Dana International Wins the Eurovision Song Contest

This episode explores Dana International's historic victory at the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest, highlighting her impact as the first transgender winner in the competition's history.

1. Dana International was not only the first transgender artist to win Eurovision but also a symbol of change and acceptance in the music industry.
2. Her victory was a significant cultural moment, challenging societal norms and fostering a broader acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.
3. The episode highlights the intersection of personal triumph and public milestone, emphasizing Dana’s resilience against widespread prejudice.
4. It also discusses the broader impact of Eurovision in promoting inclusivity and diversity through its global platform.
5. The story is a testament to the power of music as a universal language that transcends gender, transforming personal struggles into inspiring victories.

1: The Opening Act

The episode starts with the energetic atmosphere of the 1998 Eurovision contest, setting a vibrant scene for Dana International’s historic performance. Lindsey Graham: "It's an electric night that transcends mere musical competition."

2: Dana's Early Life

Focuses on Dana’s early life and struggles with her gender identity, culminating in her decision to transition. Lindsey Graham: "From an early age, Dana knew she was destined to defy expectations."

3: The Rise of Dana International

Chronicles Dana's rise in the Israeli music scene, her initial Eurovision disappointment in 1995, and her eventual triumph. Lindsey Graham: "Dana’s resilience shines as she turns setbacks into stepping stones."

4: The Victory Night

Describes the tension-filled night of the Eurovision final, Dana’s performance, and the announcement of her victory. Lindsey Graham: "A night of tense anticipation turned into a celebration of diversity."

5: Legacy and Influence

Explores the impact of Dana’s victory on future Eurovision contests and her lasting influence on the music industry. Lindsey Graham: "Dana’s win is a watershed moment for the Eurovision Song Contest’s inclusivity."

• Embrace Diversity: Celebrate and advocate for diversity in all areas of life, recognizing the value of different perspectives.
• Support Trans Rights: Engage with and support transgender rights organizations to promote equality and acceptance.
• Explore Music as Expression: Use music and arts as a medium for personal expression and social change.
• Educate on LGBTQ+ Issues: Educate yourself and others about LGBTQ+ history and rights to foster a more inclusive society.
• Promote Inclusivity in Art: Encourage inclusive representations in all forms of artistic expression to broaden societal acceptance.

May 9, 1998. Israeli singer Dana International becomes the first transgender performer and winner at the Eurovision Song Contest.

People

Dana International, Sharon Cohen

Companies

None

Books

None

Guest Name(s):

None

Content Warnings:

None

Lindsey Graham
It's May 9, 1998 at the National Indoor arena in Birmingham, England. A young man named Bill leaps up from his seat in the packed auditorium as the polish pop band on stage finishes its song. Bill has a small polish flag and he waves it enthusiastically as the rest of the crowd around him cheers. The singer from the band bows one last time, blowing kisses at the audience. And then she disappears off stage.

This polish band is the 7th entry in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. It's an annual music competition featuring singers and bands from 25 different countries. Eurovision is a popular event in the nations that take part, so acts don't just perform to Bill and the other 4000 spectators crammed into the Birmingham arena. The songs are also broadcast to more than 150 million television viewers watching across Europe and the world, which might be one reason Bill is keen to stand out from the crowd. He has a bag at his feet and in it is a flag for every country competing tonight.

Kneeling Bill stuffs the polish flag away before looking up at the large screens above the stage to see which country will be performing next. There are cheers in the crowd as they spot that it will be Israel. This is the entry that everyone's been waiting for and not just because of its upbeat tune. The israeli singer, 29 year old Donna International, is the first transgender performer ever to sing at Eurovision. So Bill has something special planned to show his support for this act.

Delving into the bottom of his bag, he doesn't just pull out a small israeli flag, he also finds a rainbow striped pride flag. He holds one flag in each hand and waves them above his head. As the lights in the arena shift and Donna international and her backing singers take their spots at the center of the stage, Bill whoops at the top of his lungs. As Donna waits for her cue, there's a ripple of anticipation in the arena. Then Donna walks forward, a confident smile on her face, her arms in the air as she begins to sing.

By the end of the evening, Donna International will make history for a second time. She wont just be the first transgender performer to appear on Eurovision. She will become the first transgender performer to win the contest too. Donnas Triumph will propel her to international stardom as befitting her name. But it will also cement Eurovisions reputation as an inclusive music competition and a platform for the transgender and queer community.

A fitting legacy considering the opposition that Donna International had to overcome before she won the Eurovision Song Contest on May 9, 1998.

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From noiser and airship, I'm Lindsey Graham, and this is history daily.

History is made every day on this podcast. Every day we tell the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world. Today is May 9, 1998. Dhana International wins the Eurovision Song Contest.

