ALL THE EUROVISION COUNTRIES: (39-42). More: tomorrow.

Caffè ☕️Lattè looks back on:

ALL THE

EUROVISION

COUNTRIES

The Eurovision Song Contest was first held in 1956. Back then, only 7 countries participated. In the decades since, dozens of other nations have joined the ESC family. As Europe changed, countries faded into history as new countries and new names emerged. Eurovision itself has expanded beyond the European continent; to Africa, the Middle East and the Southern Hemisphere.

Our spotlight looks back on every country that has competed – in chronological order. 

2004

The Eurovision Song Contest expanded in 2004. Host city Istanbul in Turkey was the first location in Asia and Europe for the annual event. This was the first Contest that was preceded by a Semi-Final in which 22 countries would vie for a spot in the Grand Final alongside the Top 10 scoring nations of 2023 and the then “Big Four” nations (France, United Kingdom, Spain and Germany). 

Out of the 36 participants in 2004, 24 would perform in the Grand Final. Monaco also returned to the ESC for the first time since 1979. Four new countries made their debut. The new format meant that the Contest was now held over 2 nights.

XXXIX

 

BELARUS

With the introduction of a Semi-Final in 2004, more countries were able to participate. The first new addition to perform that year was Belarus. It was unsuccessful in qualifying until 2007, when the entry “Work Your Magic” achieved sixth place. This remains the best result for Belarus. It has participated 17 times, most recently in 2020 until that Contest was cancelled due to the pandemic.

 

XL

ANDORRA

 

Like Belarus, Andorra failed to qualify during the Semi-Final. It participated 6 times without ever progressing to the Grand Final. Andorra’s most recent participation was in 2009. The principality is eligible to return to the Contest should it decide to do so in the future.

 

XLI

ALBANIA

 

Of the 4 countries that debuted at Eurovision in 2004, only half progressed from the Semi-Final into the Grand Final. Albania’s first entry finished in seventh place. In 2012, it achieved its best result, finishing fifth with “Suus” performed by Rona Nishliu. Albania will be hoping to do better in 2024. The country has participated 21 times and will be competing in Semi-Final 2 with its entry performed by female singer Besa.

 

XLII

SERBIA & MONTENEGRO

 

As former Yugoslav territories splintered off to form new countries, political instability persisted in the region. Serbia and Montenegro officially were declared one country as Yugoslavia ceased to exist. The new nation made its impressive debut at Eurovision in 2004, where its sublime entry “Lane Moje” finished in second place. In 2005, the nation landed in 7^th position in the Final. Although scheduled to compete the following year, Serbia and Montenegro withdrew but was permitted to vote during the Grand Final.

That same year, Serbia and Montenegro became two independent nations. Both competed at Eurovision in 2007 in their own right, with Serbia even securing a victory with its entry “Molitva”.