Eurovision is always a fashion extravaganza and 2021 was no different. From factory-inspired jumpsuits (Manizha) to spangly silver one-pieces (take your pick!), the stars of Eurovision served a smorgasbord of looks that are forever burned onto the back of our retinas.

Now, as is tradition, Belgian web site Songfestival.be have asked the public to decide who had the most striking look this year. Thousands voted and Norway’s TIX — an iconic vision in angel wings — has won the day.

Barbara Dex Award 2021: Results

  1. Norway’s TIX
  2. Romania’s Roxen
  3. Croatia’s Albina
  4. The United Kingdom’s James Newman
  5. Israel’s Eden Alene

TIX brought the idea of his eponymous “Fallen Angel” to life with the most glorious wings we have ever seen at Eurovision. His wings reflected the light beautifully — the white lights radiated off the surface, while the blue lights seemed to absorb into them. His white, faux fur coat functioned in a similar way with the lighting, and helped create a strong silhouette that was visible as the camera panned out and even as TIX was cast in shadows.

The singer’s signature glasses provided one of the most emotional moments of the performance. At 2:15 TIX removed them, showing that he is far more than a character, but instead a person. In the ten seconds that passed he became a mirror for Europe — we saw our own struggles and reflected on our own heartaches.

His outfit is a prime example of how a daring look can do more than just make people look up. It can help them understand the message and story of a song.

Beyond this, his choice also demonstrates his own devotion to his vision and creative choices. Despite what naysayers said after the national final, he stuck to his guns and amped up the glamour with extra silver for Rotterdam. As any fashionista will tell you, confidence and commitment are two of the most important ingredients to making a look work and werk.

 

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About the Barbara Dex Award

The long-running prize was founded to pay homage to Belgium’s 1993 contestant, who famously made the mistake of sewing her own costume and ended up looking like a lampshade. But Songfestival.be, which took over the awards process after Eurovision 2016, have re-cast it in a more positive light.

It is no longer about the “worst dressed” and instead asks the public to choose the “most striking look”. That recognises the fact these artists are creating looks for specific stage shows and to fit a specific context — it’s not like they intend to wear these looks to Fashion Week or the grocery store.

As Songfestival.be writes: “To be clear: this prize for the most striking outfit does not intend to say what is ugly and what is not and does not want to place the Song Contest in a bad light.”

Are you happy that the Barbara Dex Award is now a celebration of striking looks? Which look was most striking to you? Let us know in the comments box below!

Photo: EBU / Andres Putting

102 Comments
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Anthony Alderson
Anthony Alderson
3 years ago

The Barbara Dex Award was introduced as a bit of p*ss take, but it was definitely for the worst outfit. Where’s the fun gone? If you’re gonna have an award for the most striking outfit, don’t hijack the BDA.

MTD
MTD
3 years ago

“Most striking bad and unwearable outfit”, correct?

Edward Workman
Edward Workman
3 years ago

This going to make it really hard to explain past winners of the award

JadePenguin
JadePenguin
3 years ago
Reply to  Edward Workman

If they’re gonna retcon the award, will Estonia win for 2018 with Elina’s stage covering dress? 🙂

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

All of this discussion around whether Barbara Dex Award should have changed or not is actually a part of an even bigger ongoing discussion in the entertainment business – Is political correctness killing comedy? And my opinion is… yes and no. As with most things, the truth is in the middle. Looking back, there were some pretty bad jokes whose punchline was basically only making someone look bad for the sake of it, and nothing more. Again, are some legitimately good jokes also incredibly dark? Sure. Is the PC stance killing them? Sadly, yes. If people were rational enough to… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Colin
Han
Han
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Didnt verka win this as well

Last edited 3 years ago by Han
Laburnum
Laburnum
3 years ago

Wow the UK can’t even win the Barbara Dex award lol

MKBL
MKBL
3 years ago

Hold up, Tusse not even entering top5? What is this bs…

Ria van de Velde
Ria van de Velde
3 years ago

I totally disagree with TIX’s winning as his outfit had a meaning behind and is a brand part of his image as an artist. I think people won ‘t understand the meaning of TIX’ song.

