With Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Dan Stevens, Mikael Persbrandt. Countries are also known to make statements with their choices. “A big part of Eurovision is Russia and Ukraine and Bulgaria, which are countries that are not so gay-friendly. Digital Spy participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The film follows aspiring Icelandic singers Lars Erickssong and Sigrit Ericksdottir as they are given the chance to represent their country at the Eurovision Song Contest. Visit Tunefind for music from your favorite TV shows and movies. Directed by David Dobkin. Many of the songs were blended with Swedish singer Molly Sandén. “It’s one of the last shows where you don’t win by fitting in,” Rybak says. "This was unlike any movie either of us has ever done, and she didn't bat an eye," praised Ferrell. The Story of Fire Saga - Dan Stevens as Alexander Lemtov. A human-sized hamster wheel? In the movie, they all seem like old friends, pros at breaking out into spontaneous, glamorous song-and-dance numbers at parties. EUROVISION SONG CONTEST: The Story of Fire Saga - Netta Barzilai as Neta. He wanted to make something respectful of the contest, while still having fun with it,” Adams says. "The plan was that I would go into the booth. For a week, it’s a competition, but it’s a peaceful competition. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. It’s one thing that the zany characters Ferrell and and McAdams play might not have minded too much, however. Conchita recognizes the rare space she occupies, too. An avalanche of cameos by famous Eurovision performers appears in the film’s “song-along” sequence, featuring covers of songs by Celine Dion (who won the contest in … “There’s all these artists, and all they do is just one song. EUROVISION SONG CONTEST: The Story of Fire Saga-(L-R) Rachel McAdams as Sigrit Ericksdottir, Will Ferrell as Lars Erickssong. The adventure began during the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 when the North-American actor, Will Ferrell, travelled to Lisbon to … “I cherish Eurovision for opening me to the world, but I found out that it’s a very difficult path.” Her latest single “Cuckoo” is about this struggle. It’s not mocking the weak people.” Netta suggests that the over-the-top quality of the comedy is right at home with the comedy of Eurovision itself. McAdams studied guitar and piano for the role to play Sigrit during her stage performances. I played the diva of set: ‘Where are my lines? Listen to trailer music, OST, original score, and the full list of popular songs in the film. In 2018, France was represented by a song titled “Mercy,” performed by a duo who told the story of a Nigerian immigrant. For now, with 2020’s contest canceled and 2021 a year away, audiences whose interest is piqued by Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga will have to be satisfied with the 65-year backlog of Eurovision content waiting to be explored. The soundtrack is available to buy from Amazon Music. That song is not featured in Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, the new Netflix movie out June 26 starring Will Ferrell and Rachel … Eurovision isn’t just restricted to continental Europe: countries like Israel and Australia also send contestants. This film is based on two lead singers namely Lars Erickssong and Sigrit Ericksdóttir who represent Iceland in the Eurovision platform. Eurovision fans will notice Sandén's name as she came third when she represented Sweden at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2006. Digital Spy now has a newsletter – sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox. "It feels like I'm coming back to Eurovision… but this time I'm winning.". But he also emphasizes that the show, which helped launch careers of artists like ABBA and Celine Dion, is much more than just a talent contest with fun costumes. Please try again later. As for Russian favourite Alexander Lemtov, Dan Stevens is brilliant in the role, but those aren't his vocals on 'Lion of Love'. “I loved it so much. "And actually, it works really well. I think it's great, and it fits really neatly. You can come as you are, you can be as you want to be, you will be welcomed, respected and accepted,” Conchita says. For the first time in 64 years, the annual Eurovision Song Contest was canceled this spring. “It’s exactly him!” she says. “Conchita: she’s a symbol of gender fluidity and thinking outside the box,” Netta says of her fellow winner. This whole movie celebrates it.”. "They did some fancy stuff in the studio and pulled it together that way.". Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire and Saga, Netflix‘s new comedy, is all about the music. “It’s nice that we have a European culture, this Euro tradition. And I got the stage not only to perform but to say something, and make it count.” With a floor-length red carpet gown, long lashes and sleek hair, and a thick beard, Conchita’s distinct drag look is both surprising and defiant. “This isn’t just a singing contest. It was a huge thing! Rachel McAdams sang the beginning of most of Fire Saga's songs, but the main vocal performance comes from Molly Sandén, AKA My Marianne. “I’m so lucky, because in this universe, I’m Beyoncé. Are Bling Empire's Kelly & Andrew still together? From Loreen’s “Euphoria” to Mahmood’s “Soldi” (some of Netta’s recommendations) to this year’s submissions from Iceland and Malta (Conchita’s suggestions), the stars rattle off a diverse list of their favorites. EUROVISION SONG CONTEST: The Story of Fire Saga - Estonian singer Elina Netsajeva, Austrian singer Conchita Wurst. The fact is, Eurovision is like a lazy susan that spins round: you can take the political drama, you can take the disposable pop songs or you can take the deep meaning ballad.”, Rybak doesn’t mind the movie’s comic tone, either. “In theory, it’s a contest to choose Europe’s best original song,” explains William Lee Adams, a longtime Eurovision superfan and commentator based in the U.K. “In reality, it’s a smorgasbord of pop culture, where music, politics and even notions of good taste mingle in wonderful and often uncomfortable ways. Ferrell and McAdams’ version certainly leans into the cheesy side: at one point, Ferrell wears a tight, pure-white onesie while being hoisted in the air and runs on a human-sized hamster wheel; Dan Stevens, who plays a flamboyant Russian competitor named Alexander Lemtov, gives an increasingly bare-chested and lascivious performance of the red-blooded show song “Lion of Love.” But in the second half, the importance of national pride and cultural heritage come to play a surprising role. Warning: There are spoilers below for "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga." The Eurovision performances in the movie are just as impressive, but is it really the cast singing all of the songs on the soundtrack? The movie features 12 original songs including four co-written by Savan Kotecha, the writer behind the likes of Ariana Grande's 'God Is A Woman' and The Weeknd's 'Can't Feel My Face'. "Everybody was an extra or had some role in the movie. The movie stars Ferrell and Rachel McAdams as two Icelandic friends trying to achieve their dream of winning the Eurovision Song Contest. The original plan though was that Stevens would sing in the final movie, but the current global situation prevented him from doing so. https://screenrant.com/eurovision-movie-song-along-cameos-singers-artists That’s the danger of being a Eurovision star,” Netta says. Why, wonders Rybak, hasn’t it expanded even further? “He’s playing him so accurately.”). In the film, Jamala is seen singing ABBA's song Waterloo, which the group famously won Eurovision with in … I am a big, plus sized, weird, quirky pop star.” But her winning entry, “Toy,” was a referendum of self-empowerment that has endeared her to a new legion of fans. (As for that character? But parts of them are very homophobic.” Netta has witnessed this homophobia firsthand: at a recent Bulgarian Pride parade, a counter-protest popped up nearly double the size of the main Pride parade. Still, there are challenges. The Real Stars of the Eurovision Song Contest on the Competition Behind the New Netflix Comedy. She hadn’t been planning on becoming a Eurovision star, but a victory in an Israeli talent contest boosted her to the global stage. Ever since, he has been one of its most avid viewers; now, he sits on judging panels for countries selecting their entrants, and hosts an annual party attended by thousands during the competition. The "Songalong" sequence merges past Eurovision participants' talents into a soaring—and honestly, quite glorious—pop medley. “I’ve also been ashamed of being who I am. '” Conchita remembers. It also pioneered tele-voting and made real-time cross-border broadcasting a reality. Netta, Conchita and Rybak are just three of the former winners who were asked by Ferrell and director David Dobkin to make cameos in the Eurovision movie, all appearing in a festive party scene stocked with fellow Eurovision stars. Jonathan Olley/NETFLIX—© 2020 Netflix, Inc. EUROVISION SONG CONTEST: The Story of Fire Saga - Melissa Mahut as Mita, Alex Rybak, Will Ferrell as Lars Erickssong. (Those parts of the movie are not exaggerated parody at all, but perhaps closest to what’s real.). “I was really impressed with his knowledge. “Eurovision also brings you to a deep connection with gay pride and the gay community,” she