You should read this! Moscow braces for European musical song contest

Moscow braces for European musical song contest

(Moscow) Amid a frenzied light show, pyrotechnics and questionable wardrobe decisions, performers from across Europe will seek melodic supremacy Saturday night at the annual Eurovision song contest.

The continent’s gaudiest, loudest and most popular music competition isn’t just a battle of the bands. It’s a 24 million euro ($32.5 million) showcase for the 42 participating nations, which typically attracts 100 million viewers from around the world.

As last year’s winner, Russia is hosting the annual competition for the first time. The contest hasn’t only fired up pop music fans and spawned a host of parties, it has raised issues such as racial tolerance and gay rights only occasionally debated in Russian society.

“You can’t deny that the politics has been very upfront this year,” said BBC broadcaster Paddy O’Connell, who is doing commentary on the competition this year.

Some contestants have tried to use the competition as a venue for settling international scores. Two months ago, the pop group Stephane and 3G from Georgia vowed to perform “We Don’t Wanna Put In,” a thinly veiled jab at Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

http://www.365gay.com/news/moscow-braces-for-european-musical-song-contest/

If the Pride parade is not permitted?

http://www.bilerico.com/2009/05/eurovision_contestants_threaten_walkout.php

Contestants and staff are threatening to boycott the Eurovision singing competition's Moscow finale over horrendous treatment of the LGBT community. Past gay pride marches have been marred with violence and police brutality. Organizers plan on holding a rally on the day of the finale, but Moscow authorities have denied the groups permission to hold the demonstration. The groups plan on demonstrating regardless and they're drawing quite a bit of attention to the cause.

and incredibly brave too. I have great hopes for the performers to put a spotlight on the hatemongers over there.