View source for Eurovision Song Contest

{{short description|Annual international song competition}}
{{Redirect|Eurovision|the broader Eurovision network|Eurovision (network)|the most recent contest|Eurovision Song Contest 2025|the upcoming contest|Eurovision Song Contest 2026|other uses}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox television
| name                 = {{noitalic|Eurovision Song Contest}}
| image                = Eurovision Song Contest 2025.svg
| image_size           = 270
| image_alt            = The current Eurovision Song Contest logo, in use since 2026
| caption              = Logo debuting in 2026
| genre                = [[Music competition]]
| creator              = [[European Broadcasting Union]]
| based_on             = [[Sanremo Music Festival]]
| developer            = 
| presenter            = [[List of Eurovision Song Contest presenters|Various presenters]]
| country              = [[List of countries in the Eurovision Song Contest|Various participating countries]]
| language             = Various; primarily English and French
| num_episodes         = {{Plainlist|
* 69 contests
* 107 live shows
}}
| producer             = 
| location             = [[List of Eurovision Song Contest host cities|Various host cities]]
| runtime              = {{Plainlist|
* ~2 hours (semi-finals)
* ~4 hours (finals)
}}
| company              = [[European Broadcasting Union]]<br />[[History of the Eurovision Song Contest|Various national broadcasters]]
| first_aired          = {{Start date|1956|05|24|df=y}}
| last_aired           = present
| related              = {{Plainlist|
* [[Junior Eurovision Song Contest]]
* [[Eurovision Young Musicians]]
* [[Eurovision Young Dancers]]
* [[Eurovision Dance Contest]]
* [[Eurovision Choir]]
* ''[[American Song Contest]]''
}}
| italic_title         = no
}}

The '''Eurovision Song Contest''' ({{Langx|fr|Concours Eurovision de la chanson}}), often known simply as '''Eurovision''', is an international [[Music competition|song competition]] organised annually by the [[European Broadcasting Union]] (EBU) among its members since 1956. Each participating broadcaster submits an original song representing its country to be performed and broadcast live to all of them via the [[Eurovision (network)|Eurovision and Euroradio networks]], and then casts votes for the other countries' songs to determine a winner.

The contest was inspired by and based on the Italian [[Sanremo Music Festival]], held in the [[Italian Riviera]] since 1951. Eurovision has been held annually since 1956 (except for 2020 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]), making it the longest-running international music competition on television and one of the world's longest-running television programmes. Active members of the EBU and invited associate members are eligible to compete; broadcasters from [[List of countries in the Eurovision Song Contest|52 countries]] have participated at least once. Each participating broadcaster sends an original song of three minutes duration or less to be performed live by a singer, or group of up to six people, aged 16 or older of its choice. Each country awards 1–8, 10, and 12 points to their ten favourite songs, based on the views of an assembled group of music professionals and their viewing public, with the song receiving the most points declared the winner. Other performances feature alongside the competition, including specially-commissioned opening and interval acts and guest performances by musicians and other personalities, with past acts including [[Cirque du Soleil]], [[Madonna]], [[Justin Timberlake]], [[Mika (singer)|Mika]], [[Rita Ora]], and the first performance of ''[[Riverdance]]''. Originally consisting of a single evening event, the contest has expanded as broadcasters from new countries joined (including countries outside of Europe, such as {{Esccnty|Israel}}, {{Esccnty|Morocco}}, and {{Esccnty|Australia}}), leading to the introduction of relegation procedures in the 1990s, before the creation of semi-finals in the 2000s. {{Esccnty|Germany}} has competed more times than any other country, having participated in all {{Esccnty|Germany|y=1996|t=but one}} edition, while {{Esccnty|Ireland}} and {{Esccnty|Sweden}} both hold the record for the most victories, with seven wins each in total.

Traditionally held in the country that won the preceding year's event, the contest provides an opportunity to promote the host country and city as a tourist destination. Thousands of spectators attend each year, along with journalists who cover all aspects of the contest, including rehearsals in venue, press conferences with the competing acts, in addition to other related events and performances in the host city. Alongside the generic Eurovision logo, a unique theme is typically developed for each event. The contest has aired in countries across all continents; it has been [[Streaming television|available online]] via the official Eurovision website since 2001. Eurovision ranks among the world's most watched non-sporting events every year, with hundreds of millions of viewers globally. Performing at the contest has often provided artists with a local career boost and in some cases long-lasting international success. Several of the [[List of best-selling music artists|best-selling music artists]] in the world have competed in past editions, including [[ABBA]], [[Céline Dion]], [[Julio Iglesias]], [[Cliff Richard]], and [[Olivia Newton-John]]; some of the world's [[List of best-selling singles|best-selling singles]] have received their first international performance on the Eurovision stage.

While having gained popularity with the viewing public in both participating and non-participating countries, the contest has also been the subject of criticism for its artistic quality, as well as a perceived political aspect to the event. Concerns have been raised regarding political friendships and rivalries between countries potentially having an impact on the results. Controversial moments have included participating broadcasters withdrawing at a late stage, censorship of broadcast segments by broadcasters, disqualification of contestants, as well as political events impacting participation. The contest has also been criticised for an over-abundance of elaborate stage shows at the cost of artistic merit. Eurovision has gained popularity for its [[camp (style)|camp]] appeal, its musical span of [[Contemporary folk music|ethnic]] and international styles, as well as emergence as part of [[LGBTQ culture]], resulting in a large, active fanbase and an influence on popular culture. The popularity of the contest has led to the creation of several similar events, either organised by the EBU or created by external organisations; several special events have been organised by the EBU to celebrate select anniversaries or as a replacement due to cancellation.

== Origins and history ==
{{Further|History of the Eurovision Song Contest}}
[[File:Eurovision Song Contest 1958 - Lys Assia (crop).png|thumb|alt=Photo of Lys Assia, the first winner of the Eurovision Song Contest, performing at the third contest in 1958.|[[Lys Assia]], the winner of the first Eurovision Song Contest in {{Escyr|1956}}, performing at the {{Escyr|1958|3=1958 contest}}]]
The [[European Broadcasting Union]] (EBU) was formed in 1950 among 23 broadcasting organisations. The word "Eurovision" was first used by British journalist George Campey in the ''[[Evening Standard]]'' in 1951, when he referred to a [[BBC|British Broadcasting Corporation]] (BBC) programme being relayed by Dutch television.{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|pp=93–96}}<ref name="GoldenJubilee">{{Cite web |last=Jaquin |first=Patrick |date=1 December 2004 |title=Eurovision's Golden Jubilee |url=http://www.ebu.ch/en/union/diffusion_on_line/television/tcm_6-8971.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040811033906/http://www.ebu.ch/en/union/diffusion_on_line/television/tcm_6-8971.php |archive-date=11 August 2004 |access-date=18 July 2009 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Campey |first=George |title=And now– Eurovision |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-standard-and-now-eurovision/168903073/ |access-date=26 March 2025 |work=[[Evening Standard]] |date=5 November 1951 |location=London, United Kingdom |page=9 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Following several events broadcast internationally via their [[Eurovision (network)|Eurovision transmission network]] in the early 1950s, including the [[coronation of Elizabeth II]] in 1953, an EBU committee, headed by [[Marcel Bezençon]], was formed in January 1955 to investigate new initiatives for cooperation between broadcasters, which approved for further study a European song competition from an idea initially proposed by {{lang|it|[[RAI|Radiotelevisione italiana]]|i=no}} (RAI) manager [[Sergio Pugliese]].<ref name="GoldenJubilee" /><ref name="Eurovision network">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision: About us – who we are |url=https://www.eurovision.net/about/whoweare |access-date=28 June 2020 |publisher=[[Eurovision (network)|Eurovision Song Contest]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sommerlad |first=Joe |date=18 May 2019 |title=Eurovision 2019: What exactly is the point of the annual song contest and how did it begin? |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/eurovision-2019-song-contest-what-is-the-point-purpose-pop-history-a8916801.html |access-date=27 June 2020 |website=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> The EBU's general assembly agreed to the organising of the song contest in October 1955, under the initial title of the ''European Grand Prix'', and accepted a proposal by the [[Swiss Broadcasting Corporation]] (SRG SSR) to host the event in [[Lugano]] in the spring of 1956.{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|pp=93–96}}<ref name="GoldenJubilee" />{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=8–9}} The Italian [[Sanremo Music Festival]], held since 1951, was used as a basis for the initial planning of the contest, with several amendments and additions given its international nature.{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|pp=93–96}} The Eurovision Song Contest was developed as a way of putting transnational [[live television]] to the test, promoting television, as well as encouraging the production of original songs.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Österdahl |first=Martin |title=The Eurovision Song Contest: an academic phenomenon |publisher=Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group |year=2023 |isbn=978-1-03-203774-5 |editor-last=Dubin |editor-first=Adam |location=London; New York |page=xii |chapter=Foreword |editor-last2=Vuletic |editor-first2=Dean |editor-last3=Obregón |editor-first3=Antonio}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 May 2019 |title=The Origins of Eurovision |url=https://eurovision.tv/history/origins-of-eurovision |access-date=15 April 2023 |website=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Vuletic |first=Dean |title=The Eurovision Song Contest: an academic phenomenon |publisher=Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group |year=2023 |isbn=978-1-03-203774-5 |editor-last=Dubin |editor-first=Adam |location=London; New York |page=8 |chapter=The Grand Tour: the origins of the Eurovision Song Contest as a cultural phenomenon |editor-last2=Vuletic |editor-first2=Dean |editor-last3=Obregón |editor-first3=Antonio}}</ref><ref name="GoldenJubilee" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Règlement du Grand Prix Eurovision 1956 de la Chanson Européenne (version définitive) |trans-title=Rules of the Grand Prix of the Eurovision Song Competition 1956 (final version) |url=https://eurovision.tv/upload/history/1956/56_rules.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620231134/http://www.eurovision.tv/upload/history/1956/56_rules.pdf |archive-date=20 June 2016 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] (EBU) |location=[[Geneva]], Switzerland |language=fr}}</ref>

Broadcasters from seven countries participated in the {{Escyr|1956||first contest}}, with each country represented by two songs; the only time in which multiple entries per country were permitted.<ref name="Nutshell">{{Cite web |date=31 March 2017 |title=Eurovision Song Contest: In a Nutshell |url= https://eurovision.tv/history/in-a-nutshell |access-date=27 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref name="Facts & Figures">{{Cite web |date=12 January 2017 |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Facts & Figures |url= https://eurovision.tv/about/facts-and-figures |access-date=27 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> The winning song was "{{lang|fr|[[Refrain (Lys Assia song)|Refrain]]|i=no}}", representing the host country Switzerland and performed by [[Lys Assia]].<ref name="Winners">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Winners |url=https://eurovision.tv/winners |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180512231240/https://eurovision.tv/winners |archive-date=12 May 2018 |access-date=23 May 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Voting during the first contest was held behind closed doors, with only the winner being announced on stage; the use of a scoreboard and public announcement of the voting, inspired by the BBC's ''[[Festival of British Popular Songs 1956|Festival of British Popular Songs]]'', began in {{Escyr|1957}}.{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|p=152}} The tradition of the winning broadcaster hosting the following year's contest, which has since become a standard feature of the event, began in {{Escyr|1958}}.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=12–13}}{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|p=160}} Technological developments have transformed the contest: [[Color television|colour broadcasts]] began in {{Escyr|1968}}; [[Satellite television|satellite broadcasts]] in {{Escyr|1985}}; and [[Streaming media|streaming]] in {{Escyr|2000}}.<ref name="Eurovision network" /><ref name="London 68">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: London 1968 |url= https://eurovision.tv/event/london-1968 |access-date=5 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref name="Webcasting">{{Cite web |last=Laven |first=Philip |date=July 2002 |title=Webcasting and the Eurovision Song Contest |url= http://www.ebu.ch/en/technical/trev/trev_291-editorial.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080528091401/http://www.ebu.ch/en/technical/trev/trev_291-editorial.html |archive-date=28 May 2008 |access-date=28 June 2020 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref> Broadcasts in [[16:9 aspect ratio|widescreen]] began in {{Escyr|2005}} and in [[High-definition television|high-definition]] in {{Escyr|2007}}, with [[Ultra-high-definition television|ultra-high-definition]] tested for the first time in {{Escyr|2022}}.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Polishchuk |first=Tetiana |date=17 May 2005 |title=Eurovision to Be Broadcast in Widescreen, With New Hosts |url= https://day.kyiv.ua/en/article/culture/eurovision-be-broadcast-widescreen-new-hosts |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201122170009/https://day.kyiv.ua/en/article/culture/eurovision-be-broadcast-widescreen-new-hosts |archive-date=22 November 2020 |access-date=23 February 2021 |work=[[The Day (Kyiv)|The Day]] |location=[[Kyiv]], Ukraine}}</ref><ref name="Helsinki 07" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cafarelli |first=Donato |date=23 April 2022 |title=Eurovision Song Contest 2022: la Rai trasmetterà l'evento per la prima volta in 4K |trans-title=Eurovision Song Contest 2022: Rai will broadcast the event for the first time in 4K |url=https://www.eurofestivalnews.com/2022/04/23/eurovision-song-contest-2022-rai-4k/ |access-date=23 April 2022 |website=Eurofestival News |language=it-IT}}</ref>

By the 1960s, between 16 and 18 countries were regularly competing each year.<ref name="ESC History">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: History by events |url=https://eurovision.tv/events |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825083217/https://eurovision.tv/events |archive-date=25 August 2017 |access-date=27 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Countries from outside the traditional [[Europe#Definition|boundaries of Europe]] began entering the contest, and countries in Western Asia and North Africa started competing in the 1970s and 1980s. Apart from {{Esccnty|Yugoslavia}} (a member of the [[non-aligned movement]] and not seen as part of the Eastern Bloc at the time) no socialist or communist country ever participated.{{efn|However, its Eastern European counterpart, the [[Intervision Song Contest]], organised by the [[International Radio and Television Organisation]] (OIRT), which held four editions in 1977–1980 saw the participation of Western countries – including some from outside Europe like Canada – in addition to the Eastern Bloc countries.}} Only after the [[Cold War (1985–1991)|end of the Cold War]] did other countries from [[Central and Eastern Europe]] participate for the first time – some of those countries having gained or regained their independence in the course of the breakup of Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, and the Soviet Union. As a consequence, more broadcasters were now applying than could feasibly participate in a one-night-event of reasonable length. Numerous solutions to this problem were tried out over the years. The {{Escyr|1993||1993 contest}} included a contest called {{lang|sl|[[Kvalifikacija za Millstreet]]}} which was a pre-qualifying round for seven of these new countries, and from {{Escyr|1994}}, [[Promotion and relegation|relegation systems]] were introduced to manage the number of competing entries, with the poorest performing countries barred from entering the following year's contest.<ref name="ESC History" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest 1993 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/millstreet-1993 |access-date=27 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> From 2004, the contest expanded to become a multi-programme event, with a semi-final at the {{Escyr|2004||49th contest}} allowing all interested countries to compete each year; a second semi-final was added to each edition from {{Escyr|2008}}.<ref name="Facts & Figures" /><ref name="ESC History" />

There have been 69 contests {{as of|2025|lc=y|post=,}} making Eurovision the longest-running annual international televised music competition as determined by ''[[Guinness World Records]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lynch |first=Kevin |date=23 May 2015 |title=Eurovision recognised by Guinness World Records as the longest-running annual TV music competition (international) |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2015/5/eurovision-recognised-by-guinness-world-records-as-the-longest-running-annual-tv-379520 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122030337/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2015/5/eurovision-recognised-by-guinness-world-records-as-the-longest-running-annual-tv-379520 |archive-date=22 January 2020 |access-date=26 June 2020 |publisher=[[Guinness World Records]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Escudero |first=Victor M. |date=23 May 2015 |title=Eurovision Song Contest awarded Guinness world record |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-song-contest-awarded-guinness-world-record |access-date=9 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> The contest has been listed as one of the longest-running television programmes in the world and among the world's most watched non-sporting events.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 June 2015 |title=Culture & Entertainment {{!}} Eurovision |url=http://www.brandeu.eu/eu-powerhouse/culture-and-entertainment/eurovision/ |access-date=19 March 2021 |publisher=[[Brand EU]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 June 2015 |title=Press Release: 60th Eurovision Song Contest Seen by Nearly 200 Million Viewers |url=https://www.ebu.ch/news/2015/06/press-release-60th-eurovision-so |access-date=19 March 2021 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Ritman |first=Alex |date=3 June 2015 |title=Eurovision Song Contest Draws Almost 200 Million Viewers |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6583366/eurovision-song-contest-draws-almost-200-million-viewers |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=20 March 2021}}</ref> Broadcasters from a total of [[List of countries in the Eurovision Song Contest|52 countries]] have taken part in at least one edition, with a record 43 countries participating in a single contest, first in {{Escyr|2008}} and subsequently in {{Escyr|2011}} and {{Escyr|2018}}.<ref name="Facts & Figures" /><ref name="ESC History" />

Eurovision had been held every year until 2020, when {{Escyr|2020||that year's contest}} was cancelled in response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="Facts & Figures" /><ref name="2020 cancellation">{{Cite web |date=6 April 2020 |title=Official EBU statement & FAQ on Eurovision 2020 cancellation |url=https://eurovision.tv/official-ebu-statement-and-faq-eurovision-song-contest-2020-cancellation |access-date=27 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> No competitive event was able to take place due to uncertainty caused by the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Europe|spread of the virus in Europe]] and the various restrictions imposed by the governments of the participating countries. In its place a special broadcast, ''[[Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light]]'', was produced by the organisers, which honoured the songs and artists that would have competed in 2020 in a non-competitive format.<ref name="2020 cancellation" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 April 2020 |title=Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light |url=https://eurovision.tv/eurovision-europe-shine-a-light |access-date=27 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=17 May 2020 |title=Eurovision still shines despite cancelled final |work=[[The Guardian]] |agency=[[PA Media]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/may/17/eurovision-still-shines-despite-cancelled-final |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref>

=== Naming ===
The contest has been known by different names in various languages. The first contest was officially named the {{lang|fr|Gran premio Eurovisione della canzone europea}} in Italian, the {{lang|fr|Grand Prix Eurovision de la chanson européenne}} in French, and the ''Grand Prix of the Eurovision Song Competition'' in English,<ref name="Radio Times">{{cite news |title=Thursday 24 May – Television |url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/page/8550f816c7ad447fbfccbf0903ad4814?page=38 |access-date=2 June 2022 |work=[[Radio Times]] |date=18 May 1956 |page=38 |location=London, United Kingdom |archive-date=11 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811084616/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/page/8550f816c7ad447fbfccbf0903ad4814?page=38 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Similar variations, such as {{lang|se|Eurovision Schlagerfestival}} in Swedish or {{lang|nl|Eurovisie Songfestival}} in Dutch, were unofficially used in some editions. The names ''Eurovision Song Contest'' and {{lang|fr|Concours Eurovision de la Chanson}} in French became a {{lang|la|de facto}} standard in subsequent decades. The contest was briefly rebranded as ''Eurosong'' in English for the {{ESCYr|1996|3=1996 edition}},<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Chris|last=Marlowe|date=1996-05-11 |title=Norway Shapes a New-style Eurovision|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-05-11.pdf|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=13|issue=19|location=[[Amsterdam]], Netherlands|issn=1385-612X|page=10|access-date=2025-01-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817005018/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-05-11.pdf|archive-date=2020-08-17|url-status=live}}</ref> but this was reverted the following year. The names were not standardised until 2004,<ref>{{Cite web |year=2002 |title=Palmarès du Concours Eurovision de la Chanson |url=http://www.ebu.ch/departments/television/pdf/Winners-Palmares_56-02.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528174029/http://www.ebu.ch/departments/television/pdf/Winners-Palmares_56-02.pdf |archive-date=28 May 2008 |access-date=28 June 2020 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Rules of the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest|url=http://www.myledbury.co.uk/eurovision/pdf/esc2004.pdf|id=SPG 03-12612|publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=January 2025}} when the contest was rebranded.<ref name="ESC History" /> The official brand guidelines specify that translations of the name may be used depending on national tradition and brand recognition in the competing countries, but that the official name ''Eurovision Song Contest'' is always preferred.<ref name="Brand" />

On only four occasions has the name used for the official logo of the contest not been in English or French: the Italian names {{lang|it|Gran Premio Eurovisione della Canzone}} and {{lang|it|Concorso Eurovisione della Canzone}} were used when Italy hosted the {{Escyr|1965}} and {{Escyr|1991}} contests respectively; and the Dutch name {{lang|nl|Eurovisiesongfestival}} was used when the Netherlands hosted in {{Escyr|1976}} and {{Escyr|1980}}.<ref name="ESC History" />

== Format ==
Original songs representing participating countries are performed in a live television programme broadcast via the [[Eurovision (network)|Eurovision and Euroradio networks]] simultaneously to all countries. A "country" as a participant is represented by one television broadcaster from that country, a member of the EBU, and is typically that country's national [[public broadcasting]] organisation.<ref name="How it works">{{Cite web |date=15 January 2017 |title=How it works – Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/how-it-works |access-date=28 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> The programme is staged by one of the participant broadcasters and is transmitted from an [[auditorium]] in the selected host city.<ref>{{Cite web |last=LaFleur |first=Louise |date=30 August 2019 |title=Rotterdam to host Eurovision 2020! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/rotterdam-to-host-eurovision-2020 |access-date=9 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Since 2008, each contest is typically formed of three live television shows held over one week: two semi-finals are held on the Tuesday and Thursday, followed by a final on the Saturday. All participating countries compete in one of the two semi-finals, except for the host country of that year's contest and the "Big Five"—the countries whose broadcasters are the contest's biggest financial contributors: {{Esccnty|France}}, {{Esccnty|Germany}}, {{Esccnty|Italy}}, {{Esccnty|Spain}}, and the {{Esccnty|United Kingdom}}.{{efn|Namely {{lang|fr|[[France Télévisions]]|i=no}}, [[ARD (broadcaster)|ARD]], {{lang|it|[[RAI|Radiotelevisione italiana]]|i=unset}} (RAI), {{lang|es|[[RTVE|Radiotelevisión Española]]|i=no}} (RTVE), and the [[BBC|British Broadcasting Corporation]] (BBC) respectively.}}<ref name="How it works" /><ref name="BBC lessons learned" /> The remaining countries are split between the two semi-finals, and the 10 highest-scoring entries in each qualify to produce 26 entries competing in the final.<ref name="How it works" /> Since the introduction of the semi-final round in 2004, {{Esccnty|Luxembourg}} and {{Esccnty|Ukraine}} are the only countries outside of the "Big Five" to have qualified for the final of every contest they have competed in.

