CYPRUS MAIL journalist and broadcaster Nathan Morley will be honouring Sir Terry Wogan’s legacy during next week’s 2009 Eurovision Song Contest. For the very first time in our island’s history, crowds will be able to watch the final with English commentary as all the jovial song and dance extravaganza comes to life on the screen.
Now in its 54th year, the annual occasion kicks off in Moscow this Saturday and will see 25 countries competing for top place as Morley does his bit. To be aired on CyBC Radio 2 at 10pm, the station picks up signal across the island, allowing everyone interested the chance to tune in.
The final will be preceded by two semi-finals on May 12 and 14, which sees 37 countries from across the region competing over the two nights for a slot in Saturday’s final 25.
For Cyprus to qualify to the weekend final, 16-year-old Christina Metaxa and her song ‘Firefly’ will have to get through the may 14 semi-final, in competition with 19 other countries including Ireland, Greece, Norway and The Netherlands.
“The semi final will give us a strong pointer as to which countries need to be backed for the main Eurovision contest. Audience reaction is key to spotting the winner,” says Morley.
The 20 qualifying countries to make it through to the final will be chosen by televoting, backed up by a jury vote. The only pre-qualified countries for the final show are Russia (the host country) and the ‘founding fathers’ of the Eurovision: the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and France.
Those who have watched Eurovision on television in England will be all too aware of the rather sarcastic remarks that have often poked fun at some of the most ridiculous ensembles and solo artists to have graced the stage.
Commentary here in Cyprus however usually takes on a much more formal tone, with the occasion treated with considerable gravity. Even when things get totally bizarre, including instances Latvian pirates or Finnish monsters, local commentators have rarely cracked a joke in the past.
Working as an English newsreader and radio presenter for Radio Napa, Voice of America and CyBC, Morley thought it was about time that viewers could enjoy English commentary with a bit of pizzazz.
“There must be thousands of viewers who’d appreciate it. I like to have a laugh and Eurovision is all about audiences having fun,” explains Morley.
“Not many people regard it as a very serious song contest anymore. I don’t want to make it into a comedy but I do want to make it light for people to enjoy themselves.”
He certainly looks up to Wogan’s commentating style, replaced this year by Graham Norton after 35 years in the Eurovision limelight. “I have to admit that I’ve always been a big Eurovision fan. I’ve always loved listening to Wogan; he would poke fun but was never malicious. I really think that he was the one who made the Eurovision a hit in Britain.”
Morley even compares himself to the star on a more personal level. “I wear a cardigan, present an early morning radio show and have an unhealthy obsession with The Carpenters, so it’s safe to say I’m a bit like him!”
When it comes to preparations, Morley has been talking to other Eurovision commentators and taking in all their advice. He’s also been busy watching plenty of previews and clips. Anything that stands out so far?
“Sweden’s Malena is beautiful, with a great voice and is already in most of the Scandinavian charts, so I think she stands a good chance. Eurovision loonies are raving about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s song ‘Bistra Voda’, which I think is still the favourite.”
With a lot of varying comments about this year’s Cypriot song and Metaxa’s stage presence, plenty of people are quick to point out that her young voice is neither well trained nor strong enough. Morley, however, believes she stands a good chance for doing well.
“I think the she’s getting more media savvy and if she has enough stage experience in Moscow she may surprise as all.” With all to be revealed in the coming week, looks like English speaking fans of the competition will be tuning into some added fun this time round.
CyBC Radio 2 Eurovision English commentary, May 16
Simulcast begins at 10pm and will be in sync with the television coverage
91.1 FM National
97.9 FM Larnaca/Paphos/Limassol)
94.2 FM Ayia Napa/Paralimni/East Coast)
Online at www.cybc.com.cy
