The Eurovision Song Contest, also known as Eurovision, is an international songwriting competition held annually. Organized by the European Broadcasting Union, each participating country submits an original song. During the live broadcast, competing countries vote for each other's songs to decide the winner.
1953: International Eurovision Broadcast
The word "Eurovision" was first used in 1953 by a British journalist to describe a BBC program broadcast on Dutch television, highlighting the network's early use for international broadcasts.
January 1955: Formation of Eurovision Committee
In January 1955, an EBU committee was established to investigate innovative broadcasting practices. This committee ultimately approved the concept of a European song competition.
October 1955: Approval of Eurovision Song Contest
The EBU's general assembly officially approved the organization of the song contest, initially titled the European Grand Prix, in October 1955.
1956: Live Orchestra Introduced
From the inaugural contest in 1956, a live orchestra was a prominent feature of Eurovision performances.
1956: Switzerland Wins Inaugural Eurovision
Switzerland emerged as the winner of the first ever Eurovision Song Contest in 1956.
1956: First Eurovision Contest
The first Eurovision Song Contest in 1956 featured seven participating nations, setting the stage for what would evolve into a global musical spectacle.
1956: First Eurovision Song Contest
The first Eurovision Song Contest took place in 1956. Switzerland won with the song "Refrain", performed by Lys Assia.
1956: First Eurovision Song Contest
The inaugural Eurovision Song Contest took place in 1956 in Lugano, Switzerland, following a proposal from the Swiss delegation.
1956: First Eurovision Contest
The inaugural Eurovision Song Contest took place in 1956, marking the beginning of a musical phenomenon that would captivate audiences worldwide for decades to come. Although televised, the primary mode of audience engagement was radio broadcast, as television sets were still a rarity. Only a Kinescope recording of the winner, Lys Assia's reprise, exists today.
1957: No Voting for One's Own Country
A significant rule was implemented in 1957, prohibiting countries from voting for their own entry. This rule aimed to ensure fairness and prevent potential bias in the Eurovision Song Contest.
1957: Introduction of Public Voting and Scoreboard
In 1957, Eurovision introduced a public scoreboard and voting system, drawing inspiration from the BBC's Festival of British Popular Songs.
1957: Formalized Vote Announcement Segment
Since 1957, Eurovision has dedicated a segment to announce each country's votes, a practice that has become a signature element of the contest. A spokesperson, often a well-known figure, reveals their country's points.
1958: Tradition of Host Country
The tradition of the winning country hosting the next year's Eurovision Song Contest began in 1958.
1958: "Nel blu, dipinto di blu" ("Volare") Performs at Eurovision
In 1958, "Nel blu, dipinto di blu" ("Volare") placed third at Eurovision for Italy. The song, performed by Domenico Modugno, went on to become the only Eurovision entry to win a Grammy Award.
1958: Tradition of Winning Country Hosting
The tradition of the winning country hosting the following year's Eurovision Song Contest began in 1958, establishing a key aspect of the contest's format.
1959: Melodifestivalen Established
Sweden established its national selection show, Melodifestivalen, in 1959, which has become a highly popular televised event and a successful method for choosing Eurovision entries.
1961: Sopot International Song Festival Begins
The Sopot International Song Festival, a music competition separate from the EBU, was inaugurated in 1961.
1961: "Nous les amoureux" Wins Eurovision
The song "Nous les amoureux", which contained references to the challenges faced by homosexual relationships, won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1961.
1963: Denmark Wins Eurovision
Denmark won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1963.
1964: Missing Full Recording of the Contest
Despite the growing popularity of television, a complete recording of the 1964 Eurovision Song Contest is notably absent from the archives. Conflicting accounts surround the fate of any potential copies, adding an air of mystery to this edition. Fortunately, audio recordings and snippets of footage have survived, offering glimpses into this lost chapter of Eurovision history.
1965: Eurovision's Tenth Edition
Eurovision celebrated its tenth anniversary in 1965, with eighteen countries participating. This marked a significant increase from the original seven, signifying the growing appeal and international reach of the contest.
1965: Criticism over English Performance
The 1965 Swedish entry, performed in English, sparked criticism, prompting a change in the language rule.
1965: Italian Name for Eurovision
The 1965 contest, hosted in Italy, used the Italian name "Gran Premio Eurovisione della Canzone" for its official logo.
1966: Austria Wins First Eurovision
Austria's first Eurovision victory occurred in 1966.
1966: Language Rule Introduced
In 1966, a rule was implemented requiring songs to be performed in an official language of the participating country. This followed criticism of the previous year's Swedish entry performed in English.
1967: Vienna Boys' Choir Performs at Eurovision
The Vienna Boys' Choir performed at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1967.
1968: Color Broadcasts
Eurovision transitioned to color broadcasts in 1968, marking a significant technological advancement in the contest's history.
1968: Spain Wins Eurovision
Spain won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1968.
