Resounding moments and misfires at Eurovision 2022 in Turin
In Turin’s Pala Alpitour, a dazzling spectacle unfolded as contenders pushed the boundaries of stage presence and fashion. One bold performance featured a performer wearing a cowboy hat and sheer Gucci overalls, delivering a memorable kiss with guitarist Boss Doms and culminating in a dramatic finale where the artist rode a red-quilted mechanical bull. Yet the triumph of style and energy could not translate into a place in the final. The night also carried a strong moment from Ronela Hajiti, Albania, who infused the stage with folk-inflected power and provocative gestures, with the anthem Sekret delivering a jolt of raw energy that left many European fans deeply frustrated by its omission from the final lineup.
Does Eurovision still feel modern and fearless when it often leans toward a predictable parade of ballads and glossy pop? This review surveys the 20 finalists from the two semi-finals, noting a frequent tilt toward ballads or songs of grand ambition. Standout acts included Italy’s Brividi by Mahmood & Blanco, Sweden’s Hold Me Closer by Cornelia Jakobs, Portugal’s Saudade, Saudade by Maro, the Netherlands’ De Diepte by S10, and Australia’s Not the Same by Sheldon Riley. The themes frequently touch on heartbreak, absence, teenage anxiety, and bullying, hinting at a Eurovision that is emotionally diverse but sometimes restrained. The evening suggested a trend away from frivolity and flamboyance toward more weighty storytelling and bold musical statements.
Against a backdrop of pandemic fatigue and geopolitical tensions, the 2022 edition carried a weightier mood. The two semi-finals offered moments of electric energy that reminded fans of Eurovision’s enduring appeal, even as some unforgettable performances faded before the final curtain. In the first semi-final, Ronela Hajati’s standout act joined by disco-tinged entries such as Latvia’s City Zeni with Eat Your Salad and Slovenia’s LPS with Disco, plus the hard rock energy of Bulgaria’s Smart Music Project with Intention, and Reddi’s Denmark entry The Show, showcased the festival’s breadth. The second semi-final echoed these threads, with Israel’s Michael Ben David delivering a bold LGTBI anthem IM and Achille Lauro’s Stripper drawing attention, while Ireland’s Brooke offered a shimmering pop ballad. The overall feeling was that the competition could drift toward moments of predictable pacing, but still held the promise of surprise and drama when least expected.
Across the seventy-nine minutes of broadcasting, the tone leaned toward powerful ballads and grandiose narratives that both delighted and challenged the audience. The spectacle was not merely about glitter and glittering outfits; it was about storytelling, stagecraft, and the careful balance between risk and resonance. The event demonstrated that high-energy danceable tracks and intimate vocal performances could coexist, yet the schedule sometimes favored songs with a strong, sweeping arc over those with quick, infectious hooks. The takeaway was clear: Eurovision remains a platform where bold expression can triumph, even if not every daring moment reaches the final stage.
Eurovision 2022 track list
Farewell to the vocal divas of the contest
Among the 25 entries vying for the Crystal Microphone in Turin, a notable shift emerged. Eight acts leaned toward ballads or slower rhythms, with Finland’s The Rasmus presenting a rock-tinged anthem Jezebel, Romania’s WRS delivering the bold Call Me, and We Are Domi from the Czech Republic with Lights Off. The playful charm of Give That Wolf a Banana by Subwoolfer from Norway added a touch of whimsy, while a trio of entries carried a distinctly folkloric flavor: Kalush Orchestra from Ukraine with Stefania, Alvan & Ahez from France with Fulenn, and Zdob si Zdub with Frații Advahov from Moldova with Trenulețul. These choices underscored the festival’s enduring love for tradition blended with modern flair.
Beyond the music, a nostalgic undercurrent ran through the narrative of the fan divas. Over the years, the festival has celebrated iconic vocalists who combined charisma with drama on stage. This year, a quieter pulse characterized departures from the format of past decades, with notable performances from Andromache of Cyprus, Ronela Hajati again, and Emma Muscat from Malta, signaling a shift away from past archetypes toward newer voices and styles. The emphasis on vocal power remained, but the public’s appetite appeared to be evolving in tandem with changing trends in global pop culture.
The date, time and where to watch the 2022 Eurovision final on TV?
In the live broadcast, audiences found themselves drawn to distinctive standouts that defined the night. The final broadcast planned to capture the full spectrum of talent, from riotous dance tracks to intimate ballads, all culminating in a finale that promised memorable moments—Chanel’s bold presence among them—as the show moved toward its climactic finish. The event remained a showcase of how Eurovision can blend spectacle with heartfelt storytelling, keeping viewers engaged from the opening perfomance to the last note.