Finnish politicians have long used saunas, relaxed but exposing, as an ideal setting for hard talks, a practice known as “sauna diplomacy.” KAJ wear drab suits onstage in tribute to Urho Kekkonen, a long-serving Finnish president who famously deployed the technique in talks with Finland’s overbearing neighbor the Soviet Union.

EXCLUSIVE: Malta Eurovision contestant Miriana Conte has opened up about the controversy surrounding her single 'Serving'.

Big, bold and diplomatically dicey – the Eurovision Song Contest requires some strong personalities to steer its course through a week of semi and grand finals. Switzerland, known for its political neutrality,

Israel’s Yuval Raphael is keeping a low profile at the Eurovision Song Contest. The 24-year-old singer has done few interviews or appearances during Eurovision week, as Israel’s participation in the pan-continental pop music competition draws protests for a second year.

It’s a moment that would have been unthinkable 19 months ago, when Raphael was nearly murdered on the darkest day in Israel’s modern history.

BASEL, Switzerland — Most contestants at the Eurovision Song Contest are seeking as much publicity as possible. Israel’s Yuval Raphael is keeping a low profile.

Eurovision Song Contest winner Nemo has said it is "kind of insane to be here and have a glittery party when you think of the world at the moment", as they return to perform at the event in Switzerland.