Eurovision: The Glamorous, Glorious Chaos I Wait for All Year
Let’s talk about something I seriously love—and no, it’s not a new brow technique or a hot tool drop (although, stay tuned). I’m talking about the glitziest, boldest, most over-the-top televised event in the world: the Eurovision Song Contest.
If you’ve never heard of it, buckle up—because Eurovision isn’t just a music competition. It’s a cultural phenomenon that combines everything I live for: creative storytelling, high-drama performance, hair that defies gravity, and makeup that could power a spaceship. Let me break it down for you, and explain why this isn’t just fun to watch—it’s an endless source of inspiration for beauty professionals like me.
So, What Is Eurovision?
Eurovision is an annual song competition organized by the European Broadcasting Union. Countries across Europe (and beyond—hello Australia!) each submit an original song performed live on stage. These acts are then voted on by viewers and juries across participating nations. The winning country gets to host the next year’s contest, and the bragging rights are huge.
Sounds simple? It’s not.
Because what really makes Eurovision a must-watch event isn’t just the music—it’s the showmanship. Every performance is a full-on production: dancers, lights, smoke machines, holograms, and occasionally… a guy in a hamster wheel or a woman in a giant clam shell. True story.
Why I’m Obsessed (and You Should Be Too)
As a hairstylist, makeup artist, and stylist who’s worked in TV and film for decades, I can say with zero hesitation that Eurovision is one of the most exciting showcases of stage beauty and fashion in the world. It’s like if the Met Gala, Coachella, a Cirque du Soleil show, and an international drag pageant all had a fabulous baby—and that baby grew up on a diet of glitter, wigs, and eyeliner.
Let’s take a trip into the world of sequins, smoke machines, and stage-worthy glam—the magical mayhem that is the Eurovision Song Contest.
You may not know much about it if you’re outside of Europe, but Eurovision is a huge deal. We’re talking Super Bowl meets Met Gala meets RuPaul’s Drag Race, with a sprinkle of international diplomacy and a whole lot of eyeliner.
Lys Assia; 1956 Eurovision Lagano, Switzerland
✨ A Little History (Because Yes, This Is a Big Cultural Deal)
The Eurovision Song Contest began in 1956, just a decade after WWII, as a way to unite European countries through music and creativity. It started off with just seven countries and has now grown to include over 40, with guests like Australia and even murmurs about the U.S. trying to get involved (stay in your lane, America, please).
Each country submits one song performed live on an epic stage, and the rest of the continent (plus a panel of juries) votes on their favorite. The winner gets glory, memes, and the chance to host the next year’s competition.
It’s the longest-running annual international televised music competition, and it’s produced some absolute icons.
Celine Dion Eurovision 1988
🎤 Wait—Who Got Their Start at Eurovision?
Here’s the fun part. You know these names. You’ve danced to their songs. But you might not realize… they started here:
ABBA – The Swedish supergroup skyrocketed to fame after winning Eurovision in 1974 with "Waterloo." Without Eurovision, we might not have “Dancing Queen.” Let that sink in.
Celine Dion – Canada’s powerhouse vocalist represented Switzerland in 1988 (yes, really) and won with the song "Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi." Eurovision was her international breakthrough.
Maneskin; 2021 Netherlands Eurovision
Måneskin – The glam rock band from Italy won in 2021 and instantly became global fashion and music icons, going from Italian Idol runners-up to opening for the Rolling Stones and walking red carpets at the Met Gala.
Loreen – Sweden’s queen of drama, who won not once but twice, with her powerhouse anthem “Euphoria” in 2012 and again with “Tattoo” in 2023.
Kylie Minogue? – While not an official Eurovision contestant, she rose to stardom during Australia’s Eurovision-loving era and has been heavily tied to the show’s glam aesthetic and tribute performances.
Here’s why I tune in every year:
1. The Hair
From sky-high bouffants to sleek sculptural braids, Eurovision hair is a moment. It’s not just about looking pretty—it’s about telling a story. The hairstyles are often symbolic, futuristic, or exaggerated for the cameras. Think performance art meets editorial shoot, all under intense stage lights and movement.
2. The Makeup
This is HD makeup artistry at its most creative. Performers have to look flawless in close-ups and from the back of the arena. That means bold pigments, strong shapes, reflective textures, and skin that still looks alive after a dance number and five lighting cues. The contouring, lashes, body shimmer—it’s everything.
3. The Costumes
Expect everything from warrior princesses to glam aliens to cultural couture with a twist. It’s never boring. Costumes have to enhance the song, survive choreography, and often convey national pride. It’s like fashion week meets folklore meets fantasy.
4. The Drama
Eurovision is about identity, expression, and emotion. The artists bring their whole selves to that stage, and it shows. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll Google “Did Iceland really send a punk band in pink suits?” (Spoiler: yes, and they were amazing.)
Why It Matters to My Clients
You might be wondering, “Okay, but what does this have to do with me and my brows or blowout?”
Here’s the thing: Eurovision is about transformation and confidence. It’s about showing up fully, boldly, unapologetically—and that’s the energy I want you to channel, too.
When I help you with your hair, makeup, or extensions, I’m not just making you look good—I’m helping you step into your spotlight. You deserve that same main-character energy, even if your stage is a Zoom call, a wedding aisle, or a night out in town.
So whether you’re feeling extra or just want to try something new, know that behind the scenes, I’m always watching, studying, and bringing inspiration from iconic moments like Eurovision straight to my chair.
Eurovision is the ultimate celebration of music, identity, and over-the-top beauty. I live for it, and it inspires me to bring bold, dramatic, and deeply personal glam to my clients every day.
🎬 Eurovision in Pop Culture: The Story of Fire Saga
In 2020, Netflix released Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, a musical comedy starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. The film follows two Icelandic singers, Lars and Sigrit, as they chase their dream of winning Eurovision. While the movie offers a humorous take on the contest, it also pays homage to the passion and dedication of its participants.
The film's soundtrack, featuring songs like "Husavik" and "Jaja Ding Dong," captures the spirit of Eurovision's musical diversity. Notably, "Husavik" received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
💄 The Glamour and Drama of Eurovision
Eurovision is not just about music; it's a celebration of fashion, makeup, hairstyling, and theatrical performance. Here's why beauty professionals and enthusiasts are captivated:
Hairstyles: From towering beehives to sleek modern cuts, hairstyles are crafted to make a statement and complement the performance.
Makeup: Bold, expressive makeup designs enhance the storytelling aspect of each act, often incorporating glitter, dramatic eyeliner, and vibrant colors.
Costumes: Outfits range from traditional attire to avant-garde fashion, reflecting cultural heritage or the song's theme.
Stage Presence: Performers utilize choreography, props, and visual effects to create memorable spectacles.
This fusion of music and visual artistry makes Eurovision a rich source of inspiration for beauty trends and creative expression.
🎶 Experience the Magic
To immerse yourself in Eurovision's unique blend of music and performance, consider exploring the soundtrack of The Story of Fire Saga. It encapsulates the contest's essence and offers a taste of its musical diversity.
P.S. Want to try a Eurovision-inspired look for your next event or shoot? Let’s book a glam session and make it happen. I’ve got the glitter and the skills.