says. “For them to even think about sending a transgender woman to represent was outrageous!” Netta says. “You turn from a musician into a real national hero,” recalls Netta. I am a big Eurovision fan that I really enjoyed all of the music that they performed in the movie and when I noticed on the soundtrack itself there was a Tiesto remix of "Double Trouble" I had to buy it. You can unsubscribe at any time. Write to Raisa Bruner at raisa.bruner@time.com. Buy now Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga soundtrack. “Norwegians, we are very skeptical all the time,” Rybak says. This musical comedy movie has been directed by David Dobkin and written by Andrew Steele and Will Farrel. Plus, it was a rare moment for the elite Eurovision crew to reunite in one place. Looking for more TV recommendations and discussion? The scoreboard lists countries, not artists, and government entities often play a role in the selection. I was singing onstage to Eric’s track when we shot it, and I think the plan was for me to go into the booth and sing it, but then the world got turned upside down," he told Vulture. Each year, the Eurovision Song Contest draws about 200 million viewers for the final night of the weeklong competition, making it more popular than the Grammys, the Academy Awards and the Super Bowl. But already, the wheels are turning for the 2021 installment next May, set to take place in Rotterdam. Ferrell sought out Adams to discuss Eurovision in 2018, he says. McAdams told The AV Club that her and Sandén's vocals were "quite similar" and explained how the process worked. One of the great things about Eurovision is we forget about politics. When aspiring musicians Lars and Sigrit are given the opportunity to represent their country at the world's biggest song competition, they finally have a chance to prove that any dream worth having is a dream worth fighting for. You name it, a Eurovision contestant has done it in real life. It was another song that Kotecha co-wrote, and opera singer Erik Mjönes supplies the final vocals for Lemtov's outrageous Eurovision performances, as well as in the cameo-filled medley at Lemtov's pre-Eurovision party. Dashed were the hopes of the frontrunner going into the competition: a submission from Iceland, Daði Freyr’s jazzy, catchy “Think About Things.”. Folk musicians and electronica? Rachel McAdams' character, Sigrit, is an Icelandic singer in the new Netflix movie. She also entered Sweden's Eurovision contest, Melodifestivalen, but never won on the three occasions she competed. Eurovision Song Contest includes a mid-movie mainstream medley, and various pop culture figures make cameos through the Netflix film. And part of that campiness is in the way it embraces the idiosyncrasies of its competitors. It’s the world’s longest-running annual international TV contest, growing from a seven-country event hosted by the European Broadcasting Union to one that has included 52 nations. But that wasn’t the case at all: Rybak was flattered to be drawn to the center of the action by Dobkin himself. “[Ferrell] likes to make fun, but he does parodies with heart. But Eurovision is not about kowtowing to expectations. Netta, Conchita and Adams—who plays a version of himself in the movie as well—also felt the cast’s support. To them, the competition is one of the biggest music events for the entire year. That “semi-sweet, semi-Dracula kind of vibe,” as Netta puts it, reminded her of San Marino’s 2019 entry. In 2015, Armenia sent a group called Genealogy that consisted of members of that nation’s diaspora; they sang a song called “Don’t Deny,” which references the Armenian Genocide, the denial of which remains a painful issue. The soundtrack features an array of stars, from movie star Will Ferrell, to TV star Dan Stevens, and pop star Demi Lovato, to past Eurovision stars like the 2017 Portuguese winner, Salvador Sobral and the 2018 Israeli winner, Netta. Does Netflix's Eurovision movie earn douze points? Eurovision's music producer Savan Kotecha told Vulture that both singers performed the song and then, "sent the files to the film mixers and they blended them. She ended up taking home the prize. Could Amsterdam's New Economic Theory Replace Capitalism? “It’s a very, very, very big deal,” agrees Conchita. Eurovision Movie Music Video. That song is not featured in Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, the new Netflix movie out June 26 starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams as a small-town Icelandic singing duo passionate about ABBA, metallic costumes and over-the-top pop. The songs become treatises on the zeitgeists,” Adams insists. The comedy, starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams