Ukraine's Verka Serduchka at Eurovision 2007
The secret to Eurovision's cross-border mass appeal lies in a curious mixture of camp irony and mild controversy. Take this year's Ukrainian entry — drag queen Verka Serdyuchka — for example. Her selection sparked street protests by nationalists who claimed she would tarnish their country's image abroad. The singer has also endured Russian wrath for lyrics referring to the Orange Revolution, and a chorus in which she appears to sing the words "Russia Goodbye".
Elsewhere, in Eurovision's expanded continent, Israel's entry number Push the Button, contains blatant references to nuclear war with Iran. "I don't want to die / I want to see the flowers bloom / Don't wanna go kapoot ka boom," sings seven-man outfit Teapacks.