Eurovision and Nothingness: backstage with the hopefuls of Europe's biggest TV event
You wouldn’t know it by looking at him, but Philip Thornhill’s life is about to change forever. Hundreds of costumed fans have gathered outside the arena here in Vienna, waving flags under a late afternoon sun, and singing along to the bubbly Europop blaring from huge loudspeakers. Backstage, Philip can’t hear them, but he will soon.
In the halls, things are building to a crescendo. A bearded drag queen fans herself furiously in one corridor, pausing only to adjust her black flamenco dress and pose for photos. Smiling, musclebound men prance around in the press hall, hoisting signs that read “Free Hugs!” But nobody takes them up on their offer — they’re too busy setting up cameras and doing sound checks, and prepping for the event…
Source:: The Verge
