UK

1962

1962 Logo (copyright - EBU)
Basic information
Date: 
25 February 1962
Venue: 
Grand Auditorium de RTL, Villa Louvigny, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Broadcaster: 
CLT
Presenter(s): 
Mireille Delanoy
About the contest: 

There was a noticeable shift in the 1961 contest away from what would be thought of in a historical context as the old-fashioned style to something more modern and/or upbeat. Maybe influenced by the fact that an ‘old-fashioned’ song won in 1961, half the countries reverted to the previous type in 1962. For the third year in succession, a French language song won.

Sixteen countries participated, with no-one coming in or dropping out from the previous year. Fud Leclerc was making his fourth and final attempt at winning the contest for Belgium. Ronnie Carroll, Claudio Villa, Marion Rung and Isabelle Aubret were making the first of two appearances each. Jean Philippe was singing his second song for his second country, having represented France in 1959.

The voting system changed slightly from the past few years. Each jury marked all the songs and then awarded 3 points to the song scoring the highest marks, 2 points to the second highest and 1 point to the third highest. Despite this, four countries failed to score any points at all.

Trivia: 
Two other versions of the winner, “Un Premier Amour”, were recorded by other artists with a Eurovision connection. Frida Boccara, who would later achieve France’s fourth win and Isabelle’s conductor, Franck Pourcel, each released a version.
About the songs: 
Marion RungMarion Rung

Finland – Marion Rung – Tipi-tii (Finnish)

Music/Lyrics: Kari Tuomisaari/Kari Tuomisaari

Conductor: George de Godzinsky

Marion was appearing in the contest in the first of her two appearances. As well as plenty of “tipi-tii’s”, there are enough “la’s” to keep the cynics happy.

Fud LeclercFud Leclerc Belgium – Fud Leclerc – Ton Nom (French)

Music/Lyrics: Eric Channe/Tony Golan

Conductor: Henri Segers

This was the fourth year Belgium’s song was in French, so naturally it was Fud’s fourth appearance in the contest. It could have been any of the previous three and no-body would have been any the wiser.

Victor BalaguerVictor Balaguer Spain - Victor Balaguer – Llámame (Spanish)

MusicLyrics: Mario Selles/Miguel Portoles

Conductor: Antonia Moya

Spain’s first entry the year before could have come from anywhere in Europe. Their second effort has more of a Spanish feel about it.

Eleonore SchwarzEleonore Schwarz

Austria - Eleonore Schwarz - Nur in der Wiener Luft (German)

Music/Lyrics: Bruno Uher/Bruno Uher

Conductor: Bruno Uher

Soprano Eleonore went for Austria’s first win with a song which would have sounded dated even then.

Ellen WintherEllen Winther Denmark - Ellen Winther – Vuggevise (Danish)

Music/Lyrics: Kjeld Bonfils/Sejr Volmer-Sørensen

Conductor: Kai Mortensen

Denmark’s sixth entry passes by almost unnoticed. It’s quite slow and not easy to listen to today.

Inger BerggrenInger Berggren Sweden - Inger Berggren - Sol Och Vår (Swedish)

Music/Lyrics: Ulf Kjellqvist & Åke Gerhard/Ulf Kjellqvist & Åke Gerhard

Conductor: Ego Kjerrmann

By this time in the history of the contest, Sweden was establishing itself as the country to rely on for good, cheerful foot-tappers. This song certainly helps that reputation.

Conny FroboessConny Froboess Germany – Conny Froboess – Zwei Kleiner Italiener (German)

Music/Lyrics: Christian Bruhn/Georg Buschor

Conductor: Rolf-Hans Muller

For the second year running, the accordion was present, lending the song a fairground style of sound.

De SpelbrekersDe Spelbrekers The Netherlands – De Spelbrekers – Katinka (Dutch)

Music/Lyrics: Joop Stookkermans/Henny Hamhuis

Conductor: Dolf van der Linden

With beaming smiles, the Dutch duo skipped onto the stage. Their song was also a happy one.

Isabelle AubretIsabelle Aubret France - Isabelle Aubret - Un Premier Amour (French)

Music/Lyrics: Claude Henri Vic/Roland Valade

Conductor: Franck Pourcel

An old-fashioned French ballad won in 1961 for Luxembourg, an old-fashioned French ballad won in 1962 for France. To be fair, this is more appealing than its predecessor.