Han
Han
3 years ago

They have changed the meaning of the prize

blahh
blahh
3 years ago

i thought san marino would be here
also i really didn’t like roxen’s outfit i thought the hoodie looked much better
and albina is just lost in a crowd of silver dresses imo

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

If the goal is to award the most extravagant costume, Tix is the rightful winner. However, his costume totally fits the narrative of the song. If we are still talking about the least flattering costume, I think that San Marino and UK had coats pretty deserving of that title. Also, Eden’s braids which looked like locks of hair around her. I prefer Roxen’s live-on-tape performance outfit too. Still, nobody was *as badly dressed* as some previous winners.

Last edited 3 years ago by Colin
Maartijn
Maartijn
3 years ago

James looked really bad, unbearable. No hate towards his personality but his outfit was awful. I genuinely thought Eden’s braids dress was a creative idea and I liked it. I also liked Albina’s and her dancers’ outfits, maybe because I’m into 2000s futurist era. And the butt reveal on dancers looked satisfying lol I hated all the silver dresses, no exception. I don’t remember his name but the guy who represented Georgia was utterly disrespectful by wearing basic jeans and a white shirt. Wtf seriously? You’re representing your country in the biggest competition in the world in front of millions… Read more »

herveraim
herveraim
3 years ago

Victoria’s pyjamas would have been a “good fit” for this award 🙂 

T.J.
T.J.
3 years ago

The Barbara Dex Award was never „the most striking one“! Just look at previous winners. This is another politically correct attempt to make everything boring. Give the prize back to an organizer who dares to keep the original spirit!

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  T.J.

Or a redirection by the new people in charge of the award so as not to give fans an excuse to be outright nasty in the name of “fun”.

T.J.
T.J.
3 years ago
Reply to  James

Your comment is the embodiment of this pc-all-to-serious-attitude that never understood the difference between friendly sarcasm and utter hate. People who won the BDA in the past were always loved for it. That‘s called camp-humour.

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  T.J.

Until it wasn’t as times change.

T.J.
T.J.
3 years ago
Reply to  James

People who don’t understand gay culture should at least not try to destroy it. Camp-humour will bever die!

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  T.J.

Bever say bever?

T.J.
T.J.
3 years ago
Reply to  James

You‘re straight, right?

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  T.J.

Does being mean-spirited and cruel need to have a sexual orientation?

Aan Gomes Branco
Aan Gomes Branco
3 years ago
Reply to  T.J.

I’m queer and yeah. Camp-humor does not equal cruelty. So I approve of the title change. All of you who are saying “pc is bad wah wah”, what you’re actually saying is: i wanna be mean without consequences. The world has changed, and so must we alongside it.

T.J.
T.J.
3 years ago

obviously you don‘t understand camp
humour. too bad for you.

Han
Han
3 years ago
Reply to  T.J.

If any culture is used to be mean to and belittle others than that culture needs to change. I see absolutely no reason why gay culture should be any exception.
The Barbara dex reward as was, was extremely mean spirited and could have hurt the feelings of the various winning artists.
Admittedly there are many cultures that have done worse things and are in need of greater change. That doesn’t mean that smaller wrongs should be ignored

Han
Han
3 years ago
Reply to  Han

And I am queer before anyone accuses me of being homophobic. Ace Aro and proud.

T.J.
T.J.
3 years ago
Reply to  Han

If you think camp humor belittles people you haven‘t read my posts and/or know nothing about it. So do your homework and then come back to me

Gav...
Gav...
3 years ago
Reply to  T.J.

Or maybe the world is moving forward to embracing creativity and uniqueness and celebrating people’s choice and image… maybe you are the boring one and creativity and expression is exciting? ???????

Veta
Veta
3 years ago

If it was for the worst outfit, then I’d pick Croatia/Albania/Cyprus.
I disagree with TIX’s winning as his outfit had a meaning behind and is a brand part of his image as an artist. Also disagree with those bringing Stefania’s outfit in, as I found her looking like Tecna, my favourite fairy from Winx Club cartoon.
But if BDA is not for the worst outfit anymore then does it all matter?

Maya G
Maya G
3 years ago

This is Dumb.
As I understand it, the Barbara Dex Award should go to the ugliest outfit.
Novelty attires that are purposely extravagant and eccentric, such as those worn by TIX, Vilija, Verka Serduchka, Guildo Horn etc, should not be considered as fashion crimes. TIX’s outfit was ironic and self-aware, and as such it should not be given the award.
IMO the award for worst outfit should have gone to Either Israel’s braids dress or the UK’s leathery pimp outfit.

