Dana was chosen to represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 1998 in Birmingham with the song " Diva " . Orthodox Jews and others with conservative views were opposed to the choice and attempted to void her participation in the contest . In May 1998 , Dana performed " Diva " at the Eurovision final and won the contest with 172 points . She became known internationally , and was interviewed by CNN , BBC , Sky News , and MTV among others mostly focusing on her life as a transsexual person before winning the contest . Dana 's own words '' " the message of reconciliation " '' were ; '' " My victory proves God is on my side . I want to send my critics a message of forgiveness and say to them : try to accept me and the kind of life I lead . I am what I am and this does not mean I do n't believe in God , and I am part of the Jewish Nation . " '' Dana released " Diva " as a single in Europe and it became a hit , reaching number 11 in the UK charts and the top ten in Sweden , Belgium , Finland , Ireland , and the Netherlands
Eurovision Song Contest 1998
Eurovision Song Contest 1998
Dana International