The Eurovision Song Contest was launched in 1956 as a music festival designed to unite European countries after World War II. However, over the years, the show has turned into a real arena for experiments, where strong vocals alone are no longer enough to win.
Every year, the participants try to surprise the audience not only with music, but also with original productions, unusual costumes and outrageous images. “Social Culture” has collected the most unforgettable performances in the entire history of the contest.
Lordi – Hard Rock Hallelujah (Finland, 2006)
Although Eurovision is perceived by many as a pop festival, sometimes the contest surprises with unconventional numbers. One of these was the performance of the Finnish rock band Lordi. Their appearance in terrifying monster costumes, reminiscent of characters from horror films, combined with a bright pyrotechnic show caused a real furor.
Some even accused the band of Satanism, to which frontman Tomi Putaansuu replied: “If horns on the head are a sign of the devil, then a cow is also from evil spirits!”. However, most of the audience was delighted: Lordi won, gaining 292 points, and brought Finland its first triumph at the contest.
Verka Serdyuchka — Dancing Lasha Tumbai (Ukraine, 2007)
The following year in Helsinki, Verka Serdyuchka, the stage image of Andriy Danilko, became a real sensation. Her performance was full of energy: an incendiary dance track, dynamic choreography, sparkling costumes and a signature star on her head made the number unforgettable.
The lyrics of the song also caused discussion. Some listeners heard the phrase “Russia Goodbye” in the words of “Lasha Tumbai”, which caused outrage among Russian viewers. Danilko himself stated that this was just a made-up phrase that had no political overtones. However, after the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, the artist officially began performing this song with a new version of the lyrics.
Despite the controversy, Ukraine took 2nd place with 235 points, and the performance itself became a classic of the competition.
Baby Doll – Brazil (Yugoslavia, 1991)
In 1991, a real “live” Barbie appeared on the stage – Serbian singer Dragana Šarić in a blue suit, platinum blonde hair and shiny accessories. However, her stylish image could not save the situation – Yugoslavia received only one point and ended up almost at the very bottom of the standings.
Pirates Of The Sea — Wolves Of The Sea (Latvia, 2008)
Latvia decided to add a nautical theme and sent the band Pirates Of The Sea to Eurovision. The participants took to the stage in pirate costumes decorated with anchors, three-cornered hats and even a steering wheel. The song about the “sea wolves” was remembered by the audience for its carefree atmosphere, but brought Latvia only 12th place.
Dustin the Turkey — Irelande Douze Pointe (Ireland, 2008)
In 2008, Ireland decided not only to take part in the contest, but also to make fun of it. The country was represented by… a turkey! The puppet character Dustin, known to Irish viewers, already had 14 music albums and even an unsuccessful attempt to run for president. This time he decided to conquer Eurovision, but took only 15th place.
Dschinghis Khan — Dschinghis Khan (Germany, 1979)
In 1979, when the contest was still largely a vocal show, the German band Dschinghis Khan changed the rules of the game. The artists appeared in stage costumes inspired by Mongolian motifs and performed a hit that later became a cult hit on retro discos. They took 4th place, but the song “Dschinghis Khan” still remains one of the most recognizable Euro hits.
Sestre — Samo ljubezen (Slovenia, 2002)
The trio of drag queens Sestre in red flight attendant uniforms made a real breakthrough for the LGBTQ+ community. Their bright song about love and finding oneself was remembered by the audience, although in the end Slovenia took only 14th place.
ABBA — Waterloo (Sweden, 1974)
One of the most famous performances in the history of the contest is the legendary show of the group ABBA. With the song “Waterloo” they triumphed in 1974 and forever inscribed their name in the history of music. Their stylish image with cowboy jackets, flared trousers and shiny boots became a fashion icon. “Waterloo” sold over six million copies and was recognized as the best song in the history of Eurovision.
Let 3 — Mama ŠČ! (Croatia, 2023)
At Eurovision 2023, the Croatians Let 3 caused a real sensation. They took to the stage in costumes resembling military uniforms, but during the number they remained only in their underwear. In addition, their performance was accompanied by fireworks from fake rockets. The song, according to the band, was a satire on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but the group took the penultimate place in the final.
Every year, Eurovision becomes more daring, surprising the audience with unexpected shows, provocative images and original productions. Some performances make you laugh, some make you wonder, and some remain in the history of music forever.