Top 10 Eurovision Performances

#10: “It's My Life” (2013) Cezar from Romania

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We know what you’re thinking, glowing orbs, smoke machines and a bedazzled Dracula? It gets better. What makes this performance by Romania’s Cezar noteworthy is the singer’s vocal range paired with dubstep and nude-ish dancers onstage. Admittedly, the dancers are a bit distracting, but we’re guessing that if they were painted any colour but red that it would clash with the décor. Here’s the thing, it’s never boring and instead draws you in until the song ends and you want to hit replay. Joke all you like about Cezar but it takes balls to represent your country, sing in falsetto for millions of viewers and make it look effortless.  

Stupid, sexy, Swedish Måns. This feast for the eyes won the competition that year with captivating visuals and choreography that was perfectly synchronized between Måns and the animation being projected behind him. It could have easily been cheesy but instead it stunned audiences with its simplicity and dynamic storytelling. A natural onstage, Måns knows how to engage the audience. It’s also easy to chalk up the performance’s success on the visuals, but a large part of it is due to Måns’ energetic presence.    

#8: “Hold Me” (2013) Farid Mammadov from Azerbaijan

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This entry isn’t groundbreaking for the song but rather its creative choreography. It may be difficult to reinvent a chest pounding love song, yet it doesn’t take a genius to rhyme ‘smile’ with ‘miles’. Even though the lyrics are lackluster, we have to give props to the dancer whose sole job is to mirror the singer’s movements while trapped in a glass box. A glass box that is then flooded with rose petals, because you know… symbolism.     

One of the beautiful things about Eurovision is the unpredictability of certain performances. Case in point, the theatrically dressed German band, Dschinghis Khan, who sang about the dreaded Mongolian warlord. At a time when Eurovision had a live orchestra and limited space, the group hammed it up with outlandish Mongolian costumes and their comical version of Genghis Khan who commanded the stage by twirling and dancing around. Although the song depicts the bloodthirsty ruler with broad strokes, it’s a catchy disco tune with a cheesy ensemble.  

#6: “Wild Dances” (2004) Ruslana from Ukraine

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First impressions are important and the best way to get everyone’s attention is to have a powerful opening. Say, a few battle horns? Oh, and don’t forget percussion. From the start, “Wild Dances” is a hit with the audience as they chant and clap in time with the leather-clad performers onstage. The performance is distinct for its mix of English and Ukrainian lyrics, and infectious energy. It’s also impressive how Ruslana manages to sing through all the head-tossing and wild dancing. “Wild Dances” didn’t just win that year, it netted Ukraine’s first Eurovision win ever. Now that calls for some dancing.  

#5: “Rise Like a Phoenix” (2014) Conchita Wurst from Austria

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Through the years of Eurovision, flame graphics and pyrotechnics have been widely used for that wow factor. For this entry, it’s a welcome addition to Conchita Wurst’s mesmerizing vocals. The slow burn performance is unique not just for its singer but also for standing apart from other entries that are typically fast-paced and crowded with dancers. “Rise Like a Phoenix” transcends for being such an inspirational performance and evoking strong sentiments. A beloved fan favourite, Conchita not only won the hearts of many, she also won the song contest that year.  

#4: “We Could Be the Same” (2010) maNga from Turkey

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This entry is a delight to the senses. Turkish alternative rock band, maNga, deliver a hypnotic act with their five-piece ensemble, a wicked light show and rapid-fire lyrics calling for unity. Oh, and don’t forget the metallic power ranger in the background. This Turkish act stands out for its combination of modern with traditional, a factor which made maNga a strong contender for the finals. “We Could Be the Same” is unique for its rich blend of nu metal, hip hop and Anatolian melodies. Even though maNga finished in second place, their performance and message still resonates.  

#3: “Hard Rock Hallelujah” (2006) Lordi from Finland

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Oh Lordi, Lordi! We’d be wrong in omitting this sensational performance and honestly, we’re still surprised that Finland sent a heavy metal band to represent them! Enter Mr. Lordi and his hellions who enthrall the audience with their deadly ensemble of drums, electric guitars and guttural vocals. Adding to the spellbinding and hellish melody are the full-body costumes and special effects makeup that solidify the entire performance. We also have to give props for those gorgeous demonic wings that unfurl seemingly out of nowhere. Lordi were the undisputed champions for Eurovision that year since they did after all give game changing performance.    

#2: “Love Love Peace Peace” (2016) Måns Zelmerlöw and Petra Mede

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Alright, so this isn’t an actual ESC entry, but the epic scale of this performance would be criminal to ignore. A love letter to what makes Eurovision a wonderful and crazy song competition, the hosts sing about the various tropes and stranger elements from previous entries over the years. A man in a hamster wheel? That happened. The stage is a smorgasbord of costumed performers dancing and playing alongside past winners of the competition. So whether you recognize the references or are new to Eurovision, it’s a lyrical masterpiece to behold.   Before we reveal our top Eurovision sensation, here are our honorable mentions:   “Party for Everybody” (2012) Buranovskiye Babushki from Russia   “The Balkan Girls” (2009) Elena from Romania   “Help You Fly” (2016) IVAN from Belarus  

#1: “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” (2007) Verka Serduchka from Ukraine

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We hope you don’t have any plans for the day because your brain will be playing this song on repeat. Where to begin? The excessively shiny wardrobe? The absurd yet jolly dance moves? The entire performance is a maelstrom of gold and silver, bewitching accordion notes and flurry of German, Russian, Ukrainian and English lyrics. Don’t try and make sense of the performance though, rather enjoy the lively madness that it is. Although “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” ended in second place, it’s a tough act to forget and a winner in our hearts. 
 Agree with our list? Which Eurovision performance gets you moving? For more spectacular acts be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com