1968: "Grand Prix" Dropped from English Name
In 1968, the "Grand Prix" was removed from the English name of the Eurovision Song Contest, marking a shift towards a simplified title.
1969: Spain Wins Eurovision Again
Spain achieved back-to-back Eurovision victories by winning again in 1969.
1969: Four Countries Tie for the Win
The 1969 Eurovision Song Contest witnessed a unique event where four countries tied for the win due to a lack of tiebreak rules at the time.
1970: Julio Iglesias Represents Spain
In 1970, a relatively unknown Julio Iglesias represented Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest, placing fourth. Despite not winning, his appearance marked the beginning of his journey towards global stardom, eventually selling an estimated 100 million records worldwide.
1970: Introduction of "Postcards"
Short video "postcards" were introduced in 1970, initially to fill time in the contest. These postcards have become a regular feature, showcasing the host country and introducing the performing acts.
1971: Groups Permitted in Eurovision
Groups were allowed to compete in Eurovision for the first time in 1971, expanding the format of possible performances.
1972: Luxembourg Wins Eurovision
Luxembourg won the 1972 Eurovision Song Contest.
1973: "Eres tú" Places Second
Mocedades represented Spain at Eurovision in 1973 with the song "Eres tú," which finished in second place. The song made history as the first Spanish-language song to reach the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.
1973: Abolition of Language Rule
The language rule, mandating performances in an official language, was abolished in 1973, allowing for greater linguistic diversity in Eurovision entries.
1973: French Name Aligns with English Name
The French name of the contest was changed in 1973 to "Concours Eurovision de la Chanson," aligning with the English name and simplifying the overall branding.
1973: Luxembourg Wins Eurovision Again
Luxembourg achieved consecutive Eurovision victories by winning again in 1973.
1973: Israel's Debut at Eurovision
Israel participated in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in 1973, less than a year after the Munich massacre, resulting in heightened security measures at the venue in Luxembourg City.
1973: Pre-Recorded Tracks Allowed
In 1973, Eurovision allowed the use of pre-recorded backing tracks for competing acts. However, any pre-recorded instruments had to be visually "performed" on stage.
1974: ABBA Wins Eurovision
In 1974, Swedish pop group ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest, propelling them to international fame and success. Their winning song, "Waterloo", sold over five million records.
1975: Introduction of "12 Points" System
In 1975, Eurovision adopted the iconic "12 points" system for its voting process, revolutionizing how countries award points to their favorite songs.
1975: Netherlands Wins Eurovision
The Netherlands secured a victory at the 1975 Eurovision Song Contest.
1976: Dutch Name for Eurovision
For the 1976 Eurovision Song Contest, hosted in the Netherlands, the official logo used the Dutch name "Eurovisiesongfestival."
1976: "Save Your Kisses for Me" Wins Eurovision
In 1976, "Save Your Kisses for Me" by Brotherhood of Man won the Eurovision Song Contest for the United Kingdom and went on to sell over six million singles worldwide, making it the best-selling Eurovision winner ever.
1977: Intervision Song Contest Established
From 1977 to 1980, the Sopot International Song Festival was rebranded as the Intervision Song Contest, operating under the International Radio and Television Organisation (OIRT), an Eastern European counterpart to the EBU.
1978: Israel Wins Eurovision
Israel secured a victory at the 1978 Eurovision Song Contest.
1978: Israel's First Eurovision Win
Israel's first victory in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1978 sparked controversy as Arab states broadcasting the event often cut to advertisements during Israel's performance due to a lack of recognition of the country, and many cut the feed entirely before the end of the voting when Israel's win became apparent.
1979: Israel Wins Eurovision Again
Israel achieved back-to-back Eurovision victories by winning again in 1979.
1980: Dutch Name for Eurovision
The Netherlands hosted the contest again in 1980 and opted to use the Dutch name "Eurovisiesongfestival" on the official logo once more.
1980: Terry Wogan Begins Eurovision Commentary
Terry Wogan began his long-standing role as commentator for the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1980.
1980: Johnny Logan's First Victory
Johnny Logan achieved his first Eurovision victory in 1980, representing Ireland. This marked his first of two wins as a performer.
1980: Johnny Logan Wins Eurovision for the First Time
Johnny Logan achieved his first Eurovision victory in 1980, representing Ireland with the song "What's Another Year," written by Shay Healy.
1980: Ralph Siegel writes multiple entries
In the 1980 contest, Ralph Siegel, a prolific songwriter, co-wrote both the German and Luxembourgish entries, demonstrating the freedom of songwriters to contribute multiple songs in a single year.
1980: End of Intervision Song Contest
1980 marked the final year of the Intervision Song Contest, which had been a rebranding of the Sopot International Song Festival since 1977.
1981: Songs of Europe Held
To commemorate the Eurovision Song Contest's 25th anniversary, the EBU organised "Songs of Europe" in 1981, showcasing live performances and video recordings of all past Eurovision winners.
1982: Ralph Siegel's Winning Entry
Ralph Siegel, known for his contributions to multiple Eurovision entries, wrote the winning song for the 1982 contest.
