- At any big television event these days, it's always worth keeping an eye on the second screen. Because as Russia's Polina Gagarina fought Tuesday for her place in the Eurovision final, viewers weren't just watching her but also sharing their comments online.
- And while Gagarina's song "A Million Voices" is about peace and unity, the voices of Twitter were less about harmony and more about Russia and its politics.
- Latent (and not so latent) homophobia is rife in Russia. So the live audience in Vienna were quick to raise their rainbow flags in colorful protest before Gagarina had even finished the first chorus — a move spotted by many viewers:
Oops, #RUS... I think you've been trolled... #Eurovision #Russia #PolinaGagarina pic.twitter.com/ciptrOsEIq- Others pointed out the irony of Russia even competing in an event that is known for its substantial gay following. How does that fit with the country's law against what authorities term "gay propaganda?", they wondered:
Gay propaganda is illegal but we're totally fine with competing in this big gay song competition #Eurovision2015 #Russia- Then again, one tweeter argued, if Russia's musical scene is so in touch with the LGBT community, why not send Hozier to perform for them in the first place?
I'm surprised Putin didn't get Hozier to sing 'Take Me To Church' for #RUS this year at #Eurovision- As Gagarina continued to sing, other viewers made sure to remind their followers why Ukraine wasn't performing in this year's Eurovision Song Contest:
The #RUS song time is a good time to mention that Ukraine isn't in #Eurovision 2015, because they're too busy being invaded. Priorities, etc
Waiting for #Ukraine's song at #Eurovision! Oh wait..... http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-29280319 … … #Eurovision2015- Then there were the puns …
We spy a point-grabbing Euroballad… Well, she’s Sochi nice girl…#Russia #Eurovision2015 pic.twitter.com/f58XUm3J4W- … the obligatory Putin memes …
- … and the X-Files references. Whoever wrote the lyrics surely must have seen this coming?
Russian Eurovision Song pic.twitter.com/QWWMlli4gY- And while some viewers worried about Russia's performance getting booed again …
I remember Russia getting booed last year, which is a shame, because those girls can't really be blamed for their government #Eurovision2015- … it wasn't an issue this year, as many noted.
Thank the lord there are no boos for Russia. #Eurovision2015
Russia not booed this year. Amazing what happens when you dont invade somewhere. #Eurovision2015
Last year they were booed, this year they are one of the favs to win... This will obviously sail through. #RUS #Eurovision2015- Though to what extent this was due to special technology installed against boos being heard on television is unclear.
As seen on
themoscowtimes.com