Fatima
Fatima
3 years ago

If it’s now about the “most striking look”, it should no longer have the name of Barbara Dex. Her frock was most definitely not striking.

Erik
Erik
3 years ago
Reply to  Fatima

Oh, where have you been this season. I didn’t see you around here. Maybe you’ve been busy?

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago

Roxen did not deserve second. Norway winning fully makes sense, and frankly it was the only Eurovision-related thing tix should have won

Eastman
Eastman
3 years ago

I don’t get what the Babara Dex Award is supposed to be now. For decades it was WORST DRESSED and now the organisers are like ‘oh actually it is MOST STRIKING’. And they didn’t change the name. And James Newman is not there because his costume was ‘striking’.

Han
Han
3 years ago
Reply to  Eastman

I would imagine many people didnt read the new voting instructions even if they have apparently been there since either 2016 or 2017

Robert
Robert
3 years ago

I think Albina was judged because her dancers were dresses Fing ugly. Her dress was not bad at all.

Han
Han
3 years ago
Reply to  Robert

Under the new rules they might have thought the futuristic style looked cool and striking

Jimmy Smit
3 years ago

When a couple of regular commentators said to mark their words that TIX would go on to win big in May, after beating KEiiNO in MGP, I had no idea this is what they meant.

Last edited 3 years ago by Jimmy Smit
Dawid
Dawid
3 years ago

green men from Greece should win this

Jo.
Jo.
3 years ago

Like we’ve seen that angel/devil outfit before… the most striking was probably Eden’s braids dress or the hand from Germany…and the worst dressed I’d say the duo from Denmark or Tusse.

hhhhurricane
hhhhurricane
3 years ago

Screw abolishing the juries, we need to abolish whoever is in charge of barbara dex…. like???

Milan
Milan
3 years ago

Probably only Barbara Dex is happy that the Barbara Dex Award is now a “celebration of striking looks”. I find the recent wave of political over-correctness nauseating. They should have stuck to the original definition of the award – or dropped it completely, and find the new award an appropriate name (Barbara Dex was not really an example of “striking looks”!). As if the Golden Raspberry was suddenly reassigned to a “most striking movie” or something like that. My question is – will we, at least, get to vote for the lampshade of the year? If so, I vote for… Read more »

Agumon
Agumon
3 years ago
Reply to  Milan

There’s nothing “politically incorrect” about mocking other people’s outfits. That’s just malicious and people who do that are just being a**holes (or as you say “nauseating”). There’s literally no opinion, grand ideas or debate that goes into this, that was just about online mobs fingerpointing and having some cheap laughs at the expense of someone else.

Also I think they’re just making people vote on their website to choose the winner of the BDA, so this ranking is literally what the people wanted.

Aan Gomes Branco
Aan Gomes Branco
3 years ago
Reply to  Agumon

Amen to that. And it’s clear by the downvotes, that people are keen on maintaining that nastiness, unfortunately, with no regards to anyone.

Han
Han
3 years ago
Reply to  Agumon

I dont know why people are down voting you. The reward was mean spirited, should never have been started in the first place. Changing the name for this new award is probably not a bad idea considering the bad connotation the reward has. I dont think it has anything to do with political correctness but a greater awareness of mental health and what “awards” like this can do

Roo
Roo
3 years ago
Reply to  Milan

It’s not political correctness the world needs. Just less nastiness. Plenty of nastiness on the comments here sometimes. Very happy to know the Barbara Dex award has been given a “makeover”

T.J.
T.J.
3 years ago
Reply to  Roo

That‘s not a „makeover“. That‘s destroying it. „The best outfit“ is something for kids who play with Barbies. If you want such a prize it‘s becoming totall irrelevant.

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago
Reply to  Milan

as soon as somebody says ‘ugh I hate political correctness’ I immediately tune out because it is clear that your thoughts are not worth hearing

T.J.
T.J.
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

yours are even less worth it so you don’t even phrase them. LOL

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago
Reply to  T.J.

ok tj

Milan
Milan
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

You should read more carefully. There’s a big difference between “political correctness” and “political over-correctness”.