1984: OGAE Founded
OGAE, one of the oldest and largest Eurovision fan clubs, was founded in Finland in 1984. It is now a network of over 40 national branches worldwide.
1985: Satellite Broadcasts
Eurovision started using satellite broadcasts in 1985, furthering the contest's reach and accessibility.
1986: Sandra Kim's Victory
Sandra Kim, at the age of 13, won the 1986 Eurovision Song Contest. Due to the minimum age rule implemented in 1990, she remains the youngest winner in the contest's history.
1987: Johnny Logan Wins Eurovision for the Second Time
In 1987, Johnny Logan won Eurovision for the second time, again representing Ireland. He performed his self-penned song "Hold Me Now."
1987: Johnny Logan's Second Victory
Johnny Logan won the Eurovision Song Contest for the second time in 1987, again representing Ireland. He became one of two individuals to win the contest twice as a performer.
1988: Switzerland Wins Again After 32 Years
Switzerland experienced a significant gap between its Eurovision victories, winning in 1988, 32 years after their first win in 1956.
1988: Computer Graphics Scoreboard Introduced
In 1988, Eurovision ushered in a new era of visual presentation with the introduction of a computer graphics scoreboard. This replaced the manual scoreboard, allowing for dynamic updates as countries revealed their points.
1988: Celine Dion's Eurovision Victory
Celine Dion, representing Switzerland, won the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest. This victory marked a significant turning point in her career, leading to international recognition and success, particularly in English-speaking markets.
1990: 22 Countries Regularly Competing
By 1990, Eurovision had established itself as a prominent fixture in the global music landscape, with twenty-two countries consistently participating each year. This demonstrated the contest's sustained popularity and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
1990: Minimum Age Rule Introduced
In 1990, a rule was established mandating all contestants to be at least 16 years old on the day of their live performance.
1991: Italian Name for Eurovision
In 1991, Italy hosted the Eurovision Song Contest again and once more used an Italian name for the official logo: "Concorso Eurovisione della Canzone."
1992: Johnny Logan Wins as Songwriter
In 1992, Johnny Logan secured his third Eurovision victory, this time as a songwriter. Linda Martin performed his winning song "Why Me?" for Ireland.
1992: Ireland Begins Three-Year Winning Streak
Ireland began its record-breaking streak of three consecutive Eurovision victories in 1992.
1993: Pre-Qualifying Round
A separate pre-qualifying round was introduced to the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993 to manage the increasing number of countries wanting to participate.
1993: Relegation System Based on Previous Year's Results
Between 1993 and 1995, a relegation system was used where the lowest-placed countries in a given year's contest would be excluded from participating in the following year's event. This system was later reintroduced in 2001.
1993: Introduction of Pre-selection and Relegation System
Due to a high number of entries (29) in 1993, a pre-selection round, "Kvalifikacija za Millstreet," was introduced in Ljubljana, Slovenia to choose three out of seven countries to proceed to the final in Millstreet, Ireland. A new relegation system was also implemented, where the lowest-placed countries in the contest would be excluded from the following year's event.
1993: Smallest Eurovision Host City
In 1993, Millstreet, Ireland, with a population of 1,500, became the smallest city to host Eurovision. Despite its size, its Green Glens Arena can hold up to 8,000 spectators.
1993: EBU and OIRT Merger
In 1993, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) merged with the OIRT network, leading to increased interest from former Eastern Bloc countries in participating in the Eurovision Song Contest.
1993: Ireland Wins Eurovision Again
Ireland maintained its winning streak by securing another victory at the 1993 Eurovision Song Contest.
1994: Continued Use of Relegation System
The relegation system implemented in 1993 continued to be used in 1994 for qualification for the 1995 contest.
1994: Riverdance Debuts
The world-renowned dance production Riverdance made its debut as the interval act at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest in Ireland. This seven-minute performance of traditional Irish music and dance served as a springboard for its global success.
1994: Ireland Wins Eurovision for the Third Time in a Row
Ireland achieved an unprecedented feat by winning Eurovision for the third consecutive year in 1994, a record that remains unbroken.
1994: Relegation System
Eurovision implemented relegation systems in 1994 to limit the number of participating countries. This meant countries with low scores were barred from the following year's contest.
1994: Satellite Links for Vote Announcements
In 1994, Eurovision incorporated satellite links for vote announcements, enabling spokespersons to be visually present for the audience and viewers. This technological advancement added a personal touch to the vote reveal.
1995: Continued Use of Relegation System
The existing relegation system continued to be utilized in 1995 for qualification for the subsequent year's contest.
1996: Gina G's "Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit" Reaches Eighth Place
In 1996, Gina G represented the United Kingdom at Eurovision with the song "Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit." The song placed eighth in the contest but went on to achieve commercial success, selling 790,000 records across Europe and the US.
