Eurovision Madness

Before there was "American Idol", there was Eurovision - a trans-Europe song contest regarded with a fervor usually reserved for crucial soccer team matches. Last year, in 2005, Greece won the 50th-annual Eurovision song contest handily with the song "My #1" performed by Helena Paparizou. This year, Grecian favorite Anna Vissi will perform one of three potential songs to see if Greece can keep the crown for another year. Even her song choice is basically a contest between several favorite Greek composers and all of Greece is paying close attention to the outcome. Since Greece won last year, it gets the honor of hosting the awards this year, and Athens expects hordes of extra visitors for the week of May 15th, when finals begin, through the 18th (semi-finals) and finally, on the 20th, the real Eurovision finals. It looks to be a great show in all senses, and a fun time to be in Athens.