With the "Eurovision 2014" finals coming up very soon on May 10 in Copenhagen, the competition is heating up in more ways than one. All eyes are on Russia and Ukraine who are currently embroiled in a bloody conflict over Crimea and online protests escalate over the inclusion of a bearded drag queen contestant

Now on it's 59th year, the "Eurovision Song Contest" is meant for light entertainment. It is meant to bring camaraderie amongst the competing nations much like the Olympics and other competitive occasions. Rivalries have formed over the years but this year's contest is much more politically charged than the organizers and perhaps the viewers would like.

Russia and Ukraine performed with only Azerbaijan in between them in the opening semi-final held last May 6 in Copenhagen. Russia was represented by pretty twins Anastasia and Maria Tolmachevy who sang a very non-aggressive ballad called "Shine" amidst a loudly booing audience. Ukraine meanwhile, fielded 21-year old Maria Yaremchuck who performed the upbeat song "Tick Tock."

Ultimately, both countries managed to snag one of the ten available slots from the first semi-final and will compete again for the ultimate prize on May 10. See the rest of the winners here. In her emotional speech, Ukraine's Yaremchuk stated: "My main message is that time is now, and there are more important things than politics. Eurovision is a better way to unite people than politics."

Another contestant stirring controversy mostly in Eastern Europe is Austrian transgender contestant Conchita Wurst. Online petitions in Belarus, Armenia and Russia have been circulating to either remove the contestant from the contest or edit out her performance in the live broadcast in those countries.

While the contest was initially started to forge camaraderie after the Second World War, it seems that politics is still involved and voting will be influenced by socio-political views. Wurst competes tonight, May 8 in the second semi-final round and it only remains to be seen if the strong anti-gay views in many Eastern European nations will affect the results.