11 of the most eye-popping outfits in Eurovision history, from ABBA to Australia

It’s that time of year again, when we settle down in front of the telly to watch the glorious pop parade that is the Eurovision Song Contest. Liverpool will be the setting for the grand final on May 13, taking on hosting duties as last year’s winner, Ukraine, isn’t able to. Of course, the music is what matters when it comes to picking a winner, but let’s be honest, who doesn’t love checking out the performers’ weird and wonderful fashion choices? These are just some of the most epic on-stage outfits in Eurovision history… 1. ABBA ABBA was victorious at the 1974 contest with Waterloo, taking to the stage in glitzy satin and suede ensembles. Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus completed their look with knee-high silver platform boots. 2. Co-Co Representing Britain in 1978, six-piece pop group Co-Co chose super shimmery clown-inspired, rainbow coloured costumes. 3. Buck’s Fizz Previously a member of Co-Co, Cheryl Baker returned to Eurovision in 1981 with Buck’s Fizz, taking home the winner’s trophy for Making Your Mind Up. The memorable performance saw singers Bobby G and Mike Nolan whipping off the knee-length skirts of Baker and Jay Aston to reveal mini skirts underneath. 4. Youddiph We’re not sure if she was a bit chilly on stage, but Russian contestant Youddiph pulled her flowing red dress over her head like a shawl while performing in the 1994 final in Dublin. 5. Dana International Opting for the bird of paradise look, 1998’s winner Dana International teamed a plain black gown with a fabulous feathered jacket. 6. Lordi Long-time fans of Eurovision have learned to expect the unexpected. Finnish heavy metal band won in 2006 with Hard Rock Hallelujah, while kitted out in what looked like Halloween monster costumes. 7. Scooch Pop quartet Scooch was ‘Flying The Flag’ for the UK in 2007 with these Britney-esque cabin crew costumes. Sadly, they crash landed at the final in Helsinki, coming joint 22nd out of 24 finalists. 8. Verka Serduchka Also in 2007, Ukrainian drag singer Verka Serduchka fared significantly better than Scooch, coming in second place with a bonkers but brilliant military-themed performance. The singer donned a silver snakeskin trench coat with a matching star-topped hat and glitterball tie. 9. Conchita Wurst Austrian winner Conchita Wurst continued Eurovision’s drag tradition in 2014, accessorising her glittering golden gown with glossy hair and a perfectly groomed beard. 10. Kate Miller-Heidke Australia has, somewhat confusingly been allowed to participate in Eurovision since 2015. The nation may not technically be part of Europe, but it sure knows what’s required of a contestant on the fashion front. In 2019, Kate Miller-Heidke was dolled up in a voluminous fairy princess dress and crown, the singer performing Zero Gravity while being flung from side to side on a long, bendy pole. 11. Sheldon Riley Also representing Australia, Sheldon Riley gave us one of 2022’s most dramatic outfits. Dressed in all white, Riley wore a gown with a long feathered train, paired with a tuxedo-style cropped jacket and a crystal mask covering his face. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Can I go to work if my child has chickenpox? What is mitochondrial donation treatment and who can get it? Pensioner, 85, shares the simple switch that’s helped him to do 650,000 press-ups