The focus of the Eurovision Song Contest may be the songs but every so often theatrics take over to really wow (or in some cases, terrify) the crowd.
We’ve seen all manner of creative get-ups and quirky songs over the years, but none have stayed with us quite like these unforgettable performances.
From out-of-this-world costumes and unique musical props to audience members gone rogue, we’re looking back at some of the show-stealing moments of Eurovision years gone by ahead of this year’s song contest airing on SBS on Sunday 13 May.
One of the biggest names to come out of Eurovision is ABBA. Benny, Frida, Agnetha and Björn, performed “Waterloo” in 1974. The band scored Sweden their very first win before they became superstars.
Long before her Titanic hit “My Heart Will Go On”, French-Canadian Céline Dion sang for Switzerland in 1988.
In 2012, Ireland’s Jedward – identical twins John and Edward Grimes – wore sparkly tailcoats and rounded out their song “Waterline” by splashing aboutin a fountain.
Australia made Eurovision history for all the wrong reasons in 2017. Viewers were shocked when a streaker wrapped in an Australian flag interrupted 2016 winner Jamala’s song. Pulled from the stage, the invader was identified as a Ukrainian prankster – not a cheeky Aussie.
With a headpiece made from a disco ball, Ukrainian drag artist Verka Serduchka shone in 2007, taking out second place.
Dami Im wows Eurovision crowd to claim silver
In 2014, Mariya Yaremchuk of Ukraine ditched the dancers for a man in a giant hamster wheel.
It looked to be every presenter’s worst nightmare. As Swedish presenter Lill Lindfors took the stage in 1985, her skirt was torn off after being caught on part of the set. But the mishap was a trick, and she unwrapped her top to reveal a whole new dress.
Not to be mistaken with the likes of Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare On Elm Street, 2006 entrant Lordi, fronted by Tomi Petteri Putaansuu, gained Finland their first Eurovision win with “Hard Rock Hallelujah”. It was also the first – and only – hard rock song to have ever won.
In 2015, Austria brought the heat to the competition when Dominic Muhrer dramatically sent the piano up in flames mid-song.
Ireland reigns supreme in the singing contest, with seven victories. Sweden is close behind with six, while the United Kingdom, Luxembourg and France have won five times.
In 2014, Romania’s Ovi got crafty with his piano, crossing it with what looked like an oversized hula hoop.
