Eurovision (Euro Song): All you need to Know

The first country to win the Eurovision Song Contest was Switzerland in 1956, with the song “Refrain” performed by Lys Assia.

This historic moment marked the beginning of a tradition that has endured for decades, as countries compete each year to showcase their best musical talent and bring home the coveted Eurovision trophy. Since then, many countries have won the contest, but Switzerland will always hold a special place in Eurovision history as the very first winner.

The country that has won the Eurovision Song Contest the most times is Ireland, with a total of seven wins. Ireland won the contest for the first time in 1970 with the song “All Kinds of Everything” performed by Dana, and went on to win again in 1980, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1996. Their seven victories make Ireland the most successful country in Eurovision history.

Interestingly, the country with the second-most wins is Sweden, with a total of six wins, followed closely by France, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom, who have each won the contest five times.

The highest number of points ever achieved by a Eurovision Song Contest winner was 529 points, which was achieved by Salvador Sobral from Portugal in 2017. Sobral’s soulful and intimate ballad, “Amar Pelos Dois” (“Love for Both of Us”), captured the hearts of audiences across Europe, earning him the highest score in the competition’s history at the time.

The song’s simplicity and emotional depth were a refreshing departure from the typical Eurovision fare, and Sobral’s stunning performance and heartfelt delivery earned him a well-deserved victory. The win was also historic for Portugal, marking the country’s first-ever victory in the Eurovision Song Contest after 53 years of participation.

The youngest ever winner of the Eurovision Song Contest was Sandra Kim from Belgium, who won in 1986 at the age of 13. Her song “J’aime la vie” (I love life) was a hit with both the judges and the audience, and it remains a beloved classic among Eurovision fans to this day.

What makes Sandra Kim’s win even more impressive is that she was not originally favored to win the contest. However, her performance was so captivating that she ended up beating out much more experienced performers from all over Europe.

Despite her young age, Sandra Kim went on to have a successful career in music, and her victory at Eurovision remains a shining moment in the history of the competition. Her win is a testament to the power of youth and the ability of music to transcend age and cultural barriers.

The first song to be performed entirely in a language other than English at the Eurovision Song Contest was “Nel blu dipinto di blu” by Domenico Modugno, representing Italy in the 1958 contest. This iconic song, also known as “Volare”, captured the hearts of audiences with its catchy melody and romantic lyrics, and went on to become one of the most popular and enduring Italian songs of all time.

Interestingly, Modugno originally wrote the song as a tribute to the blue skies of his home region in Italy, but its universal themes of love, freedom, and the joy of living resonated with people all over the world. Its success at Eurovision helped to cement its place in musical history, and it has since been covered by countless artists in many different languages.

In addition to being a cultural touchstone, “Nel blu dipinto di blu” also marked a turning point in the Eurovision Song Contest, paving the way for more diverse and multicultural performances in the years to come. Today, the contest is known for its celebration of linguistic and cultural diversity, and continues to be a beloved event for music lovers around the globe.

The trophy awarded to the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest is called the “Eurovision trophy” or “Eurovision Song Contest trophy”. It was designed by a renowned Dutch artist named Theo Vesseur in 1956, and has since become an iconic symbol of the contest.

The trophy features a classic microphone design, with a silver core and a gold-plated exterior. The microphone is held up by a slender stem, which is mounted on a crystal glass base. The crystal base is designed to represent sound waves, and gives the trophy a sense of movement and dynamism.

Interestingly, the design of the Eurovision trophy has evolved over time. In 2008, a new design was introduced to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the contest. This version features a sleeker, more modern microphone design, with a polished silver exterior and a clear crystal base.

Overall, the Eurovision trophy is a beautiful and unique symbol of the contest’s rich history and cultural significance. It represents the power of music to bring people together from all over the world, and the joy and excitement that comes with celebrating our differences and similarities through song.

The interval act that graced the stage during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest was an electrifying performance titled “Riverdance”. The mesmerizing display of traditional Irish dancing was choreographed by Michael Flatley and accompanied by hauntingly beautiful music composed by Bill Whelan.

The lead dancers in the performance were Flatley and Jean Butler, who dazzled the audience with their lightning-fast footwork and stunning stage presence. “Riverdance” went on to become a worldwide sensation, with numerous stage shows, tours, and even a feature film adaptation. The 1994 Eurovision Song Contest will forever be remembered for the unforgettable performance of “Riverdance” and its iconic dancers.

Each year, the number of countries that compete in the Eurovision Song Contest can vary, but in recent years it has typically been around 40. The criteria for eligibility are quite specific – countries must be a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and be located within the geographical area covered by the EBU’s broadcast signals. In addition, the participating countries must be able to provide a live television broadcast of the contest and must submit an original song that has not been commercially released before a certain date.

Interestingly, the contest has evolved over the years, with new rules being introduced to ensure fairness and diversity. For example, there is now a limit on the number of performers that can be on stage during a performance, and the use of pre-recorded vocals is prohibited. The voting system has also changed over time, with the introduction of both professional juries and televoting from viewers at home. All of these factors contribute to making the Eurovision Song Contest a unique and exciting event that brings together people from across Europe and beyond.

The “Big Five” countries in the Eurovision Song Contest refer to the five largest financial contributors to the European Broadcasting Union, who are given an automatic place in the final each year. These countries are France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Their role in the contest is often a topic of discussion and debate among fans and participants alike. Some argue that their guaranteed places in the final give them an unfair advantage, while others suggest that their involvement is necessary to ensure the financial viability of the event.

Regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, there is no denying that the “Big Five” have made a significant impact on the contest over the years. From France’s numerous wins in the early days of the competition to Italy’s recent resurgence, these countries have provided some of the most memorable moments in Eurovision history.

It’s worth noting that the “Big Five” also have a responsibility to uphold the values of the contest, including promoting unity, diversity, and inclusivity. As such, they have a duty to choose representative acts that showcase their countries’ unique cultures and talents, while also respecting the spirit of the competition as a whole.

The role of the first Eurovision Song Contest held outside of Europe is to showcase the global reach and cultural diversity of the competition. This historic event was not only a milestone in the Eurovision history but also served as a platform to promote cross-cultural exchange and understanding.

The first Eurovision Song Contest to be held outside of Europe was in fact, the 2015 edition, which took place in Australia, a non-European country. The contest was held as a one-time special event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Eurovision and was aptly named Eurovision Song Contest: Australia 2015.

The decision to host the contest in Australia was a bold move that paid off, with the country’s enthusiastic participation and viewership leading to the event’s success. This move also opened the door for potential future expansions of the competition to new territories beyond Europe.