Each participating broadcaster has sole discretion over the process it may employ to select its entry for the contest. Typical methods in which participants are selected include a televised national final using a jury and/or public vote; an internal selection by a committee appointed by the broadcaster; and a mixed format where some decisions are made internally and the public are engaged in others.<ref name="National selections">{{Cite web |date=21 March 2017 |title=Eurovision Song Contest: National Selections |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/in-depth/national-selections/ |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Among the most successful televised selection shows is {{Lang|sv|[[Melodifestivalen]]|italic=no}} in Sweden, first established in 1959 and now one of the most watched television shows in the country each year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosney |first=Daniel |date=7 March 2020 |title=Sweden's Melfest: Why a national Eurovision show won global fans |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-51749312 |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref>

[[File:Opening act 2, ESC 2011.jpg|thumb|alt=Photograph of the opening act during the 2011 contest; Stefan Raab performs with a band while multiple women dressed as Lena dance behind them while waving the flags of the participating countries|The opening act during the final of the {{Escyr|2011|3=2011 contest}} in [[Düsseldorf]], Germany]]
Each show typically begins with an opening act consisting of music and/or dance performances by invited artists, which contributes to a unique theme and identity created for that year's event; since 2013, the opening of the contest's final has included a "Flag Parade", with competing artists entering the stage behind their country's flag in a similar manner to the [[Olympic Games ceremony#Parade of Nations|procession of competing athletes]] at the [[Olympic Games ceremony|Olympic Games opening ceremony]].<ref name="Grand Final story">{{Cite web |date=16 May 2020 |title=Looking back: the Grand Final |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/grand-final-story |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401132202/https://eurovision.tv/story/grand-final-story |archive-date=1 April 2021 |access-date=1 April 2021 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}</ref><ref name="Iconic intervals">{{Cite web |date=16 August 2019 |title=The Most Iconic Opening & Interval Acts of the Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/video/the-most-iconic-opening-interval-acts-of-the-eurovision-song-contest |access-date=28 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Viewers are welcomed by [[List of Eurovision Song Contest presenters|one or more presenters]] who provide key updates during the show, conduct interviews with competing acts from the [[green room]], and guide the voting procedure in English and French.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 March 2017 |title=Presenters – Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/presenters |access-date=28 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jordan |first=Paul |date=1 March 2017 |title=Behind the scenes with the hosts of the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/behind-the-scenes-with-the-hosts |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928064139/https://eurovision.tv/story/behind-the-scenes-with-the-hosts |archive-date=28 September 2020 |access-date=1 April 2021 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}</ref><ref name="Rules" /> Competing acts perform sequentially, and after all songs have been performed, viewers are invited to vote for their favourite performances—except for the performance of their own country—via [[Televoting|telephone]], SMS, and the official Eurovision app.<ref name="How it works" /> The public vote comprises 50% of the final result alongside the views of a jury of music industry professionals from each country.<ref name="How it works" /><ref name="Rules" /> An [[Intermission|interval act]] is invariably featured during this voting period, which on several occasions has included a well-known personality from the host country or an internationally recognised figure.<ref name="Grand Final story" /><ref name="Iconic intervals" /> The results of the voting are subsequently announced; in the semi-finals, the 10 highest-ranked countries are announced in a random order, with the full results undisclosed until after the final. In the final, the presenters call upon a representative spokesperson for each country in turn who announces their jury's points, while the results of the public vote are subsequently announced by the presenters.<ref name="How it works" /><ref name="Voting" /> In recent years, it has been tradition that the first country to announce its jury points is the previous host, whereas the last country is the current host.{{efn|With the exception of {{Escyr|2023}}, when the United Kingdom hosted the contest on behalf of Ukraine, which went first.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tarbuck |first=Sean |date=12 May 2023 |title=Jury voting order revealed for Eurovision 2023 |url=https://www.escunited.com/jury-voting-order-revealed-for-eurovision-2023/ |access-date=12 May 2023 |website=ESCUnited |language=en-US}}</ref>}} The qualifying acts in the semi-finals, and the winning delegation in the final are invited back on stage; in the final, a [[trophy]] is awarded to the winning performers and songwriters by the previous year's winner, followed by a reprise of the winning song.<ref name="How it works" /><ref name="Trophy">{{Cite web |date=14 January 2017 |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Trophy |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/trophy/ |access-date=30 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> The full results of the competition, including detailed results of the jury and public vote, are released online shortly after the final, and the participating broadcaster of the winning entry is traditionally given the honour of organising the following year's event.<ref name="How it works" /><ref name="Voting" />

== Participation ==
{{Further|List of countries in the Eurovision Song Contest}}
[[File:European Broadcasting Area.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|alt=Map of countries in Europe, North Africa and Western Asia in grey, with the boundaries of the European Broadcasting Area superimposed in red|The European Broadcasting Area (EBA), shown in red]]
[[File:EurovisionParticipants.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|alt=Map of countries in Europe, North Africa and Western Asia, with a cut-out of Australia in top-right corner; countries are coloured to indicate contest participation and eligibility: countries which have entered at least once are coloured in green; countries which have never entered but eligible to do so are coloured in yellow; countries which intended to enter but later withdrew are coloured in red; and countries which competed as a part of another country but never as a sovereign country are coloured in light green.|right|Participation since 1956: {{legend|#22b14c|Entered at least once}} {{legend|#ffc20e|Never entered, although eligible to do so}} {{legend|#d40000|Entry intended, but later withdrew}} {{legend|#00ff00|Competed as a part of another country, but never as a [[sovereign state|sovereign country]]}}]]
[[File:Eurovision-map-gradient-6.6.25.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|alt=Map of countries in Europe, North Africa and Western Asia, with Australia as an insert in the top-right corner, coloured to indicate the decade in which they first participated in the contest|Participants in the Eurovision Song Contest, coloured by decade of debut]]
Active members (as opposed to associate members) of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) are eligible to participate; active members are those who are located in states that fall within the [[European Broadcasting Area]] (EBA), or are [[member states of the Council of Europe]].<ref name="EBUmembership">{{Cite web |date=27 April 2018 |title=EBU – Admission |url=https://www.ebu.ch/about/members/admission |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913022313/https://www.ebu.ch/about/members/admission |archive-date=13 September 2019 |access-date=28 June 2020 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref> Active members include media organisations whose broadcasts are often made available to at least 98% of households in their own country which are equipped to receive such transmissions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 2013 |title=Regulation on Detailed Membership Criteria under Article 3.6 of the EBU Statutes |url=https://www.ebu.ch/files/live/sites/ebu/files/About/Governance/Regulation%202013_EN.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516221310/https://www.ebu.ch/files/live/sites/ebu/files/About/Governance/Regulation%202013_EN.pdf |archive-date=16 May 2019 |access-date=28 June 2020 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref> Associate member broadcasters may be eligible to compete, dependent on approval by the contest's reference group.<ref name="Who can take part">{{Cite web |title=Which countries can take part? |url=https://eurovision.tv/page/about/which-countries-can-take-part#Which%20countries? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317083448/https://eurovision.tv/page/about/which-countries-can-take-part#Which%20countries? |archive-date=17 March 2017 |access-date=28 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

The EBA is defined by the [[International Telecommunication Union]] as encompassing the geographical area between the boundary of [[International Telecommunication Union region|ITU Region 1]] in the west, the [[meridian 40° East]] of [[Greenwich meridian|Greenwich]] in the east, and [[parallel 30° North]] in the south. Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the parts of Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, and Ukraine lying outside these limits are also included in the EBA.<ref name="ITU-R Radio Regulation 2012">{{Cite web |year=2012 |title=ITU-R Radio Regulations 2012–15 |url=http://www.sma.gov.jm/sites/default/files/publication_files/ITU-R_Radio_Regulations_2012_%202015_%20Article_5_Table%20of%20Frequencies.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816092114/http://sma.gov.jm/sites/default/files/publication_files/ITU-R_Radio_Regulations_2012_%202015_%20Article_5_Table%20of%20Frequencies.pdf |archive-date=16 August 2013 |access-date=28 June 2019 |publisher=[[International Telecommunication Union]], available from the Spectrum Management Authority of Jamaica}}</ref><ref name="ITU-R Radio Regulation 2004">{{Cite web |year=2004 |title=ITU-R Radio Regulations – Articles edition of 2004 (valid in 2004–07) |url=http://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-s/oth/02/02/S020200001A4501PDFE.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010235726/https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-s/oth/02/02/S020200001A4501PDFE.pdf |archive-date=10 October 2017 |access-date=28 June 2020 |publisher=[[International Telecommunication Union]]}}</ref>

Eligibility to participate in the contest is therefore not limited to broadcasters from countries in Europe, as several states geographically outside the boundaries of the continent or which span [[List of transcontinental countries|more than one continent]] are included in the EBA.<ref name="Who can take part" /> Broadcasters from countries in these groups have taken part in past editions, including countries in Western Asia such as Israel and Cyprus, countries which span Europe and Asia like Russia and Turkey, and North African countries such as Morocco.<ref name="ESC History" />

{{Esccnty|Australia}} became the first country without an active EBU member broadcaster to compete, following an invitation by the contest's reference group to associate member [[Special Broadcasting Service]] (SBS) ahead of the contest's {{Escyr|2015||60th edition}} in 2015.<ref name="Australia">{{Cite web |date=10 February 2015 |title=Australia to compete in the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/australia-to-compete-in-the-2015-eurovision-song-contest |access-date=27 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kemp |first1=Stuart |last2=Plunkett |first2=John |date=10 February 2015 |title=Eurovision Song Contest invites Australia to join 'world's biggest party' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/feb/10/eurovision-song-contest-invites-australia-to-join-worlds-biggest-party |access-date=27 June 2020 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Initially announced as a "one-off" for the anniversary edition, SBS was invited back the following year and has subsequently participated every year since.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 November 2015 |title=Australia to return to the Eurovision Song Contest! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/australia-to-return-to-the-eurovision-song-contest |access-date=27 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref name="Australia 2023">{{Cite web |date=12 February 2019 |title=Australia secures spot in Eurovision for the next five years |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/australia-secures-spot-in-eurovision-until-2023 |access-date=27 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref name="Participants">{{cite web |date=5 December 2023 |title=Eurovision 2024: 37 broadcasters head to Malmö |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2024-37-broadcasters-head-malmo |access-date=5 December 2023 |website= |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Australia is also the only country from outside the EBA to ever participate.<ref name="Australia" />

EBU members wishing to participate must fulfil conditions as laid down in the rules of the contest, a separate copy of which is drafted annually. A maximum of 44 countries can take part in any one contest.<ref name="Rules">{{Cite web |date=12 January 2017 |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Rules |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/rules/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826013327/https://eurovision.tv/about/rules |archive-date=26 August 2022 |access-date=28 June 2020 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref> Broadcasters must have paid the EBU a participation fee in advance of the deadline specified in the rules for the year in which they wish to participate; this fee is different for each country based on its size and viewership.<ref name="FAQ">{{Cite web |date=12 January 2017 |title=FAQ – Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/faq/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623153206/https://eurovision.tv/about/faq/ |archive-date=23 June 2020 |access-date=28 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

Broadcasters from fifty-two countries have participated at least once.<ref name="ESC History" /> These countries are listed here alongside the year in which they made their debut:

{|
|- style="vertical-align:top"
|
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:94%"
|-
! scope="col"| Year
! scope="col"| Country making its debut entry
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top center;" rowspan="7"| {{ESCYr|1956}}
| {{esc|Belgium}}
|-
| {{esc|France}}
|-
| {{esc|Germany}}{{efn-lr|Represented [[West Germany]] until 1990; [[East Germany]] never competed. Presented on all occasions as 'Germany', except in 1967 as 'Federal Republic of Germany', in 1970 and 1976 as 'West Germany', and in 1990 as 'F.R. Germany'.}}
|-
| {{esc|Italy}}
|-
| {{esc|Luxembourg}}
|-
| {{esc|Netherlands}}
|-
| {{esc|Switzerland}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top center;" rowspan="3"| {{ESCYr|1957}}
| {{esc|Austria}}
|-
| {{esc|Denmark}}
|-
| {{esc|United Kingdom}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1958}}
| {{esc|Sweden}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1959}}
| {{esc|Monaco}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1960}}
| {{esc|Norway}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top center;" rowspan="3"| {{ESCYr|1961}}
| {{esc|Finland}}
|-
| {{esc|Spain}}
|-
| {{esc|Yugoslavia}}{{efn-lr|Represented the [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]] until 1991, and the [[Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]] in 1992.}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1964}}
| {{esc|Portugal}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1965}}
| {{esc|Ireland}}
|}
|
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:94%"
|-
! scope="col"| Year
! scope="col"| Country making its debut entry
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1971}}
| {{esc|Malta}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1973}}
| {{esc|Israel}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1974}}
| {{esc|Greece}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1975}}
| {{esc|Turkey}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top center;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1980}}
| {{esc|Morocco}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1981}}
| {{esc|Cyprus}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1986}}
| {{esc|Iceland}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top center;" rowspan="3"| {{ESCYr|1993}}
| {{esc|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}
|-
| {{esc|Croatia}}
|-
| {{esc|Slovenia}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top center;" rowspan="7"| {{ESCYr|1994}}
| {{esc|Estonia}}
|-
| {{esc|Hungary}}
|-
| {{esc|Lithuania}}
|-
| {{esc|Poland}}
|-
| {{esc|Romania}}
|-
| {{esc|Russia}}
|-
| {{esc|Slovakia}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top center;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1998}}
| {{esc|North Macedonia}}{{efn-lr|Presented as the '[[Macedonia naming dispute|Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia]]' before 2019.}}
|}
|
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:94%"
|-
! scope="col"| Year
! scope="col"| Country making its debut entry
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|2000}}
| {{esc|Latvia}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|2003}}
| {{esc|Ukraine}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top center;" rowspan="4"| {{ESCYr|2004}}
| {{esc|Albania}}
|-
| {{esc|Andorra}}
|-
| {{esc|Belarus}}
|-
| {{esc|Serbia and Montenegro}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top center;" rowspan="2"| {{ESCYr|2005}}
| {{esc|Bulgaria}}
|-
| {{esc|Moldova}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|2006}}
| {{esc|Armenia}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top center;" rowspan="4"| {{ESCYr|2007}}
| {{esc|Czechia|name=Czechia}}{{efn-lr|Presented as '[[Name of the Czech Republic|Czech Republic]]' before 2023.}}
|-
| {{esc|Georgia}}
|-
| {{esc|Montenegro}}
|-
| {{esc|Serbia}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top center;" rowspan="2"| {{ESCYr|2008}}
| {{esc|Azerbaijan}}
|-
| {{esc|San Marino}}
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top center;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|2015}}
| {{esc|Australia}}{{efn-lr|Represented by an EBU associate member broadcaster; initially announced as a one-off participant to commemorate the contest's 60th anniversary, has subsequently participated every year since.<ref name="Australia 2023" /><ref name="Participants" />}}
|-
|}
|}

{{notelist-lr}}

== Hosting ==
{{Further|List of Eurovision Song Contest host cities}}
[[File:Eurovision all cities.svg|thumb|Countries which have hosted the Eurovision Song Contest {{As of|2025|lc=y}}<br />{{legend inline|#4d9221|A single hosting}} {{legend inline|#c51b7d|Multiple hostings}}]]
The winning broadcaster traditionally hosts the following year's event, with [[List of Eurovision Song Contest host cities#Hosting traditions and exceptions|some exceptions]] since {{Escyr|1958}}.<ref name="Historical Milestones">{{Cite web |title=Historical Milestones |url=http://www.eurovision.tv/english/611.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060526065558/http://www.eurovision.tv/english/611.htm |archive-date=26 May 2006 |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref><ref name="ESC History" /> Hosting the contest can be seen as a unique opportunity for promoting the host country as a tourist destination and can provide benefits to the local economy and tourism sectors of the host city.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=Stephen |date=13 May 2016 |title=The cost of winning the Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://www.rbs.com/rbs/news/2016/05/the-cost-of-winning-the-eurovision-song-contest.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821193101/https://www.rbs.com/rbs/news/2016/05/the-cost-of-winning-the-eurovision-song-contest.html |archive-date=21 August 2022 |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=[[Royal Bank of Scotland]]}}</ref> However, there is a perception reflected in popular culture that some broadcasters wish to avoid the costly burden of hosting{{spnd}}sometimes resulting in them sending deliberately subpar entries with no chance of winning.{{efn|This belief is mentioned in ''[[Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga]]'' (2020) and a plot point in the ''[[Father Ted]]'' episode "[[A Song for Europe (Father Ted)|A Song for Europe]]" (1996).}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Sullivan |first=Domhnall |date=2024-07-19 |title=Swiss direct democracy is Eurovision's latest challenge |url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/democracy/swiss-direct-democracy-is-eurovisions-latest-challenge/84198908 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[SWI swissinfo]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> Preparations for each year's contest typically begin at the conclusion of the previous year's contest, with the head of delegation of the winning country receiving a welcome package of information related to hosting the contest at the winner's press conference.<ref name="How it works" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 May 2017 |title=Winner's Press Conference with Portugal's Salvador Sobral |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/2017-winners-press-conference |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 May 2019 |title=Winner's Press Conference with the Netherlands' Duncan Laurence |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/winners-press-conference-with-netherlands-duncan-laurence |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Eurovision is a non-profit event, and financing is typically achieved through a fee from each participating broadcaster, contributions from the host broadcaster and the host city, and commercial revenues from sponsorships, ticket sales, televoting, and merchandise.<ref name="FAQ" />

The host broadcaster will subsequently select a host city, typically a national or regional capital city, which must meet certain criteria set out in the contest's rules. The host venue must be able to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators, a press centre for 1,500 journalists, should be within easy reach of an [[international airport]] and with hotel accommodation available for at least 2,000 delegates, journalists, and spectators.<ref name="Host city criteria">{{Cite web |date=30 July 2007 |title=What does it take to become a Eurovision host city? |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/what-does-it-take-to-become-a-eurovision-host-city |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> A variety of different venues have been used, from small theatres and television studios to large arenas and stadiums.<ref name="ESC History" /> The largest host venue is [[Parken Stadium]] in Copenhagen, which was attended by almost 38,000 spectators in {{Escyr|2001}}.<ref name="Facts & Figures" /><ref name="Copenhagen 01" /> With a population of 1,500 at the time of the {{Escyr|1993||1993 contest}}, [[Millstreet]], Ireland, remains the smallest hosting settlement, although its [[Green Glens Arena]] is capable of hosting up to 8,000 spectators.<ref name="Millstreet 93" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Millstreet Town: Green Glens Arena |url=http://www.millstreet.ie/green%20glens/greenglens.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401191842/http://www.millstreet.ie/green%20glens/greenglens.htm |archive-date=1 April 2019 |access-date=3 July 2020 |website=millstreet.ie}}</ref>

Unlike the [[Olympic Games]] or [[FIFA World Cup]], whose host venues are announced several years in advance, there is usually no purpose-built infrastructure whose construction is justified with the needs of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest. However, the {{Escyr|2012|3=2012 edition}}, hosted in [[Baku]], Azerbaijan, was held at [[Baku Crystal Hall]], a venue that had not existed when Azerbaijan won the previous year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-08-13 |title=From Eurovision to the European Games – the Baku Crystal Hall |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1021853/from-eurovision-to-the-european-games-the-baku-crystal-hall |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=insidethegames.biz}}</ref> Every other edition has been held in pre-existing venues, but renovations or modifications have sometimes been undertaken in the year prior which are justified with the needs of the contest.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ghazi |first=Saarah |date=2024-05-08 |title=Eurovision: Does the winner take it all? |url=https://www.oxfordeconomics.com/resource/eurovision-does-the-winner-take-it-all/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Oxford Economics |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Eurovision logo and theme ===
{{plain image with caption|Eurovision Song Contest 2004-2014 logo.svg|2004–2014 logo|200px}}
{{plain image with caption|Eurovision Song Contest 2015-2025 logo.svg|2015–2025 logo|200px}}

Until 2004, each edition of the contest used its own logo and visual identity as determined by the respective host broadcaster. To create a consistent visual identity, the EBU introduced a generic logo ahead of the {{Escyr|2004||2004 contest}}. This is typically accompanied by a unique theme artwork designed for each individual contest by the host broadcaster, with the flag of the host country placed prominently in the centre of the Eurovision heart.<ref name="Brand">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Brand |date=12 January 2017 |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/brand |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201075740/https://eurovision.tv/about/brand |archive-date=1 February 2021 |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest|url-status=dead}}</ref> The original logo was designed by the London-based agency JM International,<ref name="Logos & Artwork">{{Cite web |date=12 January 2017 |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Logos and Artwork |url=https://eurovision.tv/mediacentre/logos-and-artwork |access-date=17 March 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> and received revamps in 2014 by the Amsterdam-based Cityzen Agency for the contest's {{Escyr|2015||60th edition}},<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 July 2014 |title=Eurovision Song Contest logo evolves |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-song-contest-logo-evolves |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> and in 2025 by the Sheffield-based studio Pals for the {{Escyr|2026||70th edition}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-18 |title=Eurovision Song Contest gets brand refresh to celebrate 70 years of world's largest live music event |url=https://eurovision.tv/mediacentre/release/eurovision-song-contest-brand-refresh-70 |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=Eurovision.tv |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bamford |first=Abbey |date=2025-09-03 |title=Eurovision unveils new global identity for 70th anniversary designed by a one-woman agency in Sheffield |url=https://www.creativeboom.com/news/eurovision-unveils-new-global-identity-for-70th-anniversary-designed-by-a-one-woman-agency-in-sheffield/ |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=Creative Boom |language=en}}</ref>

An individual theme is utilised by contest producers when constructing the visual identity of each edition of the contest, including the stage design, the opening and interval acts, and the "postcards".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Groot |first=Evert |date=28 October 2018 |title=Tel Aviv 2019: Dare to Dream |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/slogan-tel-aviv-2019-dare-to-dream |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=LaFleur |first=Louise |date=25 October 2019 |title=The making of 'Open Up' |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-making-of-open-up |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 December 2019 |title=2020 postcard concept revealed as Dutch people can join in on the fun |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2020-postcards-concept-revealed |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gleave |first=Amy |date=2023-05-02 |title=Eurovision branding over the years |url=https://www.dawncreative.co.uk/insight/eurovision-branding/ |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=Dawn Creative |language=en}}</ref> The short video postcards are interspersed between the entries and were first introduced in {{escyr|1970}}, initially as an attempt to "bulk up" the contest after a number of countries decided not to compete, but has since become a regular part of the show and usually highlight the host country and introduce the competing acts.<ref name="Amsterdam 50th anniv">{{Cite web |date=29 April 2020 |title=Happy 50th Anniversary, Eurovision 1970! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/happy-50th-anniversary-1970-eurovision |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=40–43}} A [[Slogans of the Eurovision Song Contest|unique slogan]] for each edition, first introduced in {{escyr|2002}}, was also an integral part of each contest's visual identity, which was replaced by a permanent slogan from {{escyr|2024}} onwards. The permanent slogan, "United by Music", had previously served as the slogan for the {{escyr|2023||2023 contest}} before being retained for all future editions as part of the contest's global brand strategy.<ref name="Slogan2">{{Cite web |date=2023-11-14 |title='United By Music' chosen as permanent Eurovision slogan |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/united-by-music-permanent-slogan |access-date=2023-11-14 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest|language=en-gb}}</ref>

=== Preparations ===
[[File:Netta at the Eurovision 2018 - Winner’s Press Conference 03.jpg|alt=A press conference during the 2012 contest; the Serbian delegation are seated at a long table with rows of journalists seated facing them, with a large screen on the wall behind the delegation projecting a live relay of the conference.|thumb|Press conference with the Israeli delegation following its win at the {{Escyr|2018|3=2018 contest}}]]
[[File:Pht-Vugar Ibadov eurovision (35).jpg|thumb|alt=Photo of the EuroClub in 2012; a large group of delegates are seen conversing|The EuroClub at the {{Escyr|2012|3=2012 contest}} in [[Baku]], Azerbaijan]]
Preparations in the host venue typically begin approximately six weeks before the final, to accommodate building works and technical rehearsals before the arrival of the competing artists.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anforderungsprofil an die Austragungsstätte des Eurovision Song Contest 2015 |trans-title=Requirements to the venue of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 |url=http://kundendienst.orf.at/aktuelles/anforderungsprofl_austragungsstaette.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531162001/http://kundendienst.orf.at/aktuelles/anforderungsprofl_austragungsstaette.pdf |archive-date=31 May 2014 |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=[[ORF (broadcaster)|ORF]] |language=de}}</ref> Delegations will typically arrive in the host city two to three weeks before the live show, and each participating broadcaster appoints a head of delegation, responsible for coordinating the movements of their delegation and being their representative to the EBU.<ref name="Rules" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rules of the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest |url=http://www.eurovision.tv/searchfiles_english/574.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060210010517/http://www.eurovision.tv/searchfiles_english/574.htm |archive-date=10 February 2006 |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Members of each country's delegation include performers, composers, lyricists, a Head of Press, and—in the years where a live orchestra was present—a conductor.<ref name="HoDs">{{Cite web |date=14 January 2017 |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Heads of Delegation |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/organisers/heads-of-delegation/ |access-date=5 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Present if desired is a commentator, who provides commentary of the event for their radio and/or television feed in their own language in dedicated booths situated around the back of the arena behind the audience.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2011 |title=Commentator's guide to the commentators |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/commentator-s-guide-to-the-commentators |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Escudero |first=Victor M. |date=14 May 2017 |title=Commentators: The national hosts of Eurovision |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/commentators-sweden-mans-zelmerlow-edward-af-sillen |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