It's the evening of April 23, 1983 in Tel Aviv, Israel, 15 years before Dhana International's victory in Birmingham, England. 14 year old Sharon Cohen finishes a last mouthful of food before bolting to the living room and grabbing the tv remote. Sharon settles on the couch just as the show she's been waiting for is about to begin. Sharon hasn't always had an easy life. She was assigned male at birth, but from a very early age, identified as a girl just a year ago she came out as transgender.

And while people in her community have been unfriendly and sometimes cruel toward her, at home, at least Sharon is free to be her authentic self. Tonight shes spending the evening in front of the television with her mother and two older siblings to watch one of the most popular shows of the year, the Eurovision Song Contest. Its a competition that dates back to 1956. Initially, it was part of an experiment in broadcasting content simultaneously across multiple countries. An organization called the European Broadcasting Union decided that an international singing contest would be an ideal opportunity to try out its new continent wide transmission network.

The first competition had just seven entries. Since then, though, the number of countries taken part has almost tripled and Eurovision has launched some notable careers, including swedish supergroup Abba, who won the competition in 1974 with their hit song Waterloo. The 1983 Eurovision is being hosted in Munich, Germany, and it kicks off with the french entry. As usual, the program consists of a kitschy mix of catchy pop songs, outlandish outfits and over the top performances. And after 15 acts have taken to the stage, it's finally time for Israel's entry.

Tonight the country is represented by 25 year old Ophrah Haza. When her song begins, Ophra struts the stage with confidence. She's already a star in Israel and Sharon is sure that the international judges will be impressed. Oprah belts out her song and finishes to rapturous applause from the audience. And then, after every act has performed, the presenters speak to judging panels from each country.

One by one. These panels award points to their ten favorite songs and the leaderboard fluctuates as each countrys points are added. Its a long but exciting process that Sharon enjoys almost as much as the music. The screen cuts back and forth between the scoreboard and the performers waiting anxiously backstage. And eventually the contest comes down to a four way race between Luxembourg, Sweden, Yugoslavia and Israel.

And when the final votes are tallied, it's the singer from Luxembourg who celebrates. Oprah has finished a close second and although the israeli entry may not have won, it plants a seed of inspiration in Sharon. She decides that she wants to become a singer too. Sharon's mother supports her new musical ambitions. Although the family is not wealthy, they scrimp and save for singing lessons, and Sharons tutor quickly recognizes that she has a natural talent.

Six years later, in 1989, the now 20 year old Sharon secures a job as a nightclub entertainer. Dressed in drag and taking the stage name Donna International, Sharon immediately becomes a favorite among Tel Aviv's clubgoers and at one of her gigs, a prominent israeli dj hears Sharon perform and offers to produce a single. The result is Saita Sultana, a parody of Whitney Houston's my name is not Susan. This single is Sharon's big break. It's a hit with local radio stations, but Sharon isn't satisfied with being well known as a drag artist.

She wants everyone else to see her as she sees herself as a woman. So in 1993, Sharon flies to London for gender affirming surgery. Upon her return to Israel, she finally legally changes her name to Sharon Cohen. But most people know her better by her stage name, especially after Donna releases a self titled album, Dhana International. This album sells well in Greece, Jordan and Egypt, but it's back home in Israel that it really takes off, selling over 20,000 copies and achieves gold record status.

Now an established star, Donna International sets her sights on a long held ambition, competing in the Eurovision Song Contest. So she tries out to become Israel's entry for the 1995 event. Donna's song is catchy, but she just misses out. Her entry comes second and another performer is chosen to represent Israel instead. Donna is disappointed and she can't help but wonder whether she lost because she's transgender and not because of her song.

But social attitudes are slowly changing and so is the Eurovision Song Contest. Soon Donna will be inspired to try again, and this time her song will be irresistible.

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It's November 23, 1997, in Tel Aviv, Israel, three years after Dhana International missed out on the chance to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest. Now 28 years old, Donna sits in a television studio as a presenter shuffles papers and waits for the signal to begin the interview. Despite the bright lights and a twist of nerves in her stomach, Donna cant stop smiling because shes just been named Israels representative for next years Eurovision Song Contest. Although she failed to be selected for the 1995 contest, Donna has continued to carve out a successful music career. Shes had two more albums, go gold, and she's become an icon in the israeli LGBTQ community.

But Donna hasn't let her dream of performing at the Eurovision Song Contest go. And a performance at this year's event gave her the confidence that the time was right for her to try again. In May 1997, icelandic singer Paul Oskar became the first openly gay performer in Eurovision history. Although Paul didn't win, his presence on the stage was a sign that attitudes to LGBTQ performers were changing in the music industry and at Eurovision in particular. After Paul's pioneering performance, Donna was inspired to submit another song to the israeli Eurovision selectors and her entry diva was considered alongside 14 other nominees.

