http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com en-us ©2019 12pointsfromamerica@gmail.com (Erik Nelson) 12pointsfromamerica@gmail.com (Erik Nelson) http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/profile-logo-original.jpg http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com Erik Nelson 12pointsfromamerica@gmail.com eurovision, eurovision song contest, music, pop music, humor, no Wed, 08 Jan 2019 00:00:00 EST 12 Points from America Welcome to the one show that dares to combine a long-time Eurovision expert, a pop music fanboy, a guy who’s new to this, and Derek. 12 Points from America is an irreverent and insightful podcast about four best friends coming together to discuss the Eurovision Song Contest. In America! Featuring a mix of trivia, humor, and delightful camaraderie, 12 Points from America is your new favorite look into the world's greatest music event. Welcome to the one show that dares to combine a long-time Eurovision expert, a pop music fanboy, a guy who’s new to this, and Derek. 12 Points from America is an irreverent and insightful podcast about four best friends coming together to discuss the Eurovision Song Contest. In America! Featuring a mix of trivia, humor, and delightful camaraderie, 12 Points from America is your new favorite look into the world's greatest music event. Welcome to the one show that dares to combine a long-time Eurovision expert, a pop music fanboy, a guy who’s new to this, and Derek. 12 Points from America is an irreverent and insightful podcast about four best friends coming together to discuss the Eurovision Song Contest. In America! Featuring a mix of trivia, humor, and delightful camaraderie, 12 Points from America is your new favorite look into the world's greatest music event. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST While the world awaits the release of our first episode, the 12 Points crew attempts to introduce themselves. While the world awaits the release of our first episode, the 12 Points crew attempts to introduce themselves. While the world awaits the release of our first episode, the 12 Points crew attempts to introduce themselves. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Introduction-New.mp3 0:01:29 Wed, 08 May 2019 00:00:00 EST The time has almost come for the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest, and 12 Points from America has opinions. For our inaugural episode, we're discussing our favorite songs of the year, as well as our most underrated songs and our most unpopular opinions about this year's contest. Other topics include bees on a hike and Norwegian pronunciation. The time has almost come for the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest, and 12 Points from America has opinions. For our inaugural episode, we're discussing our favorite songs of the year, as well as our most underrated songs and our most unpopular opinions about this year's contest. Other topics include bees on a hike and Norwegian pronunciation.. 12 Points from America discusses its favorite songs, sleepers, and unpopular opinions from the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode01.mp3 0:58:13 Wed, 10 May 2019 00:00:00 EST While Samantha is at Eurovision, Erik and Danny have to fend for themselves! In this episode, we hear from Sam on the latest happenings in Tel Aviv, and do our best to recap two very exciting semi-finals. We also discuss what we're excited for in Saturday's final and make some predictions for who might take this year's crown. While Samantha is at Eurovision, Erik and Danny have to fend for themselves! In this episode, we hear from Sam on the latest happenings in Tel Aviv, and do our best to recap two very exciting semi-finals. We also discuss what we're excited for in Saturday's final and make some predictions for who might take this year's crown. With Samantha is at Eurovision, Erik and Danny fend for themselves! Mostly! Featuring a check-in from Tel Aviv, a recap of the semi-finals, and a finals preview. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode02.mp3 0:50:55 Wed, 17 May 2019 00:00:00 EST The 2019 Eurovision Song Contest is in the books, and it was a doozy. This week, Samantha talks about her experiences in Tel Aviv, Erik messes up the name of the podcast, and we talk about this year's surprises and political intrigue. We also look ahead to 2020, a contest that promises to be a special one for the whole 12 Points team. The 2019 Eurovision Song Contest is in the books, and it was a doozy. This week, Samantha talks about her experiences in Tel Aviv, Erik messes up the name of the podcast, and we talk about this year's surprises and political intrigue. We also look ahead to 2020, a contest that promises to be a special one for the whole 12 Points team. The 2019 Eurovision Song Contest is in the books! This week, Samantha talks about her time in Tel Aviv, and we discuss what really surprised us this year, some Eurovision politics, and our excitement for 2020. