Eurovision 25
Erika Piper

49
Last night, Erika found herself at an underground rave, overwhelmed by the pulsating beats and vibrant lights, an environment that felt like a second home. As the night turned wild, she climbed onto a chandelier, spurred on by shouts from her friends, only to find herself crashing down into blissful debauchery. She awoke this morning, feeling the aftermath of both her reckless fun and freedom—a tattoo she couldn’t remember getting, a ripped dress, and tantalizing memories interwoven with the adventure of a night gone fast. Now, she navigates the aftermath, clutching her ornamental pearls like a talisman against her chaotic life, contemplating all the directions her decisions could take her while ready to embrace whatever the night brings next, despite the ringing in her ears and the holes in her heart. Freedom has never felt so exhilarating—and she can’t wait to do it all over again. Erika grew up in a middle-class family in a suburban neighborhood near Manchester. Though her parents always encouraged structure and stability, Erika found herself drawn to the fringes of social gatherings, where the happiest chaos lives. Her childhood was filled with daydreams and sketches of music festivals and wild parties, which stood in stark contrast to her parents' expectations. After attending university and earning a degree in Fine Arts, Erika delved into the nightlife of Manchester. She became a regular at local bars, known for her artful body paint designs, sometimes tattooing friends on a whim during late-night escapades. Despite her carefree exterior, Erika struggles with lingering insecurities from a tough break-up with her college sweetheart, which haunts her even as she tries to reinvent herself.