 
All around the world people are looking 
Down at screens in search for new faces in there

The light tube installation changes its pattern. The pulses of light now seem to represent data that's being sent and received by the artists. The dancers perform a complex series of handshakes representing the mentioned interpersonal connections. Then, at "new faces", they shape hearts with their hands as if they were liking the social media profiles of newly found friends.

Everybody wants exactly the same 
Find new friends to hold them tight 
Where they're from doesn't play a role 
In the dawn of new society

Now, the dancers step up their game. Their movements synchronise even more as they begin to move together like a clockwork. The movements of the two outermost dancers resemble those of pendulums whilst the rest performs complicated, mechanical hand movements. The men stand close together and move in unison, representing cooperation and the will to live and work together in harmony. Their perferctly coreographed performance would not have been possible without the support they receive from their colleagues.

Who are you people 
Do you know who I am
I just want to be friends 
Are we all one 
Every day this world becomes more interconnected 
How long will it take for us to unify

The vocalist starts singing the refrain for the first time. The eyes of the ensemble are directed at the audience as if they were the people mentioned in the song. The intervals at which the fake security cameras swith their viewing angle to a new, random position match the beat of the song. The way the artists move hits the audience right into the uncanny valley. Can such perfect movements even be executed by humans made of flesh and blood? The view of the perfectly synchronised mechanism the small group of men has become matches the topic of an interconnected world perfectly. If they can unify and turn into a working system, why shouldn't society be able to do so as a whole?

The question "Is somebody out there?" is being repeated by the singers sixteen times. No matter from which angle you look at them, their eyes always seem to point directly at the viewer. It is an invitation. SYSTEM EURTH is trying to establish a connection with each and every member of the audience, as if they were asking them to become a part of their collective of unity and cooperation.

Who are you people 
Do you know who I am
I just want to be friends 
Are we all one 
Every day this world becomes more interconnected 
How long will it take for us to unify

The refrain is sung for a second time. The movements of SYSTEM EURTH become more energetic and begin to radiate positive energy. They are happy about the way the world has become nowadays. The magnificent invention that managed to interconnect billions of people all over the world is the internet. It brought people from all continents together and created a network for them to work, laugh and enjoy life in together. The light tube installation in the background is back to the heartbeat pattern, which is now faster, stronger and bolder.

Billions 
Together
Harmony 
Diplomacy
Unity
Future
Connection
Mankind
White skin
Pink skin 
Yellow 
Brown skin
Black skin
Synthetic world
We are all one 
Are we all one

The last part of the song has begun. Now, speaking calmly, SYSTEM EURTH recites a sequence of short words and phrases. The resulting message is one of hope, manking ascending towards a shiny future by working together and fruitfully cooperating. No matter what heritage individuals carried, they were all part of one huge, all-encompassing mechanism: SYSTEM EURTH.

Once the final words are spoken, the men start moving towards the exit. As the men approach the exit, the beats of the light tube heart continue, but grow weaker with every beat. The fake surveillance cameras slowly power down as if they were bowing down.

The last member of SYSTEM EURTH has left the stage, the heart continues to beat for a few more times. Then, the melody stops and all lights are extinguished simultaneously. The crowd erupts in applause.

[Girkmand]

Girkmand

Mannfred - Looking for Freedom

Girkmandian entries into various song contests continue to retain a certain quality apparent to the 1980's, with seemingly little "modern" music being published. Many way-back-when-stars are still paraded on the big stages, largely thanks to an almost zealous love for nostalgia.

Although certainly not for everyone, the Girkmandian "new wave" dominates domestic charts among 25-50 year olds.

David Mannfred made his big debut in 1986 with Mannfred & Friends' highly popular hit single, "Looking for Freedom". A timeless song in its own right, the lyrics continue to be relevant to the present, especially with the increasing number of authoritarian governments in Argis and abroad; "Looking for Freedom" came out shortly after the Girkmandian "Disorders" of the 1970's, and was originally made to criticize the Girkmandian military government that preceded the peaceful transition of power to opposition leader President William F. Wilson in 1974, who is largely credited for having returned political freedom to the population, enacted several anti-discriminatory laws, instated universal adult suffrage and the separation of church and state.