1996: Introduction of Audio-Only Qualification Round
In 1996, a new audio-only qualification round was introduced to determine the 22 countries that would compete in the final in Oslo, Norway, alongside the automatically qualified host country. This system was implemented to address concerns, particularly from Germany, about the previous relegation system.
1996: Ireland Wins Eurovision Again After a One-Year Break
Ireland continued its Eurovision dominance by winning the 1996 contest, marking four victories within a five-year span.
1996: Father Ted Episode "A Song for Europe"
The 1996 episode "A Song for Europe" from the television series Father Ted used the concept of countries deliberately sending bad entries to avoid hosting as a plot point, highlighting a commonly held belief about Eurovision.
1997: Fully Pre-Recorded Instrumental Music Allowed
Eurovision permitted the full use of pre-recorded instrumental music in 1997, although the host country was still required to provide a live orchestra.
1997: Televoting Trial Introduced
In 1997, Eurovision experimented with televoting for the first time, allowing viewers in five countries to cast their votes. This marked a pivotal step toward increasing audience participation in the contest.
1997: Paul Oscar Represents Iceland
In 1997, Paul Oscar made history as the first openly gay artist to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest, representing Iceland.
1997: Return to Average Score-Based Relegation
In 1997, the relegation system was changed again, reverting to a system similar to that used between 1993 and 1995. However, this time, a country's average scores over the preceding five contests were used to determine relegation.
1997: Introduction of Televoting
The introduction of televoting in 1997 in the Eurovision Song Contest led to an increase in "patriotic voting" where foreign nationals vote for their country of origin.
1998: Televoting Expanded
Following the successful trial in 1997, televoting was expanded to include most participating countries in 1998. This demonstrated the growing importance of public opinion in shaping the Eurovision results.
1998: Last Year of Mandatory Orchestra
1998 marked the final year where the host country was obligated to provide a live orchestra for Eurovision performances.
1998: Dana International Faces Backlash
Dana International's selection for the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest was met with objections and death threats from orthodox religious groups in Israel, leading to her staying in a hotel with bulletproof windows during the contest in Birmingham.
1999: Native Language Rule Abolished
A pivotal change occurred in 1999 when Eurovision abolished the rule requiring countries to perform songs in their native language. This led to a significant increase in the number of songs performed in English.
1999: Advertising Opportunities for Broadcasters
In 1999, Eurovision began offering broadcasters the option to incorporate advertising during brief breaks in the show. This provided a revenue-generating opportunity while ensuring viewers still experienced the entire competition.
1999: Introduction of "Big Four" Exemption
In 1999, France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom were granted an exemption from relegation, automatically qualifying them for the 2000 contest and all subsequent editions. This group, known as the "Big Four", consists of the highest-paying EBU members and significant financial contributors to the contest.
1999: Orchestra Becomes Optional
In 1999, the Eurovision rules made the provision of a live orchestra optional. Israel's IBA, the host broadcaster for that year, opted not to provide an orchestra, resulting in all entries using backing tracks.
1999: Tribute to Victims of Balkan War
The Eurovision Song Contest in 1999 concluded with all competing acts singing "Hallelujah", Israel's 1979 winning song, as a tribute to the victims of the war in the Balkans.
1999: Abolition of Language Rule
The language rule was permanently abolished in 1999, granting full freedom of language choice for Eurovision entries.
2000: Denmark Wins Again After 37 Years
Denmark achieved another Eurovision victory in 2000, 37 years after their first win in 1963.
2000: Online Streaming
Eurovision embraced the digital age in 2000 by introducing online streaming.
2001: Aqua Performs at Eurovision
Danish Europop group Aqua performed non-competitively at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2001.
2001: Eurovision Online Streaming
Eurovision began streaming online on its official website in 2001.
2001: Largest Eurovision Venue
In 2001, Parken Stadium in Copenhagen became the largest venue to host the Eurovision Song Contest, accommodating almost 38,000 spectators.
2001: Reintroduction of Single-Year Relegation System
The relegation system was changed again in 2001, returning to the system used between 1993 and 1995, where only the results from the most recent contest were considered for relegation.
2002: First Unique Slogan for Eurovision
In 2002, Eurovision introduced a unique slogan for each edition, further solidifying the visual identity of each contest. This practice continued until 2024.
2002: Latvia Wins in its Third Appearance
Latvia secured a Eurovision victory with its third entry in the 2002 contest.
2003: Influx of New Countries
A significant increase in the number of countries applying to participate in the 2003 contest led to the decision to introduce a semi-final starting from 2004.
2004: Introduction of Generic Eurovision Logo
Before 2004, each Eurovision edition had a unique logo. In 2004, to establish a consistent visual identity, a generic logo was introduced. Each edition features unique theme artwork, with the host country's flag at the center of the Eurovision heart.
2004: Semi-Finals Introduced
The year 2004 marked a significant change in the Eurovision format with the introduction of semi-finals to accommodate the growing number of participating countries.
2004: Ukraine Wins in its Second Appearance
Ukraine achieved a quick victory at Eurovision, winning in only its second appearance at the contest in 2004.
