“Avada Kedavra, I speak to destroy. The feelings I have, I cannot avoid. Through twisted tongues, a hex deployed on you.”

 

Although not entirely Bronx-related but as we are now celebrating Pride Month, I wanted to share my thoughts as this was the first year Americans could vote in the Eurovision Song Contest through “The Rest of The World” category. This was thanks to Peacock acquiring the rights to broadcast the contest. I just wanted to formally say that IRELAND WAS ROBBED!

Ireland, represented by non-binary artist, Bambie Thug, with the song “Doomsday Blue,” delivered the most perfect and ultimate Eurovision performance and set ever! From start to finish, this song and performance showcased artistic and vocal superiority among the other contestants. In my personal and professional opinion, it should have won the whole contest! However, due to international politics and final vote counts, it did not. Many claimed Bambie’s performance was “satanic” because of the lyrics and imagery used.

 

The performance included a Trans flag-inspired outfit and faced backlash for the artist’s support of political stances such as “Free Palestine” and “Ceasefire Now” during the supposedly apolitical contest. There was even a demand to remove some make-up from the costuming that showcased the ancient Ogham/Irish alphabet.

With a Harry Potter reference opening the song, leading into, “I guess you’d rather have a star than the moon. I guess I always overestimate you. Hoodoo, all the things that you do. I’m down, down in my doomsday blue,” can one truly be too scared of such powerful and masterful art?

 

AJ Ramos is a resident of Norwood, a Eurovision fan, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and recently graduated from The CUNY School of Professional Studies in Manhattan with a B.A. in communications and media.

 

Editor’s Note: Check out our latest Out & About listing for details of various Pride events taking place throughout June.