The contest returns to Ukraine, and they’ve decided to “Celebrate Diversity” by showcasing all they could about their own culture. In what was a very Slavic show, the 2017 competition was somber and reflected the attitude of a changing Europe.

Did anyone see this coming?!

Where do I start with this? The controversy around Verka was huge. A drag act representing the largely homophobic Slavic culture caused an uproar from it’s native country.

In late November 2004, a mere five months after Ukraine won the Eurovision Song Contest, Kyiv erupted into protests.

Inspired by the music of the Ukrainian Carpathians and her own Hutsul* heritage, Ruslana’s “Wild Dances” was always a hot favorite to win.