Artists of Iranian origin have managed over the years to reach the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest – not as representatives of Iran, which does not participate in the competition, but under the flags of Western countries. This is a rare but fascinating phenomenon that highlights the power of migration, multicultural identity, and global influences in the world of entertainment.

From unforgettable performances to interrupted participations, five prominent figures with Iranian roots have left their mark on Europe’s most watched competition. Among them are singers with international careers, new immigrants, and even one young girl. For some, their Iranian background was only hinted at, while for others, it was a source of pride and a message of cultural integration.

Arash – The Iranian Superstar Who Captivated Azerbaijan

The most recognizable name on the list is Arash Labaf, born in Tehran, who immigrated to Sweden at the age of 10. He represented Azerbaijan at Eurovision 2009 together with Aysel, performing the energetic song “Always”, which became a massive hit and finished third in the final with 207 points.

The performance, which took place in Moscow, Russia, turned him into a symbol of cross-cultural collaboration – especially since many viewers at the time did not know that he was an artist of Iranian origin.

Barbara Pravi – An Iranian Chanson?

Barbara Pravi, born in France to an Iranian-Polish mother of Jewish heritage, became one of France’s most influential representatives in recent years. She represented France at Eurovision 2021 with the song “Voilà,” a musical tribute to her cultural roots.

Her dramatic and polished performance earned her second place with a total of 499 points – the highest for France in years – and launched her international career. French newspapers described her as a “symbol of the new France” – complex, diverse, and boundary-crossing.

Rita – The Girl from Tehran Who Became Israel’s Diva

The singer Rita, born in Tehran and immigrated to Israel at the age of 8, is perhaps the greatest symbol of the artistic integration of Iranian expatriates in Israel.

At Eurovision 1990, she represented Israel with the song “Shara Barchovot” (in English: “Singing In The Streets”) and finished in 18th place. Despite the disappointing result, Rita became one of Israel’s biggest stars – and her story continues to inspire the younger generation. Today, she is identified with female empowerment, bridging cultures, and social activism.

Tooji – The Immigrant from Shiraz Who (Briefly) Conquered Norway

Touraj Keshtkar, better known by his stage name Tooji, was born in Shiraz and moved to Norway at just one year old, bringing with him an extraordinary life story. In 2012, he represented Norway at Eurovision in Baku with the song “Stay”.

Despite a lavish production and energetic choreography, he finished last in the final – yet remains one of the most recognizable contestants and figures identified with Norway’s LGBTQ+ community. His performance sparked discussions about gender, minority representation, and acceptance in the European media.

Susan – The Girl Who Was Meant to Represent Germany

Finally, Susan Oseloff, an artist of Iranian-German origin, was chosen to represent Germany at Junior Eurovision 2020 with the song “Stronger With You”.

Although she finished in the last place, her selection received extensive coverage in the German and international media, mainly due to her young age and diverse background. She remains an example of how singing competitions can serve as a platform for cultural diversity even at a young age.

A Reflection of Global Trends

The participation of artists of Iranian origin as representatives of other countries is not coincidental – it is the result of deep trends in global culture: migration, globalization, identity diversity, and a quest for self-expression. Eurovision, as a competition with an enormous audience of about 160 million people, becomes a stage that celebrates personal stories embodying broad social processes.

In discussions held in the EuroMix fan groups, fascinating questions about cross-cultural representation in Eurovision have often arisen – and it is precisely artists from countries that do not officially participate (such as Iran or Lebanon) that generate special interest. For Eurovision fans, this has cultural value and also a universal message: music crosses borders.