2004: Fire of Anatolia Performs at Eurovision
Turkish dance group Fire of Anatolia performed at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004.
2004: Introduction of Semi-Finals
In 2004, semi-finals were introduced to the Eurovision Song Contest, creating a new stage of competition and increasing the number of participating countries.
2004: Introduction of Semi-Finals and Automatic "Big Five" Qualification
The introduction of semi-finals in 2004 led to a change in the role of the "Big Five" countries. Instead of being exempt from relegation, they now automatically qualify for the final, along with the host country.
2004: Introduction of Semi-Final and Two-Day Event
In 2004, the contest expanded to a two-day event with the introduction of a semi-final. The top 10 countries from the previous year's final, along with the "Big Four", automatically qualified for the final, while all other countries competed in the semi-final for 10 qualification spots.
2004: Mandatory Televoting
In 2004, televoting became a mandatory aspect of Eurovision voting for all participating countries, solidifying the role of the public in determining the contest's outcome.
2004: Semi-Final Introduced
The first semi-final was introduced to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004, expanding the competition to include more countries.
2005: Congratulations: 50 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest
In 2005, "Congratulations: 50 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest" was held to celebrate the contest's 50th anniversary. The event featured a competition to determine the most popular song from 14 selected entries from the first 50 years of Eurovision.
2005: Continuation of Single Semi-Final Format
The single semi-final format that was introduced in 2004 continued to be used for the 2005, 2006, and 2007 contests.
2005: Greece Wins After 31 Years
Greece experienced a long wait for a Eurovision victory, finally winning in 2005, 31 years after its first appearance at the contest.
2005: Widescreen Broadcasts
Eurovision broadcasts began using widescreen format in 2005, enhancing the visual experience for viewers.
2006: Finland Ends 45-Year Losing Streak
Finland's 45-year losing streak at Eurovision finally ended in 2006 with their first-ever victory.
2006: "4,000 Years of Greek Song"
The 2006 Eurovision Song Contest, hosted in Greece, showcased "4,000 Years of Greek Song" during its interval act, emphasizing the country's cultural heritage.
2007: Serbia Wins on Debut as Independent Nation
In 2007, Serbia achieved victory on its first appearance at Eurovision as an independent country following its previous participations as part of Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro.
2007: Joulupukki Presents the Award
In a unique event, Joulupukki, the Finnish Santa Claus, presented the Eurovision trophy to the winner, Marija Šerifović, in 2007.
2007: Marija Šerifović Wins Eurovision
Marija Šerifović won the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest for Serbia.
2007: Eastern European Dominance and Voting Bias Criticism
The 2007 Eurovision Song Contest saw Eastern European countries dominating the top 15 places and qualifying spots, leading to heightened criticism of the voting system and accusations of voting biases. This was discussed in European national parliaments, and contributed to Terry Wogan's resignation as UK commentator, a role he'd held since 1980.
2007: Expansion of Semi-Final and Criticism of Results
The 2007 contest in Helsinki, Finland saw a record 42 countries participating, resulting in an expanded semi-final with 28 entries competing for 10 spots in the final. This led to criticism regarding the predominantly Central and Eastern European qualifiers and the poor performance of Western European countries.
2007: First Eurovision Dance Contest
The inaugural Eurovision Dance Contest, an event showcasing pairs of dancers performing ballroom and Latin dancing, took place in 2007.
2007: High-Definition Broadcasts
High-definition broadcasts were implemented for Eurovision in 2007, bringing a new level of visual clarity to the contest.
2008: Introduction of Second Semi-Final
In response to criticism about bloc voting, the EBU introduced a second semi-final in 2008, dividing countries based on geographic proximity and voting history to address concerns about voting biases.
2008: Second Eurovision Dance Contest
The second edition of the Eurovision Dance Contest, featuring pairs of dancers performing ballroom and Latin dancing, took place in 2008.
2008: First Eurovision in Concert Held
The first edition of Eurovision in Concert, an annual pre-party event featuring Eurovision contestants performing in Amsterdam, took place in 2008.
2008: Three-Show Format
The Eurovision Song Contest adopted a three-show format in 2008, including two semi-finals and a final, expanding the contest and allowing for more participants.
2008: Introduction of Semi-Final Allocation Draw
In 2008, a new procedure called the semi-final allocation draw was introduced to the Eurovision Song Contest. This draw determines which countries will compete in each of the two semi-finals based on their geographical location and voting history. Countries are then randomly assigned to perform in either the first or second half of their designated semi-final. Automatic qualifiers are also randomly assigned to a semi-final for voting purposes.
2008: Introduction of Second Semi-Final
Following the criticism and perceived regional bias in the 2007 semi-final results, a second semi-final was introduced for the 2008 contest in Belgrade, Serbia. This change required all countries, except the host nation and the "Big Four" (and later "Big Five" from 2011), to compete in one of the two semi-finals.
