EUROVISION'S 150 MOST INFLUENTIAL SONGS. This post: 1980. More: tomorrow.

EUROVISION

1956-2022

THE MOST INFLUENTIAL SONGS

(in chronological order)

 

This year’s Contest will see the 70^th song declared a winner. Caffè Lattè lists all of the past winning entries and other songs that have had a lasting impact on the Eurovision Song Contest.

1980

Eurovision embarked into a new decade following the back-to-back wins of Israel in 1978 and 1979. Although as the previous year’s victor an Israeli city had first rights to host the Contest, the decision to do so in 1980 was at first accepted but, for financial reasons, later declined. Apparently, Spain as the 1979 runner-up, also decided against it. With limited time left to prepare, The Netherlands came to the rescue but with a stipulation to reduce costs. Finally, a date for the 1980 ESC was set: April 19. What no-one seemed to notice until it was too late was that the date chosen was also Holocaust Memorial Day in Israel. The reigning champion would therefore, not be attending to defend its title. Monaco withdrew and remained absent until 2004. Turkey returned. Another addition to the Eurovision family saw the Contest expand its horizons once again.

 

WHAT’S ANOTHER YEAR?

Johnny Logan

Ireland

 

Ireland secured its second victory at Eurovision in 1980. Born in Frankston, just outside of Melbourne, Australia, Johnny Logan performed the winning entry “What’s Another Year?”. The song accrued a score of 143, including douze points from 7 countries. Germany’s “Theater” by Katja Ebstein finished in second place with 128 points. Logan would return to make Eurovision history years later.

 

 

BITAQAT HOB Samira Bensaid

Morocco

 

Among the 19 participating countries that descended upon The Hague in The Netherlands, was one new nation: Morocco. This marked another expansion of the scope of the Contest, with the debut of the first African participant. Unfortunately, the Moroccan entry failed to make an impressive start at Eurovision. “Bitaqat Hob” (meaning “Love Card”) ended up 18^th with only Italy sending any points its way. Morocco decided not to return in 1981 and has never been seen again at Eurovision. It remains the one and only African nation to compete in the Contest.