Eurovisions biggest scandals from the 'fascist' rigging to shocking drug demands

The Eurovision Song Contest is known for being a wild spectacle-and there are not only the exaggerated performances that make fans talk. From the national feuds to drug scandals, the competition has recorded a reasonable proportion of controversies over the years

The Eurovision Song Contest, a music competition that has existed since 1956, is known for its guaranteed spectacle. Over the decades, it has made a reputation as one of the most eccentric and entertaining events out there – regardless of their opinion on the quality of singing.

Eurovision is not just about heavy metal Vikings and banana-loving wolves on the stage. It also makes headlines for its controversial moments. From national disputes and incidents with regular broken jump to stage breakdowns and surprising behavior, Eurovision has seen everything.

The 69th final of the Eurovision Song Contest is located around the corner and takes place on Saturday, May 17th, in the St. Jakobshalle Arena in Basel, Switzerland. Before we immerse ourselves with the inevitable controversy of this year's event, you should revise some of the controversial moments.

Francisco Franco against Cliff Richard

One could assume that the leaders of the world have more urgent affairs than Eurovision, but that may not always be the case. During the 1968 competition, the legendary Cliff Richard Great Britain represented.

He was the favorite, but the Spanish candidate, Massiel, won him by just one point. While the musical preferences of the voters could be circled, a recently Spanish documentary claims a more uncanny force in the game.

It explained that the dictator Francisco Franco, who shows the ability of his fascist regime, manipulated the Eurovision result to ensure the triumph of Spain.

With regard to the topic of the past, the top brass of the song competition made its attitude clear, whereby Bjørn erichen to reject inquiries: “No! Only to make Cliff Richard a little happier, and the Spanish winner a bit more unhappy? I don't think they should dig out old bodies to prove that he was the father or not, the story.

Drug scandal

An incident of 2021 had convinced the audience that they consumed a Eurovision participant in live television hidden drugs. Damiano David, who had won the Eurovision title as a lead singer for Måneskin, caused a sensation when he dipped his head behind a series of drinks while the participants were interviewed and after a slight producing from a bandmate.

The band quickly went to X, which is previously known as Twitter, as rumors whirled and found: “We are really against drugs and we have never used cocaine. We are ready to get [tested]Because we have nothing to hide. We are here to play our music and we look forward to our Eurovision win and we would like to thank everyone for supporting us. Rock'n roll never dies. We love you. “

Damiano honored his commitment and was tested voluntarily, which dismissed him from misconduct. Eurovision also made a firm rejection of drug consumption and explained: “There was no drug use in the green, and we consider the matter to be closed. We are worried that inaccurate speculation that leads to fake messages, overshadowed the mind and the result of the event and wrongly influenced the band.”

Undercover JOurnalist

A bizarre turn showed that members of the Pingpong group were not quite what they seemed. The year was 2000 and her melody “Happy” exceeded other Israeli competitors to secure their place in the grand finale phase.

Although this was only the 24th place, this was not the only source of debate for her.

Her musical number “Be Happy” made waves when his texts of romanticism between a Damascus boy and an Israeli virgin spoke – a story in the middle of an increased political background. In order to give the fire fuel, they waved provocatively Syrian flags at the end of their action and signaled a nation with which Israel shares an extremely stressed relationship.

Pingpong was officially “rejected” by Israel and convicted of her political message and outrageous performance. However, it turned out that they weren't a real band right from the start.

They initially took part in the song competition as a prank, and two of the band members were actually journalists for the Ma'ariv newspaper.

Same -sex scandal

In view of the values ​​that should maintain Eurovision, and the sexual undertones of many achievements, it is surprising to believe that some things are still considered over the line. Unfortunately, this occurred in 2013 when Finland added a same -sex kiss to its final performance.

Krista Siegfrieds performed the song 'Marry Me', appeared in a wedding dress and sang about marriage. Simply enough until you brave one of your female backup dancers kissed.

This was a classic instance of actors who only subsided their plans until they lived live in the air, which caused a stir in some countries. Krista protested against Finland's anti-seex marriage husbandry, but some nations refused to understand the message.

China censored the moment while Turkey did not radiate the show at all. Fortunately, same -sex marriage in Finland was legalized only a few years later in 2017, and Eurovision is no longer so surprised by the occasional same -sex kiss.

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