Han
Han
3 years ago
Reply to  Milan

And this is not a case of political over correctness it’s simply an end to a mean spirited award that should never have been started

Kounis
Kounis
3 years ago

Sorry but you can’t just suddenly ask people to decide who deserves a razzie and somewhere in the text you say that this year’s razzies are for the best movie, actors etc, just like Oscars are for. People will still vote for the worst, not the best because that is what they know razzies are for. One can always create a new award, with a new name, to be given to the best or the most striking (?) or whatever outfit they want. NOT the Barbara Dex Award…

Han
Han
3 years ago
Reply to  Kounis

Razzies should probably be cancelled too.

Daggu
Daggu
3 years ago

What the heck? How is Romania second? What about Greece and San Marino?

Sonam
Sonam
3 years ago
Reply to  Daggu

Because people still voted for the worst. As they should, as this award is meant for. “Striking” my @ss. LOL

Cheerios
Cheerios
3 years ago
Reply to  Sonam

Romania was the best outfit ngl

Veta
Veta
3 years ago
Reply to  Cheerios

The best one was Geike’s starry dress hands down, but Romania’s was a beautiful one too.

Daggu
Daggu
3 years ago
Reply to  Sonam

How is Roxens dress second worst outfit in the show? Have you taken one look at Senhits outfit? Stefanias terrible spandex suit with some weird cut outs that look like a christmas ornaments? Or even Samanta tinas creation?

Roxen literally had a regular dress she could wear for almost any ocassion. What’s remarkable about it? It’s not ugly, it’s not striking, it was just a regular dress.

Sonam
Sonam
3 years ago
Reply to  Daggu

Guys chill. My point is that they `re trying to rebrand an iconic award in a dumb way. And yes, plenty of more eligible candidates than Roxen

lin
lin
3 years ago

Eden’s outfit was beautiful. I wouldn’t mind get the gorgeous white jacket.

Gabriella
Gabriella
3 years ago
Reply to  lin

What did you think about the shoe strings under that white jacket? Sorry, but not something I would have put her in.

Robert
Robert
3 years ago
Reply to  Gabriella

It is not shoe strings. It is braided dress that is part of her Ethiopian heritage. Education people. Education.

Han
Han
3 years ago
Reply to  Robert

Uighurshaving their hair forcefully taken from them, her being jewish, this not really being part of Ethiopian culture, a genuinely ill thought out plan. I’m sure there were other ways to express her heritage, more tasteful, less insensitive ones.

Sot
Sot
3 years ago

Also, wait a minute, if we’re talking about the most notable outfit, why isn’t Manizha in there?

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago
Reply to  Sot

The mechanical dress is perhaps considered a prop rather than a costume? In that case, the jumpsuit isn’t that striking.

Agumon
Agumon
3 years ago
Reply to  Sot

It’s an online poll, so this ranking is what people voted for.

Sot
Sot
3 years ago

Umm, actually the Barbara Dex award was more of a negative award for the most notable and kitsch outfit for others years, so I personally think either Croatia, (those darn dancers) Romania or Israel deserved it… Yep, probably Israel now that I think about it

Last edited 3 years ago by Sot
Cheerios
Cheerios
3 years ago
Reply to  Sot

Romania literally had the best outfits this year.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
3 years ago

i don’t get the problem with roxen and eden’s outfits, and yet san marino isn’t even in that list ? i guess the days of tragic outfits at esc are over lol

Han
Han
3 years ago

San Marino’s wasnt striking enough? Eden’s outfit struck me as extremely insensitive (the 2nd one) but it was certainly memorable. I honestly cant remember what Senhit was wearing or are we talking about Flo Rida. Roxen’s outfit was also memorable.

türkçeEscfan
türkçeEscfan
3 years ago

From male acts Tusse had the worst outfit while from female Stefania was by far the worst, like what was that cut in her belly? Lol, but i think the designer was greek so it explains it

Not Vanilla
Not Vanilla
3 years ago
Reply to  türkçeEscfan

I guess turkvision is not happening, pity it would be great to judge the nights best and worst hijab designs.

Han
Han
3 years ago
Reply to  türkçeEscfan

I actually quite like Tusse’s outfit. Someone said Stefania looked a bit like a teletubby and I cant unsee it. Neither were ugly or striking though.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
3 years ago

I think Norway is the first Nordic country to win the Barbara dex award.

