The thought of watching three hours of live, European pop music could be enough to make some people feel out of tune, but British scientists have revealed watching the Eurovision song contest is good for your health.
The annual event that stops a continent takes place in Portugal on Sunday morning (New Zealand time), and with a television audience of more than 180 million people, the health benefits are reaching this side of the world too.
Twenty-six countries compete to win Eurovision. It has launched the careers of acts like ABBA, Celine Dion and Bucks Fizz. It also has an extensive history of performances that are, well, less than mainstream.
Now new research from a university in London says watching Eurovision makes your outlook on life a lot brighter. The survey found a person's happiness levels increased as much as 10 times if their country placed well in the competition.
If the bookies are correct, the people of Israel may be very happy on Sunday. Their entry is one of the favourites to win, as is Australia, which is taking part for the fourth time, despite being a long way from Europe.
Eurovision has a large following in the gay community. Russia, a country with strong anti-gay laws, has failed to make the finals this year.
The 2018 entry from Ireland tells the story of a same-sex relationship. It was enough for China to cut the live feed.
Eurovision organisers responded to the censorship by banning China from broadcasting the event entirely.
So with China and Russia missing out on the excitement this year, it will be all smiles for the other countries aiming for euphoria.
Newshub.