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode03.mp3 0:51:30 Fri, 7 Jun 2019 00:00:00 EST One of Eurovision's most fascinating and dramatic aspects is how its scores are determined and subsequently revealed. This week, 12 Points from America breaks down how ESC voting is supposed to work, and then takes a closer look at some of the times it didn't go as planned. Also, we've got a special appearance by our intrepid editor/producer Derek! One of Eurovision's most fascinating and dramatic aspects is how its scores are determined and subsequently revealed. This week, 12 Points from America breaks down how ESC voting is supposed to work, and then takes a closer look at some of the times it didn't go as planned. Also, we've got a special appearance by our intrepid editor/producer Derek! Eurovision's voting system is fascinating, dramatic, and surprisingly easy to have go horribly wrong. This week, we explain the voting process and look at some of 2019's mishaps. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode04.mp3 0:43:00 Fri, 14 Jun 2019 00:00:00 EST With Eurovision 2019 behind us, we've decided to start from the beginning. This week, 12 Points from America talks about what got us into Eurovision, and how we got so hooked that we started doing a podcast about it. This episode is brought to you by a wonderful, amazing, delicious sponsor who probably wants no part of this. With Eurovision 2019 behind us, we've decided to start from the beginning. This week, 12 Points from America talks about what got us into Eurovision, and how we got so hooked that we started doing a podcast about it. This episode is brought to you by a wonderful, amazing, delicious sponsor who probably wants no part of this. With Eurovision 2019 behind us, 12 Points from America looks back at how they got into the contest, and how that led to this whole podcasting business. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode05.mp3 0:40:14 Sat, 22 Jun 2019 00:00:00 EST While there are many, many songs, only a select few earn the proverbial golden ticket to become Eurovision songs. In this episode, we discuss the various processes that Eurovision competitors use to determine what song they send to the contest. We also take a look at how those processes can go awry (spoilers: it's voters). Featuring a guest appearance by a Russian Angela Merkel, for some reason. While there are many, many songs, only a select few earn the proverbial golden ticket to become Eurovision songs. In this episode, we discuss the various processes that Eurovision competitors use to determine what song they send to the contest. We also take a look at how those processes can go awry (spoilers: it's voters). Featuring a guest appearance by a Russian Angela Merkel, for some reason. How does a song become a Eurovision song? In this episode, we discuss the various processes used to determine what songs make the contest, and how it can go wrong. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode06.mp3 0:49:02 Tue, 2 Jul 2019 00:00:00 EST Australia? In MY Eurovision?! It's more likely than you think! Despite its name, the Eurovision Song Contest has often featured acts from areas that generally aren't equated with Europe as we know it. In this episode, we take a look at how other countries get involved, as well as where and how the proverbial lines are drawn. Australia? In MY Eurovision?! It's more likely than you think! Despite its name, the Eurovision Song Contest has often featured acts from areas that generally aren't equated with Europe as we know it. In this episode, we take a look at how other countries get involved, as well as where and how the proverbial lines are drawn. Why is it that handful of Eurovision entrants aren't in, you know, Europe? In this episode, we examine how non-European countries have become a part of Europe's greatest song contest. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode07.mp3 0:47:46 Fri, 12 Jul 2019 00:00:00 EST Fire. What is it, and can it be trusted? In this episode, we look into how Eurovision and pyrotechnics became a match made in glorious, spark-filled heaven - where it began, its best and worst uses, and how it defined several of 2018's weirdest and most enduring moments. Featuring another special appearance from Derek, and the latest in our serious of questionable accents. Fire. What is it, and can it be trusted? In this episode, we look into how Eurovision and pyrotechnics became a match made in glorious, spark-filled heaven - where it began, its best and worst uses, and how it defined several of 2018's weirdest and most enduring moments. Featuring another special appearance from Derek, and the latest in our serious of questionable accents. Fire and Eurovision are a match made in heaven! This week, we take a look at where the trend began, how it's been put to good use, and how it helped create some of the contest's greatest moments. