Sharon Cohen, known professionally as Dana International, achieved international prominence in 1998 as the first transgender winner of the Eurovision Song Contest in Birmingham. Performing the song "Diva," she secured 172 points in the competition, marking a significant moment in European pop music history and establishing her presence across major international media outlets.
Early Development and Career Origins
Born in Tel Aviv in 1969 to a family of Yemenite-Jewish descent, Cohen attended Ironi Alef High School and aspired to become a singer from age eight. By age 18, she worked as a drag queen, where she was discovered by DJ Offer Nissim. Her early career featured the satirical single "Saida Sultana," a parody of Whitney Houston. In 1993, she traveled to London for sex reassignment surgery and adopted the name Sharon Cohen.
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Following her transition, she released her debut album, Danna International, which achieved gold status in Israel. Her second album, the Trance-influenced Umpatampa (1994), sold over 50,000 copies and reached platinum status, earning her the Best Female Artist of the Year award in Israel. She maintained this momentum with her 1996 album Maganuna and collaborations, including the hit duet "Shir Kdam-Shnati (Sex Acher)" with Eran Zur.
Eurovision and Subsequent Discography
After winning the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest, "Diva" became a chart success across Europe, including the UK, Sweden, and the Netherlands. She later participated in the 1999 contest interval act and represented Israel again in 2011 with "Ding Dong." Throughout the 2000s, she released albums such as Free, Yoter VeYoter, HaHalom HaEfshari, and Hakol Ze Letova, while serving as a judge on the talent show Kokhav Nolad.
Fast facts
- Born: 1969, Tel Aviv
- Primary Occupation: Singer-songwriter
- Eurovision Win: 1998
- Languages: French, Italian, Spanish, English, Russian, Hebrew, Arabic
- 2025 Honor: Independence Day (Israel) torchbearer
- Known for: First transgender Eurovision winner
Questions readers ask
How many times did Dana International compete in Eurovision?
She competed in the Eurovision Song Contest twice: first in 1998 with "Diva," which she won, and again in 2011 with "Ding Dong."
What is the origin of the stage name Dana International?
The name was derived from the title track of her 1993 debut album, Danna International.
Achievements
- First prize of the Eurovision Song Contest — 1998
- Instruments: voice and double bass
- Genres: pop music
