EUROVISION'S 100 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS Update" #20-16. More songs added tomorrow.

EUROVISION’S

100

MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS

(1956-2015)

Now that the dust has settled on another fabulous Eurovision Song Contest, it’s time to look back on the most important and influential songs that have competed over the last 60 years. All of the winning songs are included, as well as other noteworthy entries from the most watched music contest in the world.

#20

RISE LIKE A PHOENIX

CONCHITA WURST

Austria -2014

 

The striking image of Conchita Wurst left an indelible impression that extended beyond just the Eurovision audience. The win for this Austrian performer made headlines all over the world and even attracted discriminatory comments from some countries. Prior to the ESC, Wurst’s profile began building. To some, she was a drag queen with a beard; but for many more, Wurst became a symbol of tolerance and acceptance. Furthermore, the song was powerful. Its lyrics told her story. “Rise Like A Phoenix” lived up to its title, earning 290 points. The Dutch entry finished in 2^nd place with a score of 238. Wurst gave Austria its 2^nd win. It had previously won back in 1966.

#19

A FORCE DE PRIER

NANA MOUSKOURI

Luxembourg -1963

 

Nana Mouskouri was little known outside of Greece but was introduced to the Eurovision audience in 1963. The Greek singer represented Luxembourg with a stirring song sung in French. It’s shocking that the song only finished in 8^th position among a weak field of 16 countries. Fortunately, Mouskouri benefitted from the exposure and became 1 of the best selling European recording acts of all time. 

#18

RUNNING SCARED

ELL & NIKKI

Azerbaijan -2011

Azerbaijan stormed to victory in 2011 with “Running Scared”. It collected 221 points. Its nearest rival was the Italian entry, with a score of 189. Eurovision continued expanding its horizons, moving to a transcontinental country. Baku was selected to play host city to the contest in 2012. This was to be another politically challenging location, with an appalling human rights record, but the country spent a fortune and staged an entertaining show.

#17

DIVA

DANA INTERNATIONAL

Israel -1998

Dana International’s participation at Eurovision attracted criticism and controversy long before the show began in Birmingham. The transsexual performer had to contend with death threats. Her hotel room had bulletproof windows and she was accompanied by armed security. Despite a weak vocal performance, “Diva” was popular enough to give Israel its 3^rd win. No doubt, Dana International paved the way for other artists that followed including Verka Serduchka, DQ and Conchita Wurst.  

 

#16

L’ AMOUR EST BLEU

VICKY LEANDROS

Luxembourg -1967

The early years of Eurovision were dominated by ballads, many of them drab and forgettable. On the other hand, a few songs proved Eurovision could spawn international hits, even if they failed to claim 1^st prize in the competition. Greek vocalist Vicky Leandros represented Luxembourg with a song that, when translated into English, became well known as “Love Is Blue”. Her recordings – in French, English, Italian, Dutch and German- charted in Europe, Japan and Canada. In early 1968, Paul Mauriat’s instrumental version enjoyed 5 weeks atop the US chart. Sadly, this smash hit only finished in 4^th position at Eurovision; but Leandros returned in 1972, again singing for Luxembourg. This time, she   won.