EUROVISION'S 150 MOST INFLUENTIAL SONGS. This post: 1972-3. 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.

1972

Although Monaco had triumphed at the 1971 Eurovision Song Contest, it declined to host in the following year. The BBC was invited to do so and agreed. For the 1972 ESC, Edinburgh, Scotland was chosen as the host city. The New Seekers became the most successful group thus far at Eurovision, finishing in second place with the UK entry “Beg, Steal Or Borrow”. TV ratings reflected the strong public favour towards Eurovision.

 

APRÈS TOI Vicky Leandros

Luxembourg

Vicky Leandros had represented Luxembourg for the first time in 1967 with a song that would be a hit in many countries: “L’Amour Est Bleu”. Second time around, the Greek singer triumphed, earning 128 points with “Apres Toi” (After You). The New Seekers finished with a score of 114.

1973

Austria and Malta opted out for the 1973 Contest. Luxembourg hosted and this year saw a relaxation of the rules. Countries were now permitted to sing in any language they wished. In 1973, only Sweden and Norway had entries performed in English and finished in fifth and seventh place respectively. This year’s show was not without controversy, due to the addition of another country.

 

TU TE RECONNAÎTRAS

Anne-Marie David

Luxembourg

Luxembourg had won the 1972 Contest and accomplished the rare feat of back-to-back wins. Spain had done so previously, in 1968 and again in 1969, but the latter victory was shared with 3 other nations. In 1972 and 1973, Luxembourg claimed victory in its own right. The winning song was a chart hit across Europe and helped keep the event’s TV ratings high. The song's title translates as "You'll Recognize Yourself".

ERES TU Mocedadas

Spain

Once again, a group finished in the runner-up position. This time, it was Spain’s six-piece group Mocedadas. “Tu Te Reconnaîtras” picked up 129 points. “Eres Tu” (meaning “You Are”) collected 125, the highest score yet for a group.

EY-SHAM Ilanit

Israel

Until 1972, Eurovision had been an annual event where only European countries competed. Although located in the Middle East, Israel was a member of the European Broadcasting Union and therefore eligible to participate. The first Israeli entry was “Ey-Sham” performed by Ilanit. Israel’s debut required increased security measures, especially in light of the tragedy only a year before at the Munich Olympics. “Ey-Sham” ("Somewhere") finished in fourth place. The nation would go on to score no less than 4 Eurovision wins.