EUROVISION'S 30 MOST CONTROVERSIAL MOMENTS. 
Part 14: 1998 (Dana International)
Continues tomorrow.

THE BIGGEST CONTROVERSIES

Of the

EUROVISION SONG CONTEST

(1956 - 2019)  

From its inaugural year, the Eurovision Song Contest has had more than its fair share of controversial moments. This is a special look back on 30 significant upsets in chronological order.

1998

Dana International

Israel’s entry in the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest sparked controversy. Dana International, a transsexual performer, competed alongside the other participants in Birmingham, England. The fact that she had been born a male and had surgically become a woman resulted in outrage in her homeland. Extreme political groups and orthodox factions protested against Dana International’s selection to represent Israel.

Once in the UK, she was placed in a hotel with bulletproof windows and had round-the-clock armed guards to ensure her safety. This was due to death threats from religious groups.

Ultimately, nothing could stop the momentum. Despite not being a strong live vocalist, her song “Diva” collected 172 points and gave Israel its third Eurovision win. History had been made despite the protests: the ESC had crowned its first openly transgendered winner.