The history of the Eurovision Song Contest (1956-2017)

Eurovision Song Contest - an annual music competition of songs, which is held among the performers from countries outside the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). That is why among the participants of the contest can be seen artists from Israel and other countries outside Europe. Each country participating in the "Eurovision" is sent to one participant who performs one song. The winners are determined by televoting and a jury of each participating country.

The first music contest "Eurovision" was held in Switzerland in 1956. There was a competition as a result of the conversion of the Italian San Remo Festival. Marcel Beson, who was very fond of this project, saw the opportunity to contest United Nations in the postwar period. Festival in San Remo, exists to this day. A "Eurovision" today - is one of the most anticipated and popular event in the musical life of Europe. Every year for this competition is watching more than 100 million viewers worldwide.

The competition is held annually before the pre-selection procedure, which helps to determine the list of participating countries. Artists from the countries of the EBU Big Four - Germany , UK , Spain , France - enter the contest automatically.

We can say that the most fortunate country in "Eurovision" is the United Kingdom. Of course, Ireland became the winner more often (7 times against 5 wins in Britain), but the English 15 times ranked second, France and Luxembourg, as well as England won 5 times, but the second place they occupied no more than three times.

Citizenship performers at the "Eurovision" has no value. Proof of this is the participation in the competition Leskanish Katrina. She was born in America, and has performed with Waves group from Cambridge. Another foreigner, representing the UK in the competition, was Ozzi Dzhina J., And Greek Nana Mouskouri and Belgian Lara Fabian in 1963 and 1988, respectively, were in favor of Luxembourg. By the way, the victory in 1988 went to Switzerland, which was represented by Canadian singer Celine Dion. It was a victory in the competition turned no one known singer into a real star.

In 1986 he won the competition 13-year-old Belgian Sandra Kim with the song «J'aime la vie». Now the "Eurovision" rules set the age limit for players - to take part in the competition may be 16 years old.

For the finals of the competition, there are special strict rules. For example, in the scene may not be amplifiers, the drummer must play the drum kit provided. The Contractor may use instrumental backing tracks. Any song that lasts for more than 3 minutes, may be disqualified, that "brevity - the sister of talent" remember everything.

1956

In Lugano (Switzerland) hosted the first "Eurovision". The competition was attended by 7 countries with two artists / songs in the country. Lys Assia won from Switzerland to «Refrain» song. Lis walked Belgian song «The Drowned Men Of The River Seine».

1957

The second competition "Eurovision" was held in the German city of Frankfurt. For the first time participate in the contest, Austria, Great Britain and Denmark . Corrie won Brocken from the Netherlands, who performed the song «Net Als Toen». That rule was adopted in 1957, that the duration of the song must be no more than three minutes.

1958

The venue of the competition was the city of Hilversum ( Netherlands ). Third place went to Italian singer Domenico Modugno, who performed the song «Nel Blu Dipinto Di Vlu". Later this song was recorded under the name «Volare» and became a hit. The victory went to Andre Clave from France with the song «Dors Mon Amour». United Kingdom in this contest did not participate.

1959

Cannes, France. Britain returned to the "Eurovision" and took second place with the song «Sing Little Birdie», beating just one point French song «Oui, Oui, Oui, Oui». The winner was the Netherlands with the song «Een Beetje». Starting this year, a professional composer forbidden to enter the jury.

1960

Netherlands refuse to hold a competition for the second time at home and the "Eurovision" is held for the first time in the UK. Frenchwoman Zhaklin Boyer with the song «Tom Pillibi» took the first place, the second went to the British with their song «Looking High, High, High», which is performed Brayan Dzhons. This year the number of participating countries increased to 13 due to join the competition in Norway and Luxembourg returned. 1960 was also the first year when the finals aired live. At this step decided Finland.

1961

"Eurovision" returned to Cannes (France). Luxembourg won with the song «Nous les amoureux», which is performed by Jean-Claude Pascal. Second place out of 16 participating countries took the United Kingdom, who has represented The Allisons.

1962

The venue of the competition was Luxembourg. The song «Un premier amour», which performed the Frenchwoman Isabelle Aubrais, took first place with 26 points.

