Opinion: Eurovision demonstrates the power of empathy
This year's Eurovision Song Contest entries varied from a call to action to end capitalism to pure party songs. The winner won on a personal note, says DW's Rick Fulker.
Music can polarize and be a vehicle for tribal impulses and group identification. Music can divide — but it can also unite. That phrase is heard so often at international music events that it sounds hackneyed. It finds a clear expression at the Eurovision Song Contest, however.
Now in its 64th year, Eurovision was founded nine years after the end of World War II to bring former enemies together in friendly competition. Now it seems to be the last European institution that is embraced enthusiastically by the entire continent.
Eurovision grew to 41 countries
The seven founding countries, all in western Europe, were joined over the years by former Eastern Bloc countries, the Balkans and associate members of the European Broadcasting Union such as Azerbaijan, Australia, and Israel.
With 200 million viewers, the competition is no longer a European event.