Each delegation conducts two individual rehearsals behind closed doors, the first for 30 minutes and the second for 20 minutes.<ref name="2008 rehearsal schedule" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Granger |first=Anthony |date=10 May 2023 |title=Eurovision 2023: EBU & BBC Discuss Voting, Rehearsals & Qualifiers Announcement |url=https://eurovoix.com/2023/05/10/eurovision-2023-ebu-bbc-conference/ |access-date=11 May 2023 |website=Eurovoix |language=en-GB}}</ref> Individual rehearsals for the semi-finalists commence the week before the live shows, with countries typically rehearsing in the order in which they will perform during the contest; rehearsals for the host country and the "Big Five" automatic finalists are held towards the end of the week.<ref name="2008 rehearsal schedule">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest 2008: Rehearsal schedule |url=http://www.eurovision.tv/upload/media/ESC2008_rehearsals.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221010818/http://www.eurovision.tv/upload/media/ESC2008_rehearsals.pdf |archive-date=21 December 2008 |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref name="2018 rehearsal schedule">{{Cite web |date=27 April 2018 |title=Your ultimate guide to the Eurovision 2018 event weeks |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/guide-to-eurovision-2018-event-weeks-rehearal-schedule |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518142209/https://eurovision.tv/story/guide-to-eurovision-2018-event-weeks-rehearal-schedule |archive-date=18 May 2019 |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Following rehearsals, delegations meet with the show's production team to review footage of the rehearsal and raise any special requirements or changes. "Meet and greet" sessions with accredited fans and press are held during these rehearsal weeks.<ref name="2008 rehearsal schedule" /><ref name="Event weeks">{{Cite web |date=21 March 2017 |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Event weeks |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/in-depth/event-weeks |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Each live show is preceded by three dress rehearsals, where the whole show is run in the same way as it will be presented on TV.<ref name="Event weeks" /> The second dress rehearsal, alternatively called the "jury show" or "evening preview show"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-03-27 |title=Tickets for Eurovision 2024 in Malmö |url=https://eurovision.tv/tickets |access-date=2023-12-03 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |language=en}}</ref> and held the night before the broadcast, is used as a recorded back-up in case of technological failure, and performances during this show are used by the professional jury in each country to determine their votes.<ref name="2018 rehearsal schedule" /><ref name="Event weeks" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 May 2013 |title=Time now for the all important Jury Final |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/time-now-for-the-all-important-jury-final |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902160705/https://eurovision.tv/story/time-now-for-the-all-important-jury-final |archive-date=2 September 2019 |access-date=25 March 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Until 2025, the delegations from the qualifying countries in each semi-final attended a qualifiers' press conference after their respective semi-final.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Ben |date=2025-05-11 |title=The Impact Of Possibly The Smallest Eurovision Media Centre This Century |url=https://escinsight.com/2025/05/11/impact-smallest-media-centre-this-century/ |access-date=2025-06-10 |website=ESC Insight}}</ref> The winning delegation attends a winners' press conference following the final.<ref name="Event weeks" />

A welcome reception is typically held at a venue in the host city on the Sunday preceding the live shows, which includes a [[red carpet]] ceremony for all the participating countries and is usually broadcast online.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 May 2010 |title=Welcome Reception: Pink champagne for the stars |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/welcome-reception-pink-champagne-for-the-stars |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 May 2019 |title=Tel Aviv prepares for glamorous Orange Carpet |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/tel-aviv-prepares-for-glamorous-orange-carpet-tune-in-at-18-00-cest |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Accredited delegates, press and fans have access to an official nightclub, the "EuroClub", and some delegations will hold their own parties.<ref name="Event weeks" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 April 2017 |title=Eurovision Song Contest: EuroClub |url=https://eurovision.tv/fans/euroclub |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 May 2011 |title='Big Five' meet to take a trip down the Rhine |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/big-five-meet-to-take-a-trip-down-the-rhine |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> The "Eurovision Village" is an official fan zone open to the public free of charge, with live performances by the contest's artists and screenings of the live shows on big screens.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 April 2018 |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Eurovision Village |url=https://eurovision.tv/fans/eurovision-village |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

== Rules ==
{{Further|Rules of the Eurovision Song Contest}}The contest is organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), together with the host broadcaster in co-production with all the participating broadcasters. The event is monitored by an [[Rules of the Eurovision Song Contest#Scrutineers and executive supervisors|executive supervisor]] appointed by the EBU, and by the [[Rules of the Eurovision Song Contest#Reference group|reference group]] which represents all participating broadcasters, who are each represented by a head of delegation.<ref name="Organisers">{{Cite web |date=12 January 2017 |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Organisers |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/organisers |access-date=5 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> The most recent executive supervisor was [[Martin Österdahl]], who took over the role from [[Jon Ola Sand]] in May 2020 and served until June 2025, after which [[Martin Green (producer)|Martin Green]] took over on an interim basis.<ref name="Österdahl">{{Cite web |date=20 January 2020 |title=Martin Österdahl announced as new Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor |url=https://www.ebu.ch/news/2020/01/martin-osterdahl-announced-as-new-eurovision-song-contest-executive-supervisor |access-date=25 July 2020 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-27 |title=Martin Österdahl to step down as Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest this summer |url=https://www.ebu.ch/news/2025/06/martin-osterdahl-to-step-down-as-executive-supervisor-of-the-eurovision-song-contest-this-summer |access-date=2025-06-27 |website=ebu.ch |publisher=EBU |language=en}}</ref> A detailed set of rules is written by the EBU for each contest and approved by the reference group. These rules have changed over time, and typically outline, among other points, the eligibility of the competing songs, the format of the contest, and the voting system to be used to determine the winner and how the results will be presented.<ref name="Rules" />

=== Song eligibility and languages ===
{{further|List of languages in the Eurovision Song Contest}}

All competing songs must have a duration of three minutes or less.<ref name="Rules" /> This rule applies only to the version performed during the live shows.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muldoon |first=Padraig |date=30 March 2018 |title=Italy: Ermal Meta & Fabrizio Moro release three-minute Eurovision 2018 version of 'Non mi avete fatto niente' |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2018/03/30/italy-ermal-meta-fabrizio-moro-release-three-minute-eurovision-2018-version-non-mi-avete-fatto-niente/220657/ |access-date=27 February 2021 |website=wiwibloggs.com}}</ref> In order to be considered eligible, competing songs in a given year's contest must not have been released commercially before the first day of September of the previous year.<ref name="Rules" /> All competing entries must include vocals and lyrics of some kind; [[a cappella]] songs and purely instrumental pieces are not allowed.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 March 2013 |title=Eurovision: Rules, facts and controversies |work=[[The Scotsman]] |url=https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/eurovision-rules-facts-and-controversies-1586799 |access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref> Competing entries may be performed in any language, be that [[Natural language|natural]] or [[Constructed language|constructed]], and participating broadcasters are free to decide the language in which their entry may be performed.<ref name="Rules" />

Rules specifying in which language a song may be performed have changed over time. No restrictions were originally enacted when the contest was first founded; however, following criticism over the {{Esccnty|Sweden|y=1965|t=1965 Swedish entry}} being performed in English, a new rule was introduced for the {{Escyr|1966||1966 contest}} restricting songs to be performed only in an official language of the country it represented.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=28–29}}<ref name="Naples 65">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Naples 1965 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/naples-1965 |access-date=4 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref name="Luxembourg 66">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Luxembourg 1966 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/luxembourg-1966 |access-date=4 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> This rule was first abolished in {{Escyr|1973}}, and subsequently reinstated for most countries in {{Escyr|1977}}, with only {{Esccnty|Belgium|y=1977}} and {{Esccnty|Germany|y=1977}} permitted freedom of language as their selection processes for that year's contest had already commenced.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=68–71}}<ref name="Luxembourg 73">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Luxembourg 1973 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/luxembourg-1973 |access-date=4 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref name="London 77">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: London 1977 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/london-1977 |access-date=4 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> The language rule was once again abolished ahead of the {{Escyr|1999||1999 contest}}.<ref name="Jerusalem 99" />{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=156–159}}

There is no restriction on the national origin, country of residence or age of the songwriter(s). Furthermore, unlike performers who may only represent one country in any given year, songwriters are free to enter multiple songs in a single year sung by different acts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Dale |date=2019-10-20 |title=Best Eurovision songwriters of the decade |url=https://www.aussievision.net/post/best-eurovision-songwriters-of-the-decade |access-date=2025-09-08 |website=Aussievision |language=en}}</ref> For example, the entries of {{Esccnty|Germany|y=1980}} and {{Esccnty|Luxembourg|y=1980}} in 1980 were either written or co-written by [[Ralph Siegel]], who was involved in some form in the writing of dozens of entries throughout his 40-year long career, both advancing to the final and failing to make it past the national selection, including "{{lang|de|[[Ein bißchen Frieden]]|i=no}}", the winning entry for {{Esccnty|Germany|y=1982|t=Germany in 1982}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-06-09 |title=He holds the record: Meet Ralph Siegel! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/he-holds-the-record-meet-ralph-siegel |access-date=2025-09-08 |website=eurovision.tv |language=en}}</ref>

=== Artist eligibility and performances ===
[[File:Domenico Modugno (1958), Bestanddeelnr 909-4001 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|alt=Black and white photograph from the 1958 contest held in the AVRO Studios in Hilversum, the Netherlands; an orchestra seated to the left of a small stage, with Italian singer Domenico Modugno singing on the stage platform in front of a wall.|The orchestra was an integral part of the contest until 1998 ([[Domenico Modugno]] performing at the {{Escyr|1958||1958 contest}}).]]

The rules for the first contest specified that only solo performers were permitted to enter;<ref name="Lugano 56" /> this criterion was changed the following year to permit duos to compete, and groups were subsequently permitted for the first time in {{Escyr|1971}}.<ref name="Frankfurt 57" /><ref name="Dublin 71">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Dublin 1971 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/dublin-1971 |access-date=19 March 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Currently the number of people permitted on stage during competing performances is limited to a maximum of six, and no live animals are allowed.<ref name="Rules" /> Since {{Escyr|1990}}, all contestants must be aged 16 or over on the day of the live show in which they perform.<ref name="Lausanne 89">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Lausanne 1989 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/lausanne-1989 |access-date=4 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> [[Sandra Kim]], the winner for {{Esccnty|Belgium|y=1986|t=Belgium in 1986}} at the age of 13, shall remain the contest's youngest winner while this rule remains in place.<ref name="Bergen 86">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Bergen 1986 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/bergen-1986 |access-date=4 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=104–107}} There is no limit on the nationality or country of birth of the competing artists, and participating broadcasters are free to select an artist from any country; several winning artists have subsequently held a different nationality or were born in a different country to that which they represented.{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|pp=387–396}}<ref name="Winners" /> No performer may compete for more than one country in a given year.<ref name="Rules" /> There is no restriction regarding performers who have participated in past events competing again – whether for the same country or a different one. It is even possible for a winning performer to try and defend their title in the next edition, as happened when Lys Assia competed for {{Esccnty|Switzerland|y=1957|t=Switzerland in 1957}} after winning in 1956,<ref>{{cite web|title=Frankfurt 1957 – Participants|url=https://eurovision.tv/event/frankfurt-1957/participants|publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] (EBU)}}</ref> or when [[Lena Meyer-Landrut|Lena]] competed for {{Esccnty|Germany|y=2011|t=Germany in 2011}} after winning {{Esccnty|Germany|y=2010|t=in 2010}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Brenner |first1=Andreas |last2=Bowen |first2=Kate |date=2011-05-13 |title=Lena looks back |url=https://www.dw.com/en/its-time-for-a-vacation-lena-tells-dw/a-6525745 |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=[[Deutsche Welle]] |language=en}}</ref> However, in the history of the contest only two individuals have won more than once as a performer{{Snd}}[[Johnny Logan (singer)|Johnny Logan]] for {{Esccnty|Ireland|y=1980|t=Ireland in 1980}} and {{Esccnty|Ireland|y=1987|t=1987}}, and [[Loreen]] for {{Esccnty|Sweden|y=2012|t=Sweden in 2012}} and {{Esccnty|Sweden|y=2023|t=2023}}.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-05-13 |title=Eurovision: Sweden's Loreen wins again, but UK's Mae Muller is second from last |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-65585413 |access-date=2023-05-15 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

From 1956 to 1998, a live orchestra formed an integral part of the contest, providing accompaniment to all the acts performing.<ref name="Facts & Figures" /> Pre-recorded backing tracks were first allowed for competing acts in 1973, but any pre-recorded instruments were required to be seen being "performed" on stage. In 1997, all instrumental music was allowed to be pre-recorded, although the host country was still required to provide an orchestra.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=148–151}} In 1999, the rules were changed again, making the orchestra an optional requirement; the host broadcaster of {{Escyr|1999||that year's contest}}, the [[Israel Broadcasting Authority]] (IBA), subsequently decided not to provide an orchestra, resulting in all acts using backing tracks for the first time.<ref name="99 Rules" /><ref name="Jerusalem 99" />{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=156–159}}

The main vocals of competing songs must be performed live during the contest.<ref name="Rules" /> Previously live backing vocals were also required; since {{Escyr|2021||2021}} these may optionally be pre-recorded{{Snd}}this change has been implemented in an effort to introduce flexibility following the cancellation of the 2020 edition and to facilitate modernisation.<ref name="Back for good">{{Cite web |date=18 June 2020 |title=Changes announced to ensure Eurovision comes 'back for good' |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/changes-announced-to-ensure-eurovision-comes-back-for-good |access-date=4 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

=== Running order ===
Since {{Escyr|2013}}, the order in which the competing countries perform has been determined by the contest's producers, and submitted to the executive supervisor and reference group for approval before public announcement. This was changed from a random draw used in previous years in order to provide a better experience for television viewers and ensure all entries stand out by avoiding instances where songs of a similar style or tempo are performed in sequence.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 November 2012 |title=Running order Malmö 2013 to be determined by producers |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/running-order-malmoe-2013-to-be-determined-by-producers |access-date=9 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

Since the creation of a second semi-final in 2008, a semi-final allocation draw is held each year.<ref name="Semi-Final Allocation" /> Countries are placed into pots based on their geographical location and voting history in recent contests, and are assigned to compete in one of the two semi-finals through a random draw.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 January 2008 |title=All you need to know for Monday's draw! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/all-you-need-to-know-for-monday-s-draw |access-date=21 March 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Countries are then randomly assigned to compete in either the first or second half of their respective semi-final, and once all competing songs have been selected the producers then determine the running order for the semi-finals.<ref name="allocation 2018">{{Cite web |last1=Zwart |first1=Josianne |last2=Jordan |first2=Paul |date=29 January 2018 |title=Which countries will perform in which Semi-Final at Eurovision 2018? |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/results-of-the-semi-final-allocation-draw-2018 |access-date=9 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref name="2013 semi order">{{Cite web |date=28 March 2013 |title=Eurovision 2013: Semi-Final running order revealed |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2013-semi-final-running-order-revealed |access-date=9 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> The automatic qualifiers are assigned at random to a semi-final for the purposes of voting rights.<ref name="Semi-Final Allocation" />

Semi-final qualifiers make a draw at random during the qualifiers' press conference to determine whether they will perform during the first, second half, or a producer-determined position in the final, while the automatic finalists randomly draw their competing half or  producer-determined position in the run-up to the final, except for the host country, whose exact performance position is determined in a separate draw.<ref name="2013 semi order" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Groot |first=Evert |date=6 May 2018 |title=Portugal and 'Big Five' rehearse for the second time |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/portugal-france-spain-italy-united-kingdom-second-rehearsal-2018 |access-date=9 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-16 |title=Malmö 2024: Producers to get more "choice" in deciding Grand Final running order |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/malmo-2024-producers-choice-running-order |access-date=2024-04-16 |website=Eurovision.tv |publisher=EBU |language=en}}</ref> The running order for the final is then decided following the second semi-final by the producers. The running orders are decided with the competing songs' musical qualities, stage performance, prop, and lighting set-up, and other production considerations taken into account.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 May 2017 |title=How is the Running Order being decided? |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/exclusive-running-order-producers-decide-2017 |access-date=9 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

=== Voting ===
{{further|Voting at the Eurovision Song Contest}}
[[File:Eurovision 2004 Scoreboard.jpg|right|thumb|alt=A screenshot from the 2004 contest showing the electronic scoreboard: video footage of Johnny Logan is superimposed onto the scoreboard; the name and flag of the country giving its points is shown at the bottom of the screen, and the flag and country name of the finalists, the number of points being given by the giving country, and the total number of points received is shown in two columns, with the sorting order updated to place the country with the highest score at the top.|The electronic scoreboard used at the {{Escyr|2004||2004 contest}}, with [[Johnny Logan (singer)|Johnny Logan]] announcing the votes from Ireland]]

The results of the contest are determined by a [[positional voting system]], with its most recent version implemented in 2023.<ref name="2023 voting change">{{Cite web |date=22 November 2022 |title=Voting changes announced for Eurovision Song Contest 2023 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/voting-changes-announced-eurovision-song-contest-2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122131325/https://eurovision.tv/story/voting-changes-announced-eurovision-song-contest-2023 |archive-date=22 November 2022 |access-date=22 November 2022 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref name="jury semi scrapped">{{Cite web |date=22 November 2022 |title=Eurovision scraps jury voting in semi-finals |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-63716398 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122131409/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-63716398 |archive-date=22 November 2022 |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> Each country awards 1–8, 10, and 12 points to the ten favourite songs as voted for by its general public or assembled jury, with the most preferred song receiving 12 points. In the semi-finals, each country awards one set of points, based primarily on the votes cast by that country's viewing public via [[televoting|telephone]], SMS, or the official Eurovision [[Mobile app|app]], while in the final, each country awards two sets of points, with one set awarded by the viewers and another awarded by a jury panel comprising five music professionals from that country.<ref name="Voting">{{Cite web |date=3 May 2017 |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Voting |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/voting |access-date=5 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref name="2023 voting change" /> A [[Rest of the World in the Eurovision Song Contest|Rest of the World]] vote was introduced in 2023, allowing viewers in non-participating countries to vote via an online platform, with these votes aggregated and awarded as one set of points from an "extra country" for the overall public vote.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 November 2022 |title=Voting changes (2023) FAQ |url=https://eurovision.tv/voting-changes-2023-faq |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122133421/https://eurovision.tv/voting-changes-2023-faq |archive-date=22 November 2022 |access-date=22 November 2022 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 May 2023 |title=Eurovision 2023: Votes from 144 countries |url=https://eurovisionworld.com/esc/eurovision-2023-votes-from-144-countries |access-date=30 May 2023 |website=Eurovisionworld |language=en-gb}}</ref> This system is a modification of that used since 1975, when the "12 points" system was first introduced but with one set of points per country, and a similar system used since 2016 where two sets of points were awarded in both the semi-finals and final.<ref name="Change to voting">{{Cite web |last=Jordan |first=Paul |date=18 February 2016 |title=Biggest change to Eurovision Song Contest voting since 1975 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/biggest-change-to-eurovision-song-contest-voting-since-1975 |access-date=5 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 February 2016 |title=Eurovision Song Contest overhauls voting rules |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35602473 |access-date=5 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> National juries and the public in each country are not allowed to vote for their own country, a rule first introduced in 1957.<ref name="Voting" /><ref name="Frankfurt 57">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Frankfurt 1957 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/frankfurt-1957 |access-date=5 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

Historically, each country's points were determined by a jury, consisting at various times of members of the public, music professionals, or both in combination.<ref name="Luxembourg 66" />{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|pp=387–396}} With advances in telecommunication technology, televoting was first introduced to the contest in {{Escyr|1997}} on a trial basis, with broadcasters in five countries allowing the viewing public to determine their votes for the first time.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=148–151}} From {{Escyr|1998}}, televoting was extended to almost all competing countries, and subsequently became mandatory from {{Escyr|2004}}.<ref name="Birmingham 98" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rules of the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest |url=http://www.myledbury.co.uk/eurovision/pdf/esc2004.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050525073534/http://www.myledbury.co.uk/eurovision/pdf/esc2004.pdf |archive-date=25 May 2005 |access-date=22 March 2021 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref> A jury was reintroduced for the final in {{Escyr|2009}}, with each country's points comprising both the votes of the jury and public in an equal split; this mix of jury and public voting was expanded into the semi-finals from 2010, and was used until 2023, when full public voting was reintroduced to determine the results of the semi-finals.<ref name="jury semi scrapped" /><ref name="Jury 09 final">{{Cite web |date=14 September 2008 |title=Televoting/jury mix in 2009 Final voting |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/televoting-jury-mix-in-2009-final-voting |access-date=5 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref name="2010 jury semis">{{Cite web |date=11 October 2009 |title=Juries also get 50% stake in Semi-Final result |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/juries-also-get-50-stake-in-semi-final-result |access-date=2 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> The mix of jury and public voting continues to be used in the final.<ref name="2023 voting change" /><ref name="jury semi scrapped" />

Should two or more countries finish with the same number of points, a tie-break procedure is employed to determine the final placings. {{as of|2016|post=,}} a combined national televoting and jury result is calculated for each country, and the country which has obtained more points from the public voting following this calculation is deemed to have placed higher.<ref>{{cite web |title=Public rules of the 60th Eurovision Song Contest |url=http://www.eurovision.tv/upload/press-downloads/2015/2014-09-02_2015_ESC_rules_EN_PUBLIC_RULES.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430201605/http://www.eurovision.tv/upload/press-downloads/2015/2014-09-02_2015_ESC_rules_EN_PUBLIC_RULES.pdf |archive-date=30 April 2015 |access-date=1 June 2015 |publisher=European Broadcasting Union}}</ref>

==== Presentation of the votes ====
[[File:Eurovision Song Contest 1958 - Scoreboard.png|thumb|right|alt=Black and white photograph of the scoreboard in 1958; the running order numbers and song titles of the competing entries are printed on the left-hand side of the scoreboard, and rotating numbers on the right-hand side show the allocation of points to each song as each country's jury is called, and a total of all points received; song titles are sorted by order of appearance, with the first song to be performed appearing at the top of the scoreboard.|The scoreboard at the {{Escyr|1958||1958 contest}}]]

Since 1957, each country's votes have been announced during a special voting segment as part of the contest's broadcast, with a selected spokesperson assigned to announce the results of their country's vote.<ref name="Voting" /> This spokesperson is typically well known in their country; previous spokespersons have included former Eurovision artists and presenters.<ref name="2016 spokespersons">{{Cite web |last=Roxburgh |first=Gordon |date=14 May 2016 |title=The 42 spokespersons for the 2016 Grand Final |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-42-spokespersons-for-the-2016-grand-final |access-date=5 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Historically, the announcements were made through [[telephone line]]s from the countries of origin, with [[satellite link]]s employed for the first time in {{Escyr|1994}}, allowing the spokespersons to be seen visually by the audience and TV spectators.<ref name="Dublin 94" />

Scoring is done by both a national jury and a national televote. Each country's jury votes are consecutively added to the totals [[scoreboard]] as they are called upon by the contest presenter(s).{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|p=152}} The scoreboard was historically placed at the side of the stage and updated manually as each country gave their votes; in {{Escyr|1988}} a [[computer graphics]] scoreboard was introduced.<ref name="Dublin 88">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Dublin 1988 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/dublin-1988 |access-date=5 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 September 2016 |title=Milestone Moments: 1988 – When Celine was crowned Queen |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/milestone-moments-1988-when-celine-was-crowned-queen |access-date=5 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> The jury points from 1–8 and 10 are displayed on screen and added automatically to the scoreboard, then the country's spokesperson announces which country will receive the 12 points.<ref name="2016 spokespersons" /> Once jury points from all countries have been announced, the presenter(s) announce the total public points received for each finalist, with the votes for each country being consolidated and announced as a single value.<ref name="Change to voting" /> Since {{Escyr|2019}}, the public points have been revealed in ascending order based on the jury vote, with the country that received the fewest points from the jury being the first to receive their public points.<ref name="Voting" /> A full breakdown of the results across all shows is published on the official Eurovision website after the final, including each country's televoting ranking and the votes of its jury and individual jury members. Each country's individual televoting points in the final are typically displayed on-screen by that country's broadcaster following the announcement of the winner.<ref name="Change to voting" />

