Dating back to 1956, this contest has become one of the most popular media events ever.Over 600 million viewers tuned in last year to see their country’s representative sing their heart out. Ireland has won the most since its inception with 7 victories, followed by Britain with 5. There is no restriction on the nationality of performers ironically, thus French-Canadian Celine Dion’s victory for Switzerland of all places back in 1988.
Here is the list of Eurovision Song Contest winners from 1999 to 2023:
- 1999 Jerusalem: Sweden, "Take Me To Your Heaven" by Charlotte Nilsson (163 points)
- 2000 Stockholm: Denmark, "Fly On The Wings Of Love" by Olsen Brothers (195 points)
- 2001 Copenhagen: Estonia, "Everybody" by Tanel Padar, Dave Benton & 2XL (198 points)
- 2002 Tallinn: Latvia, "I Wanna" by Marie N (176 points)
- 2003 Riga: Turkey, "Everyway That I Can" by Sertab Erener (167 points)
- 2004 Istanbul: Ukraine, "Wild Dances" by Ruslana (280 points)
- 2005 Kyiv: Greece, "My Number One" by Helena Paparizou (230 points)
- 2006 Athens: Finland, "Hard Rock Hallelujah" by Lordi (292 points)
- 2007 Helsinki: Serbia, "Molitva" by Marija Šerifović (268 points)
- 2008 Belgrade: Russia, "Believe" by Dima Bilan (272 points)
- 2009 Moscow: Norway, "Fairytale" by Alexander Rybak (387 points)
- 2010 Oslo: Germany, "Satellite" by Lena (246 points)
- 2011 Düsseldorf: Azerbaijan, "Running Scared" by Ell/Nikki (221 points)
- 2012 Baku: Sweden, "Euphoria" by Loreen (372 points)
- 2013 Malmö: Denmark, "Only Teardrops" by Emmelie de Forest (281 points)
- 2014 Copenhagen: Austria, "Rise Like a Phoenix" by Conchita Wurst (290 points)
- 2015 Vienna: Sweden, "Heroes" by Måns Zelmerlöw (365 points)
- 2016 Stockholm: Ukraine, "1944" by Jamala (534 points)
- 2017 Kyiv: Portugal, "Amar Pelos Dois" by Salvador Sobral (758 points)
- 2018 Lisbon: Israel, "Toy" by Netta (529 points)
- 2019 Tel Aviv: Netherlands, "Arcade" by Duncan Laurence (498 points)
- 2021 Rotterdam: Italy, "Zitti e buoni" by Måneskin (524 points)
- 2022 Turin: Ukraine, "Stefania" by Kalush Orchestra (631 points)
- 2023 Liverpool: Sweden, "Tattoo" by Loreen (583 points)
Please note that the Eurovision Song Contest in 2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eurovision has been a platform for launching the careers of many artists since its inception. Among the most celebrated Eurovision winners is the Swedish pop group ABBA, who won in 1974 with their hit "Waterloo," catapulting them to international fame. ABBA's success story remains one of the most significant legacies of the Eurovision Song Contest, showcasing the competition's potential to influence global music trends.
Another notable winner is Johnny Logan from Ireland, who is unique in the contest's history for winning the Eurovision Song Contest twice as a performer, in 1980 with "What's Another Year" and again in 1987 with "Hold Me Now." Logan's contributions to Eurovision have earned him the nickname "Mr. Eurovision," and he remains a beloved figure in the competition's lore.
The first-ever winner of the Eurovision Song Contest, Lys Assia for Switzerland in 1956, set the precedent for the competition. Her winning song "Refrain" has become a part of Eurovision history, remembered for starting the tradition of celebrating diverse musical talent across Europe.
In recent years, the Ukrainian singer Jamala brought the Eurovision trophy back to Ukraine in 2016 with her powerful ballad "1944," which touched on historical events from World War II. This win highlighted Eurovision's capacity to serve as a platform for more than just pop music, allowing artists to share significant cultural and historical messages through their performances.
Swedish singer Loreen's victory in 2012 with the song "Euphoria" is another milestone in Eurovision's history. The song not only won the contest but also became a massive hit across Europe and beyond, showcasing Eurovision's ability to discover and promote artists who achieve widespread success.
Lys Assia, the first Eurovision winner, paved the way for what has become one of the world's longest-running and most watched annual international televised music competitions. Her victory in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest set a high standard for all that followed.
The contest has seen memorable winners who have used Eurovision as a launchpad for international acclaim, with acts like Celine Dion, who won for Switzerland in 1988, long before she became a global superstar. Her victory with the ballad "Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi" is often cited as one of the contest's most surprising and inspiring success stories.
