On the morning of Friday, April 25, His Grace Mats Seifert, Archduke Edelweiß, opened a survey for citizens to vote on proposed options for Versmark’s selection to the 2025 Microvision Competition.
The debuting Versmark had eight songs nominated, with a range of genres and styles, as well as the seriousness of the nomination. Included was “McDonalds in the Pentagon,” a viral ska song by TikToker Silly Stu; “Never Gonna Give You Up,” the famous 1987 Rick Astley pop hit that was the basis for the “Rick Roll” meme; Travis Scott’s “FEIN,” among others.
When voting closed on the survey governed by first past the post (FPTP), two songs tied for a quarter of ballots cast:
Proposed by His Lordship, Sir Josh Ford, Count Brandywine, was the 1971 folk rock hit “American Pie,” by Don McLean. The song is a nostalgic reflection of the loss of innocence in American music and culture centered around the tragic 1959 plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper, known as the “day the music died.”
Proposed by His Worship, Jeremiah Cook, Baron Cook, was the 1972 glam rock hit “Five Years,” by David Bowie. The song describes a dystopian world where Earth only has five years until its destruction, highlighting the fragility of humanity and emotional unraveling.
In an instant runoff vote, 62% of voters selected American Pie. However, this popular vote was overridden by the “Versmark Microvision Committee.” A five member unelected committee, including His Sovereign Majesty, declared its own winner, a song nominated by one of its members, in direct defiance of the popular vote.
“The Versmark Microvision Comittee has decided that we will send David Bowie’s Five Years to the 2025 Microvision, due to time concerns, in the intrest of the Nation.”
His Grace Mats Seifest, Archduke Edelweiß, April 26, 2025, 4:15 PM EDT
Many citizens are upset at the Committee for this action, especially regarding its vague statement supporting its decision.
It’s unclear if “time concerns” is concerning the length of American Pie, running at 8:33, as opposed to Five Years’ 4:43, or any other reason.
Mr. Richard Mason, the Consul-General for North America, in an exclusive interview with the National, wrote an explosive rebuke to the Committee’s decision:
“[The decision] is a travesty. It’s an affront to democracy, and the will of the people.”
Mr. Richard Mason, Consul-General to North America
“Five Years” will face off against fourteen other songs from fourteen other micronations in the Microvision Song Contest. Perhaps in 2026, American Pie will be Versmark’s selection.
His Sovereign Majesty Wald I declined to comment to the National on the matter after being contacted for this story.
His Grace Archduke Edelweiß did not provide a comment to the National after being contacted for this story.
Josh Ford is a contributor to the Versmark National, writing in an individual capacity.
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