Dana International

Dana International
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Name	Dana International
Birth name	Sharon Cohen
Birth date	February 2, 1972
Birth place	Tel Aviv, Israel
Occupation	Singer, songwriter

Dana International is a renowned Israeli singer, songwriter, and LGBTQ+ rights activist, known for her powerful voice and captivating stage presence, which has been compared to that of Madonna, Cher, and Lady Gaga. Born as Sharon Cohen in Tel Aviv, Israel, she rose to fame in the late 1990s with her unique blend of pop music, dance music, and Middle Eastern music influences, drawing inspiration from Ofra Haza, Sarit Hadad, and Zehava Ben. Her music career has been marked by collaborations with notable artists such as Iggy Pop, Donna Summer, and Pet Shop Boys, and she has performed at various events, including the Eurovision Song Contest, Pride parades, and Tel Aviv Pride. With her distinctive voice and style, she has become an icon in the LGBTQ+ community, alongside Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, and Elton John.

Early Life and Career

Dana International was born as Sharon Cohen on February 2, 1972, in Tel Aviv, Israel, to a family of Yemenite Jewish descent, which has had a significant influence on her music, similar to Ofra Haza and Sarit Hadad. She began her music career in the late 1980s, performing in nightclubs and bars in Tel Aviv and Haifa, alongside other notable Israeli artists such as Rita, Dana Berger, and Ninet Tayeb. Her early performances were influenced by disco music, funk music, and soul music, which were popularized by artists such as Bee Gees, Chic, and Stevie Wonder. She gained popularity in the Israeli music scene with her unique voice and style, which drew comparisons to Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Celine Dion.

Music Career

Dana International's music career took off in the late 1990s with the release of her debut album, Dana International (album), which included the hit single "Diva" (Dana International song), a tribute to Frida Kahlo, Cleopatra, and other female icons, such as Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, and Madonna. The album was a commercial success, and she became a household name in Israel, alongside other notable Israeli artists such as Idan Raichel, Asaf Avidan, and Ivri Lider. She has since released several successful albums, including Free (Dana International album), Yeladim (album), and Hakol Ze Letova, which have featured collaborations with artists such as Iggy Pop, Donna Summer, and Pet Shop Boys, and have been influenced by electronic dance music, hip hop music, and R&B music, popularized by artists such as Kanye West, Beyoncé, and Rihanna.

Eurovision and International Success

Dana International's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 1998 marked a turning point in her career, as she represented Israel with the song ("Diva" (Dana International song)), which was written by Yoav Ginai and Tzvika Pick, and won the competition, beating out other notable contestants such as Charlotte Nilsson, Edsilia Rombley, and Gina G. Her victory was seen as a milestone for the LGBTQ+ community, and she became an international sensation, performing at events such as the Pride parade in New York City, the Sydney Mardi Gras, and the London Pride, alongside other notable performers such as Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, and Scissor Sisters. She has since performed at numerous Eurovision Song Contest events, including the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 and the Eurovision Song Contest 2011, and has collaborated with other Eurovision winners, such as Conchita Wurst, Loreen, and Alexander Rybak.

Artistic Style and Legacy

Dana International's artistic style is a unique blend of pop music, dance music, and Middle Eastern music influences, which has been compared to that of Madonna, Cher, and Lady Gaga. Her music often features powerful vocals, catchy melodies, and introspective lyrics, which have been influenced by poetry and literature, particularly the works of Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, and Maya Angelou. She has been credited with helping to popularize Israeli music worldwide, alongside other notable Israeli artists such as Idan Raichel, Asaf Avidan, and Ivri Lider, and has inspired a new generation of LGBTQ+ artists, including Troye Sivan, Shamir (singer), and Kim Petras. Her legacy extends beyond her music, as she has become an icon for the LGBTQ+ community, using her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice, alongside other notable activists such as Harvey Milk, Marsha P. Johnson, and Stonewall riots.

Personal Life

Dana International is openly transgender and has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Israel and around the world, working with organizations such as the Tel Aviv LGBT Center, the Israeli Gay Youth, and the Human Rights Campaign. She has been recognized for her contributions to the LGBTQ+ community with awards such as the GLAAD Media Award and the Pride Award, and has been named one of the most influential LGBTQ+ people in the world by The Advocate and Out (magazine). Despite facing challenges and criticism throughout her career, she remains a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry, known for her talent, resilience, and dedication to her craft, and has been compared to other notable LGBTQ+ icons, such as Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, and Elton John.