Finnish Monster Rockers Win Eurovision

The annual Eurovision song contest has never seen anything this shocking before. During its 51-year history, the competition has been better known for bland dance music, rap, and soft bubble-gum pop.

But this year, Lordi, a Finnish death metal band known for their monster costumes and dark lyrical themes, defied all odds to win the competition Saturday night.

The band was controversial even before the start of the competition. Across Finland, religious leaders and others were angered over Lordi being chosen to represent the country in the music fest. Numerous calls were made to President Tarja Halonen to use her constitutional powers to veto the controversial band and nominate a traditional Finnish folk singer instead.

Lordi is so affiliated with its monster costumes that they have become an integral part of their existence; they refuse to be photographed or even interviewed without their frightful wardrobes, even though in some cases it has led to their own discomfort.

Those protesting against Lordi argued that the five key members of the band were KGB agents that Russian President Vladimir Putin sent to destabilize Finland in preparation for an eventual Russian coup, and that this was the main reason why the group has consistently refused to take off their freakish masks in public.

The wave of protests quickly migrated to Athens, the site of the 2006 Eurovision contest. Protesters led by anti-Lordi group "Hellenes" labeled the Finnish band as Satan worshipers and urged the Finnish government to act fast and say "no to this evil group."

Before the competition began, a young Finn who identified himself with the name Suomi (meaning Finland in Finnish), commenting on a newspaper blog said, "If Lordi wins Eurovision, I'm leaving the country."

Protests continued throughout the competition, but the more people protested, the more Lordi triumphed in the competition. There were 23 competitors at the semifinals and judges were drawn from 38 countries.

The favorites included the United Kingdom, Russia, Greece, Finland, and Sweden. But of these, Lordi stood out, partly because they were the only group permanently wearing costumes. The group was representing Finland with the song "Hard Rock Hallelujah." The group regularly performs with fireworks and simulated lightning, so their show shed new colors on the 2006 edition of the Eurovision contest.

Lordi won with 292 points, ahead of Russia's 248 and Bosnia-Hercegovina's 229. This means that Lordi gathered more points than any band in contest history.

Commenting about their victory amidst protests and controversy, Lordi, the band's lead singer said, "This is a victory for rock music ... and also a victory for open-mindedness."

"We are not Satanists. We are not devil worshipers. This is entertainment," he added.

The band said their popularity at the event highlighted that there are different styles of music than just pop and rock.

"That should be the goal of Eurovision," Mr. Lordi said. He explained that they will not sing a song entitled "Hallelujah" if they were in fact Satanic. He added that they are not a gospel group either.

This year's Eurovision was watched by some 300 million people worldwide. Finland will now host the next Eurovision in May 2007 by right of victory.