as Icelandic duo Fire Saga, fills the Eurovision gap of 2020 after this year's contest was cancelled, and it's likely you'll have listened endlessly to the soundtrack since watching it. "I felt like a failure the last time I tried to compete for Sweden because the plan was for me to win. Kotecha co-wrote Fire Saga's Eurovision entry, the infectious 'Double Trouble', and it features Will Ferrell's vocals. “Whenever you have an individual as the torchbearer for a nation, they become a cultural or even a political symbol,” Adams says. On-stage pyrotechnics? If you’re a fan of the competition, when you remember someone, you remember that one song. “That’s a really, really weird thing to go through. “It takes you from saying ‘Huh?’ to a great amount of laughter to being obsessed with it. An unexpected error has occurred with your sign up. The more outlandish the song, the better. Buy now Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga soundtrack. Related: Eurovision theory solves the movie's biggest plot hole. The movie and the music is so much fun. Contestants have often been selected to tell stories about their country’s history, invoke traditional pride or suggest a nation’s forward-looking stances. Since their big wins, Netta, Conchita and Rybak have each carved out ongoing musical careers of their own, too. The Eurovision Song Contest is a big deal across the globe, and has been for some time – the first Eurovision contest was held in … Everybody got to meet Will Ferrell and Facebook was flooded with selifes with Pierce Brosnan," he says, adding that Brosnan really did spend all day filming on an icy fishing boat. The film follows Icelandic singers Lars Erickssong and Sigrit Ericksdóttir (Ferrell and Rachel McAdams) as they are given the chance to represent their country at the Eurovision Song Contest. * The request timed out and you did not successfully sign up. Eric's singing style is so perfect for the song. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is a love letter to the pan-European pop-music competition that, like Cannes and the Olympics, was … “I mean, I’m sorry!” It’s rough luck this year for the real-life Icelandic artists. Eurovision: How a Real-Life Contestant Found Unlikely Redemption in Netflix’s New Movie Swedish pop singer Molly Sandén competed on Eurovision four times, and … That’s been the experience for stars like Netta, the Israeli 2018 winner; Alexander Rybak, the Norwegian winner from 2009; and Conchita Wurst, the stage name of Austrian drag queen Thomas Neuwirth, who took home the title in 2014. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Netflix's Eurovision song sung by Iceland entrant. All Rights Reserved. The Netflix film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga drops in less than one week, but already curious fans can preorder or pre-save the official soundtrack from the Apple Music store. “You don’t win by copying what’s on the playlist. That’s the definition of camp. It’s suddenly like you win in the musical Olympics, and you give your little country hope and pride.” Netta says that countries are known to be demonstrably happier after their contestants qualify for finals, and especially when they win. “There are some fans who are deeply offended by the thought of a Eurovision parody, but I think we have to celebrate that. Can I get some lines? Swedish pop star Molly Sandén also provides the vocals for McAdams' character. The movie … “I get shivers,” Netta says, when she sees videos of fellow Israelis screaming and taking to the streets the night she won. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Netflix unveils trailer for epic sci-fi movie, Selling Sunset star has big season 4 update. And it's not just Eurovision singers that get to have their moment in the Netflix film - long running commentator Graham Norton, who has been providing UK commentary since 2009, also gets a … But according to many of the former winners who live and breathe the Eurovision life, the blithely self-skewering movie, co-written by Ferrell, may not be so far off from the glittery, campy, subtly political reality of one of the world’s marquee events. Amanda Gorman and the Art of Being Unfinished and Imperfect. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. In reality, the stars admit, they don’t often see each other outside of social media. After all, it does have the Eurovision Song Contest in its title. “Can you imagine if the contest would have taken place, and Iceland would have won, and this movie would have come out?” Conchita laughs. That becomes them. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our. “Every winner is different,” Netta says. 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