=== Broadcasting ===
Participating broadcasters are required to air live the semi-final in which they compete, or in the case of the automatic finalists the semi-final in which they are required to vote, and the final, in its entirety; this includes all competing songs, the voting [[Abstract (summary)|recap]] containing short clips of the performances, the voting procedure or semi-final qualification reveal, and the [[reprise]] of the winning song in the final.<ref name="Rules" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Public Rules of the 60th Eurovision Song Contest |url=http://www.eurovision.tv/upload/press-downloads/2015/2014-09-02_2015_ESC_rules_EN_PUBLIC_RULES.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430201605/http://www.eurovision.tv/upload/press-downloads/2015/2014-09-02_2015_ESC_rules_EN_PUBLIC_RULES.pdf |archive-date=30 April 2015 |access-date=4 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref name="Broadcasting Rights">{{Cite web |date=12 January 2017 |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Broadcasting Rights |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/broadcasting-rights |access-date=5 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Since 1999, broadcasters who wished to do so were given the opportunity to provide [[Television advertisement|advertising]] during short, non-essential hiatuses in the show's schedule.<ref name="99 Rules" /> In exceptional circumstances, such as due to developing emergency situations, participating broadcasters may delay or postpone broadcast of the event.<ref name="Decade Stockholm 2000">{{Cite web |date=21 December 2009 |title=The end of a decade: Stockholm 2000 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-end-of-a-decade-stockholm-2000 |access-date=5 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 May 2012 |title=Albania to broadcast tonight's Semi-Final deferred |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/albania-to-broadcast-tonight-s-semi-final-deferred |access-date=5 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Should a broadcaster fail to air a show as expected in any other scenario they may be subject to sanctions by the EBU.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Royston |first=Benny |date=15 May 2009 |title=Spain to face sanctions over late broadcast |url=http://esctoday.com/14060/spain_to_face_sanctions_over_late_broadcast/ |access-date=5 July 2020 |website=esctoday.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Escartín |first=Javier |date=15 May 2009 |title=Los problemas de Soraya en Eurovisión |trans-title=Soraya's problems at Eurovision |url=https://www.abc.es/play/abci-problemas-soraya-eurovision-200905150300-92916354130_noticia.html |access-date=5 July 2020 |website=[[ABC (newspaper)|ABC]] |language=es}}</ref> Many broadcasters that are unable to compete have aired the contest in their markets.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 April 2020 |title=Here's where to watch Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/heres-where-to-watch-eurovision-europe-shine-a-light |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://www.bbcnewzealand.com/shows/eurovision/ |access-date=3 July 2020 |website=[[BBC UKTV]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 July 2019 |title=Netflix Picks Up U.S. VOD Rights To Eurovision Song Contest 2019 & 2020 |url=https://deadline.com/2019/07/netflix-eurovision-song-contest-2019-2020-picks-up-us-vod-rights-1202648894/ |access-date=3 July 2020 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

As broadcasters join and leave the [[Eurovision (network)|Eurovision]] feed transmitted by the EBU, the EBU/Eurovision [[Station identification|network logo ident]] (not to be confused with the logo of the song contest itself) is displayed. The accompanying theme tune is the Prelude ''(Marche en rondeau)'' to [[Marc-Antoine Charpentier]]'s "[[Te Deum (Charpentier)|Te Deum]]".<ref name="GoldenJubilee" /> Originally, the same logo was used for both the Eurovision network and the EBU, but they now have two different logos; the latest Eurovision network logo was introduced in 2012, and when the ident is transmitted at the start and end of programmes it is this Eurovision network logo that appears.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 November 2012 |title=Stage Set for Animated Eurovision Logo |url=https://www.ebu.ch/news/2012/11/stage-set-for-animatedeurovision |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517232922/https://www.ebu.ch/news/2012/11/stage-set-for-animatedeurovision |archive-date=17 May 2019 |access-date=22 February 2021 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref><ref>{{YouTube|stZDkX2Xzow|EUROVISION Animated logo}}</ref>

The EBU now holds the recordings of all but two editions of the contest in its archives, following a project initiated in 2011 to collate footage and related materials of all editions ahead of the event's 60th edition in 2015.<ref name="Eurovision Again BtS" /> The only footage available of the 1956 contest is a [[Kinescope]] recording of Lys Assia's reprise of her winning song.<ref name="Lugano 56">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Lugano 1956 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/lugano-1956 |access-date=5 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=8–9}} No full recording of the {{Escyr|1964||1964 contest}} is known to exist, with conflicting reports of the fate of any copies that may have survived.{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|pp=348–358}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grønbech |first=Jens |date=2 May 2014 |title=BT afslører: Her er DRs største grandprix-brøler |trans-title=BT reveals: DR's biggest Eurovision groan |url=https://www.bt.dk/melodi-grand-prix/bt-afsloerer-her-er-drs-stoerste-grandprix-broeler |access-date=6 July 2020 |publisher=[[B.T. (tabloid)|B.T.]] |language=da}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dohrman |first=Jan |date=20 March 2019 |title=Billeder: I denne uge er det 55 år siden, Danmark holdt sit første Eurovision i Tivoli |trans-title=Pictures: This week marks 55 years since Denmark held its first Eurovision at Tivoli |url=https://www.dr.dk/om-dr/nyheder/billeder-i-denne-uge-er-det-55-aar-siden-danmark-holdt-sit-foerste-eurovision-i-tivoli |access-date=6 July 2020 |publisher=[[DR (broadcaster)|DR]] |language=da}}</ref> Audio recordings of both contests do, however, exist, and some short pieces of footage from both events have survived.<ref name="Lugano 56" /><ref name="Copenhagen 64">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Copenhagen 1964 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/copenhagen-1964 |access-date=5 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=24–25}} Until 2004, the host broadcaster owned the copyright of the contest that they produced, with the EBU owning the copyright of all subsequent editions.<ref name="Eurovision Again BtS" />

== Expansion of the contest ==
{{Further|List of countries in the Eurovision Song Contest}}
{{multiple image
| width             = 280
| footer            = [[Revolutions of 1989|Changes in Europe in the 1980s and 1990s]] impacted the contest, as {{Esccnty|Yugoslavia}} ceased participating under one name and new countries in Central and Eastern Europe started competing.
| image1            = Eurovision Participants 1992.svg
| alt1              = Map of countries in Europe, North Africa and Western Asia showing boundaries in 1992; contest participants in 1992 are coloured in green, with Yugoslavia coloured in red.
| caption1          = {{center|Participating countries in {{Escyr|1992}}; [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]] (in red) participated for the final time}}
| image2            = Regular Participants 1994.svg
| alt2              = Map of countries in Europe, North Africa and Western Asia showing boundaries in 1994; contest participants in 1994 are coloured in green
| caption2          = {{center|Participating countries in {{Escyr|1994}}}}
}}

From the original seven countries which entered the first contest in 1956, the number of competing countries has steadily grown over time. 18 countries participated in the contest's tenth edition in 1965, and by 1990, 22 countries were regularly competing each year.<ref name="Naples 65" /><ref name="Zagreb 90">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Zagreb 1990 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/zagreb-1990 |access-date=27 February 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

Besides slight modifications to the voting system and other contest rules, no fundamental changes to the contest's format were introduced until the [[Revolutions of 1989|events in Europe in the late 1980s and early 1990s]] led to the [[breakup of Yugoslavia]], with the subsequent admission into the EBU of the broadcasters of the countries that emerged from the breakup, and to the merger in 1993 of the EBU with its Eastern European counterpart, the [[International Radio and Television Organisation]] (OIRT), which further expanded the number of broadcasters by including those from countries of the former [[Eastern Bloc]]. These events impacted the contest as they expanded the number of broadcasters eligible to participate with those from new countries.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.ebu.ch/CMSimages/en/dossiers_1_04_eurovision50_ve_tcm6-13890.pdf |title=50 Years of Eurovision |date=2004 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |pages=32–33 |access-date=1 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050129162217/https://www.ebu.ch/CMSimages/en/dossiers_1_04_eurovision50_ve_tcm6-13890.pdf |archive-date=29 January 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Pre-selections and relegation ===
Broadcasters from 29 countries registered to take part in the 1993 contest, a figure the EBU considered unable to fit reasonably into a single television show. A pre-selection method was subsequently introduced for the first time in order to reduce the number of competing entries, with the seven new countries from [[Central and Eastern Europe]] participating in {{lang|sl|[[Kvalifikacija za Millstreet]]}}, held in [[Ljubljana]], Slovenia, one month before the event. Following a vote amongst the seven competing countries, {{Esccnty|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}, {{Esccnty|Croatia}} and {{Esccnty|Slovenia}} were chosen to head to the contest in [[Millstreet]], Ireland, whilst {{Esccnty|Estonia}}, {{Esccnty|Hungary}}, {{Esccnty|Romania}} and {{Esccnty|Slovakia}} were forced to wait another year before being allowed to compete for the first time.<ref name="Millstreet 93">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Millstreet 1993 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/millstreet-1993 |access-date=1 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=132–135; 219}} A new [[Promotion and relegation|relegation system]] was introduced for entry into the 1994 contest, with the lowest-placed countries being forced to sit out the following year's event to be replaced by countries which had not competed in the previous contest. The bottom seven countries in 1993 were required to miss the following year's contest, and were replaced by the four unsuccessful countries in {{lang|sl|Kvalifikacija za Millstreet}} and new entries from {{Esccnty|Lithuania}}, {{Esccnty|Poland}}, and {{Esccnty|Russia}}.<ref name="Millstreet 93" /><ref name="Dublin 94">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Dublin 1994 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/dublin-1994 |access-date=1 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=136–139}}

This system was used again in 1994 for qualification for the {{Escyr|1995||1995 contest}}, but a new system was introduced for the {{Escyr|1996||1996 contest}}, when an audio-only qualification round was held in the months before the contest in [[Oslo]], Norway; this system was primarily introduced in an attempt to appease Germany, one of Eurovision's biggest markets and financial contributors, which would have otherwise been relegated under the previous system.<ref name="Oslo 96">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Oslo 1996 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/oslo-1996 |access-date=1 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=144–147}} 29 countries competed for 22 places in the main contest alongside the automatically qualified Norwegian hosts. However, Germany would ultimately still miss out, and joined Hungary, Romania, Russia, {{Esccnty|Denmark}}, {{Esccnty|Israel}}, and {{Esccnty|North Macedonia|t=Macedonia}} as one of the seven countries to be absent from the Oslo contest.<ref name="Oslo 96" />{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=144–147}} {{as of|2025}} this is the only contest Germany has not participated in. For the {{Escyr|1997||1997 contest}}, a similar relegation system to that used between 1993 and 1995 was introduced, with each country's average scores in the preceding five contests being used as a measure to determine which countries would be relegated.<ref name="Dublin 97">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Dublin 1997 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/dublin-1997 |access-date=1 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=148–151}} This was subsequently changed again in 2001, back to the same system used between 1993 and 1995 where only the results from that year's contest would count towards relegation.<ref name="Copenhagen 01">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Copenhagen 2001 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/copenhagen-2001 |access-date=1 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=164–167}}

=== The "Big Five"<span class="anchor" id="Big Four"></span><span class="anchor" id="Big Five"></span> ===
In 1999, an exemption from relegation was introduced for France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom, giving them an automatic right to compete in the 2000 contest and in all subsequent editions. This group, as the highest-paying EBU members which significantly fund the contest each year, subsequently became known as the "Big Four" countries.<ref name="Jerusalem 99">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Jerusalem 1999 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/jerusalem-1999 |access-date=1 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=156–159}}<ref name="99 Rules">{{Cite web |title=Rules of the 44th Eurovision Song Contest, 1999 |url=http://www.eurosong.net/archive/esc1999.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418112958/http://www.eurosong.net/archive/esc1999.pdf |archive-date=18 April 2019 |access-date=1 July 2020}}</ref> This group was expanded in 2011 when Italy began competing again, becoming the "Big Five".<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 December 2010 |title=43 nations on 2011 participants list! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/43-nations-on-2011-participants-list |access-date=1 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Originally brought in to ensure that the financial contributions of the contest's biggest financial backers would not be missed, since the introduction of the semi-finals in 2004 the "Big Five" countries have now automatically qualified for the final alongside the host country, and have not been required to compete in the semi-finals.<ref name="Decade Istanbul 04">{{Cite web |date=25 December 2009 |title=The end of a decade: Istanbul 2004 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-end-of-a-decade-istanbul-2004 |access-date=1 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=176–180}}

There remains debate on whether this status prejudices the countries' results, based on reported antipathy over their automatic qualification and the potential disadvantage of having spent less time on stage through not competing in the semi-finals;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rowe |first=Callum |date=2023-09-26 |title=Swedish commentator urging Martin Österdahl to change Big Five rule |url=https://eurotrippodcast.com/2023/09/26/svt-presenter-urging-martin-osterdahl-about-big-five-change/ |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=The Euro Trip Podcast |language=en}}</ref> however, this status appears to be more complex given that the results of the "Big Five" countries can vary widely.<ref name="BBC lessons learned">{{Cite web |date=19 May 2019 |title=Eurovision 2019: Five lessons learned |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-48325868 |access-date=1 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref name="Brexit to blame?">{{Cite web |date=20 May 2019 |title=Eurovision: Is Brexit to blame for the UK's latest flop? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-48334089 |access-date=1 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Adessi |first=Antonio |date=2 June 2021 |title=Eurovision 2022: cambiamenti in vista per Germania, Spagna e Regno Unito |trans-title=Eurovision 2022: Changes in sight for Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom |url=https://www.eurofestivalnews.com/2021/06/02/eurovision-2022-cambiamenti-in-vista-per-germania-spagna-e-regno-unito/ |access-date=7 September 2021 |website=Eurofestival News |language=it-IT}}</ref> This status has caused consternation from other competing countries, and was cited, among other aspects, as a reason why {{Esccnty|Turkey}} had ceased participating after {{Escyr|2012}}.<ref name="Turkey LGBT">{{Cite web |date=4 August 2018 |title=Turkey to return Eurovision 'if no more bearded divas' |url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-return-eurovision-if-no-more-bearded-divas-135427 |access-date=1 July 2020 |website=[[Hürriyet Daily News]]}}</ref> In response to the criticism on less stage time from these countries, since {{escyr|2024}} the entries from the "Big Five" countries, along with the host country, have been performed live in one of the two semi-finals outside of the competition for qualification, a change which was announced as giving these countries "a fairer playing field" in the final.<ref>{{cite web |title=Major changes for Malmö: Big Five & Sweden perform LIVE in Semi-Finals and you can vote for longer |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/big-five-sweden-perform-semi-finals |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 January 2025 |date=11 March 2024}}</ref>

=== Introduction of semi-finals ===
[[File:Eurovision semifinal qualification rate map.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|alt=Map of countries in Europe, North Africa and Western Asia, with Australia as an insert in the top-right corner, shaded to indicate their semi-final qualification rates: countries with high rates are shown in shades of blue, while countries with low rates are shown in shades of red and orange|Qualification rates per country (2004–2025; automatic qualifications not included)]]
An influx of new broadcasters applying for the {{Escyr|2003||2003 contest}} resulted in the introduction of a semi-final from 2004, with the contest becoming a two-day event.<ref name="new format">{{Cite web |last=Bakker |first=Sietse |date=29 January 2003 |title=EBU confirms new Eurovision Song Contest format |url=http://esctoday.com/1192/ebu_confirms_new_eurovision_song_contest_format/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029133229/http://esctoday.com/1192/ebu_confirms_new_eurovision_song_contest_format/ |archive-date=29 October 2020 |access-date=22 March 2021 |website=esctoday.com}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=172–175}} The top 10 countries in each year's final would qualify automatically to the following year's final, alongside the "Big Four", meaning all other countries would compete in the semi-final to compete for 10 qualification spots.<ref name="Decade Istanbul 04" /> The {{Escyr|2004||2004 contest}} saw a record 36 countries competing, with new entries from {{Esccnty|Albania}}, {{Esccnty|Andorra}}, {{Esccnty|Belarus}}, and {{Esccnty|Serbia and Montenegro}} and the return of previously relegated countries.<ref name="Decade Istanbul 04" />{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=177–179}} The format of this semi-final remained similar to the final proper, taking place a few days before the final; following the performances and the voting window, the names of the 10 countries with the highest number of points, which would therefore qualify for the final, were announced at the end of the show, revealed in a random order by the contest's presenters.<ref name="Decade Istanbul 04" />{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=177–179}}

The single semi-final continued to be held between 2005 and 2007; however, with 42 countries competing in the {{Escyr|2007||2007 contest}}, that year's semi-final had 28 entries competing for 10 spots in the final.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 January 2012 |title=Countdown to Baku – Helsinki 2007 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/countdown-to-baku-helsinki-2007 |access-date=2 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Following criticism over the mainly Central and Eastern European qualifiers at the 2007 event and the poor performance of entries from Western European countries, a second semi-final was subsequently introduced for the {{Escyr|2008||2008 contest}}, with all countries now competing in one of the two semi-finals, with only the host country and the "Big Four", and subsequently the "Big Five" from 2011, qualifying automatically.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Two Semi-Finals in 2008 |url=http://www.ebu.ch/CMSimages/en/PR_ESC%20Semi-Finals_01.10.07_EN_tcm6-54154.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928062242/http://www.ebu.ch/CMSimages/en/PR_ESC%20Semi-Finals_01.10.07_EN_tcm6-54154.pdf |archive-date=28 September 2012 |access-date=2 July 2020 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref><ref name="2 semis announcements">{{Cite web |date=11 January 2008 |title=Two Semi-Finals Eurovision Song Contest in 2008 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/two-semi-finals-eurovision-song-contest-in-2008 |access-date=2 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> 10 qualification spots would be available in each of the semi-finals, and a new system to split the competing countries between the two semi-finals was introduced based on their geographic location and previous voting patterns, in an attempt to reduce the impact of [[Voting bloc|bloc voting]] and to make the outcome less predictable.<ref name="Semi-Final Allocation">{{Cite web |date=14 January 2017 |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Semi-Final Allocation Draw |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/in-depth/semi-final-allocation-draw/ |access-date=2 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref name="08 semi draw">{{Cite web |date=24 January 2008 |title=All you need to know for Monday's draw! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/all-you-need-to-know-for-monday-s-draw |access-date=2 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=192–195}}

== Entries and participants ==
{{Further|List of Eurovision Song Contest entries (1956–2003)|List of Eurovision Song Contest entries (2004–present)}}
[[File:Johannes JJ Pietsch - Federal Chancellery - 2025-05-19 - SRO6120-ARW (cropped 2).jpg|thumb|Austrian singer [[JJ (singer)|JJ]] is the most recent winner of the contest.]]
[[File:ABBA1974TopPop.jpg|thumb|After winning the {{Escyr|1974|3=1974 contest}} with the song "[[Waterloo (song)|Waterloo]]", the Swedish pop group [[ABBA]] became one of the most commercially successful acts in the history of pop music.]]
[[File:Eurovision Song Contest 1980 - Johnny Logan 4 (cropped).jpg|thumb|alt=Black and white photograph of Johnny Logan performing on stage at the 1980 contest|[[Johnny Logan (singer)|Johnny Logan]] is the first performer to have won the contest twice, in {{Escyr|1980}} ''(pictured)'' and {{Escyr|1987}}; he also wrote the winning song in {{Escyr|1992}}.]] The contest has been used as a launching point for artists who went on to achieve worldwide fame, and several of [[List of best-selling music artists|the world's best-selling artists]] are counted among past Eurovision Song Contest participants and winning artists. [[ABBA]], the winners for {{esccnty|Sweden|y=1974|t=Sweden in 1974}}, have sold an estimated 380 million albums and singles since their contest win brought them to worldwide attention, with their winning song "[[Waterloo (song)|Waterloo]]" selling over five million records.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=Andrew |date=21 October 2014 |title=Why are Abba so popular? |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20140415-why-are-abba-so-popular |access-date=30 June 2020 |website=[[BBC]] Culture}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Murrells |first=Joseph |url=https://archive.org/details/bookofgoldendisc00murr |title=The Book of Golden Discs |publisher=Barrie & Jenkins |year=1978 |isbn=0-214-20480-4 |edition=2nd, illustrated |page=395 |url-access=registration}}</ref> [[Céline Dion]]'s win for {{esccnty|Switzerland|y=1988|t=Switzerland in 1988}} helped launch her international career, particularly in the [[English-speaking world|Anglophone]] market, and she would go on to sell an estimated 200 million records worldwide.<ref name="Dublin 88" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Southern |first=Kieran |date=21 May 2019 |title=Celine Dion and James Corden recreate famous Titanic scene for Carpool Karaoke |work=[[Irish Independent]] |agency=[[PA Media]] |url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/celine-dion-and-james-corden-recreate-famous-titanic-scene-for-carpool-karaoke-38132381.html |access-date=30 June 2020}}</ref> [[Julio Iglesias]] was relatively unknown when he represented {{esccnty|Spain|y=1970|t=Spain in 1970}} and placed fourth, but worldwide success followed his Eurovision appearance, with an estimated 100 million records sold during his career.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 October 2008 |title=Iglesias praises Eurovision as a learning moment |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/iglesias-praises-eurovision-as-a-learning-moment |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 November 2016 |title=Julio Iglesias pulls out of NZ tour |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/86012722/julio-iglesias-pulls-out-of-nz-tour |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]}}</ref> Australian-British singer [[Olivia Newton-John]] represented the {{esccnty|United Kingdom|y=1974|t=United Kingdom in 1974}}, placing fourth behind ABBA, but went on to sell an estimated 100 million records, win four [[Grammy Award]]s, and star in the critically and commercially successful [[musical film]] ''[[Grease (film)|Grease]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 September 2016 |title=Milestone Moments: 1974 – The arrival of ABBA |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/milestone-moments-1974-the-arrival-of-abba |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 July 2019 |title=Olivia Newton-John displays movie memorabilia in Newbridge |url=https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2019/0723/1064799-olivia-newton-john-visits-newbridge/ |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=[[Raidió Teilifís Éireann]]}}</ref>

