HISTORY OF THE ESC. Part 29: 2011. Continues: tomorrow.

THE HISTORY OF THE

EUROVISION

SONG CONTEST

Caffé Latté  looks back on the key moments of Europe’s annual competition.

2011

Germany first hosted Eurovision in 1983. That contest was held in Munich. In 2011, a unified Germany greeted participants from 43 countries in Dusseldorf. Lena, winner in 2010, defended her title again. In 2011, she finished in 10th position with "Taken By A Stranger". 

The 2011 Song Contest saw the return of Italy. This followed an absence that lasted more than a decade. As of 2011, Italy automatically progresses to the Grand Final, joining the other 4 direct qualifiers (now referred to as the "Big 5" countries). Its return proved fruitful. The Italian entry "Madness Of Love" finished in 2nd place and was performed by Raphael Gualazzi. 

Greece collected the highest score in Semi Final 1. Sweden, which had failed to qualify in 2010, led the pack in the 2nd Semi-Final. 

At the Grand Final, Azerbaijan trounced the opposition, earning 221 points with its entry "Running Scared" performed by Ell & Nikki. For the 2012 Contest, Eurovision was to venture to its easternmost location ever.