Israel Sends Trans Singer to Eurovision

Following a stirring rendition of her song "Ding Dong," transgender singer Dana International was been selected by Israel to compete at the Eurovision final in Germany this May, reports Time magazine.

Born Yaron Cohen, Dana previously entered the Eurovision competition in 1998 with a song titled "Diva" that suggested struggles faced by transgender people would ultimately make them stronger. According to Time, "Orthodox Jews were aghast when she first won the right to compete for Israel in 1998. ... European voters were moved by her performance at the Eurovision final and crowned her the winner."

"My victory proves God is on my side," Time quotes her as saying afterward. "I want to send my critics a message of forgiveness. ... I am part of the Jewish nation." The single "Diva" would eventually sell more than 400,000 copies worldwide and make the Top 10 in five European countries.

The Eurovision final will take place in Dusseldorf in May.

Watch Dana International perform "Ding Dong" below.