 

One morning in June
some twenty years ago
I was born a rich man's son
I had everything that money could buy,
but freedom I had none

I've been looking for freedom
I've been looking so long
I've been looking for freedom
Still the search goes on
I've been looking for freedom
since I left my home town
I've been looking for freedom
Still it can't be found

I headed down the track
my baggage on my back
I left the city far behind
Walking down that road
with my heavy load
trying to find some ease of mind

Father said: "You'll be sorry, son,
if you leave your home this way
And when you realize
the freedom money buys
You'll come running home someday"

I've been looking for freedom
I've been looking so long
I've been looking for freedom
Still the search goes on
I've been looking for freedom
Since I left my home town
I've been looking for freedom
Still it can't be found

I made a lot of dues
had plenty to lose
travelling across the land
Worked on a farm,
got some muscle in my arms
but still I'm not a self-made man
I feel the run for many years to come
I'll be searching door to door
And given some time
some day I'm gonna find
the freedom (freedom, freedom) I've been searching for

I've been looking for freedom
I've been looking so long
I've been looking for freedom
Still the search goes on
I've been looking for freedom
Since I left my home town
I've been looking for freedom
Still it can't be found
Still it can't be found

 

Pictured: Mannfred performing in Girk, 1987

Although not quite as handsome as he was nearly three decades ago, Mannfred's dignified performance needs not flashy dance choreography or strobe lights. The costumes and neon colors look like something you'd find in your dad's attic, it is as if staring through a wormhole into a present past.

The present context of the song has largely been repurposed to fit a blatant anti-communist, anti-totalitarian agenda, as its lyrics greatly reflect recent happenings in Argis and abroad. It appeals to the people living under restrictive governments, those looking for freedom. A bold move to politicize an already politicized event.

[Orioni]

From the Orioni Empire

Kokega with “Give It To You”

The next act to take over the stage in Canastota is the Orinese pop music of Kokega. For those of you who are not familiar with the band, here’s a quick beginner’s guide for tonight. One of the most successful O-pop girl groups, they formed as a nine-piece in 2017, but are now eight. The 2017 single “Jee” launched them into stardom. The bubblegum pop track was named Song of the Decade by Typhoon, the most important pop radio station in Orioni. They were dubbed “The Empire’s Girl Group” at one point, and fans also refer to the band by the moniker of “K-OK”, a short form of its name. K-OK is the first girl group to have three music videos with over 100 million views on NaniTube, the popular video-sharing site. Their last concert tour attracted a record-breaking 450,000 spectators.

Tonight, all eight girls are putting their best foot forward. There is Jesika and her sister Kirisitali, shorthaired Tati and the shy Jiyo, don't forget about Layi, Aryoona is obviously the cute one, the blonde Bao is not your typical bombshell, and finally Firami the group's youngest member who was scouted in the subway while singing along to Hete Henk.

The girls chose a brand-new outfit especially for tonight's performance at EurthVision. The classy outfit in black and white was designed by the hot and talented @Mauridiviah an designer Manolo Fuentes. The classically white shirt is combined with a playful pleated skirt.

Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for the wonderful, the multi-talented, Kokega!

I saw a man who was packing-packing
Oh now I need to know
So should I chase him now, night and day
Gotta see this now, 'cause I need to know
Before the shock-a, after the shock-a
Choose this kiss or what?

(Chorus)
Hey come, show it to yah
Come here man, show it to yah
Ori-babe give it to yah
Nothing's gonna stop me, and you know
Let me give it to you
Say it to you
Hey hey come
I said come here now

Oh wa-waw
I see a man with a dog
Matchy matchy
They're jogging
Okay Okay
Call me up

(Chorus)
Hey come, show it to yah
Come here man, show it to yah
Ori-babe give it to yah
Nothing's gonna stop me, and you know
Let me give it to you
Say it to you
Hey hey come
I said come here now

Now hey, I know what you've done
Yeah, I know what you've done

[Cristina]

Kingdom of Cristina

Insanguinata - Vendetta

 

And now it is time for Insanguinata on stage.

One would be hard-pressed to find a better show lineup than this night. For many here it will be their first Heavy metal show and your first heavy metal show is important – it makes an impression on what “a great show” means to you.

True, some more contemporary groups would be a good idea too, but for a high-level view of what metal’s about, it’s good to start off with the old vanguard, if possible. This was especially evident with Insanguinata frontman Tuio Radani recent health issues.

Minutes before Radani said he was expecting this might be the best Insanguinata performance you have ever seen.

And it was. Solo guitar player Radani put on a rousing performance, working the crowd like a true showman, and singing within his limits but unafraid to push them when he knew he could hit the notes. Nico Belladonna, Paolo Sadi and Carlo Minardi look as if they’ve barely aged a day. Bass player Paolo Sadi played as expertly as ever, though he did look a little bored at times and was the only member of Insanguinata who didn’t smile the entire time, but maybe there’s some personal reason for that.

Had you kept your eyes closed, this performance could have easily taken place in 1995 or 2005, as Radani’s voice held up just fine through his singing parts, and his bandmates Sadi, Belladonna, and Minardi put on their own fantastic performances (the later giving an awesome drum solo). Radani looked to be in good spirits, but he was noticeably thinner than in 2012, and he had a weariness to his voice as he addressed the crowd between songs. Still, there will always be something magical about hearing the legendary man begin and end a set with: “We are Insanguinata, and we play rock n’ roll!”

