Ballad

– This is relentless. How much longer does it go on?
– Sorry?
– Eurovision. How many hundreds of songs are we expected to sit through?
– Well, they've whittled it down somewhat through the semifinals. These are the remaining best twenty-seven, I believe. It may seem a lot, but there are a lot of countries in Europe nowadays.
– They seem to take the definition of Europe fairly loosely.
– I think it's about being inclusive.
– Australia?
– Well, I agree perhaps that's taking inclusivity a little too far. But I think they were feeling left out. It's good to see so much enthusiasm for wanting to be part of Europe. Especially considering the efforts some politicians go to to take us out of Europe.
– Perhaps I am starting to see their point. Some of the songs are decidedly odd.
– It's refreshing to celebrate the cultural diversity across this great continent, rather than have everything sound like a bland imitation of western pop music. Even if sometimes they are a little – unusual. It's a pity that more countries don't sing in their native tongue.
– Yes. I don't get many chances to try out my Hungarian.
– The songs are almost over.
– Thank goodness.
– Yes, it's always exciting when the voting starts.
– That's not what I meant.