Eurovision's Biggest Fan Gets Back Stage Pass

Self-proclaimed fan and expert on the Eurovision Song Contest Phil Jackson will attend this years event in Serbia as one of only four accredited experts with the BBC. He gained the coveted non-journalist accreditation due to his extensive research into what makes the contest such an important media event. Phil will be attending all rehearsals, press conferences and media launches of the 45 countries who are participating in the run-up to the final on Saturday 24 May.

Phil Jackson said: "I don’t know why I’m such a big fan, and talking with most fans, they don’t know why either. In my research, I have looked at the similarities and differences in music, culture and in different social groups and how they are all represented by the different styles of entry in the contest. For some it’s the music; for some it’s the spectacle and the drama of voting; and for others, it’s all that and a whole lot more.

"I will be blogging live from Belgrade each day, commenting on everything from Ireland’s decision to send a puppet Turkey as their entry to Russia sending their Robbie Williams equivalent to Serbia."

Earlier this year Phil, a senior lecturer in Media at Edge Hill University, attended the first academic Eurovision Song Contest conference in Volos, Greece to gather more information on this year’s event. The contest has acquired a significant number of followers, who have taken an active interest in researching why the Eurovision Song Contest has become such a popular event.