1963

France refuses a third time to host "Eurovision" contest and once again takes place in London. Luxembourg is a Greek singer Nana Mouskouri, the French pop star is Monaco. For the first time in the history of the competition Norway scored zero points. Denmark won with «Dansevise» song you sang Greta and Jürgen Ingmanny.

1964

The festival takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark. Second place again takes UK - Matt Monro with the song «I Love The Little Things». Later, very popular it was the song sung to them «Walk Away» - a reworked version of the Austrian party songs of that year. The victory went to Italy with the song «Non ho l'eta», who is 16-year-old gigliola cinquetti.

1965

Naples (Italy) wins the Luxembourg with the song Frenchman Serzha Gensbura, which was 17-year-old France Gall. UK for the fifth time in 8 years in second place thanks to singer Katy Kirby, who performed the song «I Belong».

1966

Winning the competition gets Udo Jürgens with the song «Merci Cheri», who represented Austria. Starting this year, comes into force the rule that the competition provided by the song be sung in the national language of the Executive of the country.

1967

The competition takes place in Vienna (Austria). Luxembourg for the first time in favor Vicky Leandros with the song «L'amour est bleu», which became classics later. The victory in this year went to Sendi Shou with the song «Puppet On A String». UK for the first time ranked first.

1968

London, Great Britain. The competition is held in the Royal Albert Hall. The first place was taken by the Spanish singer Massiel with the song «La La La». In this song, the word «La» 138 times was used. Briton Cliff Richard song «Congratulations» behind the Spaniard at one point and finished second.

1969

"Eurovision" is held in Madrid, Spain. The only time in the history of the competition the first place took four countries at once. Netherlands with the song «De troubadour» by Lenny Cure, France with «Un Jour, Un Enfant», executed Fridoy Bokkara, UK with «Boom bang a bang» by Lulu and Spain with the song «Vivo cantando», which sang Salome ( Maria Rosa Marco).

1970

Venue of the competition were determined by lot between the victor countries in 1969. As a result, the competition was held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. This year, the rules were amended, which exclude the possibility of winning several participants simultaneously. In the event that a few artists receive the same number of points, they have to re-sing a song, and the jury, in addition to representatives of the countries applying for first place, again determines the winner. If in this case there is a tie, the Grand Prix will receive the two countries. In 1970 because of disagreements with the voting system to take part in the competition refused to Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Finland. As a result, the number of participants was reduced to 12. The victory went to the Irish singer Dana with the song «All kinds of everything», eclipsed Spanish singer Julio Iglesias, who took fourth place.

1971

Dublin, Ireland . This year, came into force a rule which limits the number of performers on stage six. The first place was taken by a representative of Monaco Severin with the song «Un banc, un arbre, une rue».

1972

Monaco refused to conduct the contest and "Eurovision" is held in Edinburgh, Scotland. The winner was a Greek girl living in Germany, but the singing of Luxembourg - Vicky Leandros with «Apres toi» song.

1973

The competition is held in Luxembourg. For the first time takes part in the competition Israel, requiring additional safety measures. The rules have changed again, and now singer could choose their own performance of the song language. The second year in a row wins the Luxembourg «Tu te reconnaitras» song, which sang Anna Maria David. ABBA with the song «Ring Ring» failed in the national qualifying competition.

1974

Brighton, United Kingdom. For the first time takes part in the competition Greece. From France no one spoke in connection with the death of President Georges Pompidou. The first place was taken by the Swedish group ABBA with their famous song «Waterloo».

1975

Stockholm, Sweden. Turkey for the first time takes part in the "Eurovision". Due to the participation of Turkey to participate in the competition refuses to Greece, thus expressing their protest against the Turkish invasion of northern Cyprus. The competition returned to France and Malta. The winner steel Netherlands with «Ding-A-Dong» by groups Teach-In.

1976

The Hague, Netherlands. Turkey refuses to participate in the competition, and therefore the return to Greece. The third time in the history of the contest winner is the United Kingdom with the song «Save Your Kisses For Me», which performed the group of «Brotherhood Of Men».

1977

London, Great Britain. Contest Rules undergo minor changes. Sing the song again, it is necessary only in the official language of the Executive of the country. Victory in this year France won with the song «L'oiseau et l'enfant», which performed the Marie Myriam, who became a star in France.