A number of performers have competed in the contest after having already achieved considerable success. These include winning artists [[Lulu (singer)|Lulu]],<ref name="UK">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: United Kingdom |url=https://eurovision.tv/country/united-kingdom |access-date=15 March 2021 |website=eurovision.tv}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=3 November 2018 |title=Lulu at 70: singer celebrates landmark birthday |work=[[Belfast Telegraph]] |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/lulu-at-70-singer-celebrates-landmark-birthday-37488096.html |access-date=20 March 2021}}</ref> [[Toto Cutugno]],<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Bensalhia |first=John |date=5 October 2018 |title=Music Maestros: Top 10 Best Selling Italian Music Artists and Acts |url=https://www.italymagazine.com/featured-story/music-maestros-top-10-best-selling-italian-music-artists-and-acts |magazine=Italy Magazine |access-date=25 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Puglisi |first=Federica |date=8 July 2020 |title=Happy birthday Toto Cutugno, the most loved Italian singer abroad |url=https://www.italiani.it/en/happy-birthday-toto-cutugno-the-most-loved-italian-singer-abroad/ |access-date=26 March 2021 |website=italiani.it}}</ref> and [[Katrina and the Waves]],<ref name="UK" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kelly |first=Emma |date=7 September 2020 |title=Katrina And The Waves reckon Eurovision winner Love Shine A Light 'didn't get a look in' in the UK |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/09/07/katrina-and-the-waves-reckon-eurovision-winner-love-shine-a-light-didnt-get-a-look-in-in-the-uk-13233379/ |access-date=20 March 2021}}</ref> and other acts that competed such as [[Nana Mouskouri]],<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Keeb |first=Brigitte |date=21 April 1962 |title=Wendland Nearing One Million Mark |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LhYEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22One+Million%22+%22Nana+Mouskouri%22 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Papadatos |first=Markos |date=8 July 2018 |title='Forever Young' with Nana Mouskouri, the biggest-selling female artist of all time! |url=https://www.neomagazine.com/2018/07/forever-young-with-nana-mouskouri-the-biggest-selling-female-artist-of-all-time/ |magazine=Neo Magazine |access-date=23 March 2021}}</ref> [[Cliff Richard]],<ref name="UK" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=6 May 2008 |title=Cliff Richard's 'Congratulations' beaten in Eurovision fix? |work=[[NME]] |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/cliff-richard-26-1328736 |access-date=20 March 2021}}</ref> [[Baccara]],<ref name="Luxembourg story">{{Cite web |last=Escudero |first=Victor M. |date=19 November 2017 |title=Luxembourg: Small in size, big in Eurovision |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/top-10-entries-from-luxembourg |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Eames |first=Tom |date=16 November 2020 |title=How Scotland's football team has given Baccara's 'Yes Sir I Can Boogie' a sudden chart comeback |url=https://www.smoothradio.com/news/music/baccara-yes-sir-i-can-boogie-scotland-considine-video/ |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=[[Smooth Radio (2014)|Smooth Radio]]}}</ref> [[Umberto Tozzi]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dondoni |first=Luca |date=20 June 2019 |title=Tozzi: "Ti amo" ha 40 anni, merita una festa |language=Italian |work=[[La Stampa]] |url=https://www.lastampa.it/spettacoli/musica/2017/04/06/news/tozzi-ti-amo-ha-40-anni-merita-una-festa-1.34643232 |access-date=25 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=August 2017 |title=Italy's Music Charts: Then and Now |url=https://www.lagazzettaitaliana.com/entertainment/8532-italy-s-music-charts-then-and-now |magazine=La Gazzetta Italiana |access-date=25 March 2021}}</ref> [[Plastic Bertrand]],<ref name="Luxembourg story" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Idato |first=Michael |date=19 May 2015 |title=Eurovision's honour roll: from Domenico Modugno to ABBA and Celine Dion |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/eurovisions-honour-roll-from-domenico-modugno-to-abba-and-celine-dion-20150519-gh4lgl.html |access-date=20 March 2021}}</ref> [[t.A.T.u.]],<ref name="Decade Riga 03" /><ref name="The Guardian">{{Cite news |last=Paton Walsh |first=Nick |date=30 May 2003 |title=Vote switch 'stole Tatu's Eurovision win' |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/may/30/russia.arts |access-date=20 March 2021}}</ref> [[Las Ketchup]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 July 2019 |title=Las Ketchup: 'We didn't choose to do Eurovision — we had to do it' |work=[[Wiwibloggs]] |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2017/07/21/las-ketchup-didnt-choose-eurovision/193062/ |access-date=14 May 2021}}</ref> [[Patricia Kaas]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 January 2009 |title=Patricia Kaas représentera la France à l'Eurovision |language=French |work=[[Le Parisien]] |url=https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/patricia-kaas-representera-la-france-a-l-eurovision-30-01-2009-392630.php |url-status=live |access-date=23 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323115319/https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/patricia-kaas-representera-la-france-a-l-eurovision-30-01-2009-392630.php |archive-date=23 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Osborn |first=Michael |date=12 May 2009 |title=Battle of the Eurovision ballads |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8002018.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515120314/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8002018.stm |archive-date=15 May 2009 |access-date=23 March 2021 |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> [[Engelbert Humperdinck (singer)|Engelbert Humperdinck]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 March 2012 |title=Engelbert Humperdinck is United Kingdom entrant! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/engelbert-humperdinck-is-united-kingdom-entrant |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref name="The Guardian" /> [[Bonnie Tyler]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 March 2013 |title=Bonnie Tyler to represent United Kingdom |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/bonnie-tyler-to-represent-united-kingdom |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lanham |first=Tom |date=2 March 2021 |title='Total Eclipse' singer Bonnie Tyler survived Eurovision |work=[[San Francisco Examiner]] |url=https://www.sfexaminer.com/entertainment/total-eclipse-singer-bonnie-tyler-survived-eurovision/ |access-date=20 March 2021}}</ref> [[Gabry Ponte]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-23 |title=From 'Tutta L'Italia' to San Marino: It's Gabry Ponte's party |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/its-gabry-pontes-party |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=eurovision.tv |language=en}}</ref> [[Flo Rida]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 May 2021 |title=Flo Rida will join Senhit for San Marino |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/flo-rida-to-join-senhit-for-san-marino |access-date=18 May 2021 |website=Eurovision.tv}}</ref> and [[Melody (Spanish singer)|Melody]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 February 2025 |title=Melody wins 'Benidorm Fest' and will sing for Spain in Basel |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/melody-wins-benidorm-fest-and-spain-basel |website=Eurovision.tv |access-date=2025-11-11}}</ref> Many well-known composers and lyricists have penned entries of varying success over the years, including [[Serge Gainsbourg]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jordan |first=Paul |date=7 January 2018 |title=France Gall, Luxembourg's Eurovision 1965 winner, dies at 70 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/france-gall-passed-away-at-70-luxembourg-1965 |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Maev |date=7 January 2018 |title=France Gall: French singer who inspired My Way dies age 70 |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/07/french-singer-and-eurovision-winner-france-gall-dies-age-70 |url-status=live |access-date=23 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110055621/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/07/french-singer-and-eurovision-winner-france-gall-dies-age-70 |archive-date=10 January 2018}}</ref> [[Goran Bregović]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 January 2010 |title=Bregović to compose Serbian entry; picks from three artists |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/bregovic-to-compose-serbian-entry-picks-from-three-artists |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128030256/https://eurovision.tv/story/bregovic-to-compose-serbian-entry-picks-from-three-artists |archive-date=28 November 2020 |access-date=23 March 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> [[Diane Warren]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2009 |title=Diane Warren: Legendary songwriter |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/diane-warren-legendary-songwriter |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919213534/https://eurovision.tv/story/diane-warren-legendary-songwriter |archive-date=19 September 2020 |access-date=23 March 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> [[Andrew Lloyd Webber]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 October 2008 |title=Andrew Lloyd Webber to compose the UK entry |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/andrew-lloyd-webber-to-compose-the-uk-entry |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kelly |first=Emma |date=14 May 2020 |title=Andrew Lloyd Webber was almost replaced by a body double at Eurovision because he was so nervous |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/05/14/andrew-lloyd-webber-was-almost-replaced-body-double-eurovision-was-nervous-12702228/ |access-date=20 March 2021}}</ref> [[Pete Waterman]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 January 2010 |title=Pete Waterman to write UK entry for Eurovision |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2010/01_january/29/eurovision.shtml |access-date=20 March 2021 |publisher=[[BBC]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=31 May 2010 |title=Pete Waterman's Eurovision entry finishes last |work=[[Coventry Telegraph]] |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/pete-watermans-eurovision-entry-finishes-3064178 |access-date=20 March 2021}}</ref> and [[Tony Iommi]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 March 2013 |title=Sabbath star Tony Iommi writes Eurovision entry |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-birmingham-21689607 |access-date=14 May 2021 |publisher=[[BBC]]}}</ref> as well as producers [[Timbaland]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 March 2008 |title=Dima Bilan again conquers Russian hearts |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/dima-bilan-again-conquers-russian-hearts |access-date=14 May 2021 |publisher=eurovision.tv}}</ref> and [[Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 March 2008 |title=Sébastien Tellier to represent France |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/sebastien-tellier-to-represent-france |access-date=14 May 2021 |publisher=eurovision.tv}}</ref>

Past participants have contributed to other fields in addition to their music careers. The Netherlands' [[Annie M.G. Schmidt]], lyricist of the first entry performed at Eurovision, has gained a worldwide reputation for her stories and earned the [[Hans Christian Andersen Award]] for children's literature.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Lynch-Brown |first=Carol |date=22 December 2010 |title=A profile of Annie M. G. Schmidt, 1988 Hans Christian Andersen medalist |journal=Early Child Development and Care |volume=48 |pages=19–27 |doi=10.1080/0300443890480104 | issn = 0300-4430 }}</ref> French "[[yé-yé]] girls" [[Françoise Hardy]] and contest winner [[France Gall]] are household names of 1960s pop culture, with Hardy also being a pioneer of [[street style]] fashion trends and an inspiration for the global [[Youthquake (movement)|youthquake]] movement.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Wilson |first=Eric |date=11 June 2014 |title=Now You Know: Françoise Hardy Was the Original Street Style Star |url=https://www.instyle.com/fashion/street-style/original-street-style-star-francoise-hardy?slide=b3b12a90-74fc-4486-ba8d-73bd6a0cbd04#b3b12a90-74fc-4486-ba8d-73bd6a0cbd04 |magazine=[[InStyle]] |access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Borrelli-Persson |first=Laird |date=14 March 2017 |title=Sarah Jessica Parker Narrates the History of 1960s Fashion in Vogue |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/vogue125-video-fashion-history-sarah-jessica-parker-1960s |access-date=27 March 2021 |magazine=[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Mackenzie-Smith |first=Stevie |title=A Tribute to France Gall, the Iconic Yé-Yé Star |url=https://www.anothermag.com/fashion-beauty/10483/a-tribute-to-france-gall-the-iconic-ye-ye-star |magazine=[[Another Magazine]] |access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref> Figures who carved a career in politics and gained international acclaim for humanitarian achievements include contest winner [[Dana Rosemary Scallon|Dana]] as a two-time [[Irish presidential election|Irish presidential candidate]] and [[Member of the European Parliament]] (MEP);<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 September 2011 |title=Dana Rosemary Scallon seeking presidency backing |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-14985227 |access-date=30 June 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 October 2011 |title=Irish presidential election: Michael D Higgins elected |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15488067 |access-date=30 June 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> Nana Mouskouri as Greek MEP and a [[List of UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors|UNICEF international goodwill ambassador]];<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nana Mouskouri Goodwill Ambassador |url=https://sites.unicef.org/people/people_nana_mouskouri.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422195834/https://sites.unicef.org/people/people_nana_mouskouri.html |archive-date=22 April 2021 |access-date=25 March 2021 |website=unicef.org |publisher=[[UNICEF]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 October 1934 |title=European Parliament – Nana MOUSKOURI |url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/2183/NANA_MOUSKOURI/history/4 |access-date=25 March 2021 |website=Europarl.europa.eu |publisher=[[European Union]]}}</ref> contest winner [[Ruslana]] as member of [[Verkhovna Rada]], Ukraine's parliament and a figure of the [[Orange Revolution]] and [[Euromaidan]] protests, who gained global honours for leadership and courage;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahuja |first=Masuma |date=5 March 2014 |title=Why did Michelle Obama give a Ukrainian pop star the Women of Courage award? |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2014/03/04/why-did-michelle-obama-give-a-ukrainian-pop-star-the-women-of-courage-award/ |access-date=30 March 2021 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref><ref name="live">{{Cite web |last=Davies |first=Russell |date=15 February 2008 |title=Ruslana: sings<!—sic—> major recording deal with Warner Records |url=http://esctoday.com/10527/ruslana_sings_major_recording_deal_with_warner_records |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204031105/http://www.esctoday.com/10527/ruslana_sings_major_recording_deal_with_warner_records/ |archive-date=4 December 2013 |access-date=30 March 2021 |publisher=ESCToday}}</ref><ref>[http://www.kyivpost.com/guide/about-kyiv/musicians-liven-up-euromaidan-stage-332611.html Musicians liven up EuroMaidan stage], ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (29 November 2013) {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129091452/http://www.kyivpost.com/guide/about-kyiv/musicians-liven-up-euromaidan-stage-332611.html |date=29 November 2013}}</ref> and North Macedonia's [[Esma Redžepova]] as member of political parties and a two-time [[Nobel Peace Prize]] nominee.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cartwright |first=Garth |date=14 December 2016 |title=Esma Redžepova obituary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/14/esma-redzepova-obituary |access-date=30 March 2021 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>

Competing songs have occasionally gone on to become successes for their original performers and other artists, and some of the [[List of best-selling singles|best-selling singles]] globally received their first international performances at Eurovision. "[[Save Your Kisses for Me]]", the winning song for the {{esccnty|United Kingdom|y=1976|t=United Kingdom in 1976}} performed by [[Brotherhood of Man]], went on to sell over six million singles, more than any other winning song.<ref>{{Cite book |last=O'Connor |first=John Kennedy |title=The Eurovision Song Contest: The Official History |publisher=[[Carlton Publishing Group|Carlton Books]] |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-8444-2994-3}}</ref>{{sfn|West|2020|pp=95-96}} "{{lang|it|[[Nel blu, dipinto di blu]]|i=no}}", also known as "{{lang|it|Volare|i=no}}", third-placed song for {{esccnty|Italy|y=1958|t=Italy in 1958}} performed by [[Domenico Modugno]], is the only Eurovision entry to win a [[Grammy Awards|Grammy Award]]. It was the first Grammy winner for both [[Grammy Award for Record of the Year|Record of the Year]] and [[Grammy Award for Song of the Year|Song of the Year]] and it has since been recorded by various artists, topped the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] in the United States and achieved combined sales of over 22 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pierluigi |first=Panza |date=17 February 1996 |title=Piramidi rotanti luci da record e 007 in azione |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1996/febbraio/17/Piramidi_rotanti_luci_record_007_co_0_9602175076.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802023205/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1996/febbraio/17/Piramidi_rotanti_luci_record_007_co_0_9602175076.shtml |archive-date=2 August 2012 |access-date=9 July 2020 |website=[[Corriere della Sera]] |quote=Il brano presentato a Sanremo che ha venduto di piu' e' "Nel blu dipinto di blu" di Domenico Modugno (22 milioni di dischi).}}</ref> "{{lang|es|[[Eres tú]]|i=no}}", runner-up for {{esccnty|Spain|y=1973|t=Spain in 1973}} performed by [[Mocedades]], became the first Spanish-language song to reach the top 10 of the ''Billboard'' Hot 100,<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=15 September 2017 |title=Hispanic Heritage Month: The 50 Greatest Latin Songs of All Time |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/greatest-of-all-time/6760654/best-latin-songs-of-all-time |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=9 July 2020}}</ref> and the Grammy-nominated "[[Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit]]", which came eighth for the {{esccnty|United Kingdom|y=1996|t=United Kingdom in 1996}} performed by [[Gina G]], sold 790,000 records and achieved success across Europe and the US, reaching number 1 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] and peaking at number 12 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{Cite book |last=Roberts |first=David |title=[[British Hit Singles & Albums]] |publisher=Guinness World Records Limited |year=2006 |isbn=1-904994-10-5 |edition=19th |location=London |page=593}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Sarah |date=21 May 2012 |title=50 best-selling tracks of the '90s |url=https://www.nme.com/photos/50-best-selling-tracks-of-the-90s-1437045 |access-date=9 July 2020 |website=[[NME]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Gina G Chart History (Hot 100) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/gina-g/chart-history/hsi/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=9 July 2020}}</ref>

The turn of the century has also seen numerous competing songs becoming successes. "[[Euphoria (Loreen song)|Euphoria]]", [[Loreen]]'s winning song for {{esccnty|Sweden|y=2012|t=Sweden in 2012}}, achieved Europe-wide success, reaching number one in several countries and by 2014 had become the most [[Music download|downloaded]] Eurovision song to date.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 June 2012 |title=Loreen's "Euphoria" Enjoys Biggest Chart Success From Eurovision Winner In Years |url=https://www.wmg.com/news/loreen-s-euphoria-enjoys-biggest-chart-success-eurovision-winner-years-19271 |publisher=[[Warner Music Group]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kreisler |first=Lauren |date=9 May 2014 |title=The Most Downloaded Eurovision Songs of All Time Revealed! |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-most-downloaded-eurovision-songs-of-all-time-revealed-__4088/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929045506/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-most-downloaded-eurovision-songs-of-all-time-revealed-__4088/ |archive-date=29 September 2018 |access-date=21 March 2021 |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]}}</ref> The video for "[[Occidentali's Karma]]" by [[Francesco Gabbani]], which placed sixth for {{esccnty|Italy|y=2017|t=Italy in 2017}}, became the first Eurovision song to reach more than 200 million views on YouTube,<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 September 2018 |title=Occidentali's Karma hits 200 million views on Youtube! |url=https://escxtra.com/2018/09/16/occidentalis-karma-hits-200-million-views-on-youtube/ |access-date=13 April 2020 |publisher=escxtra.com |archive-date=7 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107033627/https://escxtra.com/2018/09/16/occidentalis-karma-hits-200-million-views-on-youtube/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> while "{{lang|it|[[Soldi]]|i=no}}" by [[Mahmood (singer)|Mahmood]], the runner-up for {{esccnty|Italy|y=2019|t=Italy in 2019}}, was the most-streamed Eurovision song on [[Spotify]] until it was overtaken by that year's winner for the {{esccnty|Netherlands|y=2019}}, "[[Arcade (song)|Arcade]]" by [[Duncan Laurence]], following [[Viral phenomenon|viral success]] on [[TikTok]] in late 2020 and early 2021;<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 October 2019 |title=Italy: Mahmood's "Soldi" is now the most-streamed Eurovision song on Spotify |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2019/10/16/italy-mahmoods-soldi-is-now-the-most-streamed-eurovision-song-on-spotify/242939/ |access-date=13 April 2020 |publisher=Wiwibloggs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 January 2021 |title='Arcade' passes 'Soldi' as the most-streamed Eurovision entry on Spotify |url=https://escxtra.com/2021/01/29/arcade-passes-soldi-as-the-most-streamed-eurovision-entry-on-spotify/ |access-date=29 January 2021 |website=ESCXTRA.com}}</ref> "Arcade" later became the first Eurovision song since "Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit" and the first Eurovision winning song since "Save Your Kisses for Me" to chart on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, eventually peaking at number 30.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=13 April 2021 |title=Duncan Laurence's 'Arcade' Is First Eurovision Song Contest Winner to Hit Hot 100 in 45 Years |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/duncan-laurence-arcade-hits-hot-100-eurovision/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=10 June 2021 |title=Duncan Laurence Has 'No Idea' How His Breakthrough Single 'Arcade' Keeps Going Viral |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/duncan-laurence-arcade-hot-100-eurovision-interview/ |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611031033/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9585063/duncan-laurence-arcade-hot-100-eurovision-interview |archive-date=11 June 2021 |access-date=11 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee Adams |first=William |date=31 August 2021 |title=Eurovision winners Måneskin and Duncan Laurence crack Top 30 on Billboard charts |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2021/08/31/maneskin-and-duncan-laurence-crack-top-30-on-billboard-charts/266506/ |access-date=6 September 2021 |website=Wiwibloggs}}</ref> The {{Escyr|2021|3=2021 contest}} saw the next major breakthrough success from Eurovision, with [[Måneskin]], that year's winners for {{esccnty|Italy|y=2021}} with "{{lang|it|[[Zitti e buoni]]|i=unset}}", attracting worldwide attention across their repertoire immediately following their victory.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=3 August 2021 |title=Chartbreaker: Inside Måneskin's Unlikely, TikTok-Assisted Journey to Rock Stardom |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/maneskin-beggin-august-chartbreaker/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=5 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shaw |first=Lucas |title=Maneskin Is Italy's First Rock Band to Rule the Charts |work=[[Bloomberg News]] |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/pop-star-ranking/2021-september/maneskin-is-italy-s-first-rock-band-to-rule-the-charts.html |access-date=14 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Trendell |first=Andrew |date=21 October 2021 |title=Måneskin live in London: embrace the Eurovision winners' rock'n'roll circus |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/maneskin-london-live-islington-academy-review-radar-3076159 |access-date=22 October 2021 |publisher=[[NME]]}}</ref>

[[Johnny Logan (singer)|Johnny Logan]] was the first artist to have won multiple contests as a performer, winning for {{esccnty|Ireland|y=1980|t=Ireland in 1980}} with "[[What's Another Year]]", written by [[Shay Healy]], and {{esccnty|Ireland|y=1987|t=in 1987}} with the self-penned "[[Hold Me Now (Johnny Logan song)|Hold Me Now]]". Logan was also the winning songwriter for {{esccnty|Ireland|y=1992|t=Ireland in 1992}} with "[[Why Me? (Linda Martin song)|Why Me?]]" performed by [[Linda Martin]], and has therefore achieved three contest victories as either a performer or writer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Malmö 1992 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/malmo-1992 |access-date=30 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Four further songwriters have each written two contest-winning songs: [[Willy van Hemert]], Yves Dessca, [[Rolf Løvland]], and [[Brendan Graham]].{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|p=201}} Following their introduction in {{escyr|2004}}, [[Alexander Rybak]] became the first artist to win multiple Eurovision semi-finals, finishing in first at the second semi-finals for {{esccnty|Norway|y=2009|t=Norway in 2009}} and {{esccnty|Norway|y=2018|t=2018}}; he remains the only entrant to have done so to date.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alexander Rybak – Norway – Moscow 2009 |url=https://eurovision.tv/participant/alexander-rybak |access-date=14 June 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Alexander Rybak – Norway – Lisbon 2018 |url=https://eurovision.tv/participant/alexander-rybak-2018 |access-date=14 June 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

=== Winners ===
{{Further|List of Eurovision Song Contest winners}}
[[File:Eurovision winners map.svg|thumb|upright=1.3|Each country's win record in the contest {{as of|2025|lc=y|post=}}]]
72 songs from 27 countries have won the Eurovision Song Contest {{as of|2025|lc=y|post=.}}<ref name="Winners" /> {{Esccnty|Ireland}} and {{Esccnty|Sweden}} have recorded the most wins with seven each, followed by {{Esccnty|France}}, {{Esccnty|Luxembourg}}, the {{Esccnty|United Kingdom}}, and the {{Esccnty|Netherlands}} with five each.<ref name="Facts & Figures" /><ref name="Winners" /> Of the 52 countries to have taken part, 24{{efn|{{Esccnty|Serbia and Montenegro}} participated twice (in {{Esccnty|Serbia and Montenegro|y=2004|t=2004}} and {{Esccnty|Serbia and Montenegro|y=2005|t=2005}}) but did not win. However, this country ceased to exist since.}} have yet to win.<ref name="ESC History" /> Only one contest has featured multiple winners in a single year: in {{Escyr|1969}}, four entries{{efn|Namely "{{lang|fr|[[Un jour, un enfant]]|i=no}}" performed by [[Frida Boccara]] for {{Esccnty|France|y=1969}}, "{{Lang|es|[[Vivo cantando]]|i=no}}" by [[Salomé (singer)|Salomé]] for {{esccnty|Spain|y=1969}}, "{{Lang|nl|[[De troubadour]]|i=no}}" by [[Lenny Kuhr]] for the {{esccnty|Netherlands|y=1969}}, and "[[Boom Bang-a-Bang]]" by [[Lulu (singer)|Lulu]] for the {{esccnty|United Kingdom|y=1969}}.}} finished the contest with an equal number of points and were all declared winners, as allowed by the rules at the time.<ref name="Facts & Figures" /><ref name="Madrid 69">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Madrid 1969 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/madrid-1969 |access-date=30 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> A majority of winning songs have been performed in English, particularly since the rule requiring native-language songs was abolished in 1999: since then, only seven winning songs have been performed either fully or partially in a language other than English.<ref name="ESC History" />

