Federal Union Victorious in Terravision Song Contest
Controversial entry from New Endralon/Kizenia narrowly successful in politically charged contest
15th May 4210
Sigrid Lauritzen was notable for more than just her voice
On a highly charged night in the Kalistani capital of Kaliburg, Elena Ulanova and Bogdan Grasu collected over five hundred points to secure victory for New Endralon/Kizenia in the Terravision song contest. Ulanova and Grasu overcame Kazulian entry Sigrid Lauritzen by a meagre eight points on the night, to ensure their success. Nevertheless, their triumph was mired in controversy due to the subject matter of their winning song. Entitled 'Better Times to Come', the ballad tells the story of a young man involved in the Trigunian invasion during the Great War and explores his emotions throughout. Detailing his pride at laying down his life for his country and his desire to build a better future for his children, it provoked fury and condemnation from the Trigunian press; they claim they were portrayed unfairly.
Vova Shlykov was unimpressed with the coverage of his performance
Trigunia's own entry Vova Shlykov finished fourth and received a maximum twelve points from four nations, among them (unsurprisingly) last year's winners Kalistan, yet Shlykov himself went on to claim that he was at a disadvantage due to the international perception of his homeland. His performance did, however, split opinion as he danced around the stage dressed in a space suit and rapped in his native tongue. In Luthori, well known for their cynicism about the contest, the commentator described it as 'sheer, unapologetic lunacy'. Further dispute arose over the fact that Elena Ulanova was born not in New Endralon/Kizenia but in Trigunia. Critics say she not have been eligible to compete for the Union.
Legendary Kalistani country singer Edmundo Leguizamo is a Terravision veteran
Opening the night was Vishal Jhutti- grandson of megastar Bananti MC- with a performance of his winning entry from last year. Unfortunately for him, his compatriot was unable to repeat his success and Kalistan ended up finishing second bottom. Edmundo Leguizamo was actually representing the United Republic for the third time, having won the contest over two decades ago. Before any of the acts could peform, there was a parade of all thirty competing nation's flags.
Friend or Foe were left wishing they had as much vocal ability as they did hairspray
Other notable performances included Kirlawan pop duo Friend or Foe, praised for their eye-catching outfits but finishing outside the top twenty in the end, and an outlandish Vanukean yodeller who managed to find a costume even crazier than his musical performance. In spite of the expected left of field acts, many viewers were impressed by the standard of the competition this year and television viewing figures once again broke the previous year's record. There were also the usual accusations of political voting; Istalia finished in last place but still managed to pull in twelve points from Baltusia. With all that said, Terravision undoubtedly remains one of the planet's most treasured institutions.
Vanuku's representative had the honour of being the only yodelling performance of the night