1978

Paris, France. The contest once again returned to Turkey and Denmark. Victory went through Israel catchy song "A-Ba-Ni-Bi» by Cohen and Izhar group "Alphabet".

1979

"Eurovision" is held in Jerusalem, Israel . Turkey once again refuses to take part in the competition. The victory went to the owners, who were Gali Atari and Milk with Honey End «Hallelujah» composition.

1980

Israel refused not only on the competition at home, but also to participate in "Eurovision". The contest was held in The Hague, Netherlands. Turkey returned to the number of participants for the first time participate in "Eurovision" has taken Morocco. The victory went to Irishman Dzhonnni Logan, who performed the song «What's Another Year».

1981

Dublin, Ireland. The competition returned to Yugoslavia and Israel. For the first time I took part in the competition of Cyprus. I won the British band Bucks Fizz, will perform the song «Making Your Mind Up». On the second place is Germany, Britain lagged behind by only 4 points.

1982

Harrogate, United Kingdom. First place went to Germany with the song «Ein Bißchen Frieden», which performed the singer Nicole. This song was recorded in six different languages ​​and came out on top in the charts all over Europe.

1983

Munich, Germany. Luxembourg has decided to send to the competition, "prepared by the singer" Korinn Erme. And this decision was justified - it is ranked first, ahead of the Israeli singer Ofra Hazu.

1984

"Eurovision" is held in Luxembourg. British group «Belle and the Devotions» booed at the end of their performance. I won by Sweden with the song «Diggi-Loo, Diggi-Lee» in «Herrey's» performance.

1985

Gothenburg, Sweden. The victory went to the Norwegian group «Bobbysocks» with the song «La det swinge». For the first time in the history of the competition it was carried out only broadcast via satellite.

1986

Bergen, Norway. The victory in the thirtieth jubilee competition "ESC" scored 13-year-old Sandra Kim, who performed the composition «J'Aime La Vie». Belgium became the first. Leading the competition was the Minister of Culture of Norway Ase Kleveland, which finished at the "Eurovision" in 1966, third place.

1987

Brussels, Belgium . First place went to Irishman Dzhonni Logan, who performed the song «Hold Me Now». He is the first who has twice won the "Eurovision".

1988

Dublin, Ireland. Thanks to singer Celine Dion with the song «Ne partez pas sans moi» Switzerland takes first place in the competition. Just one point behind from her UK representative Scott Fitzgerald.

1989

Lausanne, Switzerland. Thirty-fourth contest "Eurovision" was remembered by the fact that two of the participants were still very children: 11-year-old Natalie Pak represented France and the 12-year-old Gili Natanel, who played for Israel. It is because of these participants had adopted a rule that contestants must be at least 16 years. This year the winner was Yugoslavia with the song «Rock me» by Riva. UK again ranked second.

1990

Zagreb, Yugoslavia. By this, the number of participants was relatively constant, took part in the competition of 22 countries. Victory in 1990 won the Italian Toto Cutugno, who performed the song «Insieme: 1992".

1991

Rome, Italy. This year, between France with the song «C'est le dernier qui a parle qui a raison», which performed Amin, and Sweden with «Fangad av en stormvind» was tense rivalry by Carola. Both participating countries scored 146 points. In accordance with the rules in this case, wins the same country, which often received the highest score (12 points, 10 etc.). As a result, the winner was Sweden.

1992

Malmo, Sweden . First place in the competition takes Irish singer Linda Martin with the song Dzhonni Logana «Why me?». Dzhonni Logan is the first artist to win three Grand Prix Eurovision. Once as a song writer and twice as a performer.

1993

Millstream, Ireland. The "Eurovision" for the first time take part in the three former Yugoslav republics that declared their independence - Slovenia , Croatia , Bosnia and Herzegovina . As a result, the number of contestants has grown to 25. For the fifth time in the history of the competition victory went to the representative of Ireland - Niamh Kevana singer, performed the song «In your eyes».

