Culture

Victors, flops and fireworks at Eurovision

Lackluster finish

Not all that glitters is gold, as Germany's entry, Cascada, proved with their shimmering performance of "Glorious" on stage. But all the light effects and disco beats couldn't save the dance act from a disappointing finish. Natalie Horler and co. rounded out near the bottom, placing at 21.

Victors, flops and fireworks at Eurovision

Azerbaijan still going strong

After their victory two years ago, Azerbaijan took second place in Malmö. Farid Mammadov, who's usually seen in the dance and pop charts, performed a catchy ballad accompanied by a striking stage show.

Victors, flops and fireworks at Eurovision

Searching for scandal

Déjà vu? Madonna and Britney Spears might be inclined to yawn. Finnish singer Krista Siegfried saved the high point for the very end of her "Marry Me," when she kissed one of her female dancers on stage.

Victors, flops and fireworks at Eurovision

Beauty and the Beast?

Ukrainian beauty Zlata Ognevich has no trouble turning heads when she gets on stage to perform her dramatic number. And that's particularly true when she's hoisted in front of the audience by a 2.58-meter-tall gentleman in a Viking costume.

Victors, flops and fireworks at Eurovision

Eurovision fever

In beautiful weather, these British fans cheered for Bonnie Tyler in Malmö. Tyler is certainly one of the most famous participants in the 2013 edition of the song contest. At 61, her gravelly voice has lost some of its power, but recalled her hits of the 70s and 80s.

Victors, flops and fireworks at Eurovision

A Dutch ballad

With her soft but moving performance, Anouk - better known for rock tunes - had made headlines well in advance of the contest. Her mystical and elegiac song "Birds" may be among the tracks that outlive this year's Eurovision hype.

Victors, flops and fireworks at Eurovision

Moldova in flames

With Aliona Moon, the name says it all. Her futuristic dress made it a bit difficult to concentrate on her song, "O Mie." And as the singer's robe unfurled on stage, it served as a projection space for stars, lighting and - in the end - a sea of red flames.

Victors, flops and fireworks at Eurovision

Of shoes and love?

Wardrobe was in focus in a different way when it came to the performance by Lithuania's Andrius Pojavis, who sang "Something" at the contest. Its lyrics include, "When summertime falls, it becomes untrue / Because of the shoes I'm wearing today / One is called love, the other is pain." Well then…

Victors, flops and fireworks at Eurovision

Romanian vampire

The trick is to stand out, and while a number of this year's competitors tried, few matched up to the performer from Romania. Singing in a falsetto and in Dracula get-up, Cezar delivered one of the most talked-about performances of the night.

Victors, flops and fireworks at Eurovision

Belgian ode to Chris de Burgh?

Was it a confirmation ceremony or an ESC performance? Belgium's bushy-eyebrowed Roberto Bellarosa looked a bit like a young version of Chris de Burgh in Malmö. Flanked by his dancers, he delivered a rather stiff performance.

Victors, flops and fireworks at Eurovision

Greece channels Scottish rock

With their chaotic mix of ska and folk, the Greek group Koza Mostra delivered a spirited appeal in their tune, "Alcohol Is Free." A round of ouzo, anyone?

Author: Nadine Zeyen | Editor : Rick Fulker