The Eurovision Song Contest began on Tuesday (14 May) and fans were treated with a kiss cam on the first night of the competition.
In 1998, Dana International won Eurovision representating Israel. This year, she returned to the Eurovision stage, located in Tel Aviv, and wowed the crowd with a powerful performance.
During her performance, a kiss cam suddenly panned across the audience and viewers were treated to a glorious gay kiss when two man grabbed each other’s faces and kissed.
People praised the simple but revolutionary moment. One Twitter user said it showed ‘the power of Eurovision’.
An image of two men sharing a kiss broadcast to millions across the world. Giving hope to people who live in countries where this simple act is a crime.
That’s the power of #Eurovision and I absolutely love it. pic.twitter.com/CEY9Rjommt
— Liam Beattie (@Liam_Beattie) May 14, 2019
More Twitter reactions for the kiss
There was more than just that one gay kiss and some users called it a major win.
gays knowing they won tonight cause eurovision broadcasted gay kisses on live tv all over the world
https://t.co/DMWCU35t9J— adrian (@rosaurens) May 14, 2019
Loved #DanaInternational and seeing people share the love. Let everyone kiss! 🌈 🌸 #Eurovision https://t.co/RrG5qaHiY7
— Liora Kern (@liorakern) May 14, 2019
me cheering on the kiss cam #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/Lcgi8qnSGW
— Maggy (@maggyvaneijk) May 14, 2019
So many gay kisses on national TV, can you feel the audiences trembling? #Eurovision
— 🌈 Amor Vincit Omnia 🌈 (@GregoryJMatz) May 14, 2019
Others laughed at certain countries airing the moment, given their anti-LGBTI rhetoric and policies.
https://twitter.com/yg_vs_yg/status/1128399545187090440
https://twitter.com/soulmatesSNS/status/1128401215610662914
first it was a kiss cam showing 2 men, and then one of the presenters talking about his husband.
Russian authorities are shitting themselves right now XD#Eurovision #Eurovision2019— Masha Misanthrope (@nicereminders) May 14, 2019
People attending had their own fun experiences too.
https://twitter.com/ruddick/status/1128403624646840322
Others thought the entire kiss cam experience was awkward, especially for the audience in attendance.
https://twitter.com/JzzRa93/status/1128399603152433154
#Eurovision
Singer: KISS
Audience: pic.twitter.com/pVAt1FsOGu— a. ✨ #caos spoilers (@_nonabitoalmare) May 14, 2019
A kiss cam? #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/zJyeFraCI3
— ~Daði, Daði Cool~ (@uisgebeatha) May 14, 2019
This kiss cam part of the show has me like #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/uJ0FyvfF8e
— Noel Mc Govern (@noelmickedy) May 14, 2019
Regardless of any awkwardness, the moment was a highlight of the night for many viewers.
Eurovision coming in clutch
Eurovision is an annual singing competition held primarily among members of the European Broadcasting Union.
This year’s contest takes place in Tel Aviv, following Netta’s win for Israel at last year’s competition in Portugal. This is the third time Israel has hosted. They first hosted in 1979, and then two decades later in 1999.
Forty-one countries are competing in this year’s Eurovision, from Slovenia to Iceland and Australia. The second semi-final round takes place on Thursday (16 May), with the final scheduled for Saturday (18 May). Twenty-six countries participate in the final, with all 41 countries eligible to vote.
See also
UK Eurovision act explains the pro-LGBTI message in his music video
What are the five LGBTI songs to watch out for at Eurovision 2019?
Stephen Fry joins celebrities condemning proposed Eurovision boycott