EUROVISION'S 100 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS Update: #15-11. 
The remaining Top 10 songs will be featured here daily, beginning 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.

#15

 

I WANNA

MARIE N

Latvia -2002

Eastern Europe seemed to be dominating Eurovision when Latvia followed Estonia to victory in 2002. It continued with Turkey the following year and then Ukraine in 2004. Western European nations were starting to feel shut out at the ESC. Some were questioning the point of participating. On the other hand, Eurovision was making its way to new locations all over the continent.

#14

 

BITAKAT HOB

SAMIRA BENSAID

Morocco -1980

Eurovision welcomed its 1^st African nation to the family in 1980 when Morocco made its debut. The song had a distinctly Arabic flavour, adding to the musical diversity of the ESC. Sadly, the song “Bitakat Hob” finished 2^nd last and Morocco ha yet to return to the competition.  

#13

THE VOICE

EIMEAR QUINN

Ireland -1996

When Ireland won again in 1994, it became the 1^st country to achieve a 6^th win. It was the country’s 3^rd consecutive victory. Norway won in 1995, albeit with a song sung by an Irish vocalist. Oslo played host city for the ESC in 1996 where Ireland extended its lead for most wins. Its 7^th victory (and 4^th in 5 years) remains the record, although Sweden is edging closer with a 6^th triumph in 2015.

#12

 

A-BA-NI-BI

IZHAR COHEN & ALPHA BETA

Israel -1978

When “A-Ba-Ni-Bi” was performed during the night in 1978, many Arab broadcasters threw to a commercial break! As Israel’s win grew more likely, some TV channels stopped the broadcast altogether. In Jordan, viewers were greeted with daffodils on their TV screens in place of seeing an Israeli victory. For years, some ESC fans were of the opinion that Israel ought not participate as it was not in Europe. Israel’s 1^st win brought Eurovision to Jerusalem in 1979. This was to be the 1^st ESC staged outside of Europe. Eurovision was travelling beyond the borders of Europe.

#11

 

MAKING YOUR MIND UP

BUCKS FIZZ

United Kingdom -1981

The UK was represented in 1981 by 4 blondes with a catchy song entitled “Making Your Mind Up” that benefitted from the choreography. Bucks Fizz brought the UK its 4^th win. The group made the most of its victory at Eurovision. Its winning entry reached #1 in the UK. That hit single was followed by 2 other #1 songs there.