The Eurovision Song Contest!

The Eurovision Song Contest Written by Sharon Beaux Focus Question What is the Eurovision Song Contest? And according to the author, what impact has it had on Europe?

《欧洲歌唱大赛》 莎伦·博 著 思考问题 什么是欧洲歌唱大赛？ 在作者看来，它对欧洲产生了什么影响？

In the beginning, the first time I saw the Eurovision Song Contest on television was in 1970. I was with my family, who are Irish. Judges from other countries voted for their favorite songs. We wanted Ireland's song to win the contest. My first memory of this yearly show has stayed with me. It taught me that I lived in a country that was part of a continent called Europe. I remember it because that year Ireland won the Eurovision Song Contest.

我第一次在电视上看欧洲歌唱大赛是1970年。 当时我和我的爱尔兰家人在一起。 来自各国的评委为自己喜爱的歌曲投票。 我们希望爱尔兰的歌曲能赢得比赛。 这场年度演出给我的第一份记忆一直留存在我心中。 它让我明白，我的国家属于叫作欧洲的这片大陆。 我记得这件事，是因为那一年爱尔兰赢得了比赛。

What is Eurovision? The Eurovision Song Contest is Europe's largest and most exciting song competition. People are proud of their country's performances. Contestants show off their talent to their international neighbors. Audiences have fun voting.

什么是欧歌赛？ 欧洲歌唱大赛是欧洲规模最大、最激动人心的歌唱比赛。 人们都为本国的参赛表演感到骄傲。 选手们向各国友人展示自己的才华。 观众们开心地参与投票。

When did Eurovision start? The Eurovision Song Contest started in 1956. It was a way to help European countries do something fun together after the Second World War. The first Eurovision Song Contest took place in Switzerland, and only seven European countries took part. The show lasted over an hour and a half. Popular singers from each country sang live.

欧歌赛是什么时候创办的？ 欧洲歌唱大赛创办于1956年。 二战结束后，它让欧洲各国可以一起做一件有意思的事。 第一届大赛在瑞士举办，只有七个欧洲国家参赛。 整场演出时长超过一个半小时。 各国的知名歌手现场登台演唱。

How does Eurovision work? Each country chooses its song entry in a national competition. All songs must be sung live and must be three minutes or less.

欧歌赛的规则是什么？ 每个国家会通过国内选拔赛选出参赛曲目。 所有歌曲必须现场演唱，时长不超过三分钟。

All the performers travel to the country where Eurovision is taking place. They compete against each other to reach the semi -finals. This event takes place over two days. The 26 winning acts go to the grand final. The audience and the judges vote. Five music industry experts also vote.

所有选手都会前往举办大赛的国家。 他们互相竞争，争夺半决赛的席位。 半决赛会持续两天。 胜出的26组选手晋级总决赛。 观众和评委参与投票。 还有五位音乐界专家也会参与投票。