Eurovision at 70: Icons Like Lordi and Graham Norton Share Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, The Guardian features exclusive interviews with some of the competition's most iconic participants. Mr. Lordi, frontman of the Finnish heavy metal band that won in 2006, reveals the physical toll of performing in a non-breathable latex costume while suffering from a fever, describing it as wearing a giant condom. He also discusses the intense backlash the band faced in Finland after their victory, where they were initially shunned by rock purists before gaining international acclaim. Sergey Stepanov, known globally as Epic Sax Guy from Moldova’s SunStroke Project, shares his journey from watching the contest as a child to becoming an internet meme sensation, though he admits he was unaware of meme culture at the time. Additionally, long-time commentator Graham Norton offers humorous insights into the chaos of the event, including advice on travel logistics with contestants. The article highlights the unique cultural phenomenon of Eurovision, blending music, spectacle, and personal anecdotes from legends who have shaped its history over seven decades.