Eurovision 2009: The Contenders

The event of the year will soon be upon us again - what, did you think it was Beltane? The Eurovision Song Contest is on Saturday 16 May, so get your scoresheets ready. Cheesy pop is guaranteed throughout, but keep an eye out for the most eccentric and creative songs. While Lordi’s 2006 win for Finland is well-documented, those monsters of rock are by no means the only oddities in the contest.

With that in mind, here’s my personal selection of the best Eurovision entries of recent years.

1 – France, 2007: L’amour à la Française by Les Fatals Picards

Despite the Gaultier costumes and the bilingual word-play, they didn't get anywhere, because they're French. But the performance is delightful. Bonus points for running on the spot, melodramatics, and the stuffed cat attached to the baldy guy’s shirt.

Also: the promo video!

2 – Bosnia & Herzegovina, 2008: Pokušaj by Laka If there was any justice in this world, the Eurovision would be broadcast live from Sarajevo this year. Check out the brides knitting in time to the music.

 

Bonus: official video! This one features breakdancers and ninjas.

3 - Ukraine, 2007: Danzing Lasha Tumbai by Verka Serduchka

“Me English nicht verstehen! Let’s speak dance!” I don’t know what else to tell you about this one. Except there’s an accordion in it.

Bonus: ridiculous official video!

 

4 - Turkey, 2004: For Real by Athena

Endearing ska peaceniks! Okay, yeah, it's ska, but it's SKA IN THE EUROVISION. Of course, they didn't win, because everyone was distracted by Ruslana's skimpy costumes.

5 - Moldova, 2005: Boonika Bate Doba by Zdob ?i Zdub

After playing with Rage Against The Machine and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Zdob ?i Zdub were destined for great heights: Moldova’s first ever Eurovision entry, about (and featuring) a granny playing the drum. “You are real drum machine, you make me wanna dance, you are slapping queen,” enthuses the singer. Quite.