I am personally a fan of rock and metal music who still listens to pop and other genres sometimes. I also like following Eurovision and a criticism I see about the contest is that it is a "generic pop contest" or that it only rewards "generic pop". I don't agree with this because there are lots of countries every year who send rock, folk, hip hop, a fusion of different genres, etc. I know rock and metal artists who attend the contest do tend to change their sound to be more radio friendly but still.

I also think it's unfair to classify all pop entries as "generic", the ones who are actually generic tend to not make it to the final and a lot of pop entries have something original going on. Also no offense to fans of generic pop, you like what you like, it's harmless, I'm just saying the term does not describe most songs on ESC

Here are the genres of winning songs in the last 10 years:

2024 | Nemo - The Code: Drum and bass, EDM (I wouldn't say it's generic at all)

2023 | Loreen - Tattoo: Electropop, Europop (Okay it's kind of generic but she is a very talented singer)

2022 | Kalush Orchestra - Stefania: Alternative hip hop, folk (Not a pop song)

2021 | Maneskin - Zitti e buoni: Glam rock, punk rock (Not pop)

2020

2019 | Duncan Laurence - Arcade: Pop (This one is also generic I'll give it to you)

2018 | Netta - Toy: Dance pop, Mizrahi, electropop (A pop song that's far from being generic I'd say lol)

2017 | Salvador Sobral - Amar pelos dois: Jazz waltz, bossa nova (Not pop)

2016 | Jamala - 1944: I don't know what its genre should be called but I know it's not generic pop

2015 | Mans Zelmerlow - Heroes: Dance-pop, electropop (Okay this is a generic pop song. It's fun though)

2014 | Conchita Wurst - Rise Like A Phoenix: Operatic pop (Not generic)

What do you guys think? Am I just coping? I love ESC and I think it does have room for diversity in music and originality. I don't agree with people who think it's a generic pop contest ultimately...