ALL THE EUROVISION COUNTRIES: (8-10). 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. 

1957

All of the original seven founding countries returned for the second Eurovision Song Contest. There were alterations made to the Contest.  Each nation was represented by only one song, a tradition that has continued to this day. Three countries made their debut, bringing the total of participating nations to ten. Frankfurt played host city.

VIII

UNITED KINGDOM

Reportedly, the three additions to the 1957 Contest had missed the deadline to register for the inaugural event in the previous year. Since then, the UK has maintained the longest consecutive run of competing in the Grand Final. Out of 67 appearances, the nation has accomplished 5 wins: in 1967, 1969, 1976, 1981 and most recently in 1997 with Katrina & The Waves’ “Love Shine A Light”. The UK has also achieved the most runner-up finishes: 16.

As one of the “Big 5” financial contributors to the Contest, the United Kingdom automatically pre-qualifies for every Grand Final. In 2024, the UK entry will be performed by Olly Alexander (from the act Years & Years).

 

IX

AUSTRIA

 

Austria has participated 57 times in the Eurovision Song Contest, debuting back in 1957. The country has tasted victory twice: in 1966 and in 2014 where Conchita Wurst sparked controversy with “Rise Like A Phoenix”. This remains one of the indelible moments in Eurovision history. Austria will be hoping to progress from Semi-Final 2 in May.

 

X

DENMARK

 

The first Scandinavian nation to join the Eurovision family was Denmark. Since its debut in 1957, the country has competed on 53 occasions. A dismal result in 1966 led to Denmark withdrawing from the Contest. The Danes returned in 1978. Three Danish entries have won: in 1963, 2000 and 2013. In May, Denmark will be hoping to qualify in Semi-Final 2.