U.K., Hun? We're about to be. The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 grand final is only days away, and it's time to start thinking about those party playlists. Whether you're throwing a huge bash or keeping things chilled, you're going to want some euro-related tunes to help break out your dance moves and karaoke credentials. Relax… we've done the work for you. Here are 10 all-time Eurovision divas you absolutely have to listen to during the grand final weekend.
Helena Paparizou — My Number One (Greece, 2005)
Don't lie… this 2005 winning entry makes you want to get up and twerk, even without a few glasses of wine to set the scene. Performing ultimate girl band choreo to perfection — with a few surprise novelty moves thrown in for good measure — Greece's Helena Paparizou is the epitome of 2000s Eurovision. The vocals are down, the lyrics are both meaningful and catchy, and the crowd is clearly going berserk… there's absolutely no surprise that My Number One is frequently a fan favourite for entries in the early 2000s. Even better? Helena sounds *exactly* the same almost 20 years later.
Dana International — Diva (Israel, 1998)
Diva by name and diva by nature — Dana International was a Eurovision contestant like no other. The first openly trans entrant to grace the stage with her larger-than-life presence, Dana commanded her adoring crowd before she even opened her mouth. It's a tune that makes us instantly feel empowered, with simple yet elegant staging and classy dance moves only adding to the feeling of watching something special. Extra points go to the fact that Dana unintentionally caused total chaos when it was announced that she won, being nowhere to be seen and keeping Europe waiting for her arrival.
Eleni Foureira — Fuego (Cyprus, 2018)
When it comes to Eurovision in the 2010s, Eleni Foureira was practically the pioneer of the diva dance break. Her 2nd place hit Fuego was an instant fan favourite, and is probably something you've heard countless times in your local gay bar/most recent European holiday. The diamante catsuit is next level, the hair is on point, and the moves are neck-breaking. Basically, it's all the perfect fodder to try when you're half-cut at a summer wedding.
Ruslana — Wild Dances (Ukraine, 2004)
Our 2023 sister host Ukraine only joined Eurovision for the first time in 2003 — and by 2004, they'd won the whole thing. The woman responsible was Ruslana, whose Viking-sounding pop anthem has been one for the ages. The Slavic horns at the beginning are effectively a call to Eurovision action, with the variation in pace perfectly matched by the frenzied dance moves and hairography. Amazingly, Ruslana still has those vocal chops (and abs) almost two decades later.
Conchita Wurst — Rise Like A Phoenix (Austria, 2014)
If you've been a Eurovision fan for some time, you probably remember exactly where you were the moment Conchita Wurst won in 2014. Now just eponymous, her unique approach to drag inspired a movement, opening up our eyes (and hearts) to a new world of tolerance and self-expression. Her winning entry Rise Like A Phoenix is essentially a James Bond song, and it's honestly a missed opportunity that it was never used as such.
Chanel — SloMo (Spain, 2022)
Booty hypnotic, make you want more… and after listening to Chanel's 2022 entry SloMo, more is what you'll demand. This Spanish-English 3rd place entry took the dance break to the next level, with TikTok and YouTube users around the world almost desperate to copy it. A curtain of fireworks showers down on her as she belts out a high note with not so much as a breath out of place… truly, truly iconic stuff. If there's one song you need on your Eurovision playlist, it's this.
Gina G — Ooh Ahh… Just A Little Bit (U.K., 1996)
You probably just remember this song as something routinely trotted out at your school disco, but Gina G's Ooh Ahh… Just A Little Bit actually started its life as a U.K. Eurovision entry back in 1996. The staging is painfully basic and the international audience definitely didn't grasp how special it was at the time, but Gina had the last laugh by becoming timelessly iconic. According to Twitter legend, she's since become a landlord, which feels absurdly diva-ish behaviour in the cozzy liv, tbh.
Tamta — Replay (Cyprus, 2019)
One Eurovision diva that flew under the radar was Cyprus' Tamta, whose entry Replay involved impressive camera glitching (impressive by the contest's standards, obviously) and a minute tearaway reveal. She had to compete straight after the country's 2018 runner-up Fuego, which probably explains why she got lost in the commotion, but her tune is honestly just as good. Before you start singing “I'm shitting my body tonight,” the lyrics are actually “Them sheets need my body tonight,” just to pre-empt any embarrassment.
Celine Dion — Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi (Switzerland, 1988)
Here's the trivia section of this list — mega-babe Celine Dion was a Eurovision winner well before she was *Celine Dion*. Back in 1988, she competed with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi for Switzerland while singing completely in French, and it's actually still the last French language entry to secure a win (clearly Celine's power). The white outfit and neon stage lighting scream 80s, and it goes without saying that the song itself is an absolute banger.
Verka Serduchka — Dancing Lasha Tumbai (Ukraine, 2007)
We almost don't need to say anything about this one… you just have to watch. A completely different kind of diva, Verka Serduchka won the hearts and minds of Eurovision viewers with their nonsensical runner-up hit Dancing Lasha Tumbai. Not only has it been emulated multiple times around the world, Verka and their song were also featured in the 2015 action film Spy. For clarification, Verka is a comedic character — kind of like the Borat of Ukraine.
The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will air on 13th May.
