Eurovision 2008: Ukraine

Tuomo writes: Ukraine is yet another Eurovision newbie with less than 10 years under the belt but this has not prevented them from winning (in 2004 as their second year in the competition). Not a bad feat for a country when Finland at that point could only dream of such glory!

In 2007 ,Ukraine put on a show of a life time when Verka Serduchka got on stage in Helsinki and belted out Lasha Tumbai in her crazed-out drag outfit – and came in second! In fact even my parents loved Verka… though I strongly suspect that they did not quite get the joke – like that Verka was a dude in silver dress… To date then, Verka’s performance has been the best in the category of unorthodox Eurovision performances, which unfortunately has apparently given the green light this year for other countries to pull the same off. They do say that imitation is the highest form of flattery, but for the time being, I don’t think that Verka can be beat.

At any rate, here is Ukraine in 2007 with Ani Lorak and Shady Lady:

Here or

After Ukraine’s romp with Verka last year, I was expecting to be disappointed. But no: I just love dance music like this: I look forward to working out to this. Also a great stage show based on the YouTube clip. But is it Eurovision? And what’s with the Lordi monster rip-offs? And do something about the owowowoowww in the beginning.

And for those who want more Verka, enjoy!