Song contest's pique entertainment

IT'S the song contest that pits Danish power ballads against Bulgarian rappers and Armenian pop princesses.

- BY ESTHER MCCARTHY

Eurovision is so wacky it shouldn't work, but it does - it’s among the world’s most watched non-sporting events, with hundreds of millions of viewers every year.

Irish fans will be hoping this year's entrant - Norwegian popster Emmy - will propel us to success with the space-themed Laika Party, about the Soviet dog sent to outer space.

A celebration of European culture, humour and eccentricity, Eurovision has become a massive event - but there have been many rows and controversies over the years, too.

Before this year's contest even kicks off, there have already been political tensions offstage, as some European Broadcasting Union members - including Ireland - have expressed concerns about the participation of Israel in the world’s largest live music event.

RAPPER

Last year, the Israeli delegation was also criticised by other contestants including Ireland's Bambie Thug.

Bambie was vocal in support for Palestine, saying: "There's definitely a war drum sounding in my heart to push the performance even more than I have done before," said Bambie, before taking to the Eurovision stage to perform Doomsday Blue.

They finished in sixth place, giving Ireland its best placement in the contest since 2000.

Last year's contest featured other dramatic controversies, with Dutch punk rapper Joost Klein disqualified just hours before the final.