2008: Two Semi-Finals Introduced
A second semi-final was added to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008, making it a multi-program event. This allowed more countries to compete each year.
2008: Record Number of Participants
A record 43 countries participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008, the highest number in its history at the time.
2008: New Trophy Design Introduced
A new standardized design for the Eurovision trophy was introduced in 2008. It is a handmade glass microphone, designed by Kjell Engman of Kosta Boda.
2009: Reintroduction of Jury in the Final
A jury was reintroduced to the Eurovision final in 2009, with each country's points comprising an equal split between jury and public votes. This hybrid system sought to balance professional expertise with popular appeal.
2009: Alexander Rybak Wins Second Semi-Final
Alexander Rybak won the second semi-final of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest.
2009: Georgia Withdraws from Eurovision
Georgia withdrew from the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow after the EBU requested changes to the lyrics of their song, "We Don't Wanna Put In", which were seen as critical of then-Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
2009: Reintroduction of Juries
Juries of music professionals were reintroduced to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009 as a measure to mitigate the influence of bloc voting.
2009: t.A.T.u and Cirque du Soleil Perform at Eurovision
Russian pop duo t.A.T.u and Cirque du Soleil gave non-competitive performances at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009.
2010: Jury and Public Voting in Semi-Finals
Building on its success in the final, the combined jury and public voting system was extended to the Eurovision semi-finals in 2010, further integrating both perspectives in the selection process.
2010: Lena's First Victory
Lena won the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest for Germany, marking the first time a German representative had won since 1982.
2011: EBU's Archival Project for Eurovision Recordings
The EBU launched a project in 2011 to collect and preserve footage from nearly every Eurovision edition. This ambitious initiative aimed to create a comprehensive archive for the contest's rich history, culminating in a grand showcase for the 60th edition in 2015.
2011: Lena Defends Her Title
Lena, the winner of the 2010 contest, participated again in the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest, attempting to defend her title.
2011: Expansion of "Big Four" to "Big Five"
In 2011, Italy returned to the competition and joined the "Big Four" to form the "Big Five." This group of countries, the largest financial contributors to the contest, now automatically qualify for the final, along with the host country.
2011: Record Number of Participants
Eurovision matched its previous record of 43 participating countries in 2011.
2011: Implementation of Geographic and Voting Pattern-Based System
A new system for allocating countries between the two semi-finals was introduced in 2011, based on geographic location and historical voting patterns. This system aimed to mitigate bloc voting and make the outcome less predictable.
2012: New Eurovision Network Logo
A new logo for the Eurovision network was unveiled in 2012, visually distinguishing it from the broader European Broadcasting Union. This updated logo accompanies the network's ident, featuring the distinctive musical prelude to Marc-Antoine Charpentier's Te Deum.
2012: Purpose-Built Venue in Baku
The 2012 Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, Azerbaijan, was held in a venue specifically built for the event, a rare occurrence for Eurovision, which typically utilizes existing venues.
2012: Turkey Withdraws from Eurovision
Turkey withdrew from the Eurovision Song Contest after the 2012 edition, citing dissatisfaction with the "Big Five" automatic qualification and other aspects of the contest.
2013: Turkvision Song Contest Launched
A new contest, the Turkvision Song Contest, specifically for artists from Turkic-linked countries and regions, began in 2013.
2013: Producers Determine Performance Order
From 2013 onward, the performance order for competing countries is decided by Eurovision producers, subject to approval by the EBU Executive Supervisor and Reference Group. This replaced the previous random draw method to enhance the viewing experience and highlight individual entries.
2013: Flag Parade Introduced
In 2013, the Eurovision Song Contest introduced a "Flag Parade" during the opening of the final, mirroring the Olympic Games opening ceremony and adding a visual spectacle.
2013: Krista Siegfrids Performs "Marry Me"
Krista Siegfrids' performance of "Marry Me" at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest included a same-sex kiss with one of her female backing dancers.
2013: Marija Šerifović Comes Out
Marija Šerifović, the 2007 Eurovision winner for Serbia, came out publicly as a lesbian in 2013.
2013: "Cupcakes" Movie Released
The Israeli comedy film "Cupcakes", directed by Eytan Fox, which celebrates the Eurovision Song Contest, was released in 2013.
2013: Turkey Boycotts Eurovision
Turkey withdrew from the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013, citing dissatisfaction with the voting rules. Later, Turkish broadcaster TRT stated LGBT performances as another reason for their continued boycott, refusing to broadcast the 2013 event due to Finland's same-sex kiss performance.
2014: Revamp of Eurovision Logo
The Eurovision logo received a revamp in 2014 for the contest's 60th edition by the Amsterdam-based Cityzen Agency. This built upon the generic logo introduced in 2004, refreshing its appearance for the anniversary.
2014: Conchita Wurst Wins Eurovision
Conchita Wurst, the drag persona of openly gay Thomas Neuwirth, won the Eurovision Song Contest for Austria in 2014.
2014: Austria Wins Second Contest
Austria secured its second Eurovision victory in 2014, 48 years after its first win in 1966.
