Eurovision Scream Contest?

The question whether the progressively deteriorating Eurovision Song Contest could get any worse was answered by tonight's artists with a loud 'YES!'.

Even the German commentators' attempt at preparing the audience with warnings of an upcoming scream contest was unable to prepare the ears for the screaching that followed. Even the Macedonian Caliopi could not resist to squeeze a "tune" that reminded more of the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard than actual singing into an otherwise wonderful Rockballad, while the Albanian singer Rona Nishliu gave a performance of Dadaistic proportions. A tip of the hat to anyone who could make out words in her "song". And a tip of the hat to her - for a lung volume that simply cannot be human and the courage to perform in such a manner. Say what you will, Rona's performance was definitely something else.
After the first 20 minutes I felt the urge to call the ESC committee and demand my time back or at least a renaming of the contest to something more appropriate, possible alternatives including but not limited to European Scream Contest, European Gymnastics Contest and European Special Effects/ Glittery Clothes Contest or my personal favourite European Nothing-to-do-with Song Contest.
By now no one kids theirselves about the "talent" showing up for the ESC. The days of Abba and Nicole are long gone, and the contest has become the playground of B-list singers who just did not make it to the top. If they had, they would not be here. And this is also why many of the participants feel the need for effects instead of talent, gymnastics instead of articulate vocals, glitter dresses and pretty bimbos instead of artists.

One of the few acts that really impressed me was the Russian Babuschki. Of course they did not have strong voices - in this case it was a welcome break for bleeding ears - but cudos to that group of slightly elderly women to get up on stage and rock the house asking everyone to party! Entertainment-wise my personal favourite, it seems the voters shared my opinion.
While with Sweden's "Euphoria" finally a song won that, unlike many predecessing years' victors, actually deserved it, the overall contest does seem to become nothing more than an occasion for a good rant, more so each year. I end up asking myself whether I watch it due to its status as a "historical" contest or out of curiosity how much worse the whole thing can get before they finally call it a day. It is definitely not for the "music" (she says, knowing full well she will be in front of the TV in a year again - same procedure as every year).