But this time, Donna won, chosen to represent Israel at the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest. Now the result has just been announced and news outlets are scrambling to interview Donna for their evening broadcasts. So soon, a camera operator gives the presenter a countdown and the show goes live. The presenters initial questions focus on Donnas feelings about winning and the songs she will perform at Eurovision. But then the interviewer turns to more intrusive questions about Donnas gender and sexuality.

He asks whether Donna is aware that many people think she is not a suitable person to sing for Israel. Donna brushes the questions aside. She is pleased to have been given a platform to represent not just Israel but the transgender community as well. Nevertheless, the questions fired at her are a sign of things to come. Over the next few days, Israel is split between Donnas fans and those who oppose her selection.

Traditionalist rabbis encourage their congregations not to listen to Donnas music and one music reviewer describes Donnas song as pseudo provocative garbage. The debate even reaches the highest levels of Israels government, with one deputy minister calling Donna an abomination and several other lawmakers reportedly considering ways to try to topple the government over the issue of her selection.

But despite the uproar, the israeli Eurovision selection committee refuses to overturn their decision. Six months after Donnas selection as Israels entry, she travels to the city of Birmingham, England for the contest. There she steps back into the media spotlight. Only the reaction of the international press is very different. Foreign reporters tend to view Donnas performance at Eurovision as a positive story, one that highlights the competitions increasingly inclusive nature.

And after Donna sings diva to a television audience of more than 150 million, she settles down to listen to the other entries and the long process of voting begins. Once again deciding the winner comes down to the very last round. With one more score to be revealed, Israel is at the top of the leaderboard. But if the final twelve points go to second place, Malta, they will lefrog Israel and take the title. And finally, twelve points from Macedonia goes to Croatia.

Malta misses out on the last score, thanks to the macedonian jury. Donna isn't just Eurovision's first transgender performance, she's also won the contest.

Donna is plucked from the Yarena's green room and escorted onto stage in front of a cheering crowd. She's presented with a trophy and gives a triumphant encore performance. After the show, Donna tells the assembled media that she has no hard feelings for her critics or opponents. She asks simply that they accept her for who she is. The Eurovision Song Contest makes Donna international into an international star.

Her winning song Diva hits the top ten in five european countries and Donna releases eight more albums over the next nine years. And in 2011, Donna will be selected to represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest for a second time. Her new song won't be as successful as her first, but she will remain an icon and a trailblazer who will inspire new acts and new voices to follow in her footsteps onto the Eurovision stage history daily is sponsored by indeed. In my line of work, I tell a lot of stories. Many follow one of seven basic plots, including the quest, an epic search for a thing of value with all sorts of obstacles in the way, a treasure guarded by a dragon, a magic amulet hidden in a faraway land.

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Lindsey Graham
It'S May 10, 2014, at an arena in Copenhagen, Denmark. 16 years after Donna International won the Eurovision Song Contest, 25 year old austrian singer Conchita Wirst makes her way to the stage as celebratory music echoes all around the arena and the crowd cheers her every step. Conchita has just been named the winner of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest. She's wearing a tight gold dress and high heels that make walking to the stage difficult. She's also sporting a neatly trimmed black beard.

Conchita is a drag artist whose real name is Thomas Neuvert. Earlier in the evening, Conchita performed her winning entry, rise like a phoenix. She sang without backup singers, showing off her impressive vocal talents to the fullest. Her singing her powerful ballad wowed the audience and the judges and when the votes were tallied, Austria won by 52 points. And among the countries giving her the maximum score of twelve was Israel, a country that was previously divided in its opinion of their own norms.

Challenging singer now Conchita is about to replicate Donna's achievement and lift the Eurovision trip. Congratulations to Conchita, Queen of Europe. As Conchita takes the stage, the show's presenter thrusts a microphone in front of her. Do you have any words at all? I do.

This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom.

You know who you are. We are unity and we are unstoppable.

Lindsey Graham
Conchita's words are heard by a Eurovision record 195 million viewers, and her win is celebrated around the world. The success of a drag artist is not just heralded as a victory for Austria, but also one for diversity and tolerance, values that have become a hallmark of the Eurovision Song Contest, thanks to pioneers like transgender singer Donna International, who won the competition on May 9, 1998.

Next on History Daily May 10, 1877. Rutherford B. Hayes becomes the first US president to use a world changing new technology at the White House. The telephone from noiser and airship. This is History daily.

Hosted, edited and executive produced by me, Lindsey Graham. Audio editing by Molly Bachelor. Sound design by Gabriel Gould. Music by Thrum this episode is written and researched by Rob Scragg. Edited by Scott Reeves managing producer, Emily Burke.

Executive producers are William Simpson for airship, Pascal Hughes for Noiser.

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Lindsey Graham
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