Eurovision Song Contest’s most controversial acts as 2025 UK entry finally announced

Whether you enjoy the annual singing contest or not, the Eurovision show showcases some of the most iconic and strange performances European TV has ever seen.

Last year, Olly Alexander was chosen as UK’s entry, and successfully paused the progression of Years and Years with his performance. On Friday, the worst kept secret in showbiz was revealed as country trio Remember Monday were announced as this year’s UK act.

2025’s upcoming contest has prompted viewers to reflect on past shockers. Here’s several controversial acts that stopped fans in their tracks.

Though die-hard fans are expected to set alarms and make a night of the annual event, many have expressed they will not be participating in the international celebration due to Eurovision’s refusal to ban Israel from competing despite their attacks on Gaza, and their more recent breaking of the ceasefire.

In the spirit of boycotting, viewers have remained steadfast in their resolve after last year’s controversy when Israel’s entry, Eden Golan, was set to sing sang a (now altered) version of song October Rain, where the country’s team changed the lyrics and the title of the song. This was met with an online frenzy of complaints as the song – which was later renamed Hurricane – was taken as reference the October seventh Hamas attack and the bombing of Gaza that followed. The lyrics included lines: “There’s no air left to breathe” and “they were all good children, each one of them”.

Receiving serious backlash from other contestants and fans alike, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which runs the contest, failed to meet their demands, despite always stating the show to be non-political. Having the power to disqualify entries that breach its a-political rule, fans were made speechless after Israel pledged not to change the lyrics.

Eventually, a broadcaster agreed to alter it to the request of President, Isaac Herzog, so that Israel could still compete in this year’s contest. Over 2, 000 musicians in Finland, Iceland and Sweden signed separate letters protesting for the country to be banned.

2021’s winners and Grammy nominee Maneskin created a huge controversy as band member Damiano David faced false rumours he had openly been using drugs in the stadium’s green room, live on air. Footage spread online like wildfire showing David bending down towards the table during the voting sector of the night, which appeared as if the star was using cocaine.

Damiano strongly denied the very serious accusations, explaining was inspecting a broken glass on the table. Later, the star was able to prove himself innocent by taking a blood test voluntarily – the test being negative. Confirmed by the contest, the EBU said: “No drug use took place in the Green Room and we consider the matter closed”, adding that they were “alarmed that inaccurate speculation leading to fake news has overshadowed the spirit and the outcome of the event and unfairly affected the band” at the time.

Singer Nemo was the first non-binary person to win the contest just last year. Representing Switzerland with the song The Code, they were Switzerland’s third winner since 1988. Though not totally controversial for the LGBT-friendly contest, this was still a huge feat for the community and Switzerland who achieved 591 points – finishing with the fourth most highest score in the competition finals ‘ history!

Arguably breaking Eurovision’s rules on no political statements, Finland’s entry went out of their way in 2012 to protest their country’s ban on gay weddings at the time. Known as ‘ Finland’s lesbian kiss, ‘ Krista Siegfrids performed song Marry Me before publicly kissing her girlfriend on stage, live on air.

The song was deliberately chosen to add to her protest against the Finnish parliament’s decision to refuse a vote on gay marriage legislation. Whilst the EBU may insist on a ban on acts of a political commentary, it is clear that politics in imbedded into the nature of the show.

Most iconic, at least for brits, would have to be ex model and sociality Katie Price’s performance in 2005. Failing to make the cut as the UK entry that year, fans could never forget the pregnant star singing Not Just Anybody in a barbie-pink latex jumpsuit which highlighted her slight baby bump.

The now mother-of-five famously pled to be Britain’s representative act, performing at the pre-selection UK show. Controversial at the time due to her pregnancy and nature of her career, Katie obviously did not succeed in achieving her dream.

However, the star recently picked up the mic again, performing a shockingly good selection called Katie Price’s Big Bangers which included retro classics and pop classics We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off, Everybody’s Free (to Feel Good) and Finally… at a Butlins resort of all places!

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Source: Mirror