This Russian MP is trying to start his own family-friendly folk Eurovision rival
A Russian MP is trying to start his own family-friendly rival to the Eurovision Song Contest.
Russia has had a tumultuous relationship with the camp contest, known for its large gay following.
Lawmakers in the country have called for a boycott the ‘Eurovision sodom show’, with a renewed push after the victory of drag artist Conchita Wurst.
The contest’s fanbase can be equally hostile – with contest organisers deploying ‘anti-booing’ tech and banning ‘political’ waving of rainbow flags in a bid to smooth over tensions.
But it’s not enough for one Russian MP – who has taken his objections of the contest to new extremes.
MP and self-confessed folk lover Oleg Nilov is aiming to set up his own version of the contest, which is apparently to be known as ‘Goodvision’.
He told BBC News: “To conquer any country now you don’t need weapons – culture is the key. The minds of our young people are coming under the influence of TV.”
Mr Nilov has taken his Eurovision dislike public before – after the win of Conchita Wurst he got so angry that he sung a protest song in Parliament.
Of his new contest, he explained: “The songs will be folk-style with national instruments and national costumes. I’m sure this will get more viewers and be more useful.”
The contest is set to take place in Stockholm next month… with Russia’s Sergey Lazarev currently favourite to take the trophy.
Mr Lazarev said: “I really like the main message that this year’s Eurovision has – ‘Come Together‘.
“The music doesn’t have any religion, nationalities, sexual orientation – music is for everyone.”