All of this before of the Cristinese flag, displayed in all its glory on the giant background video wall as the lights above and around the stage flashed constantly. This naturally elicited applause from the Cristineses who had traveled all the way to to here to support their band.

Insanguinata was incredibly loud. Even with earplugs on you could feel Sadi's bass blow against you like the wind of a hurricane and the crowd immediately went wild as Belladonna strummed that iconic guitar riff to lead them all into chaos.

The song stopped rather abruptly; there was no fade-out. The video wall turned black, the flag of Cristina disappeared from the stage floor leaving it clothed in dark blue, and the lights dimmed somewhat amid the cheers.

At the end of the show, the members of Insanguinata all came up to the front of the stage to toss out drumsticks and guitar picks and wave “thank you” to the crowd.

Oh, quando vedremo la terra dei liberi
C'è una guerra non via
Ma proprio qui tra noi
Un tempo di divisione
E l'odio dei fratelli

Le vite innocenti che i maestri hanno preso
Non sarà abbandonato
La giustizia è servita
Ci rifiutiamo di dormire

Oh, la necessità di venire insieme
E combatti per Cristina
Questa deve essere la terra dei coraggiosi
Non la terra dei deboli

Siamo schiavi che rompono le catene
Non possiamo più sopportare
Quindi, a Dio, preghiamo
Che la terra promessa è vicina

Corri - corri più veloce che puoi!
Corri - prima che la lama tagli la tua mano!
Corri - il sangue scarlatto gocciola sul pavimento ...
Corri - desiderando di poter avere di più ...

Gioco - la giornata inizia tranquillamente con un aereo
Gioco: quando scompare, la nazione impazzisce
Gioco - cos'è questo il gioco dei maestri?
Gioco - dove le persone sono le pedine, tutte uguali

Checkmate - si verifica quando gli aerei sono abbattuti
Checkmate - lasciare che tutti gli interessati siano annegati
Checkmate - quando i maestri affermano di aver vinto
Checkmate - un gioco tutto per il paese sembrare forte

Libertà!

[Prymont]

The entire audience held within the OstportX Arena watched on with baited breath, joined by the millions tuning in around the globe, as representatives from each participating nation declared their votes. The images were displayed on the large screen on centre stage, which had been utilised by several acts throughout the night. At the end of every points declaration, the audience cheered and clapped as natives supported their country. As the night progressed, it was turning out to be a very close race.

The inaugural EurthVision had been a fun, vibrant night, despite the low participation. However, it was incredibly promising to see that only six contestants had filled out the OstportX Arena, with a capacity of 20,000, and it was reported during the night that tens of millions of viewers were watching at home. A lighthearted song contest had quickly involved into an international spectacle, one that the United States were proud to be the first hosts of.

After the Prymontian delegate, the Digital, Media, Culture, and Sports Minister Brooke Weitz had announced the scores given by the country, hosts Natalie Rødland and Jonas Riis took centre stage once again to confirm the results, announce the winner, and round up the show. After waiting a few moments for the applause to die down, Rødland directed their attentions once again towards the projected images behind them. A blank table was shown, with six ascending slots - this would finalise the positions of the participants, and eventually declare the winners.

"In sixth place, the first result of the night is... the Kingdom of @Cristina! Insanguinata and their heavy rendition of Vendetta netted Cristina ten total points. What a valiant effort!"

"Next up in fifth place, receiving seventeen points overall... is Mannfred and his song, Looking For Freedom, representing @Girkmand!"

"Now, here's where the results get very close, ladies and gentlemen. In fourth place, only two points behind the winner, with twenty two in total is... Kokega, singing Give It To You for @Orioni! Go girl power!" Rødland is delighted for the girl group, and will later go on to celebrate with them in the after party.

"And the first contestants on the podium, after an enthralling, unique performance, will be... SYSTEM EURTH, performing for the @Sunset Sea Islands with their song Synthetic Society! Congratulations on earning yourselves twenty three points!"

"What a fantastic show by the SYSTEM EURTH guys, right? Now, finally, in what is an unbelievable event at the top... the two remaining contestants, Foolish Bandit of the United States of Prymont and Hete Henk of @Variota both tie for first with twenty four points! I'm being told that, because we're the hosts, the win will be graciously awarded to the Variotan, who put on one steamy show to best show off his country and attract those votes!" 

A still slightly greasy Hete Henk, now clothed, joins the hosts on the stadium, soaking in the raucous applause and wolf whistles to celebrate his well deserved victory. As mandated, the hosts quickly depart the stage after congratulating him to allow him to perform the song one last time. Once finished, the crowd goes wild, marking the end of a historic night in the world of music and entertainment.

Join us all next year, to see Variota host EurthVision 2019!