Every year, the Eurovision Song Contest delights millions of people around the world who look forward to a night of celebrating peace, love and international friendship all set against a backdrop of music and entertainment. Eurovision fans are among some of the most devoted and enthusiastic of any fandom going and everyone who loves the contest will have stories of people from all over the world who they’ve met as a result of the contest. So many tales of friendship, love and even marriages that have grown based on loving Europe’s favourite TV show. It’s wonderful – so how come some fans so… well… toxic?

You know the kind of people I mean… those who claim to love Eurovision and seem to, but are also the first to criticise every step of creating the contest. Quick to belittle artists trying their hardest, ruthless in their opinions with never a kind word about anyone or anything…. and heaven help you if your favourites are different to theirs! Combining the subjectivity of music taste with virulent nationalism was always going to be a bit of a loaded cocktail… and it would be possible to write a book on such toxicity and its causes. But as any group is made up of individuals, it’s time for an uncomfortable question: are YOU a Toxic Eurovision Fan?

Most of you are no doubt very offended at the thought of being labelled a Toxic Eurovision Fan – but you will all know at least one person who fits the description. Some of you will also be wondering if some of the things you think, say and do could be considered toxic – well the good news is, now you can find out!

Before another contest rolls around, take Eurovision Ireland’s quiz to help you work out what kind of Eurovision fan you are. Do you take everything in your stride? Do you have the occasional grumble? Or are you full-on nuclear level toxic? And most importantly… are you brave enough to share your results with the world? ;-)

QUIZ STARTS HERE!

All you need is a pen and paper to note down your score – or just remember if you answer mostly A, mostly B or mostly C to these 7 questions!

1) The first 3 songs have been released for this year’s Eurovision – and you don’t like any of them. How do you react?

A) I don’t worry about it. There are almost 40 more songs to come, I’m sure I’ll like at least one of them!

B) I might tell my friends that this year’s contest seems to be a bit dull so far and hope it picks up!

C) I declare this to be the WORST Eurovision Ever! It’s going to be almost as bad as that other year I hate and that was AWFUL!

2) It’s National Final Season and you’ve just watched your favourite lose out on their ticket to Eurovision to someone else. How do you feel?

A) Ah well… that’s a real shame, but I can see why the other artist won – they’re going to be a great addition to this year’s line up!

B) That sucks… I probably won’t listen to the winning entry again until the contest itself and even then, I’ll say my favourite should have gone… but I’ll be OK…

C) THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! I post a long-winded rant on Social Media trashing the crap winning entry and I’ll let the winner know they’re NOT THE REAL WINNER by posting some hateful comments on their Instagram

3) There are rumours of scandal brewing after the results of a national selection are declared. What do you do?

A) I roll my eyes. So much drama! This isn’t what Eurovision is about and I don’t have time for it.

B) I smirk at the soap opera of it all – the best TV writers couldn’t make this up! I find out the facts about what is supposed to have happened, and might offer my opinion on it all if asked.

C) I blame the artist, the broadcaster, the EBU, the country as a whole and anyone else I can think of, demanding they all be punished as I see fit. I’ll also rant about it being against the rules, without knowing if it is against rules or even true

4) You’re browsing Social Media and you see a stranger has said they don’t really like one of your all-time favourite entries. What do you do?

A) Nothing. Taste in music is subjective, it would be dull if we all liked the same things!

B) Comment back defending your song, trying to explain how the music, lyrics and performance are all amazing!

C) Comment back telling them their post is unnecessary and that they’re clearly stupid. Ugly too.  

5) The rehearsals have started! You’re watching a short clip of your favourite’s rehearsal and they don’t sound fantastic and the staging and costume aren’t what you’d hoped for. How do you react?

A) Relax! Why stress? After all, this is what they have rehearsals are for! I’m sure it’ll work when it comes to the live shows!

B) Swear under my breath about that hideous frock and hope to the Eurovision Gods that those bum notes are pre-contest jitters… it’ll all be alright on the night… won’t it?

C) Immediately take to Social Media to announce they are not going to qualify now before blaming the host broadcaster for a shoddy production and sabotage… this is EXACTLY what I said would happen when they won last year!!

6) It’s the night of the Semi Final! The semi-finalists are being revealed… country #10 is out of the envelope… and your favourite hasn’t qualified. Do you:

A) Shrug it off. Ah well, it wasn’t meant to be! Saturday night is going to have quite a range of songs in it though, so that’s great!

B) Sulk for 5 minutes about what might have been, maybe even choose a country to blame for taking their place – but remember ultimately it’s part of how the game is played

C) RANT AND SCREAM AND GENERALLY HAVE A MELTDOWN THAT EVERYONE MUST BEAR WITNESS TOO!!

7) It’s the big night! It’s the final of the Eurovision Song Contest! The points are coming in… Yes! We have a winner!! Small issue – it’s a song you really don’t like. What are you thinking?

A) Well, that’s not my winner. But the show was incredible and I really enjoyed it!

B) Urgh… how did that win? And why did my favourite do so badly? Oh well…

C) Hysterically vow NEVER to watch Eurovision again and spend the next 5 years telling everyone what a TERRIBLE winner that was! Worst. Eurovision. EVER!!

ANSWERS

Mostly A:

Wow! Either you’re one of the calmest and easiest-going people out there, or you’ve really not been honest about how you feel and react!! According to your answers literally nothing phases you when it comes to Eurovision. You’re incredibly positive and take the highs and the lows of Europe’s favourite TV show – other fans could learn a lot from you!

Remember though, you’re allowed to feel things and if you’re not happy about something, you can say so. Sometimes stating an opinion feels like being dramatic when you’re usually so placid, but opinions are as much a part of Eurovision as the songs – have fun with it!

Mostly B:

By and large, you’re a pretty chilled Eurovision fan! Your answers suggest that you love the contest and enjoy most aspects of the show – and that if something does annoy you, you don’t overreact too much. A quick huff and sulk, then you move on with your life – a very healthy response to have!

You have opinions on what goes on at the contest and permit yourself the occasional small outburst when something really gets to you, but you don’t let it rule your life. Just remember to keep those little episodes in check – doesn’t take much for a few minor grumbles to become full blown toxicity!

Mostly C:

Woooah! Someone get the Geiger Counter, you’re pretty darn toxic! Firstly, well done for being so honest with your answers. Secondly, if Eurovision upsets you this much, you really should consider not watching… seriously. Your answers indicate you react very strongly to anything you dislike about the contest and that often blows up in an incredibly volatile way.

If this comes as a shock to you, take a deep breath and remember Eurovision is a TV show – it’s supposed to be fun! Try enjoying the contest for what it is, not what you think it has to be. Trust us, once you start doing this, you’ll stop giving off toxic vibes and have a lot more fun with Eurovision!

Remember! If according to our quiz you ARE a Toxic Eurovision Fan, then there’s no need to be unhappy – it’s never to late to try something new and do things differently! :-D

Author: James Scanlan
Banner Image Source: adapted from lifehack.org