After 44 years of not winning Eurovision, Duncan Laurence brought home the win for the Netherlands with his hit song Arcade in 2019. Obviously, 2020 came around and took the big show away—but now it’s back and as great and over the top as usual. Being Dutch and a huge Eurovision fan for many years, I was hoping to finally see the show in real life. With corona rules still in place, I had given up on this dream, but a call from a friend who had signed up for the last few tickets changed all of that. I went to the 1st semi-final after all! As a tribute to the Eurovision song contest, I decided to make a top 10 of my favourite outfits of this year.

Every year, the artists will do anything to stand out from the rest of the crowd, resulting in some interesting outfits every now and then. It’s no different this year, there’s an abundance of glitters, colours, fringes, feathers, sparkles and did I mention glitter? Not all final stage outfits have been shown yet, but here I will be sharing some of the most amazing outfits from the show itself if possible, and otherwise from the first and second rehearsals. So keep in mind, these can still change before the grand final on Saturday!

Number 10: Samanta Tina- The Moon Is Rising- Latvia

Samanta Tīna, Latvia, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 14 May 2021 — EBU / THOMAS HANSES — Samanta Tīna, Latvia, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 14 May 2021 **— EBU / THOMAS HANSES**

Samanta truly looked like a queen in her green ensemble covered in gems and fringes. Her co-performers are wearing matching black visors and cute skirts with leather harnesses over them. Together they look really powerful—just like their song this year.

Number 9: Tix- Fallen Angel- Norway

TIX, Norway, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 12 May 2021 — EBU / ANDRES PUTTING — TIX, Norway, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 12 May 2021 **— EBU / ANDRES PUTTING**

It doesn’t get any more Eurovision than this. A huge fluffy coat, under it, covered in glitters and gold chains and dancing demons holding onto him by chains. Whilst maybe not the most fashionable pick of the evening, I have to give props to Tix for channelling true Eurovision extravaganza and going all out. The staging with mist and huge flames really completed the camp look Tix is successfully showing here.

Number 8: Barbara Pravi- Voilà- France

Barbara Pravi, France, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 15 May 2021 — EBU / ANDRES PUTTING — Barbara Pravi, France, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 15 May 2021 **— EBU / ANDRES PUTTING**

This look is great, simple but effective. She’s wearing a black bustier and black high-waisted pants. Whilst some think the look is too simple for a campy show like Eurovision, I think Barbara put together a great, subtle look that fits very well with the rest of her staging and her song.

Number 7: The Roop- Discoteque- Lithuania

The Roop, Lithuania, First Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 8 May 2021 — EBU / ANDRES PUTTING — The Roop, Lithuania, First Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 8 May 2021 **— EBU / ANDRES PUTTING**

The Roop are wearing matching yellow suits. The singer (shown in the middle) really took the center stage with his outfit, with a cropped jacket with huge shoulder pads and amazing flared pants. His heels finish off the look. Even though everyone on stage is wearing this monochrome look, no one looks boring at all!

Number 6: Fyr Og Flamme- Øve Os På Hinanden- Denmark

Fyr Og Flamme, Denmark, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 14 May — EBU / THOMAS HANSES — Fyr Og Flamme, Denmark, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 14 May **— EBU / THOMAS HANSES**

The 80s vibes are off the charts with this act. Both performers are wearing outfits inspired by the decade, and are rocking beautiful pink and purple shades, one of them with white heeled boots. Their staging really finishes off the whole performance, with neon colours in the background.

Number 5: Jeangu Macrooy- Birth Of A New Age- The Netherlands

Jeangu Macrooy, The Netherlands, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 15 May 2021 — EBU / THOMAS HANSES — Jeangu Macrooy, The Netherlands, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 15 May 2021 **— EBU / THOMAS HANSES**

Yes, I may be biased because I’m Dutch myself, but the entire group is wearing some amazing outfits that fit together beautifully. There’s a mixture of different patterns, such as checkers in different colours, but also stunning almost tattoo-like drawings. Jeangu himself is wearing a blue suit with a cropped jacket and leather straps around his waist and upper arms.

Number 4: Montaigne- Technicolour- Australia

Montaigne - Live On Tape recording - Australia - 2021 — JESS GLEESON — Montaigne - Live On Tape recording - Australia - 2021 **— JESS GLEESON**

Montaigne has been turning out amazing, unique looks throughout the preparations for the Eurovision song contest. Her style is one of many colours, and her performance outfit is no different. She’s wearing what seems to be a latex body suit with puffy shoulders and glittering embellishments. Combined with her hair dyed in vibrant neon colours, it looks totally amazing.

Number 3: Stefania- Last Dance- Greece

Stefania, Greece, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 13 May 2021 — EBU / ANDRES PUTTING — Stefania, Greece, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 13 May 2021 **— EBU / ANDRES PUTTING**

The Greek-Dutch Stefania is a fan-favourite, especially after she revealed her performance outfit. She’s sporting a purple sleeveless bodysuit with cutouts around the midriff and just below her neckline—and it’s covered in glitters. She’s also wearing stunning opera gloves and thigh-high boots in the same colours. The result is a striking picture.

Number 2: Manizha- Russian Woman- Russia

Manizha, Russia, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 12 May 2021 — EBU / THOMAS HANSES — Manizha, Russia, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 12 May 2021 **— EBU / THOMAS HANSES**

Manizha’s song is a powerful feminist anthem. Her act starts with her in a stunning, huge dress made out of traditional fabrics. She’s locked up in the dress like it’s a cage and breaks free later as a metaphor for women breaking free of old-fashioned values. Then, she’s wearing a baggy pink jumpsuit and her shimmering golden headwrap. Both her first outfit and her jumpsuit are amazing symbols for changing values and changing fashions, strengthening the message of Manizha’s song.

Number 1: Måneskin- Zitti E Buoni- Italy

Måneskin, Italy, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 15 May 2021 — EBU / ANDRES PUTTING — Måneskin, Italy, Second Rehearsal, Rotterdam Ahoy, 15 May 2021 **— EBU / ANDRES PUTTING**

Holy shit. The Italian rock band Måneskin single-handedly brought back glam rock to one of the largest stages of the world. The lead singer Damiano is rocking Burgundy overalls- with no shirt- and amazing high-heeled boots. Victoria, the bassist, is wearing a jumpsuit with flared bottoms and beautiful flowy sleeves in the same fabric. The drummer and guitarist, Ethan and Thomas, are wearing two-pieces in the same style as well. They all match perfectly in this amazing 70s-esque aesthetic they’re going for, with a great touch of androgyny. Not only are they a favourite for their music, their fashion is there to match their skills.

Some honourable mentions:

North Macedonia’s Vasil with his reflective discoball-esque top, all of the sparkly silver dresses this year, Ukraine’s neon green bolero and the middle finger suit from Germany. Check all of them out this week in the Live Semi-Finals and the Grand Final on Saturday!