1994

Dublin, Ireland. This year's participation in the competition for the first time took Estonia , Lithuania , Poland , Hungary, Slovakia , Romania and Russia. However, the number of competitors has not changed, because in this year's competition is not Denmark participated, Belgium, Israel, Luxembourg, Italy, Turkey and Slovenia. The third in a row and only the sixth success came to Ireland with the song «Rock'n roll kids», which performed the Paul Harrington and Charlie MakGettigan. Russian debut at the "Eurovision" brought the country the 9th place. Country was represented by Judith (Maria Katz) with the song "Eternal Wanderer".

1995

Dublin, Ireland. The composition of member countries continued to change. For the second time at the "Eurovision" wins Norway. Triumph in this year's group of Secret Garden, performed the song «Nocturne». Filipp Kirkorov with the song "Lullaby for the volcano" brought Russia only 17th place.

1996

Oslo, Norway. Due to the fact that a large number of countries have expressed willingness to participate in the competition, the new selection system was introduced. It includes additional preliminary audiozayavka jury and that it was necessary to send to the EBU. The number of participants by 23 was limited. In 1996, Russia in "Eurovision" did not participate. Ireland took the first place, thereby setting a record for number of wins (seven). Song-winner was «The voice» by Imera Quinn.

1997

"Eurovision" again takes place in Dublin, Ireland. selection system has been modified so that all countries can participate in the competition at least once every two years. Country-winner of last year's competition is taking part in the contest automatically. The remaining 17 members are chosen in accordance with the average score over the last 5 years. I won by Great Britain with the song «Love shine a light», which sang Katrina and The Waves. From Russia Alla Pugacheva performing with the song "Diva." However, neither the singer's popularity in our country, nor songs monumentality not impressed. As a result, only 15 place.

1998

Birmingham, United Kingdom. This year was launched televoting system to attract additional attention to the show the audience. The winner of this year caused a lot of noise. Israel took first place thanks to the singer - a transsexual Dana International, who performed the song «Diva».

1999

Jerusalem, Israel. Victory at the "Eurovision" in 1999. won the representative of Sweden - Charlotte Nilson, who performed the song «Take me to your heaven». This year, as the new rules were adopted to perform the song can be in any language, you can also sing along minus one, replacing the orchestra. Russia this year, the tender is not accepted.

2000

"Eurovision" is held in Stockholm, Sweden. That year there was the first notable performance in the Russian competition. Our country has taken the 2nd place thanks to the singer Alsou. The first place was taken by two brothers Olsen from Denmark, who performed the song «Fly on the wings of love».

2001

Copenhagen, Denmark. The contest was held at the stadium "Parken" live for the "Eurovision" observed the 35 000 people, which was a record for the competition. Russia was represented by the group "Mumiy Troll" with the song «Lady alpine blue». This year, our country is ranked only 12th place. The winners were Estonian performers Tanel Padar, Dave Benton & 2XL with the song «Everybody».

2002

"Eurovision" is held in Tallinn, Estonia. Russia is the group "Prime Minister" with the song «Northern girl». Result - 10th. The winner of this contest was the singer Marie N from Latvia, who performed the song «I wanna». For the Baltic countries, this was the second consecutive victory.

2003

Riga, Latvia . Russia goes for broke and sent on "Eurovision" infamous group "tATu" with the song "Do not believe, do not fear." The group finished in third place. The first place was taken by Sertab Erener from Turkey, which all struck by his song «Everyway That I Can» and the show, which she arranged on the stage of "Skonto Hall." This year, for the first time in "Eurovision" participated Ukraine, which as a result has taken the 14th place.

2004

Istanbul, Turkey . This year, Russia for the young singer performed Julia Savicheva. Many experts believe that Julia has acted quite professionally, she was able to overcome the excitement and performed well. However, for the victory that was not enough, resulting in only 11th place. First place went to a Ukrainian Ruslana, who performed a rousing song with Hutsul motives «Wild Dances».

2005

Kiev, Ukraine . In February 2005, held the selection round of "Eurovision" in Russia: viewers through online voting chose the winner. According to the results of audience voting won by singer Natalia Podolskaya. With the song «Nobody Hurt No One» she represented our country in Kiev. "Eurovision" Natalia took only 15th place. The victory went to the singer from Greece, Helena Paparizou, who performed the song «My Number One».