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago

If it’s most striking he deserves it but it’s clearly not the worst. A glittering angel costume is clearly appropriate for a song like Fallen Angel. San Marino would win worst outfit for me in that the clothes of Senhit, Flo Rida and the dancers really didn’t fit Adrenalina and so undermined the song. The UK (was that a kaftan?), Croatia (backing dancers more so), Greece (although this fits into my gripes with the overall staging) and Sweden (distracted from the song) would be my other contenders. France is a dishonourable mention here because whilst I appreciate that Barbara was… Read more »

Sot
Sot
3 years ago
Reply to  Azaad

Stefania’s one-piece was amazing and Tusse’s sleeveless outfit was… certainly not the best but not a contender for the Barbara Dex award

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago
Reply to  Sot

What I couldn’t get was the flesh toned mid section part of Stefania’s suit – it looked really awkward. Either have it cut out or cover it in the same colour as the rest of the outfit. The problem with the outfit IMO was that it was a pastiche of 80s cliches, while Last Dance is more than that.

Veta
Veta
3 years ago
Reply to  Azaad

I must disagree. Haven’t you noticed that Stefania looked totally like Tecna from Winx Club? My favourite fairy. The little girl in me was delighted.

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago
Reply to  Veta

More like Darcy tbh.

Daggu
Daggu
3 years ago
Reply to  Azaad

I really don’t understand how people find Stefanias suit to be good. It looks so ugly in my opinion.

Also, France too. When I saw her performence in the final I was underwhelmed by it, I can’t put my finger on it but it just doesn’t look good on her.

Senhits outfit literally killed the staging for me.

Sweden looked straight up bad. I don’t get what the idea for it was, but it surely didn’t land.

Anne Marie
Anne Marie
3 years ago

I just hope Zigman stops making the outfits for Croatia‘s entries, no offense

Umbar
Umbar
3 years ago

I hate this ‘award’ with a passion. They can clarify all they want that its for the most striking outfit but until they change the name of it, ppl will still consider it to be for worst dressed and vote accordingly. If they don’t change the name then get rid of the ‘award’ altogether. It’s horrible and not in the spirit of Eurovision.

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
3 years ago

By these comments it seems like people still think of this contest as the worst dressed
Actually, I have just found out as well that it’s not anymore

just an esc fan
just an esc fan
3 years ago

i mean..deserved ig

sweden should be in top5 easily???

Candy
Candy
3 years ago

The worst outfit this year was James Newman’s. How can Albina be third she had one of the best outfits this year

Han
Han
3 years ago
Reply to  Candy

Striking outfit, I mean I assume some people read the new description, the crotch on her dress wasn’t the best though

shin
shin
3 years ago

Sweden, imo had the worst costume. if the sleeves were still there, it would’ve looked 10 times better . all in all, tusse was adorable tho.

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  shin

According to SongfestivalBe:

Just to make things sure: This award for the most notable outfit has nothing to do with claiming clothes as being ugly. The award is playful and therefore something you shouldn’t take too seriously. This award of course supports the Eurovision Song Contest.

Last edited 3 years ago by James
Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
3 years ago
Reply to  shin

i mean, true, but everyone already forgot sweden participated this year lbr

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago

Not the televoters who gave him more points than Benjamin lol

Sankseniva
Sankseniva
3 years ago

Albina WHAT????!!!!????

Aeria
Aeria
3 years ago

I’m kinda surprised Tusse was not between there. Easily the ugliest styling of the year

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  Aeria

“Notable” not ugly.

Im so fab
Im so fab
3 years ago

Well, I saw that coming, but the wings had a metaphorical meaning. This is why I don’t agree 100%. Israel’s second costume deserved the title, imo.

WestMids
3 years ago

Taken all the fun out of it. James Newman was easily the worst dressed. That hideous coat ugh

shin
shin
3 years ago
Reply to  WestMids

his dress was bland for his performance, but definitely not the worst of the bunch

Darren
3 years ago
Reply to  WestMids

He looked like someone from “down the market” who sold dodgy cigarettes and dvds.
Got a lot of respect for James though and his nil point was completely undeserved. Regardless what he was wearing.

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago
Reply to  Darren

I think that would be true if not for the fact that James looks very friendly and kind so you wouldn’t get shady vibes from him regardless of how he was dressed.

Jimmy Smit
3 years ago
Reply to  Azaad

So true, he came across as such a sweetheart.

Jimmy Smit
3 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Ha, I can totally see that! I hope the coat opens up to a stash of extra special watches and jewellery too

LaToya
LaToya
3 years ago
Reply to  Darren

My family and I kept calling him Del Boy…