Challenges of Fairness in Eurovision: A Scholarly Exploration at the Eurovisions International Conference 2025
- eurovisionsconfere
- Apr 23
- 2 min read
What does fairness really mean in the Eurovision Song Contest? Is it about equitable representation? Transparent voting systems? Artistic freedom? Or is it simply an illusion shaped by geopolitics and industry structures? These questions are at the heart of our special scholarly roundtable at the Eurovisions International Conference 2025, where five distinguished researchers will tackle the many layers of (Un)Fairness in Music—through the lens of Eurovision.
Meet the Scholars & Their Topics
Dr. Bárbara Barreiro León (University of Aberdeen)
A leading scholar in Spanish and Latin American studies, Dr. Barreiro explores cultural memory and national identity through Eurovision. She will revisit the controversy around Chanel’s 2022 selection in Spain, analyzing how questions of race, heritage, and regional identity challenge established narratives of “authentic” national representation.
Dr. Jessica Carniel (University of Southern Queensland)
A specialist in transnational identities and participatory diplomacy, Dr. Carniel reflects on the politics of fairness in Eurovision’s structure and values. Drawing from a global survey of Eurofans, she interrogates whether Eurovision lives up to its claims of universality and inclusivity—especially amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Dr. Jack Shepherd (Mid-Sweden University)
Tourism and peace studies expert Dr. Shepherd will discuss the conflict between Eurovision’s liberal values and its universal membership, using recent controversies like pinkwashing, censorship, and the emergence of Intervision as case studies. His talk will question whether Eurovision can maintain its integrity under the weight of its contradictions.
Jenna Doyle & Dr. Sam Murray (Middlesex University & University of Leeds)
Bringing industry and academic insight, composer Jenna Doyle and music scholar Sam Murray will explore the realities of songwriting for Eurovision. Based on interviews with songwriters, they’ll unpack the creative, commercial, and ethical challenges of entering a contest where access, recognition, and success are often shaped by opaque systems and industry gatekeeping.
Discussing thorny issues
This roundtable promises to be a highlight of the conference, weaving together academic analysis, fan insight, and industry experience. It will explore fairness as a contested value: is it a guiding principle or a performative claim? Who benefits from Eurovision’s current systems, and who remains on the margins?
As the contest continues to evolve, so too must our understanding of its impact—not just musically, but socially, culturally, and politically.
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