大象传媒 Scotland - 大象传媒 Scotland - The TV presenter set to lead Scotland鈥檚 first ever Eurovision entry

The TV presenter set to lead Scotland鈥檚 first ever Eurovision entry

29 July 2019

The Eurovision Song Contest is a much-loved annual TV event that commands audiences in the many, many millions. But it might come as a surprise to learn that there is also a choral version of Eurovision.

At Eurovision Choir 2019, Scotland will be represented as a separate participant, rather than as part of the United Kingdom — the first time at a Eurovision event. The choir comprises Gaelic singers and is led by Scottish TV personality Joy Dunlop.

“I’m a huge Eurovision fan,” she said. “And I also love choirs. The draw for me was the opportunity to have Gaelic represented on an international level.

“It’s a phenomenal opportunity for us, as Gaelic speakers, to show people throughout Europe that, yes, we’ve got our own language, we’ve got our own culture, and this is what it looks and sounds like.”

‘You’re comparing apples and oranges’

The ten countries taking part in Eurovision Choir 2019 can sing in any language they choose which, Joy believes, will make the judges’ decision-making difficult.

“In some ways, you’re comparing apples and oranges because it’s in different languages.

“But with music it’s more about the feeling that you’re conveying, your musicality and how you move on stage.

“I don’t envy the judges, as I think they’ll have ten very different performances to try and compare. We just want to go and do our best.”