Only one country has won the contest on its first appearance: {{esccnty|Serbia}} won in 2007 with {{esccnty|Serbia|y=2007|t=its first participation}} as an independent country;{{efn|Entries from Serbia had previously participated representing now-defunct countries {{Esccnty|Yugoslavia}} and {{Esccnty|Serbia and Montenegro}}.}} since {{Esccnty|Switzerland}} had won the inaugural contest in 1956 with {{esccnty|Switzerland|y=1956|t=its second entry}} in that contest.<ref name="Helsinki 07">{{Cite web |date=30 December 2009 |title=The end of a decade: Helsinki 2007 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-end-of-a-decade-helsinki-2007 |access-date=30 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Other countries have had relatively short waits before winning their first contest, with {{esccnty|Ukraine}} winning on {{esccnty|Ukraine|y=2004|t=its second appearance}} in 2004 and {{esccnty|Latvia}} winning with {{esccnty|Latvia|y=2002|t=its third entry}} in 2002.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=208–209}} Conversely, some countries have had considerable gaps between their debut entry and their first win: {{esccnty|Greece}} recorded its first win {{esccnty|Greece|y=2005|t=in 2005}}, 31 years after its first appearance, while {{esccnty|Finland}} ended a 45-year losing streak {{esccnty|Finland|y=2006|t=in 2006}}.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=208–209}}<ref name="Countdown Athens 06">{{Cite web |date=27 December 2011 |title=Countdown to Baku – Athens 2006 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/countdown-to-baku-athens-2006 |access-date=30 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> {{esccnty|Portugal}} holds the record for the most contest entries prior to its first win {{esccnty|Portugal|y=2017|t=in 2017}}, coming 53 years after it first competed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2017 |title=Salvador Sobral given a hero's welcome in Portugal |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/salvador-sobral-given-a-hero-s-welcome-in-portugal |access-date=30 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Other countries have also had large gaps between their winning entries: Switzerland went 32 years between winning in 1956 and {{esccnty|Switzerland|y=1988|t=1988}}, and a further 36 years between then and winning {{esccnty|Switzerland|y=2024|t=in 2024}}; {{esccnty|Denmark}} had a 37-year gap between its wins {{esccnty|Denmark|y=1963|t=in 1963}} and {{esccnty|Denmark|y=2000|t=2000}}; the Netherlands had a 44-year gap between its wins {{esccnty|Netherlands|y=1975|t=in 1975}} and {{esccnty|Netherlands|y=2019|t=2019}}; and {{esccnty|Austria}} achieved its second win {{esccnty|Austria|y=2014|t=in 2014}}, 48 years after its first win {{esccnty|Austria|y=1966|t=in 1966}}.<ref name="ESC History" />{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=208–209}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2014 |title=Welcome home, Conchita! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/welcome-home-conchita |access-date=30 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

The United Kingdom holds the record for runner-up placements, having finished second sixteen times.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: United Kingdom |url=https://eurovision.tv/country/united-kingdom |access-date=30 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> {{Esccnty|Norway}} has finished last on a record twelve occasions, including scoring ''[[nul points]]'' four times; it shares the record for receiving this score with Austria.<ref name="Facts & Figures" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Norway |url=https://eurovision.tv/country/norway |access-date=30 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Countries have recorded back-to-back wins on four occasions: {{Esccnty|Spain}} in {{Esccnty|Spain|y=1968|t=1968}} and {{Esccnty|Spain|y=1969|t=1969}}; Luxembourg in {{Esccnty|Luxembourg|y=1972|t=1972}} and {{Esccnty|Luxembourg|y=1973|t=1973}}; Israel in {{Esccnty|Israel|y=1978|t=1978}} and {{Esccnty|Israel|y=1979|t=1979}}; and Ireland in {{Esccnty|Ireland|y=1992|t=1992}}, {{Esccnty|Ireland|y=1993|t=1993}}, and {{Esccnty|Ireland|y=1994|t=1994}}, becoming the first and only country to date to win three times in a row.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=208–209}} Additionally, Ireland later won {{Esccnty|Ireland|y=1996|t=in 1996}}, giving it a record four wins in the span of five years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Ireland |url=https://eurovision.tv/country/ireland |access-date=30 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

The winning artist(s), songwriter(s), and broadcaster, receive a medal or a trophy, which since 2008 has followed a standard design: a handmade trophy of sandblasted glass with painted details in the shape of a 1950s-style [[microphone]], designed by Kjell Engman of the Swedish-based glassworks [[Kosta Boda]].<ref name="Trophy" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://kostaboda.co.uk/eurovision-song-contest/ |access-date=30 June 2020 |publisher=[[Kosta Boda]] |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516174401/https://kostaboda.co.uk/eurovision-song-contest/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The award is typically presented by the previous year's winner; others who have handed out the award in the past include representatives from the host broadcaster or the EBU, and politicians; in 2007, the fictional character [[Joulupukki]] (the original [[Santa Claus]] in Finland) presented the award to the winner [[Marija Šerifović]].<ref name="Helsinki 07" />{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|p=216}}

== Interval acts and guest appearances ==
[[File:Riverdance cast, 2019 crop.jpg|thumb|alt=Photograph of Riverdance cast|''[[Riverdance]]'' (cast pictured at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin in 2019) was the interval act at the 1994 contest.]]

Alongside the song contest and appearances from local and international personalities, performances from non-competing artists and musicians have been included since the first edition,<ref name="Iconic intervals" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 March 2015 |title=Star percussionist revealed as Eurovision interval act |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/star-percussionist-revealed-as-eurovision-interval-act |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223021251/https://eurovision.tv/story/star-percussionist-revealed-as-eurovision-interval-act |archive-date=23 December 2019 |access-date=29 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> and have become a staple of the live show.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|p=216}} These performances have varied widely, previously featuring music, art, dance, and circus performances, and past participants are regularly invited to perform, with the reigning champion traditionally returning each year to perform the previous year's winning song.<ref name="Iconic intervals" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Siim |first=Jarmo |date=29 April 2015 |title=Conchita Wurst & a magical bridge to open the Eurovision Final |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/conchita-wurst-a-magical-bridge-to-open-the-eurovision-final |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926223803/https://eurovision.tv/story/conchita-wurst-a-magical-bridge-to-open-the-eurovision-final |archive-date=26 September 2020 |access-date=1 April 2021 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

The contest's opening performance and the main interval act, held following the competing song and before the announcement of the voting results, has become a memorable part of the contest and has included both internationally known artists and local stars. Contest organisers have previously used these performances as a way to explore their country's culture and history, such as in "4,000 Years of Greek Song" at the {{Escyr|2006||2006 contest}} held in Greece;<ref>{{Cite book |last=Polychronakis |first=Ioannis |title=Made in Greece: Studies in Popular Music |date=2019 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=978-1-315-74907-5 |editor-last=Tragaki |editor-first=Dafni |chapter=Singing Greece's Contemporary Socio-Cultural History |access-date=29 June 2020 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xjVlDwAAQBAJ&q=4000+Years+of+Greek+Song&pg=PT52}}</ref> other performances have been more comedic in nature, featuring parody and humour, as was the case with "Love Love Peace Peace" in {{Escyr|2016}}, a humorous ode to the history and spectacle of the contest itself.<ref name="Love Love Peace Peace">{{Cite web |last=Jordan |first=Paul |date=17 June 2016 |title=Stockholm Revisited Part Three: Writing the Script |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/stockholm-revisited-part-three-writing-the-script |access-date=29 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> ''[[Riverdance]]'', which later became one of the most successful dance productions in the world, first began as the interval performance at the 1994 contest in Ireland; the seven-minute performance of [[Irish traditional music|traditional Irish music]] and [[Irish dance|dance]] was later expanded into a full stage show that has been seen by over 25 million people worldwide and provided a launchpad for its lead dancers [[Michael Flatley]] and [[Jean Butler]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Riverdance: The Journey |url=https://riverdance.com/the-show/the-journey/ |access-date=29 June 2020 |website=riverdance.com |archive-date=22 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422001416/https://riverdance.com/the-show/the-journey/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 January 2015 |title=Amazing facts about the Irish dance phenomenon 'Riverdance' |url=https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/entertainment/amazing-facts-about-the-irish-dance-phenomenon-riverdance |access-date=29 June 2020 |website=IrishCentral.com}}</ref>

Among other artists who have performed in a non-competitive manner are Danish [[Europop]] group [[Aqua (band)|Aqua]] in {{Escyr|2001}},<ref>{{Cite web |last=Collins |first=Simon |date=7 October 2018 |title=Aqua ride the highs and lows ahead of 2019 Australian tour |url=https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/music/aqua-ride-the-highs-and-lows-ng-b88965837z |access-date=29 June 2020 |publisher=[[The West Australian]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 December 2009 |title=The end of a decade: Copenhagen 2001 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-end-of-a-decade-copenhagen-2001 |access-date=29 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Finnish cello metal band [[Apocalyptica]] in 2007,<ref>{{cite web |title=Apocalyptica to Accordion at Eurovision Shows |date=13 April 2007 |url=https://yle.fi/a/3-5781853 |publisher=Yle |access-date=19 August 2024}}</ref> Russian pop duo [[t.A.T.u.]] in {{Escyr|2009}},<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 December 2016 |title=Russian army choir – Eurovision 2009 interval act – loses 64 members in plane crash tragedy |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/russian-army-choir-eurovision-2009-interval-act-loses-64-members-in-plane-crash-tragedy |access-date=29 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> and American entertainers [[Justin Timberlake]] and [[Madonna]] in {{Escyr|2016}} and {{Escyr|2019}} respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jordan |first=Paul |date=9 May 2016 |title=Justin Timberlake makes world premiere live performance in the Eurovision Song Contest! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/justin-timberlake-makes-world-premiere-live-performance-in-the-eurovision-song-contest |access-date=29 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Picheta |first=Rob |date=19 May 2018 |title=Eurovision: Madonna mixes politics with a classic hit during performance |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/05/18/europe/madonna-eurovision-israel-scli-intl/index.html |access-date=29 June 2020 |publisher=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Belam |first=Martin |date=19 May 2019 |title=Madonna was excruciating: what we learned from Eurovision 2019 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/may/19/madonna-was-excruciating-eurovision-2019 |access-date=29 June 2020 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Other notable artists, including [[Charlie Rivel]] ({{escyr|1973}}), [[Cirque du Soleil]] ({{escyr|2009}}), [[Alexandrov Ensemble]] ({{escyr|2009}}), [[Vienna Boys' Choir]] ({{escyr|1967}} and {{escyr|2015}}), and [[Fire of Anatolia]] ({{escyr|2004}}), also performed on the Eurovision stage,<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2009 |title=Cirque du Soleil! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/cirque-du-soleil-opener-for-the-final |access-date=18 May 2021 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2009 |title=Cirque du Soleil: opener for the final! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/cirque-du-soleil-opener-for-the-final |access-date=29 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> and there have been guest appearances from well-known faces from outside the world of music, including actors, athletes, and serving astronauts and cosmonauts.<ref name="Decade Kyiv 05">{{Cite web |date=27 December 2009 |title=The end of a decade: Kyiv 2005 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-end-of-a-decade-kyiv-2005 |access-date=29 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref name="Decade Riga 03">{{Cite web |date=24 December 2009 |title=The end of a decade: Riga 2003 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-end-of-a-decade-riga-2003 |access-date=29 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=24 May 2008 |title=Russian singer wins 2008 Eurovision Song Contest |publisher=[[CTV News]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/russian-singer-wins-2008-eurovision-song-contest-1.297954 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607021911/https://www.ctvnews.ca/russian-singer-wins-2008-eurovision-song-contest-1.297954 |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 June 2019 |access-date=29 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Fry |first=Naomi |date=21 May 2019 |title=Eurovision's Sanitized Vision of Israel |url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/eurovisions-sanitized-vision-of-israel |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |access-date=29 June 2020}}</ref> Guest performances have been used as a channel in response to global events happening concurrently with the contest. The {{Escyr|1999||1999 contest}} in Israel closed with all competing acts performing a rendition of {{esccnty|Israel|y=1979|t=Israel's 1979}} winning song "[[Hallelujah (Milk and Honey song)|Hallelujah]]" as a tribute to the victims of the [[Kosovo War]],{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=156–159}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jerusalem 1999 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/jerusalem-1999 |access-date=29 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> a dance performance entitled "The Grey People" in 2016's first semi-final was devoted to the [[2015 European migrant crisis]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 July 2016 |title=Stockholm Revisited Part Five: Interval Acts |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/stockholm-revisited-part-five-interval-acts |access-date=29 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Åberg |first=Erik |date=11 May 2016 |title=Mellanakten hyllas av Eurovision-tittarna |url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/a/zLk891/mellanakten-hyllas-av-eurovision-tittarna |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629201422/https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/a/zLk891/mellanakten-hyllas-av-eurovision-tittarna |archive-date=29 June 2020 |access-date=29 June 2020 |website=[[Aftonbladet]] |language=sv}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 May 2016 |title=The Grey People (Interval act Semi – Final 1 of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest) |url=https://eurovision.tv/video/the-grey-people-interval-act-semi-final-1-of-the-2016-eurovision-song-contest |access-date=29 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> the {{Escyr|2022||2022 contest}} featured known anti-war songs "[[Fragile (Sting song)|Fragile]]", "[[People Have the Power]]", and "[[Give Peace a Chance]]" in response to the [[Russo-Ukrainian war (2022–present)|Russian invasion of Ukraine]] that year,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Farren |first=Neil |date=11 May 2022 |title=Live From Turin: Semi-Final Two Jury Show |url=https://eurovoix.com/2022/05/11/live-from-turin-semi-final-two-jury-show/ |access-date=14 May 2022 |website=Eurovoix}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 May 2022 |title=Eurovision 2022: All about the Grand Final |url=https://eurovisionworld.com/esc/eurovision-2022-all-about-the-grand-final |access-date=14 May 2022 |website=Eurovisionworld}}</ref> and an interval act in {{Escyr|2023}}'s first semi-final alluded to the [[Ukrainian refugee crisis|refugee crisis]] caused by the aforementioned invasion.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Marshall |first=Alex |date=2023-05-12 |title=How Liverpool Put on a Song Contest for Ukraine |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/12/arts/music/eurovision-liverpool-ukraine.html |access-date=2023-07-13 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Butterworth |first=Benjamin |date=2023-05-12 |title='Ukrainian officials have been planning Eurovision with us from bunkers' |url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/eurovision-2023-behind-scenes-ukraine-planned-bunkers-2335543 |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=inews.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>

{{wide image|File:ESC2016 Grand Final Interval Act 18.jpg|800px|alt=Photograph of performance of "Love Love Peace Peace" at the 2016 final: Petra Mede and Måns Zelmerlöw perform on stage surrounded by performers dressed in costumes of past Eurovision acts|"Love Love Peace Peace" at the 2016 final, performed by presenters [[Petra Mede]] and [[Måns Zelmerlöw]], depicted several memorable moments from Eurovision history ''(photo from rehearsals)''}}

== Criticism and controversy ==
The contest has been the subject of considerable criticism regarding both its musical content and what has been reported to be a political element to the event, and several controversial moments have been witnessed over the course of its history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Frances |date=3 May 2017 |title=13 times Eurovision got super political |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/13-times-eurovision-song-contest-got-political/ |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=[[Politico]]}}</ref> British historian [[Tony Judt]] wrote in 2006 that the contest in the 1970s and 1980s became "the most widely celebrated object of ridicule" on public television, because it "was so stunningly banal in conception and execution as to defy parody." Judt dismissed the artists who entered the contest as "a stream of inept performers" who would in most cases return to "the obscurity from whence they briefly emerged."<ref>{{cite book |last=Judt |first=Tony |author-link=Tony Judt |date=2006 |title=[[Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945]] |pages=482–483 |publisher=Penguin |isbn= 9780143037750}}</ref>

=== Musical style and presentation ===
Criticism has been levied against the musical quality of competing entries, with a perception that certain music styles seen as being presented more often than others in an attempt to appeal to as many potential voters as possible among the international audience.<ref name="How to win">{{Cite news |date=16 May 2019 |title=How to win the Eurovision Song Contest |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |url=https://www.economist.com/europe/2019/05/16/how-to-win-the-eurovision-song-contest |access-date=8 July 2020}}</ref> By the 2000s, [[Sentimental ballad#Power ballads|power ballads]], [[Folk music#Europe|folk]] rhythms, and [[bubblegum pop]] have been considered staples of the contest, leading to allegations that the event has become formulaic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carniel |first=Jess |date=10 May 2018 |title=The Six Types of Eurovision Contestant |url=https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/05/the-six-types-of-eurovision-contestant/ |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=lifehacker.com.au}}</ref><ref name="Fringe" /> Other traits in competing entries which have regularly been mocked by media and viewers include an abundance of [[Modulation (music)|key changes]] and lyrics about love and/or peace, as well as the [[Non-native pronunciations of English|pronunciation of English by non-native users of the language]].<ref name="How to win" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 May 2018 |title=What makes the perfect Eurovision song? |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2018-05-11/what-makes-the-perfect-eurovision-song/ |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=[[Radio Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Picheta |first=Rob |date=29 June 2020 |title=Want to win Eurovision? Write a nice, slow song about love |url=https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/eurovision-winners-analysis-scli-intl-style/index.html |access-date=8 July 2020 |publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref> Given Eurovision is principally a television show, over the years competing performances have attempted to attract the viewers' attention through means other than music, and elaborate [[Stage lighting|lighting displays]], [[pyrotechnics]], and [[Extravaganza|extravagant]] on-stage theatrics and costumes having become a common sight;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Picheta |first=Rob |date=18 May 2019 |title=Eurovision: What is it and what time is it on? |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/05/18/europe/eurovision-explainer-2019-intl/index.html |access-date=8 July 2020 |publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref> criticism of these tactics have been levied as being a method of distracting the viewer from the weak musical quality of some of the competing entries.<ref name="Antes cursi">{{Cite journal |last=Allatson |first=Paul |year=2007 |title='Antes cursi que sencilla': Eurovision Song Contests and the Kitsch-Drive to Euro-Unity |journal=Culture, Theory and Critique |volume=48 |issue=1 |pages=87–98 |doi=10.1080/14735780701293540 |s2cid=146449408}}</ref>

While many of these traits are ridiculed in the media and elsewhere, for others these traits are celebrated and considered an integral part of what makes the contest appealing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Chuck |date=5 July 2020 |title='Eurovision' soundtrack kicks up the camp |url=https://eu.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/columnists/chuck-campbell/2020/07/05/eurovision-soundtrack-will-ferrell-rachel-mcadams-6-lack-jessie-ware-dream-wife-peter-manos-review/5378820002/ |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=knoxnews.com}}</ref> Although many of the competing acts each year will fall into some of the categories above, the contest has seen a diverse range of musical styles in its history, including rock, [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]], [[jazz]], [[Country music|country]], [[Electronic music|electronic]], [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]], [[Hip hop music|hip hop]], and [[Avant-garde music|avant-garde]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pattillo |first=Alice |date=14 May 2019 |title=The 10 Most Metal Moments in Eurovision |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-most-metal-moments-in-eurovision |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=loudersound.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Escudero |first=Victor M. |date=11 August 2017 |title=Eurovision and all that jazz! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/history-of-jazz-in-eurovision |access-date=8 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Osborn |first=Michael |date=16 May 2006 |title=Rapping for glory at Eurovision |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4900892.stm |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Holden |first=Steve |date=4 June 2021 |title=Måneskin: The Eurovision winners storming the UK charts |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-57331991 |access-date=22 November 2021 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Macdonald |first=Kyle |date=17 May 2022 |title=Serbia's viral Eurovision song featured Allegri's Miserere, and you might have missed it... |url=https://www.classicfm.com/composers/allegri/in-corpore-sano-konstrakta-eurovision-miserere-serbia/ |access-date=20 May 2022 |website=[[Classic FM (UK)|Classic FM]]}}</ref>

=== Political controversies ===
{{main|Controversies of the Eurovision Song Contest}}
[[File:Calls for boycott Eurovision Song Contest 2019 (crop).jpg|thumb|right|alt=A painted mural on a wall on a street in Girona, Spain: the Eurovision trophy appears covered in barbed wire surrounded by tower blocks, with the words "#BoycottEurovision2019" above, and "Free Palestine" in English and Arabic to the top left|A mural in [[Girona]] promoting a boycott of the {{Escyr|2019||2019 contest}} in Israel]]
As artists and songs ultimately represent a country, the contest has seen several controversial moments where political tensions between competing countries as a result of [[frozen conflict]]s, and in some cases open warfare, are reflected in the performances and voting.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Robinson |first=Frances |date=3 May 2017 |title=13 times Eurovision got super political |work=[[Politico]] |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/13-times-eurovision-song-contest-got-political/ |access-date=21 March 2021}}</ref>

The [[Nagorno-Karabakh conflict|conflict]] between {{Esccnty|Armenia}} and {{Esccnty|Azerbaijan}} has affected the contest on numerous occasions. [[Armenia–Azerbaijan relations in the Eurovision Song Contest|Conflicts between the two countries at Eurovision]] escalated quickly since both countries began competing in the late 2000s, resulting in fines and disciplinary action for both countries' broadcasters over political stunts, and a forced change of title for one competing song due to allegations of political subtext.<ref name="ararat-diplomacy">{{Cite web |title=Can Eurovision Succeed Where Diplomacy Has Failed? |url=http://araratmagazine.org/2011/05/can-eurovision-succeed-where-diplomacy-has-failed/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606221748/http://araratmagazine.org/2011/05/can-eurovision-succeed-where-diplomacy-has-failed/ |archive-date=6 June 2014 |access-date=5 June 2014 |website=Ararat}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lomsadze |first=Giorgi |date=17 March 2015 |title=Armenia Dodges Eurovision Controversy |work=Eurasianet |url=https://eurasianet.org/armenia-dodges-eurovision-controversy |access-date=8 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Halpin |first=Chris |date=11 May 2016 |title=EBU sanctions Armenian broadcaster over Nagorno-Karabakh flag incident |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2016/05/11/ebu-sanctions-armenian-broadcaster-nagorno-karabakh-flag-incident/141783/ |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=wiwibloggs.co.uk}}</ref> Interactions between {{Esccnty|Russia}} and {{Esccnty|Ukraine}} in the contest had originally been positive, but as [[Russia–Ukraine relations|political relations]] soured between the two countries so, too, have [[Russia–Ukraine relations in the Eurovision Song Contest|relations at Eurovision]] become more complex. Complaints were levied against the winning song for {{Esccnty|Ukraine|y=2016|t=Ukraine in 2016}}, "[[1944 (song)|1944]]", whose lyrics referenced the [[Deportation of the Crimean Tatars|deportation]] of the [[Crimean Tatars]], but which the {{Esccnty|Russia|y=2016|t=Russian delegation}} claimed had a greater political meaning in light of [[Russian annexation of Crimea|Russia's annexation]] of [[Crimea]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Savage |first=Mark |date=22 February 2016 |title=Eurovision: Ukraine's entry aimed at Russia |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35630395 |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Withnall |first=Adam |date=15 May 2016 |title=Russian officials threaten to boycott next Eurovision after victory for 'political' Ukraine entry |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/eurovision-song-contest-2016-winner-ukraine-jamala-russia-threat-boycott-next-year-a7030591.html |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> As {{Esccnty|Ukraine|y=2017}} prepared to host the {{Escyr|2017||following year's contest}}, {{Esccnty|Russia|y=2017}}'s selected representative, [[Yuliya Samoylova (singer)|Yuliya Samoylova]], was barred from entering the country due to having previously entered Crimea illegally according to Ukrainian law.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 March 2017 |title=Eurovision 2017: Ukraine bars Russian singer Samoilova from contest |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39354775 |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> [[Channel One Russia]] eventually pulled out of the contest after offers for Samoylova to perform remotely were refused by the broadcaster, resulting in the EBU reprimanding the [[Suspilne|Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine]] (UA:PBC).<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 April 2017 |title=EBU: 'Russia no longer able to take part in Eurovision 2017' |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/russia-unable-to-participate-2017-ebu-statement |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=Eurovision.tv |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] (EBU)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Eurovision threatens to ban Ukraine over Russian singer row |work=[[The Guardian]] |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/apr/01/eurovision-threatens-to-ban-ukraine-over-russian-singer-row |access-date=8 July 2020}}</ref> In the wake of the [[Russo-Ukrainian war (2022–present)|Russian invasion of Ukraine]] and subsequent protests from other participating countries, {{Esccnty|Russia|y=2022}} was barred from competing in the {{Escyr|2022|3=2022 contest}}, which {{Esccnty|Ukraine|y=2022}} went on to win.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 February 2022 |title=EBU statement regarding the participation of Russia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 |url=https://eurovision.tv/mediacentre/release/ebu-statement-russia-2022 |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=Eurovision.tv |publisher=EBU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=25 February 2022 |title=Eurovision: Russia banned from competing at 2022 Song Contest |work=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-60530513 |access-date=26 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Belam |first1=Martin |last2=Cvorak |first2=Monika |date=14 May 2022 |title=Ukraine wins 2022 Eurovision song contest as UK finishes second in Turin |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/may/15/ukraine-wins-2022-eurovision-song-contest-as-uk-finishes-second-in-turin |access-date=15 May 2022 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>

