ABSTRACT
In the Eurovision Song Contest, the use of standardized and familiar musical elements can be useful in getting listeners to vote for an entry on their first, and perhaps only, opportunity to hear it. This chapter explores forms of musical borrowing frequently evidenced by contest entries, and “the anxiety of influence” around songs that seem to sound too similar to other entries or to other recognizable popular songs, often provoking accusations of plagiarism. Focusing on “American” sounds such as early rock ‘n’ roll and country music compared to “European” sounds of classical music and opera, this analysis of numerous contest entries reveals certain features of melodies, timbres, and textures that invite these comparisons. Songs discussed include adaptations of classical works; songs that utilize recognizable melodic shapes, rhythmic figures, and/or chord progressions that make them sound like other familiar songs; and apparent rip-offs or suspected plagiarisms of existing songs.