Inger JacobsenInger Jacobsen

Norway - Inger Jacobsen - Kom Sol, Kom Regn (Norwegian)

Music/Lyrics: Kjell Karlsen/Ivar Andersen

Conductor: Øivind Bergh

Norway’s third entry is a ballad. Strings are the most evident instruments in the arrangement.

Jean PhilippeJean Philippe Switzerland - Jean Philippe - Le Retour (French)

Music/Lyrics: Géo Voumard/ Emile Gardaz

Conductor: Cedric Dumont

The orchestra were used sensibly during this ballad, which was an improvement on his first effort for France three years earlier.

Lola NovakovicLola Novakovic Yugoslavia - Lola Novakovic - Ne Pali Svetlo u Sumrak (Serbo-Croat)

Music/Lyrics: Jozé Privšek/ Dragutin Britvic

Conductor: Jozé Privšek

Yugoslavia’s approach was similar to their first song in 1961, a ballad sung by a female. The result was a little better.

Ronnie CarrollRonnie Carroll UK – Ronnie Carroll – Ring-a-Ding Girl (English)

Music/Lyrics: Syd Cordell/Stan Butcher

Conductor: Wally Stott

At first, the “Ring-a-Ding” refers to his reaction to first seeing his girl. As the song progresses, the “Ring-a-Ding” represents the wedding bells. Clever or corny – you decide.

Camillo FelgenCamillo Felgen Luxembourg - Camillo Felgen- Petit Bonhomme (French)

Music/Lyrics: Jacques Datin/Maurice Vidalin

Conductor: Jean Roderes

If at first you succeed, try the same thing again. This time, it wasn’t quite as successful. Perhaps the spoken part didn’t help, or maybe was it Camillo's striking resemblance to Dracula?

Claudio VillaClaudio Villa Italy - Claudio Villa – Addio, Addio (Italian)

Music/Lyrics: Domenico Modugno/ Franco Migliacci

Conductor: Cinico Angelini

Claudio is a legend in Italian music history. He and another legend, Domenico Modugno, won the Sanremo festival with this song, which Domenico also wrote. A powerful performance of a powerful song.

François DegueltFrançois Deguelt Monaco - François Deguelt - Dis Rien (French)

Music/Lyrics: Henri Salvador/ René Rouzaud

Conductor: Raymond Lefèvre

Having attempted something a little different the previous year, Monaco played it safer this year with a straight ballad.

1961

1961 Logo (copyright - EBU)
Basic information
Date: 
9 March 1961
Venue: 
Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France
Broadcaster: 
RTF
Presenter(s): 
Jacqueline Joubert
About the contest: 

The number of participants continued to rise, with 16 countries travelling to Cannes for the 6th contest. Finland, Norway, Spain and Yugoslavia made their debuts. Perhaps encouraged by the success of ‘Tom Pillibi’, there was a notable moving away from what had been the typical Eurovision song at that point in the contests history, the slow, simple ballad. About half the countries entered more upbeat or contemporary songs. Despite this, the jurors went for a song which belonged in the 1940’s, beating the contemporary UK song into 2nd place. Three years after they gave the contest its first worldwide hit, Italy did it again, delivering a song which would sell a lot of records in a lot of countries.

The voting system remained the same, ten jurors from each country awarding 1 point to their favourite song.

Trivia: 
Denmark rarely gets points from Italy - and entering with Dario Campeotto, born in Italy, did not help them much. Although Italy had split its votes between 5 different countries in 1961, Denmark did not get one single point from them.
About the songs: 
Conchita BautistaConchita Bautista

Spain – Conchita Bautista – Estando Contigo (Spanish)

Music/Lyrics: Antonio Guijarro/ Antonio Guijarro

Conductor: Rafael Ferrer

The first of the debutants, Spain gave us something with an international feel, rather than traditional Spanish which would be a feature in future years.

Colette DeréalColette Deréal Monaco – Colette Deréal – Allons, Allons, les Enfants (French)

Music/Lyrics: Hubert Giraud/Pierre Delanoë

Conductor: Raymond Lefèvre

If nothing else, Monaco’s 3rd entry will make you smile.

Jimmy MakulisJimmy Makulis Austria – Jimmy Makulis – Sehnsucht (German)

Music/Lyrics: Leopold Andrejewitsch/ Leopold Andrejewitsch

Conductor: Franck Pourcel

Baritone Jimmy sung a ballad which although pleasant enough, was never going to stand out this year.