The planned entry from {{Esccnty|Georgia|y=2009|t=Georgia in 2009}}, "We Don't Wanna Put In", caused controversy as the lyrics appeared to criticise [[Vladimir Putin]], in a move seen as opposition to the then-[[Prime Minister of Russia|Russian prime minister]] in the aftermath of the [[Russo-Georgian War]]. After requests by the EBU for changes to the lyrics were refused, the [[Georgian Public Broadcaster]] (GPB) subsequently withdrew from the event.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 March 2009 |title=Eurovision axes 'anti-Putin' song |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7935865.stm |access-date=8 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref>{{sfn|West|2020|pp=253–257}} The planned entry from {{Esccnty|Belarus|y=2021|t=Belarus in 2021}}, "[[Ya nauchu tebya (I'll Teach You)]]", also caused controversy in the wake of [[2020–2021 Belarusian protests|demonstrations]] against disputed [[2020 Belarusian presidential election|election]] results, resulting in the [[Belteleradio|Belarusian Television and Radio Company]] (BTRC) being disqualified when the aforementioned song and another potential song were deemed to breach the contest's rules on neutrality and politicisation.<ref name="Belarus 2021">{{Cite web |date=26 March 2021 |title=EBU statement on Belarusian participation |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/ebu-statement-on-belarusian-entry-2021 |access-date=5 April 2021 |website=Eurovision.tv |publisher=EBU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Agadellis |first=Stratos |date=11 March 2021 |title=Belarus: EBU releases statement on the country's entry for Eurovision 2021 |url=http://esctoday.com/182383/belarus-ebu-releases-statement-on-the-countrys-entry-for-eurovision-2021/ |access-date=5 April 2021 |website=esctoday.com}}</ref>

{{Esccnty|Israel}}'s participation in the contest has resulted in several controversial moments in the past, with the country's first appearance {{Esccnty|Israel|y=1973|t=in 1973}}, less than a year after the [[Munich massacre]], resulting in an increased security presence at the venue in [[Luxembourg City]].{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=52–55}}<ref name="Luxembourg 73" />{{sfn|West|2020|pp=83–86}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3396189,00.html|title=Debunking a Eurovision myth|work=Ynet|first=Josh|last=Hamerman|date=2007-05-08|access-date=2025-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070516171800/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3396189,00.html|archive-date=2007-05-16}}</ref> Its first win {{Esccnty|Israel|y=1978|t=in 1978}} proved controversial for [[Arab world|Arab states]] broadcasting the contest which would typically cut to [[Television advertisement|advertisements]] when Israel performed due to a lack of [[International recognition of Israel|recognition of the country]], and when it became apparent Israel would win, many of these broadcasters cut the feed before the end of the voting.<ref name="Paris 78">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Paris 1978 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/paris-1978 |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=72–75}}<ref name="Roxburgh 2">{{Cite book |last=Roxburgh |first=Gordon |title=Songs for Europe: The United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest |date=2014 |publisher=Telos Publishing |isbn=978-1-84583-093-9 |volume=Two: The 1970s |location=Prestatyn}}</ref> Broadcasters from Arab states which are eligible to compete have largely not participated, with {{Esccnty|Morocco}} the only Arab state to have entered Eurovision, competing for the first, and to date only time, in {{Escyr|1980}} when Israel was absent.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=80–83}}<ref name="The Hague 80">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: The Hague 1980 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/the-hague-1980 |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

Israel's participation has been criticised by those who oppose current [[Cabinet of Israel|government]] policies in the state as well as on the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]], with calls raised by various political groups for a boycott ahead of the {{Escyr|2019||2019 contest}} in [[Tel Aviv]], including proponents of the [[Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions]] movement in response to the country's policies towards [[Palestinians]] in the [[West Bank]] and [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]], as well as groups who take issue with perceived [[Pinkwashing (LGBTQ)|pinkwashing]] in Israel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Farrell |first=Stephen |date=10 May 2019 |title=Israel counters Eurovision boycott campaign with Google ads |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-music-eurovision-israel-preparations/israel-counters-eurovision-boycott-campaign-with-google-ads-idUSKCN1SG11L |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[Reuters]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Maikey |first1=Haneen |last2=Aked |first2=Hilary |date=4 March 2019 |title=L'Eurovision comme occasion de pinkwashing pour Israël – la communauté LGBT+ devrait le boycotter |trans-title=Eurovision as a pinkwashing opportunity for Israel – the LGBT+ community should boycott it |url=http://agencemediapalestine.fr/blog/2019/03/04/15797/ |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=agencemediapalestine.fr/ |publisher=Agence Médias Palestine |language=fr}}</ref> Others campaigned against a boycott, asserting that any cultural boycott would be antithetical to advancing peace in the region.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherwin |first=Adam |date=30 April 2019 |title=Eurovision 2019: Stephen Fry & Sharon Osbourne lead celebrities rejecting boycott of Israel Song Contest |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/stephen-fry-sharon-osbourne-lead-celebrities-rejecting-boycott-of-israel-eurovision-song-contest-285507 |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[i (British newspaper)|i]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Snapes |first=Laura |date=30 April 2019 |title=Celebrities denounce proposed boycott of Eurovision in Israel |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/apr/30/celebrities-denounce-proposed-boycott-of-eurovision-in-israel-stephen-fry |access-date=12 March 2021 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Following the outbreak of the [[Gaza war]] in October 2023, the Israeli–Palestinian conflict once again impacted the contest, with [[Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024#Calls for exclusion|renewed calls for Israel's exclusion]] ahead of the {{escyr|2024||2024 event}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Savage |first1=Mark |date=8 February 2024 |title=Israel chooses Eurovision 2024 entrant amid calls for a boycott |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68238270 |access-date=11 April 2024 |work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> "[[Hurricane (Eden Golan song)|Hurricane]]", Israel's entry for that year's contest, was accepted by the EBU,<ref>{{cite web |title=FAQ: Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 – Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/mediacentre/frequently-asked-questions-israel-24 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=11 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409150921/https://eurovision.tv/mediacentre/frequently-asked-questions-israel-24 |archive-date=9 April 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=EBU Statement on abuse and harassment of ESC 2024 Artists |url=https://eurovision.tv/mediacentre/release/ebu-statement-esc-2024-artists |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=11 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409150742/https://eurovision.tv/mediacentre/release/ebu-statement-esc-2024-artists |archive-date=9 April 2024 |date=9 April 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> although it was required to undergo rewrites as the EBU objected to the political nature of the original lyrics, which made reference to the [[October 7 attacks|7 October attacks]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Savage |first1=Mark |title=Israel reveals Eurovision song after weeks of wrangling |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68533031 |access-date=11 April 2024 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=11 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Israel: KAN Confirms Changes to Previously Rejected Eurovision Songs |url=https://eurovoix.com/2024/03/03/changes-to-previously-rejected-eurovision-songs/ |publisher=Eurovoix |access-date=11 April 2024 |date=3 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bryant |first=Miranda |date=2024-04-07 |title='We are not the arena to solve a Middle East conflict': Sweden braced for a politically charged Eurovision |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/apr/07/eurovision-sweden-middle-east-conflict-israel |access-date=2024-04-12 |work=The Observer |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712}}</ref> Israel's second-place finish and win in the public vote in {{escyr|2025|}} was contested by several participating countries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-18 |title=Israel's Yuval Raphael performs to mixed response at Eurovision 2025 final |url=https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/eurovision/israel-eurovision-2025-final-performance-voting-odds-b2753035.html |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Heylen |first=Kathleen |date=2025-05-19 |title=Moet televoting bij Songfestival herbekeken worden? "Te makkelijk om resultaten op grote schaal te beïnvloeden" {{!}} VRT NWS: nieuws |trans-title=Should Eurovision televoting be reconsidered? "Too easy to influence results on a large scale" |url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/05/19/eurovisiesongfestival-commotie-rond-televoting-hoe-werkt-het/?utm_source=corporate&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=rssfeed&utm_content=vrt-nws |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=VRT NWS |publisher=[[VRT (broadcaster)|VRT]] |language=nl-BE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martínez |first=Héctor Llanos |date=2025-05-18 |title=¿Cómo se reparten los puntos del público en Eurovisión? ¿Por qué Israel domina el televoto |trans-title=How are the public votes distributed in Eurovision? Why does Israel dominate the televote? |url=https://elpais.com/television/2025-05-18/como-se-reparten-los-puntos-del-publico-en-eurovision-por-que-israel-domina-el-televoto.html |access-date=2025-05-18 |work=[[El País]] |language=es-ES}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-19 |title=Les résultats de l'Eurovision suscitent une vive polémique: "Il est évident qu'Israël a tenté de manipuler le télévote" |trans-title=Eurovision results spark heated debate: "It is clear that Israel tried to manipulate the televote" |url=https://www.lalibre.be/culture/musique/2025/05/19/les-resultats-de-leurovision-suscite-une-vive-polemique-il-est-evident-quisrael-a-tente-de-manipuler-le-televote-CS5WON2CBBATLBGRKR7TSPP2UI |access-date=2025-05-19 |work=[[La Libre Belgique]] |language=fr-BE}}</ref>

=== Political and geographical voting ===
{{multiple image
| direction         = vertical
| align             = center
| width             = 900
| footer            = Produced using the methods presented by Mantzaris, Rein, and Hopkins:{{sfn| Mantzaris | Rein | Hopkins | 2018a }}{{sfn| Mantzaris | Rein | Hopkins | 2018b }} a network of the significant score deviations can be viewed over a time period of interest.<br />
{{legend inline|#ff6a6a}}Southwest {{space|en}} {{legend inline|#bdeeee}}Northwest {{space|en}} {{legend inline|#1e90ff}}North {{space|en}} {{legend inline|#ccc}}Central {{space|en}} {{legend inline|#ffb90f}}Southeast {{space|en}} {{legend inline|#9acd32}}East
| image1            = The collusion between countries in Eurovision 1997 to 2017.png
| alt1              = Voting preferences in Eurovision 1997 to 2017
| caption1          = Voting preferences between countries in Eurovision between 1997 and 2017
| image2            = Mutual neglect of score allocations in the Eurovision 2010 to 2015.png
| alt2              = Neglect in Eurovision 2010 to 2015
| caption2          = Mutual neglect of score allocations in Eurovision between 2010 and 2015
}}

The contest has been described as containing political elements in its voting process, a perception that countries will give votes more frequently and in higher quantities to other countries based on political relationships, rather than the musical merits of the songs themselves.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 May 2004 |title=Eurovision votes 'farce' attack |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/3719157.stm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040603125500/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/3719157.stm |archive-date=3 June 2004 |access-date=6 July 2020 |url-status=live |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=14 May 2007 |title=Malta slates Eurovision's voting |work=[[BBC News]] |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6654719.stm |url-status=live |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070709104543/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6654719.stm |archive-date=9 July 2007}}</ref> Numerous studies and academic papers have been written on this subject, which have corroborated that certain countries form "clusters" or "cliques" by frequently voting in the same way; one study concludes that [[voting bloc]]s can play a crucial role in deciding the winner of the contest, with evidence that on at least two occasions bloc voting was a pivotal factor in the vote for the winning song.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Fenn |first1=Daniel |last2=Suleman |first2=Omer |last3=Efstathiou |first3=Janet |last4=Johnson |first4=Niel F. |date=1 February 2006 |title=How does Europe Make Its Mind Up? Connections, cliques, and compatibility between countries in the Eurovision Song Contest |journal=Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and Its Applications |volume=360 |issue=2 |pages=576–598 |arxiv=physics/0505071 |bibcode=2006PhyA..360..576F |doi=10.1016/j.physa.2005.06.051 |s2cid=119406544}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gatherer |first=Derek |date=31 March 2006 |title=Comparison of Eurovision Song Contest Simulation with Actual Results Reveals Shifting Patterns of Collusive Voting Alliances |url=http://jasss.soc.surrey.ac.uk/9/2/1.html |journal=Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation |volume=9 |issue=2 |issn=1460-7425 |access-date=6 July 2020}}</ref> Other views on these "blocs" argue that certain countries will allocate high points to others based on similar musical tastes, shared cultural links and a high degree of similarity and [[mutual intelligibility]] between languages, and are therefore more likely to appreciate and vote for the competing songs from these countries based on these factors, rather than political relationships specifically.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ginsburgh |first1=Victor |last2=Noury |first2=Abdul |date=October 2006 |title=The Eurovision Song Contest: Is Voting Political or Cultural? |url=http://w.ecares.org/ecare/personal/ginsburgh/papers/153.eurovision.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903222919/http://w.ecares.org/ecare/personal/ginsburgh/papers/153.eurovision.pdf |archive-date=3 September 2015 |access-date=6 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="Spierdijk/Vellekoop">{{Cite journal |last1=Spierdijk |first1=L |last2=Vellekoop |first2=M.H. |year=2006 |title=Geography, culture, and religion: Explaining the bias in Eurovision song contest voting |url=https://research.utwente.nl/en/publications/geography-culture-and-religion-explaining-the-bias-in-eurovision- |journal=Applied Mathematics Memoranda |volume=1794 |access-date=6 July 2020}}</ref> Analysis on other voting patterns have revealed examples which indicate voting preferences among countries based on shared religion, as well as "patriotic voting", particularly since the introduction of televoting in {{Escyr|1997}}, where [[Expatriate|foreign nationals]] vote for their country of origin.<ref name="Spierdijk/Vellekoop" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 May 2016 |title=Is there a Eurovision migrant effect? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-36305838 |access-date=6 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref>

Voting patterns in the contest have been reported by news publishers, including ''[[The Economist]]'', ''[[The Times]]'', and ''[[BBC News]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Ruth |date=19 May 2008 |title=The maths of Eurovision voting |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7408216.stm |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Davies |first=Matilda |date=13 May 2022 |title=Data holds the key to Eurovision success or failure |url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/music/article/eurovision-2022-songs-analysis-p5d6gndsp |access-date=8 May 2023 |website=[[The Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=12 May 2018 |title=Neighbourly voting in the Eurovision Song Contest |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |url=https://www.economist.com/europe/2018/05/12/neighbourly-voting-in-the-eurovision-song-contest |access-date=7 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=11 May 2018 |title=Partisanship at Eurovision is becoming more blatant |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2018/05/11/partisanship-at-eurovision-is-becoming-more-blatant |access-date=7 July 2020}}</ref> Criticism of the voting system was at its highest in the mid-2000s, resulting in a number of calls for countries to boycott the contest over reported voting biases, particularly following the {{Escyr|2007||2007 contest}} where Eastern European countries occupied the top 15 places in the final and dominated the qualifying spaces.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=188–191}}{{sfn|West|2020|pp=241–245}} The poor performance of the entries from more traditional Eurovision countries had subsequently been discussed in European national parliaments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2007 |title=MP demands Eurovision vote change |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6657207.stm |access-date=6 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref>{{efn|The developments in the voting was cited as among the reasons for the resignation of [[Terry Wogan]] as commentator for the BBC, a role he had performed at every contest from {{Escyr|1980}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 August 2008 |title=Terry Wogan 'very doubtful' about presenting Eurovision again |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/eurovision-12-1323243 |access-date=6 July 2020 |website=NME}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 December 2008 |title=Norton is Eurovision's new Wogan |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7766310.stm |access-date=6 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref>}} In response to this criticism, the EBU introduced a second semi-final in 2008, with countries split based on geographic proximity and voting history, and juries of music professionals were reintroduced in 2009, in an effort to reduce the impacts of bloc voting.<ref name="2010 jury semis" /><ref name="Jury 09 final" /><ref name="Revamp">{{Cite web |date=9 January 2008 |title=Revamp for Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/revamp-for-eurovision-song-contest |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

=== LGBTQ visibility ===
{{main|LGBTQ visibility in the Eurovision Song Contest}}
[[File:Dana International op Het Grote Songfestivalfeest 2019.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Photograph of Dana International during a performance|[[Dana International]], the contest's first [[Transgender|trans]] participant, and winner of the 1998 contest for Israel]]
Eurovision has had a long-held fan base in the [[LGBTQ community]], and contest organisers have actively worked to include these fans in the event since the 1990s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 May 2015 |title=How Eurovision became a gay-friendly contest |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20150522-eurovision-gay-friendly-song-contest-lgbt-conchita-wurst |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=[[France 24]]}}</ref> [[Paul Oscar]] became the contest's first openly [[Gay men|gay]] artist to compete when he represented {{esccnty|Iceland|y=1997|t=Iceland in 1997}}. [[Dana International]], representing {{esccnty|Israel|y=1998|t=Israel in 1998}}, was the contest's first [[Transgender|trans]] performer, and became the first LGBTQ artist to win the contest.{{sfn|West|2020|pp=191–195}}<ref name="Birmingham 98">{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Birmingham 1998 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/birmingham-1998 |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> In {{Escyr|2021}}, [[Nikkie de Jager]] became the first trans person to host the contest.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roessink |first=Paulien |date=17 May 2021 |title='Eurovision' gets first transgender host in YouTube star Nikkie de Jager |work=SBS Your Language |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/eurovision-gets-first-transgender-host-in-youtube-star-nikkie-de-jager_1 |url-status=live |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523115659/https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/eurovision-gets-first-transgender-host-in-youtube-star-nikkie-de-jager_1 |archive-date=23 May 2021}}</ref>

Several open members of the LGBTQ community have since gone on to compete and win: [[Conchita Wurst]], the [[Drag (clothing)|drag]] persona of openly gay Thomas Neuwirth, won for {{esccnty|Austria|y=2014|t=Austria in 2014}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bromwich |first=Kathryn |date=6 July 2014 |title=Conchita Wurst: 'Most artists are sensitive and insecure people. I am too' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jul/06/conchita-interview-sensitive-insecure-eurovision-gay-pin-up-austrian |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> [[Marija Šerifović]], who won for {{esccnty|Serbia|y=2007|t=Serbia in 2007}}, subsequently came out publicly as a lesbian in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 November 2013 |title=I Am A Lesbian! – Marija Serifovic Opens Up in Her Film 'Confession' |url=http://inserbia.info/today/2013/11/i-am-a-lesbian-marija-serifovic-opens-herself-completely-in-her-film-confession/ |access-date=7 August 2015 |publisher=InSerbia News}}</ref> Openly [[bisexual]] performer [[Duncan Laurence]] was the winner for the {{esccnty|Netherlands|y=2019|t=Netherlands in 2019}};<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Matt |date=18 May 2019 |title=Dutch Eurovision contestant Duncan Laurence comes out as bisexual |url=https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/community/122298/dutch-eurovision-contestant-duncan-laurence-comes-out-as-bisexual/ |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[Gay Times]]}}</ref> and rock band [[Måneskin]], which won for {{esccnty|Italy|y=2021|t=Italy in 2021}}, features openly lesbian [[Victoria De Angelis]] as its bassist, who at the time of the contest also identified as bisexual.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Boni |first=Federico |date=12 February 2021 |title=Sanremo 2021, i Maneskin a nudo tra bisessualità e "libertà sessuale" – la gallery social |language=italian |work=Gay.it |url=https://www.gay.it/sanremo-2021-maneskin-nudo-bisessualita-gallery-social |access-date=1 February 2022}}</ref> [[Nemo (singer)|Nemo]], who represented {{esccnty|Switzerland|y=2024|t=Switzerland in 2024}}, was the first [[non-binary]] winner.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-11 |title=Nemo offre à la Suisse un triomphe à l'Eurovision avec son titre 'The Code' |url=https://www.rts.ch/info/culture/dossiers/2024/eurovision/2024/article/nemo-offre-a-la-suisse-un-triomphe-a-l-eurovision-avec-son-titre-the-code-28499524.html |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=rts.ch |language=fr}}</ref>

Past competing songs and performances have included references and allusions to [[same-sex relationships]]; "[[Nous les amoureux]]", the winning song for {{esccnty|Luxembourg|y=1961|t=Luxembourg in 1961}}, contained references to the difficulties faced by a homosexual relationship;<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 May 2019 |title='Nous les amoureux' de Jean-Claude Pascal, une chanson qui annonce la révolution du mouvement gay... |url=https://www.rtbf.be/lapremiere/article/detail_nous-les-amoureux-de-jean-claude-pascal-une-chanson-qui-annonce-la-revolution-du-mouvement-gay?id=10221083 |access-date=3 May 2020 |website=La Première |language=fr}}</ref> [[Krista Siegfrids]]' performance of "[[Marry Me (Krista Siegfrids song)|Marry Me]]" for {{esccnty|Finland|y=2013|t=Finland in 2013}} included a same-sex kiss with one of her female backing dancers;<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 May 2013 |title=Eurovision 2013 final underway amid lesbian kiss controversy |url=https://www.dw.com/en/eurovision-2013-final-underway-amid-lesbian-kiss-controversy/a-16822230 |access-date=28 February 2021 |publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]]}}</ref> and [[Ryan O'Shaughnessy]]'s performance of "[[Together (Ryan O'Shaughnessy song)|Together]]" for {{esccnty|Ireland|y=2018|t=Ireland in 2018}} featured two male dancers portraying a same-sex relationship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Daniel |date=9 May 2018 |title=Ireland's Gay Dance on Eurovision Shows World That 'Love Is Love' |url=https://www.advocate.com/world/2018/5/09/irelands-gay-dance-eurovision-shows-world-love-love |access-date=28 February 2021 |website=advocate.com |publisher=[[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]]}}</ref> [[Drag queen|Drag performers]], such as [[Verka Serduchka]] for {{Esccnty|Ukraine|y=2007|t=Ukraine in 2007}}, [[DQ (artist)|DQ]] for {{Esccnty|Denmark|y=2007|t=Denmark in 2007}}, [[Sestre (drag act)|Sestre]] for {{Esccnty|Slovenia|y=2002|t=Slovenia in 2002}}, have appeared, including Wurst winning in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jordan |first=Paul |date=24 October 2016 |title=Life's a drag! Eurovision queens past and present |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/life-s-a-drag-eurovision-queens-past-and-present |access-date=28 February 2021 |website=eurovision.tv |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 March 2002 |title=Transvestite Sisters stir Eurovision storm |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/monitoring/media_reports/1855726.stm |access-date=28 February 2021 |website=bbc.co.uk |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Banks |first=Martin |date=6 March 2002 |title=Transvestite Eurosong win sparks Slovenia accession doubts |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/transvestite-eurosong-win-sparks-slovenia-accession-doubts/ |access-date=28 February 2021 |website=politico.eu |publisher=[[Politico]]}}</ref>

