Since its debut in 1956, the Eurovision Song Contest has grown into one of the world’s most iconic annual television events. With over 200 million viewers globally, it’s not just a singing competition—it’s a celebration of European unity, creativity, and cultural expression.
This article dives into the 69-year journey of Eurovision, tracing its evolution from a post-war broadcasting experiment into a global pop culture phenomenon. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a first-time viewer, this UK-focused guide explores the key milestones, unforgettable performances, and the United Kingdom’s long-standing relationship with the contest.
🎤 The Birth of Eurovision (1956)
The Eurovision Song Contest was launched by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in 1956. Inspired by the Italian Sanremo Music Festival, its aim was to bring post-war Europe together through the power of live television and music.
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First contest location: Lugano, Switzerland
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Number of participating countries: 7
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Winner: Lys Assia (Switzerland) – “Refrain”
At its inception, Eurovision was a modest event. Performances were solo only, and songs were required to be sung in one of a country’s official languages.
🌍 Expansion and Iconic Moments (1960s–1970s)
The 1960s saw the contest begin to grow in size and influence. The United Kingdom became one of the most successful nations during this era.
UK Eurovision Highlights in the 60s:
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1967: Sandie Shaw – “Puppet on a String” (Winner)
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1969: Shared victory with Spain, Netherlands, and France – Lulu with “Boom Bang-a-Bang”
The game-changer came in 1974, when ABBA won for Sweden with “Waterloo”, catapulting the band to global superstardom and permanently cementing Eurovision’s reputation as a launchpad for pop legends.
📺 The Rise of Glamour and Global Attention (1980s–1990s)
During the 1980s and 1990s, Eurovision embraced glitz, staging improvements, and satellite broadcasting. It also began to welcome more Eastern European countries following the end of the Cold War.
Notable moments:
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1981: Bucks Fizz won for the UK with “Making Your Mind Up”, remembered for its famous skirt-rip moment.
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1988: Céline Dion (representing Switzerland) won with “Ne partez pas sans moi”, later becoming an international superstar.
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1994: Ireland achieved a record three consecutive wins, with “Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids” being one of its standout victories.
The UK was still a major Eurovision force during this time, frequently placing in the Top 5.
💻 The Digital Era and New Voting Systems (2000s)
With the 2000s came transformation. Eurovision expanded significantly, introducing semi-finals in 2004 due to the increasing number of entries. A new televote and jury hybrid system was introduced to increase fairness.
Game-changers:
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2006: Lordi (Finland) shocked the continent with a hard rock win—“Hard Rock Hallelujah”
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2009: Alexander Rybak (Norway) set a record for points at the time with “Fairytale”
Despite Eurovision’s continued success, the UK began to struggle. Public enthusiasm dipped, with poor results leading to calls for reform.
🌈 Diversity, Streaming & Social Media Boom (2010s)
The 2010s brought Eurovision into the age of social media, with YouTube streams, Twitter voting hashtags, and viral performances.
Major moments:
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2012: Loreen’s “Euphoria” (Sweden) became one of the most commercially successful Eurovision songs of all time.
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2014: Conchita Wurst (Austria) won with “Rise Like a Phoenix”, symbolising Eurovision’s championing of LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.
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2016: Jamala (Ukraine) won with a political and poignant entry, “1944”.
While the UK struggled in terms of results, the contest’s popularity remained strong. BBC coverage and Graham Norton’s commentary helped maintain British interest.
🦠 2020s: Pandemic, Progress and a Return to Glory?
In 2020, for the first time in its history, Eurovision was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A special non-competitive programme, Europe Shine a Light, aired in its place.
The contest returned triumphantly in 2021:
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2021: Måneskin (Italy) won with “Zitti e buoni”, reviving rock and roll’s place in pop culture.
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2023: Loreen made history by winning Eurovision twice with “Tattoo”.
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2024: Switzerland’s Nemo won with the genre-defying “The Code”.
🇬🇧 The UK at Eurovision: From Glory to Grit
The United Kingdom has won Eurovision five times:
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1967 – Sandie Shaw, “Puppet on a String”
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1969 – Lulu, “Boom Bang-a-Bang” (shared win)
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1976 – Brotherhood of Man, “Save Your Kisses for Me”
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1981 – Bucks Fizz, “Making Your Mind Up”
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1997 – Katrina and the Waves, “Love Shine a Light”
But since 1997, the UK has faced a drought—often finishing near the bottom, despite public support. Highlights in recent years include:
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2022: Sam Ryder – “Space Man” – 2nd place
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2025: Remember Monday represent the UK with “What the Hell Just Happened?”, aiming to return to Eurovision glory.
🔮 What Makes Eurovision So Enduring?
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Cultural unity: Despite political tensions, Eurovision unites over 40 countries annually.
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Iconic performances: From ABBA to Måneskin, the contest delivers unforgettable moments.
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Inclusivity: Eurovision embraces diversity, LGBTQ+ representation, and creative freedom.
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British tradition: Eurovision has become a British TV staple, often accompanied by parties, sweepstakes, and Twitter trends.
🏁 Conclusion
For 69 years, the Eurovision Song Contest has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across Europe and beyond. From humble black-and-white broadcasts to dazzling arena spectacles streamed globally, Eurovision remains a unique celebration of music, identity, and unity.
And for the UK? Though the journey has had its highs and lows, the love for Eurovision endures. With each passing year, there’s always hope that the next great British win is just a song away.