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode08.mp3 0:46:52 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 00:00:00 EST Ah, the United States - a country that everyone loves (citation needed). To celebrate Eurovision's appearance on Netflix, 12 Points from America spent this week talking about their home country's history of interacting with the contest. We also speculate on the upcoming American Song Contest, and how the U.S. might do in the contest itself, mostly by way of extremely dubious analogies. Ah, the United States - a country that everyone loves (citation needed). To celebrate Eurovision's appearance on Netflix, 12 Points from America spent this week talking about their home country's history of interacting with the contest. We also speculate on the upcoming American Song Contest, and how the U.S. might do in the contest itself, mostly by way of extremely dubious analogies. This week, the 12 Points team examines America's interest and involvement in Eurovision (or lack thereof), as well as what the future might hold for the U.S.'s potential involvement. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode09.mp3 0:48:11 Fri, 26 Jul 2019 00:00:00 EST The 2019 Eurovision Song Contest was a year to remember, and we certainly wouldn't change a thing...or would we? This week, we're discussing some of our favorite "What if?" questions about this year's show. What if Ukraine had participated? What if John Lundvik sang his other song? What if Iceland had won?! In this episode, the 12 Points crew answers these questions and more. The 2019 Eurovision Song Contest was a year to remember, and we certainly wouldn't change a thing...or would we? This week, we're discussing some of our favorite "What if?" questions about this year's show. What if Ukraine had participated? What if John Lundvik sang his other song? What if Iceland had won?! In this episode, the 12 Points crew answers these questions and more. This week, we attempt to answer some of our favorite Eurovision 2019 "what if" questions, including questions on Ukraine, Sweden, and Iceland. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode10.mp3 0:54:00 Fri, 9 Aug 2019 00:00:00 EST Eurovision is packed full of amazing musical moments, but there are times when we need a break to tabulate the votes, clean up the stage, and so on. What's the best thing to fill that time with? More music, of course! In this episode, we're talking about the history, highlights, and lowlights of these interval acts, and making a record number of bizarre pop culture references along the way. Eurovision is packed full of amazing musical moments, but there are times when we need a break to tabulate the votes, clean up the stage, and so on. What's the best thing to fill that time with? More music, of course! In this episode, we're talking about the history, highlights, and lowlights of these interval acts, and making a record number of bizarre pop culture references along the way. In this episode, the 12 Points team discusses Eurovision's interval acts - a great way to fit in a big star, show off your home country, or just do something really weird. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode11.mp3 0:39:15 Fri, 16 Aug 2019 00:00:00 EST The United Kingdom's history in the Eurovision Song Contest is extensive, and they hold numerous ESC records to this day. Recent years, however, have been a bit less kind to the Brits, even when the songs have been solid. In our first country spotlight, 12 Points from America explores the ups and downs of the U.K.'s years in the contest and, as any friendly nation would do, offers to help turn the tide. The United Kingdom's history in the Eurovision Song Contest is extensive, and they hold numerous ESC records to this day. Recent years, however, have been a bit less kind to the Brits, even when the songs have been solid. In our first country spotlight, 12 Points from America explores the ups and downs of the U.K.'s years in the contest and, as any friendly nation would do, offers to help turn the tide. In this episode, we discuss our friends in the United Kingdom, who have reached the highest highs and the lowest lows in their long history in the contest. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode12.mp3 0:45:33 Fri, 23 Aug 2019 00:00:00 EST So you've won the Eurovision Song Contest. Congratulations! Now you get the honor of hosting the festivities next year - but where are you going to put it?! Have you thought this through? In this episode, we discuss the process behind picking a host city, look at 2020's finalists before the selection is announced, and explore some of the contest's more memorable and horse-filled locales. So you've won the Eurovision Song Contest. Congratulations! Now you get the honor of hosting the festivities next year - but where are you going to put it?! Have you thought this through? In this episode, we discuss the process behind picking a host city, look at 2020's finalists before the selection is announced, and explore some of the contest's more memorable and horse-filled locales. What makes a good Eurovision host city? In this episode, we look at what goes into that decision, as well as some of the contest's historic locales. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode13.mp3 0:41:50 Fri, 30 Aug 2019 00:00:00 EST Now that we know where and when Eurovision 2020 is going to be held, it's time to do what intrepid podcasters do best - speculate wildly! In this episode, we take a look at what we might expect from the upcoming contest, what we're excited to see in Rotterdam, and most importantly, who's definitely going to win the whole thing. Also featuring a news segment that goes in so, so many directions. Now that we know where and when Eurovision 2020 is going to be held, it's time to do what intrepid podcasters do best - speculate wildly! In this episode, we take a look at what we might expect from the upcoming contest, what we're excited to see in Rotterdam, and most importantly, who's definitely going to win the whole thing. Also featuring a news segment that goes in so, so many directions. We have the venue and date - what can we expect from Eurovision 2020? In this episode, we make our best guesses regarding what might happen in Rotterdam. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode14.mp3 0:45:38 Fri, 13 Sep 2019 00:00:00 EST Regardless of country, most Eurovision songs are sung in English nowadays. What's the deal with that? In this episode, we take a look at the evolution of language in our favorite contest - the changes in language rules, unique and interesting choices, and a trio of kids who are bees. Meanwhile, we recap the latest ESC news, check in on Maruv, and Danny angers the speakers of numerous languages. Regardless of country, most Eurovision songs are sung in English nowadays. What's the deal with that? In this episode, we take a look at the evolution of language in our favorite contest - the changes in language rules, unique and interesting choices, and a trio of kids who are bees. Meanwhile, we recap the latest ESC news, check in on Maruv, and Danny angers the speakers of numerous languages. The rules and trends of language in Eurovision have evolved tremendously over the years. In our new show, we discuss the history and eccentricies of language in our favorite contest. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode15.mp3 0:47:17 Fri, 20 Sep 2019 00:00:00 EST Look, you want to do well at Eurovision. We all do. But what sort of singer should be part of your winning formula? In this episode, we chat about the pros and cons of sending a big name versus a relative unknown. Also, we have new recording gear and sound better than ever before! We celebrate by checking in on the latest ESC news and bid a solemn farewell (for now) to our beloved Maruv Watch segment. Look, you want to do well at Eurovision. We all do. But what sort of singer should be part of your winning formula? In this episode, we chat about the pros and cons of sending a big name versus a relative unknown. Also, we have new recording gear and sound better than ever before! We celebrate by checking in on the latest ESC news and bid a solemn farewell (for now) to our beloved Maruv Watch segment. Is it better to send an established star to Eurovision, or should you send an unknown underdog? This week, we try to find the answer, as well as mess with our new recording equipment. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode16.mp3 0:44:42 Fri, 27 Sep 2019 00:00:00 EST With Erik and Danny traipsing around Europe for the last couple of weeks, Samantha takes the reins for our newest, differentest episode yet. She and our producer/guest host Derek talk about a variety of Eurovision topics, their experiences covering the show live, and weigh in on Hooverphonic and the other latest news for ESC 2020! With Erik and Danny traipsing around Europe for the last couple of weeks, Samantha takes the reins for our newest, differentest episode yet. She and our producer/guest host Derek talk about a variety of Eurovision topics, their experiences covering the show live, and weigh in on Hooverphonic and the other latest news for ESC 2020! No Erik, No Danny, No Problem! In this episode, Samantha and Derek handle the podcasting duties and chat about the latest ESC news and share some favorite stories. