“Eurovision is even gayer this year” – British Olly Alexander competes with a tickling number – QX

You have previously said that you dreamed of being in Eurovision, what is it like to be in the ESC bubble?
– It has been fantastic! Everyone is so nice and the fans act like it’s Christmas Eve all the time (laughing). It’s fantastically positive among the artists as well and everyone supports each other, and is so happy even though it’s a competition.

Is there a song that has grown on you along the way?
– I have always loved The Code, but to see Nemo on stage is amazing. She is an incredible performer with a great voice. It’s been so cool to watch the song and him grow. And Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil from Ukraine. They are so good and passionate about what they do. Bambie Thugs Doomsday Blues I like it too.

Foto: Sarah Louise Bennett/EBU

What part of Dizzy do you like best?
– I like the middle part when the synth bass comes in and I sing”there isn´t an end, there isn’t a start. I don´t want to stop...” yes, it’s a fun moment.

Has the ESC bubble been as gay as you thought?
– It has been even gayer! (laughing). In previous years there have been gays, but this year the LGBTQ+ ratio is really high! And it’s not just on stage, but press people, backstage and the fans of course. It has exceeded my expectations.

What was your first Eurovision memory?
– Oh! Gina G 1996 incl Ooh aah Just a Little Bit. 1996, 1997 and 1998 are iconic ESC years for me. I loved Gina G and was a huge fan when I watched it with my parents. It was like the night you had to stay up long and there was a party at home.

You recently released a song with our 2018 ESC star, Benjamin Ingrosso, which was a remix of his Kite?
– Yes! I heard his song and we were on the same label, so it felt right. I love him, he is a star and it was fun to meet and talk about the Eurovision experience, which we now both share.

If you were to work with another Swedish artist, who would it be?
– I love Robyn. But who doesn’t? Then I have to say Marcus & Martin of course.

What are you listening to now?
– I love disco like Donna Summer, much older. But then I woke up this morning and wanted to hear Kate Bush and Jeff Buckley so I have quite a varied taste in music. It varies from day to day.

If you could put a name in a sealed envelope today of the person you think will win, who would it be?
– I think Nemo from Switzerland is my first choice, and then Angelina Mango from Italy. It’s between them right now.

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