**TL;DR: Politics have always been an integral part of the Eurovision song contest.** This years Eurovision if anything, proves that Eurovision isn't just a contest. As the first competition post- Brexit, the 2021 competition was a testament to our relations with our European neighbours. As [Caroline Frost] (https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-politics-of-eurovision) argues, politics have been 'laced into the contest ever since 1956 when, in the same year six countries signed up for a 'customs union', exactly the same six nations participated in the very first trans- European singing contest'. The contest is known for being a bit cheesy at the best of times, and although this years winners 'Måneskin' from Italy offered a very impressive performance, the contestants are often known for not being the greatest of performers. This year, the UK managed to score a whopping zero points overall, from both the judging panel and the public, making it the second time that the UK scored nul points since 2003. Of course, there is no official way of telling whether this score was due to poor performance, or as [Helen Pidd] (https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/may/23/nul-points-how-can-uk-win-eurovision-analysis) argues, a reaction to the EU nations for Brexit, but it is a very interesting coincidence.

**TL;DR - Sure, Eurovision can be political but it is much more than just politics. We have to recognise the history and reason for Eurovision before we complain about ‘nul points’** The enigma that is Eurovision. A long show, once a year, that proves no matter how hard we try to sing or create exciting content, politics prevails. **OR SO I THOUGHT** Yes, politics plays a part in this show. Cyprus will most likely vote for Greece, the Scandinavians often vote for each other. However, it is not as political as we assume. I think it is easy to claim politics as a result of maybe receiving ‘nul points’ - I am of course referencing the UK and the uproar on Twitter every year. For sure, Brexit and the problems with vaccine rollout maybe didn’t help the UK this year (or for a few previous years!) - but it has not always been like that. Actually the UK is one of the [most successful countries with 5 wins!] (https://eurovision.tv/about/facts-and-figures). Politics plays a part in Eurovision however it is not the only reason for success or failure. The song contest is relies on personality, performance and song more than just mere politics. Especially now with the introduction fo the jury votes, politics is, at least a little, more irrelevant in the Eurovision Song Contest.

In other news, the sky is blue.

Eurovision isn't all politics, and usually the winner is well deserved... but after where the UK finished this year on the back of Brexit, there can be very little doubt that a political element has solidly manifested itself in the contest.