A Year in Review—1998 Eurovision
Eurovision constantly evolves, each edition seeing innovations and old traditions retired. But I want to argue that the winds of change blew particularly strongly in Birmingham during 1998.
Host broadcaster, the BBC, cherished ESC’s traditions, but the UK was in a period of social change and both the European continent and technology were transforming. The result was a unique blend of old and new. Take the hosts; national treasure and legend of broadcasting, Terry Wogan, shared a stage with glamourous young Swedish television presenter and model, Ulrika Jonsson. Even the Te Deum anthem was given a rock update in the form of Eurogroves.
Things Ending
1. Live Orchestra
1998 was the last year when the host had to provide a live orchestra… and one has never been seen since! “And the conductor is” disappeared abruptly from ESC vocabulary after 43 years. Improvements in digital recording technology and shifts in musical tastes meant backing tracks were simply better.
2. Language Rule
From 1977 to 1998, countries were required to submit entries in an official language. For me, that rule contributed to the success of the three English speaking countries: UK, Malta and—above all—Ireland. The UK came second and Malta third in Birmingham, which still seemed normal. With some exceptions, all have struggled since new champions, notably Sweden, have risen.
Things Starting
1. Televoting
While televoting was tested in 1997, this was the first year when all countries were compelled to use 100% televoting, unless their telephone networks were too weak. We began to see new voting patterns. “Watermarking” (permanent display of the country’s name during the performance) was now required. The voting system was clearly still fit for purpose, however, as it produced a truly thrilling result, with Israel winning on the very last vote.
2. Eastern Expansion
“FYR Macedonia” debuted following a naming controversy that only ended in 2019. A few more former communist countries were to follow, but the Contest was now much larger than only 5 years previously. With no semi-finals, the exclusion of six countries with poor previous results was used to trim the final to 25. There was no “Big 5” either: Germany was only admitted after Italy dropped out. More intangibly, the era of ballads and Celtic breaks was ending. “Old countries” still dominated the placings for the last time, but the East was unmistakably on the rise.
3. LGBTQI+ Culture
The Israeli winner was transwoman, Dana International, with Diva. This must be one of the most significant moments in trans history. But the BBC also ensured images of gay fans were shown more prominently than ever. Wives were being left at home, and Eurovision was coming out of the closet!
In my opinion, the contest was highly successful, but you could not escape the feeling that Eurovision was changing. The BBC finally gets to show us what it can do with Eurovision again in 2023 and I for one cannot wait so see how it rises to that challenge!