Eurovision fashion: Some of the contest’s most iconic looks

Since 1956, the Eurovision Song Contest has provided catchy songs, cheesy pop and bombastic anthems, but also some catchy fads.

One of the most memorable competitors in Eurovision history is heavy metal band Lordi, who donned monster prosthetics and won for Finland in 2006 with Hard Rock Hallelujah.

It was a blessed win on so many levels, says lead singer Mr Lordi (aka Tomi Petteri Putaansuu), and of course it’s the first time some really beautiful people have won.

In some cases, fashion outperformed song: The glam metal outfit Wig Wam, Norway’s entry in 2005, finished only in ninth place, but the band’s lead singer garnered much attention in a stark spangled jumpsuit that was astonished.

Familiar faces and strange looks do not immediately attract the attention of the jury. Twin duo Jedward John and Edward Grimes represented Ireland in 2011 and the following year. In 2012, they finished sixth at the contest in Baku, Azerbaijan, wearing matching robot outfits with shoulder pads and boots, with their signature big quiff hairstyle.

Some other notable appearances from the last few years:

Finland’s Krista Siegfrids presented Marry Me in 2013, wearing a tulle wedding gown with a strapless bodice, train, and electric pink platform heels. Her performance also made history, with the pageant’s first lesbian kiss.

Austrian singer and drag queen Conchita Wurst won the competition in 2014 with Rise Like a Phoenix, wearing a stunning gold gown, complete with perfectly manicured facial hair.

Italian band Mneskin, who won Eurovision in 2021, wore a custom red leather outfit with silver buttons designed by Etro but couldn’t wait to take it off at the press conference afterward.

The Eurovision 2023 final will be held in Liverpool, England hosting last year’s winner, Ukraine on May 13.