Ireland's success in the contest, particularly during the 1990s, is unmatched, with Johnny Logan's contributions playing a significant role in this legacy. Ireland’s seven wins in Eurovision are a testament to the country's strong musical tradition and its artists' appeal to the European audience.
The list of Eurovision winners includes acts from Ireland and Sweden, countries that have demonstrated exceptional success in the competition. Sweden, in particular, with ABBA's win in 1974 and Loreen's victory in 2012, has solidified its reputation as a powerhouse in the Eurovision Song Contest.
The Eurovision Song Contest has evolved over the years, with winners representing a diverse range of music genres and styles. From the early days of ballads and classic pop songs to the inclusion of more contemporary and eclectic musical acts, Eurovision's winners reflect the changing tastes and trends in European music.
As Eurovision continues to celebrate new winners each year, fans of the competition eagerly anticipate the next Eurovision winner, wondering which country will take the prestigious title and how the winning song will contribute to the rich tapestry of Eurovision history. Each winner not only gains international recognition but also becomes a part of an exclusive group of artists who have left a lasting impact on Europe's musical landscape.
The Eurovision Song Contest, an international song competition organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union, has a storied history since its first contest in 1956. Designed to foster unity after World War II, it has evolved into a showcase of diverse musical talents across Europe and beyond. Each participating country sends a representative to perform an original song, with winners chosen through a combination of public vote and jury deliberation.
ABBA, one of the most famous winners, catapulted to international fame after winning the 1974 contest with their hit "Waterloo." This victory not only secured their place in pop culture but also underscored Eurovision's ability to launch successful global music careers. Another notable winner, Celine Dion, represented Switzerland in 1988, long before achieving worldwide stardom.
The contest has seen a range of music styles and performances, from the ballads of Johnny Logan, who won for Ireland in 1980 and again in 1987, making him one of the contest's most successful participants, to the more recent win of Ukraine's Jamala in 2016 with "1944," a song that touched on the deportation of the Crimean Tatars. Jamala's victory highlighted Eurovision's capacity for blending pop culture with profound historical narratives.
Eurovision's impact extends beyond the music industry, influencing fashion, dance, and political discourse. For instance, the win of Conchita Wurst in 2014 became a powerful statement for diversity and acceptance across the continent. Similarly, Loreen's win in 2012 with "Euphoria" not only brought another victory for Sweden but also became a dance anthem globally.
The contest has also been a platform for linguistic and cultural expression, with songs performed in both national languages and English, reflecting the diversity of Europe. The winning songwriter often gains international recognition, contributing to the cultural exchange that lies at the heart of Eurovision.
Throughout its history, Eurovision has experienced moments of controversy and political tension, such as the 1964 contest, which was marred by protest. Yet, it continues to be a beloved tradition, with millions tuning in for the grand final. The city of Liverpool hosting the 2022 Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine due to the war highlights the contest's role in offering solidarity and support through music.
Recent contests have seen a mix of traditional and modern performances, with the upcoming contest eagerly anticipated for its showcase of Europe's evolving musical landscape. Loreen of Sweden, winning the grand final, exemplifies the enduring appeal of Eurovision to both artists and audiences alike.
Eurovision's official history records not just the winners but the cultural shifts and musical trends over decades. With the highest number of wins belonging to Ireland, the contest continues to be a significant event in the international music calendar, eagerly awaited by fans and artists alike.
From the first contest in 1956 to the recent winner in 2022, Eurovision has remained a vibrant celebration of European music, creativity, and unity. It stands as a testament to the power of song to transcend borders, bringing together nations in a shared experience of music and performance.
Eurovision has always been a dazzling showcase of talent, where each contestant steps onto an international stage, often on behalf of last year's winning country, aiming to capture the hearts of millions with their performance. The one who ultimately wins the Eurovision Song Contest not only secures a place in the contest's illustrious history but also ensures that their winning entry joins the pantheon of popular songs that have defined this unique competition. Reflecting on past winners reveals a tapestry of musical diversity and evolution, where each artist contributed a distinctive sound and story, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Europe and beyond.
Musical Notes:
- The world’s largest collection of musical instruments is located in Brussels, Belgium at the Musee des Instruments de Musique. Entrance is only 5 euro for adults/3.5 discounted.
- Don Giovanni, Carmen, The Barber of Seville, and The Marriage of Figaro were all set in the city of Seville, Spain.
- The Vienna Boys Choir sing mass every Sunday morning at the Burgkapelle of the Hofburg Palace starting at 9:15 am.
- The hotel where Micheal Jackson dangled his kid over the balcony on …. Is the ultra luxury Hotel Adlon just inside the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany
- The Cumberland Hotel in London was the site of guitar legend Jimi Hendrix’ famed overdose from barbiturates on September 18, 1970
Europe Travel Deals
