“Celebrate Diversity” might be the official theme of the Eurovision Song Contest this year, but it’s a concept that has always been at the heart of the televised musical event.
“Well really it’s what Eurovision’s all about, isn’t it?” Joel Creasey tells SBS.
Eurovision began in 1956 as a way to bring a post-WWII Europe together. The contest’s goal was to inject joy into the lives of European people and celebrate tolerance and acceptance within the continent.
Little has changed when it comes to the song contest's core values, especially when it comes to this year's theme - Celebrate Diversity.
Even the logo is a metaphor for the theme. It is based upon a traditional Ukrainian beaded necklace. The beads, each with their own unique designs, come together to form a unified chain.
We asked our 2017 SBS Eurovision hosts Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey what “celebrate diversity” means to them.
“It’s just making people feel welcome - wherever they come from, whoever they want to be. It’s freedom,” Warhurst tells SBS. “But it’s also embracing of others without judgement, for me. That’s the most important thing.”
For Creasey, it’s all about acceptance and enjoying each individual for who they are and what they want to be.
Aussie Eurovision hosts Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey are ready to geting to the spirit of Eurovision. (SBS) Source: SBS
“I think it’s all about if someone wants to do something, and thinks they should do it, then bloody do it!" he tells SBS. "And we’re not going to judge them for that. We’re going to enjoy their performance for what it is.”
Ultimately, they both believe the theme is about making sure that everyone is having a good time.
“I mean Eurovision is all about fun,” says Myf. “And if you’re not having fun, why are you there?”
The Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast over SBS’s Eurovision weekend - Friday 12 May, Saturday 13 May, and Grand Final Sunday 14 May at 7.30pm on SBS with LIVE early morning broadcasts begin Wednesday 10 May at 5am on SBS.
