There’s no denying that Eurovision 2023 was packed with showstopping tunes from all twenty-six countries but, we must talk about the unsung hero of the night, the BBC's BSL sign language interpreter Adrian Bailey.
Eurovision sign language interpreters have gained recognition over the years for their enthusiastic, upbeat and vibrant responses to the content on screen.
Their passion and love for what they do always manages to seep through the screen.
Many moons ago (2015), During Magnus Carlsson’s performance of “Möt Mig I Gamla Stan” at Sweden’s Melodifestivalen, the sign language interpreter was reported to have “pulled out all the stops and stole the show.” – and that, dear reader, is exactly what he did.
Fast forward eight years and Adrian Bailey has gone viral after taking to the screen tonight with his brilliant sign language delivery of Finland’s rock n roll song, Käärijä (Cha Cha!)
He is one of many BSL interpreters who have caught the good people on Twitter’s attention. Accompanying him onscreen tonight were Liz Smith, Christopher Stone, Abigail Gorman and Naomi Bearne.
Fans took to Twitter to share their love for Brody with one user saying “This #Eurovision sign language interpreter just delivered the most entertaining sign and dance performance of the evening so far. #Eurovision2023”
Give this guy a trophy 👏👏👏 #bbcEurovision #signlanguage pic.twitter.com/EWfIuhmMIG
— Rachel 💙💜 (@RachelB451) May 13, 2023
This #Eurovision sign language interpreter just delivered the most entertaining sign and dance performance of the evening so far. #Eurovision2023 pic.twitter.com/ipVaP9QJlk
— Mark Arby 💙 (@markarby) May 13, 2023
The sign language on bbc iPlayer live is verrrry distracting and enjoyable 😏 pic.twitter.com/gWbHVBENDS
— Alice Oliver (@alice192823) May 13, 2023
eurovision sign language interpreters really showcasing how much of an art form it is. signing music is a special skill in itself but the way they’re getting across the campness of it all (the commentary as well as the songs) is next level.
— rah☀️راه (@tricerawrites) May 13, 2023
Drinks on @adrianjbailey for the Finnish entry. Douze point Adrian, Douze Points.
— Terplife (@BSLterplife) May 13, 2023
Another user said “Eurovision sign language interpreters really showcasing how much of an art form it is. signing music is a special skill in itself but the way they’re getting across the campness of it all (the commentary as well as the songs) is next level.”
Adrian joins the list of multiple iconic moments from Eurovision 2023 with another being Austria’s opening song about being possessed by Edgar Allen Poe, the 1800s writer, and poet extraordinaire.
With lyrics such as “There’s a ghost in my body, And he is a lyricist, It is Edgar Allan Poe, And I think he can’t resist, Yeah his brain is in my hand, And it’s moving really fast, mhm” it’s no wonder this song has turned so many heads.
I love how you could hear the whole audience singing POE POE POE POE. What a great opener with 🇦🇹 Austria #Eurovision #Eurovision2023 #ESC2023 pic.twitter.com/xRMN7OgSw8
— Kerem 🇸🇪🇫🇮🇱🇻 | #tattooera ⵣ (@Krm_H67) May 13, 2023
These unforgettable performances are one of the many reasons why Eurovision has remained a fan favourite all across Europe to this day.