2014: "Euphoria" Becomes Most Downloaded Eurovision Song
By 2014, Loreen's "Euphoria" became the most downloaded Eurovision song to date, solidifying its status as a Eurovision success story.
2015: Australia's Debut
Australia became the first non-EBU member country to compete in Eurovision in 2015.
2015: Eurovision's 60th Anniversary
Eurovision celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2015, a milestone highlighting its enduring popularity and influence on the global music scene.
2015: Australia Joins Eurovision
In 2015, Australia became the first country outside of the European Broadcasting Area to participate in Eurovision, marking a significant expansion of the contest's reach.
2015: Eurovision Song Contest's Greatest Hits
The Eurovision Song Contest's 60th anniversary was marked with "Eurovision Song Contest's Greatest Hits" in 2015, a concert featuring performances by past Eurovision artists, along with video montages of past performances and footage.
2015: Vienna Boys' Choir Returns to Eurovision
The Vienna Boys' Choir made another appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015.
2016: Justin Timberlake Performs at Eurovision
American entertainer Justin Timberlake performed at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2016.
2016: "Love Love Peace Peace" Interval Act
Eurovision 2016 featured a comedic interval act titled "Love Love Peace Peace," which humorously highlighted the history and unique aspects of the contest.
2016: Tie-Break Procedure Modified
Eurovision refined its tie-break procedure in 2016. In case of a tie, a combined national televoting and jury result is calculated. The country with higher public voting points in this combined score is ranked higher. This adjustment highlights the significance of public preference in close contests.
2016: Two Sets of Points for Semi-Finals and Final
In 2016, Eurovision modified its voting system to include two sets of points, awarded by both jury and public vote, in both the semi-finals and the final. This change marked a shift towards greater public influence in the results.
2017: Portugal Wins After 53 Years
Portugal set a record for the longest wait for a Eurovision win, finally achieving victory in 2017 after participating in the contest for 53 years.
2017: "Occidentali's Karma" Video Reaches 200 Million YouTube Views
The music video for Francesco Gabbani's "Occidentali's Karma," which placed sixth for Italy at Eurovision in 2017, achieved viral fame, becoming the first Eurovision song to surpass 200 million views on YouTube.
2018: Ryan O'Shaughnessy Performs "Together"
In 2018, the stage show of Ireland's Ryan O'Shaughnessy's "Together" featured two male dancers portraying a same-sex relationship.
2018: Alexander Rybak Wins Second Semi-Final Again
In 2018, Alexander Rybak repeated his 2009 success by winning the second semi-final of Eurovision, becoming the first and only artist to achieve this feat.
2018: Record Number of Participants
In 2018, Eurovision again saw a record-tying 43 countries participating in the contest.
2018: China Censors Eurovision Broadcast
In 2018, China terminated its broadcasting rights for the Eurovision Song Contest due to censorship of "abnormal sexual relationships and behaviours" that went against Chinese broadcasting guidelines.
2019: Calls for Boycott of Eurovision in Tel Aviv
Ahead of the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, various political groups, including proponents of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, called for a boycott of the event in response to Israel's policies towards Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Other groups criticized the perceived pinkwashing in Israel. However, some campaigned against the boycott, arguing that a cultural boycott would be detrimental to peace efforts in the region.
2019: Madonna Performs at Eurovision
American entertainer Madonna performed at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2019.
2019: Ascending Order Reveal for Public Points
In 2019, Eurovision introduced an engaging twist to the vote reveal. Public points are now revealed in ascending order, starting with the country receiving the fewest jury votes. This creates dramatic suspense, culminating with the announcement of the overall winner.
2019: Italian Entries Dominate Spotify Streams
In 2019, Mahmood's "Soldi" which placed second at Eurovision for Italy, became the most-streamed Eurovision song on Spotify until it was overtaken later that year by the contest winner, "Arcade" by Duncan Laurence for the Netherlands, following viral success on TikTok.
2019: Duncan Laurence Wins Eurovision
Openly bisexual performer Duncan Laurence won the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest for the Netherlands.
2019: Netherlands Wins Again After 44 Years
The Netherlands experienced a long wait for another Eurovision win, finally achieving victory again in 2019, 44 years after their win in 1975.
May 2020: New Executive Supervisor Appointed
Martin Österdahl assumed the role of Executive Supervisor for the Eurovision Song Contest, taking over from Jon Ola Sand in May 2020.
2020: "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" Released
The Netflix musical comedy "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga", starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams and produced with support from the EBU, was released in 2020.
2020: Eurovision Song Contest Cancellation
The Eurovision Song Contest was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
The 2020 film "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" highlighted the perceived burden of hosting the contest, reflecting a popular culture belief about some countries' desire to avoid hosting.
2020: Eurovision Cancellation
The 2020 Eurovision Song Contest was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first time in the contest's history that it did not take place.