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode17.mp3 0:42:29 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 00:00:00 EST You've followed Eurovision for years, and the time has finally come - you're going to the contest! In this episode, Sam and Derek offer up stories and useful advice from their years working on ESC press coverage, while a returning Erik asks some burning questions about the experience. We also discuss the latest ESC and JESC news, as well as Maruv's dog. You've followed Eurovision for years, and the time has finally come - you're going to the contest! In this episode, Sam and Derek offer up stories and useful advice from their years working on ESC press coverage, while a returning Erik asks some burning questions about the experience. We also discuss the latest ESC and JESC news, as well as Maruv's dog. This week, 12 Points discusses the experience of attending the contest, both as a fan and as a member of the press. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode18.mp3 0:54:29 Fri, 25 Oct 2019 00:00:00 EST We're less than a month away from Junior Eurovision 2019 in Gliwice, Poland! Before we dive into this year's group of amazingly talented artists, a fully reunited 12 Points from America looks at the short history of JESC, some of its most notable winners, and acts who made the leap from the Junior stage to the big contest itself. Also featuring the latest news on ESC 2020, Maruv, and more! We're less than a month away from Junior Eurovision 2019 in Gliwice, Poland! Before we dive into this year's group of amazingly talented artists, a fully reunited 12 Points from America looks at the short history of JESC, some of its most notable winners, and acts who made the leap from the Junior stage to the big contest itself. Also featuring the latest news on ESC 2020, Maruv, and more! In advance of our 2019 Junior Eurovision preview shows, we're taking a look at the history of JESC and discussing some of its greatest acts. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode19.mp3 0:50:42 Fri, 8 Nov 2019 00:00:00 EST JESC 2019 is almost here, so there's no better time to listen to this year's crop of songs and figure out who's definitely going to win. In the first part of our two-part contest preview, the 12 Points from America team takes a look at 10 of the 19 songs that will compete for glory this year. Disclaimer: Podcasters may not actually be in Gliwice. JESC 2019 is almost here, so there's no better time to listen to this year's crop of songs and figure out who's definitely going to win. In the first part of our two-part contest preview, the 12 Points from America team takes a look at 10 of the 19 songs that will compete for glory this year. Disclaimer: Podcasters may not actually be in Gliwice. In the first part of our JESC 2019 preview, the 12 Points team looks at 10 songs from this year's event in Gliwice, Poland. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode20.mp3 1:00:48 Fri, 15 Nov 2019 00:00:00 EST We're now just a few short days away from Junior Eurovision 2019, and we still have more songs to check out! In this episode, the 12 Points team checks out the rest of this year's songs, and we make our final predictions for who will take home this year's crown. Also featuring, for some reason, a short-lived, futile attempt at Polish pronunciation. We're now just a few short days away from Junior Eurovision 2019, and we still have more songs to check out! In this episode, the 12 Points team checks out the rest of this year's songs, and we make our final predictions for who will take home this year's crown. Also featuring, for some reason, a short-lived, futile attempt at Polish pronunciation. In the second part of our JESC 2019 preview, we take a look at the last 9 songs from this year's contest and pick our favorites from the entire field. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/12PUSA-Episode21.mp3 1:07:11 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 00:00:00 EST The votes has been tallied and Poland has officially repeated as Junior Eurovision champion. Do the fine folks at 12 Points from America have opinions on this? You bet we do! We break down the results of the big show, note our biggest surprises, and discuss ESC world's newest meme queen. We also consider JESC's voting system, which is entirely great and has absolutely no problems whatsoever (or does it)? The votes has been tallied and Poland has officially repeated as Junior Eurovision champion. Do the fine folks at 12 Points from America have opinions on this? You bet we do! We break down the results of the big show, note our biggest surprises, and discuss ESC world's newest meme queen. We also consider JESC's voting system, which is entirely great and has absolutely no problems whatsoever (or does it)? Poland has done the double! In this episode, we break down the results of Junior Eurovision 2019 and examine its interesting voting system. http://www.12pointsfromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ep-22-EDITED.mp3 0:51:07 Fri, 29 Nov 2019 00:00:00 EST