Various political ideologies across Europe have clashed in the Eurovision setting, particularly on [[LGBTQ rights in Europe|LGBTQ rights]]. Dana International's selection for the 1998 contest was marked by objections and death threats from orthodox [[Religion in Israel|religious sections of Israeli society]], and at the contest her accommodation was reportedly in the only hotel in [[Birmingham]] with bulletproof windows.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=152–155}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 May 1998 |title=Transsexual singer stirs up passions |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/special_report/1998/05/98/eurovision/90279.stm |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> {{lang|tr|[[Turkish Radio and Television Corporation|Türkiye Radyo ve Televizyon Kurumu]]|i=no}} (TRT) from {{esccnty|Turkey}}, once a regular participant in the contest and a one-time winner, first pulled out of the contest in 2013, citing dissatisfaction in the voting rules; more recently when asked about returning to the contest it has cited LGBTQ performances as another reason for its continued boycott, refusing to broadcast the 2013 event over Finland's same sex kiss.<ref name="Turkey LGBT" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Alex |date=18 March 2020 |title=Eurovision Song Contest Is Canceled Over Coronavirus Concerns |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/arts/music/eurovision-canceled-coronavirus.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318141020/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/arts/music/eurovision-canceled-coronavirus.html |archive-date=18 March 2020 |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[The New York Times]] |quote="In 2018, the head of Turkey's public broadcaster said the boycott was also partly because some past winners, including the drag queen Conchita Wurst, had gone against Turkey's social values."}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Joe |date=16 May 2013 |title=Turkey cancels Eurovision Song Contest over lesbian kiss |url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/turkey-cancels-eurovision-song-contest-over-lesbian-kiss160513/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528122038/https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/turkey-cancels-eurovision-song-contest-over-lesbian-kiss160513/ |archive-date=28 May 2022 |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=[[Gay Star News]]}}</ref> LGBTQ visibility in the contest has been cited as a deciding factor for the non-participation of {{lang|hu|[[MTVA (Hungary)|Médiaszolgáltatás-támogató és Vagyonkezelő Alap]]|i=unset}} (MTVA) from {{esccnty|Hungary}} since 2020, although no official reason was given.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Shaun |last2=Garamvolgyi |first2=Flora |date=27 November 2019 |title=Hungary pulls out of Eurovision amid rise in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/nov/27/hungary-pulls-out-of-eurovision-amid-rise-in-anti-lgbt-rhetoric |access-date=16 July 2020 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kozlov |first=Vladimir |date=29 November 2019 |title=Hungary Exits 2020 Eurovision Over Contest's LGBT-Friendly Policies: Report |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8545072/hungary-exits-2020-eurovision-song-contest-over-lgbt-friendly-policies-report |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=16 July 2020}}</ref> The rise of [[anti-LGBTQ rhetoric]] in Europe led to a marked increase in [[booing]] from contest audiences in protest, particularly since the introduction of a [[Russian anti-LGBTQ law|"gay propaganda" law in Russia]] in 2013.{{sfn|West|2020|pp=283–286}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Fraser |date=11 May 2014 |title=Eurovision 2014: the booing of Russia was a disgrace |url=http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/culturehousedaily/2014/05/eurovision-2014-the-booing-of-russia-was-a-disgrace/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504080615/http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/culturehousedaily/2014/05/eurovision-2014-the-booing-of-russia-was-a-disgrace/ |archive-date=4 May 2015 |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[The Spectator]]}}</ref> Conchita Wurst's win was [[Conchita Wurst#International response|met with criticism]] on the [[Politics of Russia|Russian political]] stage, with several [[Conservatism in Russia|conservative]] politicians voicing displeasure in the result.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davies |first=Caroline |date=11 May 2014 |title=Conchita Wurst pledges to promote tolerance after jubilant welcome home |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2014/may/11/conchita-wurst-pledges-to-promote-tolerance |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Clashes on LGBTQ visibility in the contest have occurred in countries which do not compete, such as in China, where broadcasting rights were terminated during the 2018 contest due to [[Censorship in China|censorship]] of "abnormal sexual relationships and behaviours" that went against Chinese broadcasting guidelines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Royston |first=Benny |date=10 May 2018 |title=China banned from broadcasting Eurovision after cutting same-sex dance and tattooed singer |url=https://metro.co.uk/2018/05/10/china-banned-from-broadcasting-eurovision-after-cutting-same-sex-dance-and-tattooed-singer-7536787/ |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bakker |first=Sietse |date=10 May 2018 |title=EBU terminates this year's partnership with Mango TV |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/ebu-terminates-this-year-s-partnership-with-mango-tv |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

== Cultural influence ==
[[File:Fan media at Eurovision Song Contest 2024.jpg|thumb|Fan media working at the {{Escyr|2024||2024 contest}} in Malmö]]
The Eurovision Song Contest has amassed a global following and sees annual audience figures of between 100 and 200 million in the 21st century,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-07-08 |title=Eurovision 2010 ratings follow trend of 2007, 2008 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2010-ratings-follow-trend-of-2007-2008 |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Eurovision.tv |publisher=European Broadcasting Union |language=en |quote=The cumulative amount of viewers was 108.2 million, compared to 124 million last year and 106 million in 2007 and 2008.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Finland wins Eurovision contest |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/archive/2006/05/2008410141723346664.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200119173244/https://www.aljazeera.com/archive/2006/05/2008410141723346664.html |archive-date=19 January 2020 |access-date=26 June 2020 |publisher=[[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-05-24 |title=Eurovision Song Contest attracts 204 million viewers! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-song-contest-attracts-204-million-viewers |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Eurovision.tv |publisher=EBU |language=en}}</ref> though figures as high as 700 million for the 1980s were reported by some sources.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest – International Music Program |url=http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/E/htmlE/eurovisionso/eurovisionso.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050113034609/http://www.museum.tv/Archives/Etv/E/htmlE/eurovisionso/eurovisionso.htm |archive-date=13 January 2005 |access-date=26 June 2020 |publisher=[[Museum of Broadcast Communications]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-02-28 |title=Ascolti TV Eurovision Song Contest |trans-title=Eurovision Song Contest TV viewership |url=https://www.eurofestivalnews.com/ascolti-tv-eurovision-song-contest/ |access-date=2025-06-18 |website=Eurofestival News |language=it-IT}}</ref> The contest has become a cultural influence worldwide since its first years. It is regularly described as having [[kitsch]] appeal, and is included as a topic of parody in television [[Sketch comedy|sketches]] and in stage performances at the [[Edinburgh Festival Fringe|Edinburgh Fringe]] and [[Melbourne International Comedy Festival|Melbourne Comedy]] festivals amongst others.<ref name="Fringe">{{Cite web |last=Majendie |first=Paul |date=11 August 2007 |title=Fringe show celebrates Eurovision kitsch |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/stage-arts-edinburgh-eurovision-dc/edinburgh-fringe-show-celebrates-eurovision-kitsch-idUKL1142844820070811 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010235342/http://uk.reuters.com/article/stage-arts-edinburgh-eurovision-dc/edinburgh-fringe-show-celebrates-eurovision-kitsch-idUKL1142844820070811 |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 October 2017 |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=[[Reuters]]}}</ref><ref name="Antes cursi" />{{sfn|Raykoff|Tobin|2016|p=9}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=comedyfestival.com.au |url=https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2020/shows/eurowision |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306071538/https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2020/shows/eurowision |archive-date=6 March 2020 |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=Melbourne International Comedy Festival: Eurowision}}</ref> Several films have been created which celebrate the contest, including 1972 Spanish musical {{lang|es|[[En un mundo nuevo (film)|En un mundo nuevo]]}},<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.canalsur.es/rtva/karina-protagonista-de-en-un-mundo-nuevo/1843415.html|title=Karina, protagonista de "En un mundo nuevo"|website=[[Radio y Televisión de Andalucía]]|date=9 July 2022|language=es}}</ref> [[Eytan Fox]]'s 2013 Israeli comedy ''[[Cupcakes (film)|Cupcakes]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 March 2015 |title='Cupcakes': Film Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/cupcakes-film-review-784623 |access-date=28 February 2021 |website=hollywoodreporter.com |publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> and [[Netflix]]'s 2020 musical comedy, ''[[Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga]]'', produced with backing from the EBU and starring [[Will Ferrell]] and [[Rachel McAdams]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 June 2020 |title=Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga – out now! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-movie-the-story-of-fire-saga |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Sheena |date=26 June 2020 |title='Eurovision Song Contest' Movie on Netflix Celebrates A Very European Show |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/sheenascott/2020/06/26/eurovision-song-contest-the-story-of-fire-saga-on-netflix-celebrates-a-very-european-show |access-date=3 July 2020 |website=[[Forbes]]}}</ref>

Eurovision has a large online following and multiple independent websites, news blogs and [[fan clubs]] are dedicated to the event.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gross |first=Jenny |date=2024-05-03 |title=Eurovision Fans Are Hungry for News. These Superfans Are Here to Help. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/03/arts/music/eurovision-news-media-fans.html |access-date=2024-05-22 |work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> One of the oldest and largest Eurovision fan clubs is the {{lang|fr|[[OGAE|Organisation Générale des Amateurs de l'Eurovision]]|i=no}} (OGAE), founded in 1984 in Finland and grew into a network of over 40 national branches worldwide. National branches regularly host events to promote and celebrate Eurovision, and several participating broadcasters work closely with these branches when preparing their entries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Fans |url=https://eurovision.tv/fans |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125225630/https://eurovision.tv/fans |archive-date=25 November 2020 |access-date=19 February 2022 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

In the run-up to each year's contest, smaller events are regularly hosted in several countries between the conclusion of the national selection shows in March and the contest proper in May, known as the "pre-parties". These events typically feature the artists which will go on to compete at that year's contest, and consist of performances at a venue and meet-and-greets with fans and the press. ''Eurovision in Concert'', held annually in [[Amsterdam]], was one of the first of these events to be created, holding its first edition in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Eurovision in Concert |url=https://eurovisioninconcert.nl/en/about-eurovision-in-concert/ |access-date=3 July 2020 |website=eurovisioninconcert.nl}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Groot |first=Evert |date=7 April 2019 |title=This was Eurovision in Concert 2019 in Amsterdam |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-in-concert-2019-in-review |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Other events held regularly include the ''London Eurovision Party'' in [[London]] and ''PrePartyES'' in [[Madrid]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Holden |first1=Steve |last2=Rosney |first2=Daniel |date=12 May 2019 |title=Eurovision Tel Aviv 2019: Why the song contest is bigger than ever |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-48023500 |access-date=3 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Zwart |first1=Josianne |last2=Escudero |first2=Victor M. |date=18 April 2018 |title=Over 20 acts to appear at Madrid's ESPreParty this weekend |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/espreparty-madrid-spain-2018 |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Several community events have been held virtually, particularly since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe in 2020, among these ''[[EurovisionAgain]]'', an initiative where fans watched and discussed past contests in sync on YouTube and other social media platforms. Launched during the first [[COVID-19 lockdowns]], the event subsequently became a [[Twitter trends|top trend on Twitter]] across Europe and facilitated over {{Currency|20000|GBP}} in donations for UK-based LGBTQ charities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosney |first=Daniel |date=25 April 2020 |title=Eurovision Again: Why fans of the song contest get together every Saturday |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-52381023 |access-date=3 July 2020 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 June 2020 |title=Eurovision Again wordt maandelijks initiatief |trans-title=Eurovision Again becomes a monthly initiative |url=https://www.ad.nl/show/eurovision-again-wordt-maandelijks-initiatief~ac29e875/ |access-date=3 July 2020 |website=[[Algemeen Dagblad]] |language=nl}}</ref><ref name="Eurovision Again BtS">{{Cite web |date=27 June 2020 |title=How Eurovision Again came to your screens |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/how-eurovisionagain-was-brought-to-your-screens |access-date=3 July 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref>

== Special events and related competitions ==
[[File:Destiny Chukunyere at stage of JESC 2015 (2).jpg|thumb|[[Destiny Chukunyere]] won the [[Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2015|2015 edition]] of the [[Junior Eurovision Song Contest]] for {{Esccnty|Malta|J|y=2015}}.]]
[[File:Hosts of the Eurovision Greatest Hits.jpg|thumb|right|Hosts [[Graham Norton]] and [[Petra Mede]] during ''[[Eurovision Song Contest's Greatest Hits]]'', a special event marking the contest's 60th anniversary]]

Several anniversary events, and related contests under the "Eurovision Live Events" brand, have been organised by the EBU with its member broadcasters.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Live Events |url=https://events.eurovision.tv/ |access-date=26 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> In addition, participating broadcasters have occasionally commissioned special Eurovision programmes for their home audiences, and a number of other imitator contests have been developed outside of the EBU framework, on both a national and international level.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dahlander |first=Gustav |date=3 April 2020 |title=Klart för Eurovision-vecka i SVT |url=https://blogg.svt.se/melodifestivalen-expertbloggen/klart-for-eurovision-vecka-i-svt/ |access-date=15 July 2020 |website=svt.se |publisher=[[Sveriges Television]] |language=sv}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 May 2020 |title=May means Eurovision on the BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/webarchive/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fblogs%2Feurovision%2Fentries%2F990f7787-04ae-4b49-b62f-7303d1898a06 |access-date=15 July 2020 |publisher=BBC}}</ref>

The EBU has held several events to mark selected anniversaries in the contest's history: ''[[Songs of Europe (1981 concert)|Songs of Europe]]'', held in 1981 to celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary, had live performances and video recordings of all Eurovision Song Contest winners up to 1981;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Songs of Europe – BBC Two "Radio Times" listing |date=25 September 1981 |url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/d80d6106cc8a4d1199c991955cd18b8d |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029070701/http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/d80d6106cc8a4d1199c991955cd18b8d |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 October 2014 |access-date=26 June 2020 |publisher=[[BBC Genome Project]]}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|p=87}} ''[[Congratulations: 50 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest]]'' was organised in 2005 to celebrate the event's fiftieth anniversary, and featured a contest to determine the most popular song from among 14 selected entries from the contest's first 50 years;<ref name="Congratulations">{{Cite web |title=Congratulations Show – Eurovision History |url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/history/congratulations-show |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905232704/http://www.eurovision.tv/page/history/congratulations-show |archive-date=5 September 2015 |access-date=26 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref name="ABBA 50">{{Cite web |last=Adam |first=Karla |date=24 October 2005 |title=Abba's 'Waterloo' is voted best song of 50 Eurovision years |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/abbas-waterloo-is-voted-best-song-of-50-eurovision-years-321745.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628010131/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/abbas-waterloo-is-voted-best-song-of-50-eurovision-years-321745.html |archive-date=28 June 2020 |access-date=26 June 2020 |website=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> and in 2015 the event's sixtieth anniversary was marked by ''[[Eurovision Song Contest's Greatest Hits]]'', a concert of performances by past Eurovision artists and video montages of performances and footage from previous contests.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 February 2005 |title=Official: London to host Eurovision's 60th Anniversary Event |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/official-london-to-host-eurovision-s-60th-anniversary-event |access-date=26 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurovision's Greatest Hits – line-up |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/36KjTqPHSdTCqkv93SsGvJd/line-up |access-date=26 June 2020 |publisher=BBC}}</ref> Following the cancellation of the {{Escyr|2020||2020 contest}}, the EBU organised a special non-competitive broadcast, ''[[Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light]]'', which provided a showcase for the songs that would have taken part in the competition.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 April 2020 |title=Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light |url=https://eurovision.tv/eurovision-europe-shine-a-light |access-date=26 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=17 May 2020 |title=Eurovision still shines despite cancelled final |work=[[The Guardian]] |agency=[[PA Media]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/may/17/eurovision-still-shines-despite-cancelled-final |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref>

Other contests organised by the EBU include [[Eurovision Young Musicians]], a classical music competition for European musicians between the ages of 12 and 21;<ref name="EYM">{{Cite web |date=15 May 2018 |title=Live Event: Eurovision Young Musicians |url=https://www.ebu.ch/projects/tv/music/eurovision-young-musicians |access-date=26 June 2020 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref> [[Eurovision Young Dancers]], a dance competition for non-professional performers between the ages of 16 and 21;<ref name="EYD">{{Cite web |date=22 June 2017 |title=Live Event: Eurovision Young Dancers |url=https://www.ebu.ch/projects/tv/dance/eurovision-young-dancers |access-date=26 June 2020 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref> [[Eurovision Choir]], a choral competition for non-professional European choirs produced in partnership with the [[Interkultur Foundation]] and modelled after the [[World Choir Games]];<ref name="Choir">{{Cite web |date=3 June 2020 |title=Eurovision Choir |url=https://www.ebu.ch/eurovision-choir |access-date=26 June 2020 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref> and the [[Junior Eurovision Song Contest]], a similar song contest for singers aged between 9 and 14 representing their countries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Events: Junior Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://events.eurovision.tv/junior-eurovision-song-contest |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206224858/https://events.eurovision.tv/junior-eurovision-song-contest |archive-date=6 December 2021 |access-date=26 June 2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> The [[Eurovision Dance Contest]] was an event featuring pairs of dancers performing ballroom and Latin dancing, which took place for two editions, in 2007 and 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eurovision Dance Contest |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00dp4cf/episodes/guide |access-date=23 April 2020 |publisher=BBC}}</ref>

Similar international music competitions have been organised externally to the EBU. The [[Sopot International Song Festival]] has been held annually since 1961; between 1977 and 1980, under the patronage of the [[International Radio and Television Organisation]] (OIRT), an Eastern European broadcasting union similar to the EBU, it was rebranded as the [[Intervision Song Contest]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morton |first=Elise |date=5 May 2019 |title=Intervision, the Communist Counterpart to Eurovision That Didn't Quite Work |url=https://theculturetrip.com/europe/articles/intervision-the-communist-counterpart-to-eurovision-that-didnt-quite-work/ |access-date=28 February 2021 |website=theculturetrip.com |publisher=Culture Trip}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenberg |first=Steve |date=14 May 2012 |title=The Cold War rival to Eurovision |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18006446 |access-date=28 February 2021 |website=bbc.co.uk |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> An [[Ibero-America]]n contest, the [[OTI Festival]], was held by the {{lang|es|[[Organización de Televisión Iberoamericana]]|i=no}} (OTI) between 1972 and 2000 among [[hispanophone]] and [[lusophone]] broadcasters in Europe and the Americas; and a contest for countries and [[Autonomous administrative division|autonomous regions]] with [[Turkic peoples|Turkic]] links, the [[Turkvision Song Contest]], has been organised since 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Escudero |first=Victor M. |date=28 January 2018 |title=Celebration! The best of Spain in Eurovision |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/spain-top-ten-entries |access-date=28 February 2021 |website=eurovision.tv |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |quote=In 1995 [Marcos Llunas] won the latin version of Eurovision, the Festival OTI where Spain, Portugal and the American countries participated until the year 2000, when the last edition took place.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 January 2020 |title=El Festival de la OTI, el olvidado Eurovisión de las Américas |trans-title=The OTI Festival, the forgotten Eurovision of the Americas |url=https://www.elespanol.com/bluper/television/20200122/festival-oti-olvidado-eurovision-americas/460954581_0.html |access-date=28 February 2021 |website=elespanol.com |publisher=[[El Español]] |language=Spanish}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=21 September 2013 |title=After snubbing the Eurovision Song Contest, Turkey officially launches 'Turkvision' |publisher=[[Hürriyet Daily News]] |agency=[[Demirören News Agency|Doğan News Agency]] |location=Eskişehir |url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/after-snubbing-the-eurovision-song-contest-turkey-officially-launches-turkvision-54886 |access-date=28 February 2021}}</ref> Similarly, an adaptation of the contest for artists in the United States, the ''[[American Song Contest]]'', was held in 2022 and featured songs representing U.S. states and [[U.S. territory|territories]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 August 2020 |title=The Eurovision Song Contest travels to America! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-eurovision-song-contest-travels-to-america |access-date=28 February 2021 |website=eurovision.tv |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 May 2021 |title='American Song Contest' on screens in 2022 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/american-song-contest-2022 |access-date=26 May 2021 |website=eurovision.tv |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=14 May 2021 |title='American Song Contest', U.S. Version Of Eurovision, Tunes Up For NBC |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/american-song-contest-u-s-version-of-eurovision-nbc-1234756361/ |access-date=26 May 2021 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Granger |first=Anthony |date=10 May 2023 |title=Partners Looking at Options For American Song Contest |url=https://eurovoix-world.com/2023/05/10/partners-looking-at-options-for-american-song-contest/ |access-date=11 May 2023 |website=Eurovoix World |language=en-GB}}</ref> Further adaptations of the contest were also announced for Canada and Latin America in 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 April 2022 |title='Eurovision Canada' will join the family in 2023 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-canada-2023 |access-date=26 April 2022 |website=eurovision.tv |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 July 2022 |title=Eurovision Song Contest to launch in Latin America |url=https://www.ebu.ch/news/2022/07/eurovision-song-contest-to-be-launched-in-latin-america |access-date=12 July 2022 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 July 2022 |title=La UER y RTVE se reunirán para explorar vías de colaboración en un proyecto de música en Latinoamérica |url=https://www.rtve.es/television/20220712/uer-rtve-reunion-madrid-explorar-vias-colaboracion-proyecto-musica-latinoamerica/2388215.shtml |access-date=13 July 2022 |publisher=[[RTVE]] |language=ES}}</ref> though development on the former had been halted by 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Granger |first=Anthony |date=10 May 2023 |title=Eurovision Canada Has Taken a Step Back |url=https://eurovoix-world.com/2023/05/10/🇨🇦-eurovision-canada-has-taken-a-step-back/ |access-date=11 May 2023 |website=Eurovoix World |language=en-GB}}</ref> An adaptation [[Eurovision Asia Song Contest|for Asia]] entered development in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://eurovoix.com/2016/03/21/asia-sbs-create-eurovision-song-contest-asia/ |title=Asia: SBS to create Eurovision Song Contest in Asia |first=Anthony |last=Granger |date=21 March 2016 |website=Eurovoix |access-date=22 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321081215/http://eurovoix.com/2016/03/21/asia-sbs-create-eurovision-song-contest-asia/ |archive-date=21 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-24 |title=Eurovision Song Contest Brand Impact Report 2025 |url=https://www.ebu.ch/files/live/sites/ebu/files/Publications/MIS/login_only/ebu_events_audience/EBU-MIS-Eurovision_Song_Contest_Brand_Impact_Report_2025.pdf |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=ebu.ch |publisher=EBU |quote=Ongoing development: Eurovision Song Contest Asia - Promising global expansion shows the brand awareness of the ESC and the attractiveness of the format.}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

===Sources===
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Mantzaris |first1=Alexander V. |last2=Rein |first2=Samuel R. |last3=Hopkins |first3=Alexander D. |date=2018a |title=Examining Collusion and Voting Biases Between Countries During the Eurovision Song Contest Since 1957 |journal=[[Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation]] |volume=21 |issue=1 |article-number=1 |doi=10.18564/jasss.3580 |doi-access=free|arxiv=1705.06721 }}
* {{Cite journal |last1=Mantzaris |first1=Alexander V. |last2=Rein |first2=Samuel R. |last3=Hopkins |first3=Alexander D. |date=2018b |title=Preference and neglect amongst countries in the Eurovision Song Contest |journal=Journal of Computational Social Science |volume=1 |issue=2 |pages=377–390 |doi=10.1007/s42001-018-0020-2 |doi-access=free}}
* {{Cite book |last=O'Connor |first=John Kennedy |title=The Eurovision Song Contest: The Official History |date=2010 |publisher=[[Carlton Publishing Group|Carlton Books]] |isbn=978-1-84732-521-1 |edition=2nd |location=London |author-link=John Kennedy O'Connor}}
* {{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5zQrDwAAQBAJ |title=A Song for Europe: Popular Music and Politics in the Eurovision Song Contest |date=2016 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=978-0-754658-79-5 |editor-last=Raykoff |editor-first=Ivan |location=Abingdon-on-Thames |access-date=3 July 2020 |editor-last2=Tobin |editor-first2=Robert Deam}}
* {{Cite book |last=Roxburgh |first=Gordon |title=Songs for Europe: The United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest |date=2012 |publisher=[[Telos Publishing]] |isbn=978-1-84583-065-6 |series=Volume One: The 1950s and 1960s |location=Prestatyn}}
* {{Cite book |last=West |first=Chris |title=Eurovision! A History of Modern Europe Through the World's Greatest Song Contest |date=2020 |publisher=[[Melville House Publishing|Melville House UK]] |isbn=978-1-911545-55-2 |edition=2nd |location=London |author-link=Chris West}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
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* {{Official website|https://eurovision.tv/}}
* {{Official website|https://www.ebu.ch/projects/tv/eurovision-song-contest|name=EBU website}}
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[[Category:Eurovision Song Contest| ]]
[[Category:1956 establishments in Europe]]
[[Category:Annual television shows]]
[[Category:Eurovision events|Song Contest]]
[[Category:Music television series]]
[[Category:Pop music festivals]]
[[Category:Recurring events established in 1956]]
[[Category:Song contests]]