Sequins and flags: On the Eurovision orange carpet in Israel
This year's competition features songs from 41 countries. Participants presented themselves at a red carpet-style event in central Tel Aviv on Sunday, walking an orange carpet instead to reflect a sponsor's logo.
The host changes pace
Following last year's win for Israel's Netta and her song "Toy," the country won the right to host this year. Kobi Marimi, pictured, will carry the torch with his song "Home," a heartfelt ballad in contrast to Netta's high-powered beats. Israel has proven a controversial venue, with pro-Palestinian activists calling for performers to boycott the event. But the show is continuing.
Diversity celebrated
Performers from 41 countries presented themselves at Sunday's "orange carpet" official opening ceremony. France's Bilal Hassani, with his gender fluidity, follows in the footsteps of 2014 Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst, whose winning song he performed in 2015 on 'The Voice Kids.' In Tel Aviv, the 19-year-old will sing "Roi" in English and French, with a vibrant message about self-acceptance.
Performance and art
Among the most eccentric acts this year are the Icelandic performance art collective Hatari, with their song "Hate will Win," which delivers an anti-capitalist message in their native language. The group's act not only brings a different energy with its industrial rock genre, but it also features them in BDSM-inspired outfits. Several thousand police officers have been deployed for the event week.
A youthful contest
At just 16 years of age, Belarus's Zena is the youngest contestant in Tel Aviv. Last year's contest was four times more popular among 15 to 24-year-olds than the average and most of this year's performers are under the age of 30. Zena will compete with her English-language song pop song "Like It." It's Eurovision's first time in Tel Aviv, though Jerusalem has twice previously hosted the festival.
Traditional but modern
Polish group Tulia brings to Eurovision a modern take on folk music. Performed in their native language, the song "Fire of Love," is bound to stand out. The week-long song contest is in its 64th edition.
Sisterhood on display
The duo S!sters, Laurita Kästel and Carlotta Truman, is representing Germany this year and with their song about female empowerment, they hope to improve their country's poor showing in the past two years. "When women work together, we can become much stronger," Kästel said.