2006

The international music festival held this year in Athens, Greece . Dima Bilan with the song «Never Let You Go», first fought at "Eurovision" semi-final (as in 2005, Russia has not received the required number of points), and then in the final, where he finished second. The victory went to «Lordi» Finnish rock band with the song «Hard Rock Hallelujah». The group performed at the "Eurovision" monsters costume than shocked many viewers of the contest.

2007

Helsinki, Finland . Russia was represented by female trio "Silver", which was created shortly before the competition. Their song "Song №1" took on "Eurovision" in third place. The winner was the singer Marija Serifovic from Serbia with the song "Prayer".

2008

"Eurovision-2008" was held in Belgrade, Serbia. From Russia to the competition for the second time goes Dima Bilan, whose song «Believe» brought our country win. On the same stage with Bilan performed skater, Olympic champion Evgeni Plushenko and the famous Hungarian violinist Edvin Marton. In second place was Ukrainian singer Ani Lorak with a song to the music of Filippa Kirkorova «Shady lady», and the third - Greek Kalomira with a song «Secret combination».

2009

54th "Eurovision" contest took place in Russia , in Moscow. The competition winner was Alexander Rybak, representing Norway. According to the number of points fisherman established an absolute record - in the final, he scored 387 points. In this competition participated the famous French singer Patricia Kaas. For Azerbaijan came together with Arash Aysel. For Russia performed a Ukrainian citizen - Anastasia Prikhodko with the song "Mamo". It took only 11th place.

2010

This year the music festival held in Norway. The country is already the third time held the "Eurovision" in its territory. The first time the "Eurovision" was held in Norway in 1986, thanks to the victory "Bobbysocks" duo, the second time - in 1996 after winning Secret Garden group and the third time the right to host the contest was obtained thanks to Alexander Rybak. The winner of the 55th music contest "Eurovision" was the singer Lena Meyer-Landrut with "the Satellite" song. Russia was represented by Peter Nalich musical collective with the song «Lost and Forgotten». The boys took the 11th place, but they were satisfied with the result.

2011

56 "Eurovision" was held in the city of Dusseldorf is located in Germany. The winner was the duo Ell & Nikki from Azerbaijan. The song «Running Scared» duo brought 221 points. From Russia acted Aleksey Vorobev, who scored 77 points and took only 16th place.

2012

"Eurovision-2012" was held in Azerbaijan, in Baku, where specially for the contest built concert venue, with a capacity of 20 000 seats. The participants returned to Montenegro.

2013

58th "Eurovision" was held in the city of Malmo. Sweden took evroshou for the fifth time. The winner was the representative of Denmark Emmili de Forest with Only Teardrops song. According to the results of voting the singer scored 281 points. Rossiyanka Dean Garipova ranked fifth. From the competition refused: Czech Republic. Slovakia, Turkey and Portugal. He returned to Armenia "Eurovision".

2014

59th "Eurovision" was held in Denmark from 6 to 10 May. It was attended by 37 countries: on the stage of the international competition returned the representatives of Poland and Portugal. For the first time the contest finalists become performers from Montenegro and San Marino. Winner with 290 points, became the singer of the Austrian drag Kvin Konchita Wurst with the song Rise Like A Phoenix.

2015

Jubilee, the 60th "Eurovision" was held in Austria from 19 to 23 May 2015. The winner was the representative of Sweden - Mons Selmerlov with «Heroes» song. Participants from Russia Polina Gagarina with the composition «Million voices» took the second place, unconditionally winning the sympathy of the European public. The anniversary event was competed by representatives of 40 countries, Ukraine for the first time refused to participate - because of economic difficulties. First time at the "Eurovision" singer came from Australia, speaking on special conditions.

2016

"Eurovision" -2016 - is the 61-th song competition which was held in Stockholm, Sweden, from 10 to 14 May. It was attended by representatives of 42 countries, including the singer from Australia, speaking on special conditions. He won by singer Jamal Ukraine with the song "1944". Russian representative Sergei Lazarev with the song «You Are the Only One» took third place, while receiving the highest number of points - 361 - from viewers. In 2016, for the first time since 1975, the rules of the competition have been changed: now the evaluation of the jury shall be announced separately on the results of televoting.

2017

62 th "Eurovision" song contest will be held in Kiev (Ukraine) from 9 to 13 May. Ukraine accepts the competition for the second time.