内容摘要：“The Sacred Harp” is still sung in its hollow square formation. Singers organize into four voice parts: treble, alto, tenor and bass. Each group takes a side, facing an opening in the center where a rotating song leader guides the group and keeps time as dozens of voices come from all sides.

“The Sacred Harp” is still sung in its hollow square formation. Singers organize into four voice parts: treble, alto, tenor and bass. Each group takes a side, facing an opening in the center where a rotating song leader guides the group and keeps time as dozens of voices come from all sides.

This story has been updated to correct that“Oh, Sing with Me!” is from 1859, instead of 1895.Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s

with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.▶ Follow live updates onBASEL, Switzerland (AP) — There has already been triumph and tears, singing onstage and in the streets, and a touch of political division, as the 69th

approaches its grand final in the Swiss city ofMusical acts from 26 countries will take the stage at the St. Jakobshalle arena on Saturday in a spectacular, sequin-drenched competition that has been uniting and dividing Europeans since 1956.

Here’s everything to know:

Eurovision is competition in which performers from countries across Europe, and a few beyond it, compete under their national flags with the aim of being crowned continental champion. Think of it as the Olympics of pop music or the World Cup with singing instead of soccer.Past winners include ABBA, who won in 1974 with “Waterloo"; Canadian chanteuse

, for Switzerland in 1988; and the Italian rock bandThis year’s favorites include

, representing Sweden with their ode to sauna culture “Bara Bada Bastu”; Dutch singer Claude with soulful ballad “C’est La Vie”; Austrian singer JJ’s pop-opera song “Wasted Love”; French singer Louane with “maman”; and, with her anthemic “New Day Will Rise.”