By 1983, the press had picked up big time on the "pick the nul-pointer"-game, trying to predict the non-scorer with the same zeal as identifying potential winners. In Munich, the journalists had a field day as they predicted not only one but two nul-pointers.
Turkey's pseudo-operatic madness was really easy to spot, but so was the exotic-flavoured number from Spain.
What made Spain eligible in the nul-points department was neither a lack of courage nor talent, rather the complete inability to conform to the standards of the contest. Back in the day you needed to sound like everybody else in order to score, or the juries would have nothing of it.
Bold and daring entries usually got an ice cold reception and the tempestuous flamenco-inspired performance of Remedios stood out way too much to gain approval. The press had their way and two songs shared the fate of not getting a single point from anyone.
Nul points?
The mere thought of this exciting and intriguing entry being in any way comparable to the Turkish fiasco makes me feel a little bit ill. It was a sign of the times - the bright and shrill 80's - that anything different and slightly off-beat was thrown into the garbage without further consideration.
A wonderful entry, very well performed by a tremendous singer. Could have been winning material in another time and another place.
Remedios Amaya - Quién maneja mi barca (Spain 1983)
No comments:
Post a Comment