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The Eurovision Song Contest is known for gathering all the European countries together, leaving political dissent at the door for a night of musical fun. With each country vying for the one and only silver microphone trophy, all manners of performances take the stage. There have been zombie rockers; a group of old Russian ladies; and even a turkey DJ. In 2007, viewers witnessed one of the greatest acts ever to come out of the ESC–Verka Serduchka and her song "Dancing Lasha Tumbai." The visuals grab the attention of viewers first. It's impossible to tear your eyes away from the butt slapping drag queen Verka Serduchka in her silver dress and star helmet with the number 69 emblazoned on her back. Then there's the smiling backup dancers (who are just as flashy as Verka), busting out moves anyone could use on the dance floor, the number 18 signifying Ukraine's performance order in the contest. However, this is a song contest, and, in my onion, "Dancing Lasha Tumbai" is the best part about their performance. We first hear the accordion, reminiscent of Ukrainian folk music along with the classic, up tempo Eurodance beat. The lyrics feature four different languages: English, Russian, German, and Ukrainian. To this day, we have no idea what a "lash tumbai" is. It's a word/phrase that sounds legitimate, but means nothing. Do we care? Nope! The song is just as fun with the random lyrics. Intact, the song's dance beat and iconic performers scored them a spot in the 2015 action comedy movie Spy starring Melissa McCarthy and Jason Statham. Melissa McCarthy takes the mic from Verka Serduchka in France in Spy Source: twitter.com Verka Serduchka placed in second at the ESC, behinds Serbia's Marija Šerifović and her song "Molitva," which was no where near as popular and awesome as "Dancing Lasha Tumbai." Featured in pop culture and viewed thousands of times, Verka Serduchka has made a mark in Eurovision, being one of the first acts anyone associates with the ESC. "Ok Happy End."
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Jamala singing at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm Sweden Source: www.telegraph.co.uk On May 14, 2016, Jamala of Ukraine won the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm Sweden with her patriotic song “1944.” The song told the story of the Crimean Tartar’s deportation by Josef Stalin, Jamala heart wrenchingly wailing, “Where is your mind?/ Humanity cries. / You think you are gods. / But everyone dies. / Don't swallow my soul. / Our souls… you took away my land / I couldn't have my homeland.” The chorus was sung in Crimean Tartar. Her voice may not have been the best in the competition, but “1944” made a statement. |