The Eurovision Song Contest is back for its 70th year, with a fresh array of eccentric performers taking the stage in Vienna. Stars will perform in the Austrian capital for a dramatic evening, all vying to lift the famous glass trophy. UK fans are hopeful that LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER can avoid the dreaded 'nil points' and instead triumph, securing a place in music history. The electronic act, whose real name is Sam Battle, will perform the song Eins, Zwei, Drei.
Eurovision's Legacy of Iconic Acts
Eurovision has produced a string of iconic acts over the years, with some breaking out of the contest's bubble to become global superstars. From legendary groups like ABBA and Celine Dion to zany performers like Verka Serduchka and Scooch, the contest has made stars of many winners and even some who fell short of first place.
ABBA's Waterloo Triumph
ABBA are widely regarded by Eurovision fans as the most successful act in the contest's history. The group represented Sweden in 1974, taking the stage in Brighton for the final. They performed their now-legendary track 'Waterloo' and finished first with 24 points. The song is often considered the greatest and most well-known Eurovision song ever, frequently topping polls. Although the band members had prior success in different groups, Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha and Anni-Frid were catapulted to stardom after winning. They went on to sell over 150 million records, writing hits such as 'Dancing Queen', 'Mamma Mia' and 'Fernando'.
Celine Dion's One-Point Victory
Many music fans are unaware that years before she topped charts with her Titanic ballad, Celine Dion took the Eurovision stage. The Canadian-born star represented Switzerland in 1988 with 'Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi'. Her victory was one of the most nail-biting in history, beating the UK's Scott Fitzgerald by just one point after receiving 12 points from Portugal and six from Yugoslavia. This win kickstarted Celine's international career, making her one of the most successful musicians of all time. Fans hoped she would appear at last year's Eurovision in Switzerland, but she was unable to attend due to her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome. Instead, she recorded a message broadcast during the semi-finals, describing winning as a 'life-changing moment'.
Bucks Fizz's Skirt-Whipping Number
For many UK fans, Bucks Fizz are one of Eurovision's greatest success stories. The group, consisting of Bobby G, Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston, won in 1981 with 'Making Your Mind Up'. During the performance, female members Jay and Cheryl whipped off their skirts to reveal shorter versions, sending viewers into a frenzy. They went on to have three number one singles and sold 50 million records worldwide.
Maneskin's Post-Covid Win
When Eurovision returned in 2021 after a year off due to the pandemic, many acts had been due to represent their nations in 2020. Italy chose a new act, glam rock group Maneskin, with their song 'Zitti e Buoni'. After performing in Rotterdam, they stormed to victory with 524 points, a huge majority from the televote. Since then, Maneskin have achieved mainstream success, including three Top 40 singles in the UK and a sellout US tour. Bassist Victoria De Angelis told The Guardian in May 2022: 'Our lives have completely changed. We haven't stopped. We've been having a lot of crazy experiences… all the things we dreamed of that we never thought would come true.'
Cliff Richard's Surprise Snub
Despite being a music legend, Sir Cliff Richard missed out on the Eurovision trophy twice. He first competed for the UK in 1968 with 'Congratulations', finishing second by just one vote. In 1973, he tried again with 'Power To All Our Friends', but finished third behind Luxembourg.
Loreen's Double Success
For modern fans, Loreen is one of Eurovision's greatest acts. She wowed viewers with 'Euphoria' representing Sweden in 2012, winning with 372 votes. She remained a fixture at Eurovision events. In 2023, she made history by returning to regain her crown with 'Tattoo', winning in Liverpool despite Finland being tipped to triumph.
Conchita Wurst's Rise
After decades without a victory, Austria finally won in 2014 when Conchita Wurst stunned Europe with 'Rise Like a Phoenix'. The singer, whose real name is Thomas Neuwirth, earned 290 points with minimalistic staging. Conchita remains one of Eurovision's most recognisable modern acts. Earlier this week, she performed at the National Lottery's Big Eurovision Welcome event, leaving viewers in awe. Fans took to Twitter with 'goosebumps', calling her performance 'spectacular' and urging her to compete again. Earlier this year, Conchita announced she would withdraw from Eurovision events to focus on 'evolving professional projects'. Austria hosts this year's contest again after singer JJ won last year with 'Wasted Love'.
Verka Serduchka's Dance
Ukrainian drag act Verka may not have won in 2007, but he is one of the weirdest and most iconic acts, finishing second with 'Dancing Lasha Tumbai'. He has since become a fixture at Eurovision concerts and finals.
Johnny Logan's Irish Streak
Ireland may have boycotted this year's Eurovision, but they have won a record seven times. Johnny Logan is their biggest export, winning in 1980 and 1997, and writing the winning track in 1992. He revealed earlier this month he would not participate due to the boycott, despite being offered four times.
Lordi Breaks the Pop Trend
In 2006, Finland stormed to victory with heavy metal group Lordi, dressed in monster costumes. They performed 'Hard Rock Hallelujah' in Athens, earning 292 points, a record at the time. They released their newest album 'Screem Writers Guild' in March 2023.
Alexander Rybak's Norwegian Fairytale
Norway made history in 2009 when Alexander Rybak earned a record 387 points for 'Fairytale', wowing viewers with his violin skills. It became one of the most beloved performances, winning the final in Moscow.