2020: Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light
In 2020, the Eurovision Song Contest was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and "Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light" was broadcast instead. This non-competitive show honored the songs and artists who would have participated.
2020: EurovisionAgain Launched
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the virtual event EurovisionAgain was launched. Fans watched and discussed past contests synchronously on platforms like YouTube, making it a top trend on Twitter and raising over £20,000 for UK-based LGBTQ+ charities.
2020: "Arcade" Goes Viral on TikTok
During late 2020 and early 2021, Duncan Laurence's "Arcade" achieved viral success on TikTok.
2020: Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light
Due to the cancellation of the 2020 contest, the EBU organised a special non-competitive broadcast called "Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light", showcasing the songs that would have participated.
2020: Hungary Withdraws From Eurovision
Hungary stopped participating in the Eurovision Song Contest from 2020 onwards, with LGBT visibility in the contest being cited as a potential factor, though no official reason was given by Hungarian broadcaster MTVA.
2021: Nikkie de Jager Hosts Eurovision
Nikkie de Jager became the first transgender person to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021.
2021: Måneskin Wins Eurovision
Italian rock band Måneskin, featuring openly bisexual bassist Victoria De Angelis, won the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest.
2021: Måneskin Wins Eurovision and Gains Global Recognition
In 2021, Italian rock band Måneskin won Eurovision with their song "Zitti e buoni." Following their victory, the band's entire music catalog gained significant global attention and success.
2021: Pre-Recorded Backing Vocals Allowed
In 2021, Eurovision introduced the option to use pre-recorded backing vocals, providing flexibility following the cancellation of the 2020 edition and facilitating modernization.
2021: Belarus Disqualified from Eurovision
Belarus was disqualified from the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest after their planned entry, "Ya nauchu tebya (I'll Teach You)", and another potential song were deemed to violate the contest's rules on neutrality and politicization following demonstrations against disputed election results.
2022: Ultra-High-Definition Testing
Eurovision experimented with ultra-high-definition broadcasting for the first time in 2022, pushing the boundaries of visual technology further.
2022: American Song Contest Premieres
In 2022, the American Song Contest, inspired by the Eurovision format, premiered, featuring musical acts representing different U.S. states and territories.
2022: Anti-War Songs Featured at Eurovision
The 2022 Eurovision Song Contest featured performances of known anti-war songs like "Fragile", "People Have the Power" and "Give Peace a Chance" in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
2023: United Kingdom Hosts for Ukraine
The United Kingdom hosted the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine, breaking with the tradition of the previous year's winner hosting.
2023: Eurovision Addresses Refugee Crisis
The first semi-final of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest included an interval act that alluded to the refugee crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
2023: Revised Voting System Emphasizing Public Vote
Eurovision implemented a revised voting system in 2023, building upon the positional voting system introduced in 1975. Each country now awards two sets of 1-8, 10, and 12 points, one based on public voting and the other from a jury of music professionals. A significant change involves viewers from non-participating countries, who can now vote online, contributing to an "extra country" point total for the public vote. This system diverges from the 2016 format where two sets of points were awarded in both the semi-finals and the final. The rule prohibiting countries from voting for themselves, established in 1957, remains in effect.
2023: "United By Music" Slogan
The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest utilized the slogan "United by Music", which was then adopted as the permanent slogan for all future editions.
2023: Loreen's Second Victory
Loreen secured her second Eurovision victory in 2023, representing Sweden once again. She joined Johnny Logan as one of the only individuals to have won Eurovision twice as a performer.
2023: Full Public Voting in Semi-Finals
In 2023, Eurovision reverted to full public voting for the semi-finals, giving viewers complete control over which countries advance to the final. The combined jury and public voting system remains in place for the final.
2024: Eurovision's 68th Contest
As of 2024, Eurovision had conducted 68 contests, making it the longest-running annual international televised music competition.
2024: Germany's Eurovision Participation
As of 2024, Germany has participated in almost every Eurovision Song Contest, more than any other country.
2024: Eurovision Reaches 71 Winning Songs
As of 2024, a total of 71 songs have won the Eurovision Song Contest across 27 countries.
2024: Germany's Only Absence from Eurovision
As of 2024, the 1996 contest in Oslo, Norway remains the only edition of the Eurovision Song Contest that Germany did not participate in.
2024: Israel's Entry Accepted with Lyric Revisions
Despite calls for Israel's exclusion, the EBU accepted Israel's entry for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, though requiring lyric revisions due to the political nature of the original text, which referenced the October 7th attack on Israel by Hamas-led Palestinian militants.
2024: Permanent Slogan Introduced
In 2024, Eurovision adopted a permanent slogan, "United by Music", marking a shift away from individual slogans for each edition. This was part of the contest's global brand strategy.
2024: Nemo Wins Eurovision
In 2024, Nemo, the Swiss contestant, became the first non-binary winner of the Eurovision Song Contest.
2024: Switzerland Wins Again After Another 36 Years
Switzerland secured another victory in 2024, marking a 36-year gap since their previous win in 1988.