LONDON (AP) — It’s springtime in Europe — time for the annual blossoming of spectacle and sound known as the Eurovision Song Contest.
Taking place in May in Malmö, Sweden, the 68th annual competition will see acts from 37 countries vie for the continent’s pop crown in a feelgood extravaganza that strives — not always successfully – to banish international strife and division. And you don’t have to be in Europe to watch, or to help pick the winner.
Here’s a guide to all things Eurovision.
On one level, it’s simple: Eurovision is an international pop music competition in which acts from countries across Europe, and a few beyond it, compete in a live televised contest to be crowned Eurovision champion.
But it’s also much more -- a celebration of diversity, national pride and the joyous power of pop. And glitter. So much glitter.
Launched in 1956 to foster unity after World War II, Eurovision has become a campy, feel-good celebration of pop music with an audience of hundreds of millions around the world. It has grown from seven countries to almost 40, including non-European nations such as Israel and Australia.
Chinese readers find new passion for scientific literature
Lawmakers criticize CIA's handling of sexual misconduct but offer few specifics
Conference on internal combustion engines opens in China's Tianjin
Feature: 69 years on, the Bandung Spirit remains alive in the Global South
A Washington police officer killed 3 people in 8 years
Lady Amelia Windsor wows in lace slip dress as she attends Earth Day dinner in London
GOP lawsuits over voting creates shadow war ahead of the election
MLB players' union asks court to confirm arbitration decision against Bad Bunny firm
You can't park there! Council builds new £51million 850
Armenia asks UN court to throw out Azerbaijan’s claim alleging racial discrimination
Lawmakers criticize CIA's handling of sexual misconduct but offer few specifics