Laila KinnunenLaila Kinnunen Finland – Laila Kinnunen – Valoa Ikkunassa (Finnish)

Music/Lyrics: Eino Hurme/ Sauvo Puhtila

Conductor: George de Godzinsky

Finland’s contest debut is a very gentle little number with bursts of strings between the vocal lines.

Lililjana PetrovicLililjana Petrovic

Yugoslavia – Lililjana Petrovic – Neke Davne Zvezde (Serbo-Croat)

Music/Lyrics: Jozé Privsek/Miroslac Antic

Conductor: Jozé Privsek

A ballad opened Yugoslavia’s account in the contest. As with Spain, it’s more international than traditional in style.

Greetje KauffeldGreetje Kauffeld The Netherlands – Greetje Kauffeld – Wat Een Dag (Dutch) 

Music/Lyrics: Dick Schallies/Pieter Goemanns

Conductor: Dolf van der Linden

The pace of the song is slow at first, but it soon picks up to utilise the sounds of the brass section of the orchestra.

Lill-BabsLill-Babs

Sweden – Lill-Babs – April, April (Swedish)

Music/Lyrics: Bobby Ericson/ Bo Eneby

Conductor: Thore Ehrling

This is a perky little song with more than its fair share of whistling, always risky during a live performance. However, assuming that the whistling was coming from Lill, it worked well.

Lale AndersenLale Andersen

Germany – Lale Andersen – Einmal Sehen Wir Uns Wieder (German)

Music/Lyrics: Rudolf Maluck/Ernst Bader

Conductor: Franck Pourcel

The Germans brought a bit of their musical tradition to the contest. There was plenty of accordion accompanying Lale’s flowing ballad.

Jean-Paul MauricJean-Paul Mauric

France – Jean-Paul Mauric – Printemps (Avril Carrillone)  (French)

Music/Lyrics: Francis Baxter/Guy Favereau

Conductor: Franck Pourcel

France defended their title with something very different to all their previous songs. This is fun and bouncy and even finds room from a few ‘bing-a-bongs’

Franca di RienzoFranca di Rienzo

Switzerland – Franca di Rienzo – Nous Aurons Demain (French)

Music/Lyrics: Géo Voumard/Emile Gardaz

Conductor: Fernando Paggi

Maybe in an attempt to win the contest for a second time, Switzerland returned to the formula which won them the first contest. In terms of the placing, it almost worked.

Bob BennyBob Benny

Belgium – Bob Benny – September, Gouden Roos (Flemish)

Music/Lyrics: Hans Flower/Wim Brabants

Conductor: Francis Bay

This song fluctuates between the quiet and the dramatic. Bob was making his second and final appearance for Belgium.

Nora BrockstedtNora Brockstedt

Norway – Nora Brockstedt – Sommer I Palma (Norwegian)

Music/Lyrics: Jan Woelner/Egil Hagen

Conductor: Øivind Bergh

Nora was back, this time with a most understated of songs. Some would find it boring, others classy.

Dario CampeottoDario Campeotto

Denmark – Dario Campeotto – Angelique (Danish)

Music/Lyrics: Aksel van Rasmussen/ Aksel van Rasmussen

Conductor: Kai Mortensen

A lot of the ballads entered in the contest sound quite dated today. ‘Angelique’ has aged quite well and, although it lasts for almost three and a half minutes, the time doesn’t drag.

Jean-Claude PascalJean-Claude Pascal Luxembourg – Jean-Claude Pascal – Nous, Les Amoureux (French)

Music/Lyrics: Jacques Datin/Maurice Vidalin

Conductor: Léo Chauliac

In a year when other countries tried something more modern or chirpy, the most popular song with the juries was this old fashioned French ballad sung by an old fashioned crooner.

The AllisonsThe Allisons UK – The Allisons – Are You Sure? (English)

Music/Lyrics: Bob Allison and John Allison/ Bob Allison and John Allison

Conductor: Harry Robinson

This is possibly the most contemporary song to appear in the contest at that time. It reflected the UK charts and could easily have been a hit for the Everly Brothers, who in fact were at number 1 in the UK on the date of the contest.

Betty CurtisBetty Curtis

Italy – Betty Curtis – Al di là (Italian)

Music/Lyrics: Carlo Donida/Giulio Rapetti

Conductor: Gianfranco Intra

The second worldwide hit to emerge from the contest, as with ‘Nel Blu, di Pinto di Blu’, came from Italy. It’s almost ageless, only the style of the backing vocals reveal its age.

1960

1960 Logo (copyright - EBU)
Basic information
Date: 
23 March 1960
Venue: 
The Royal Festival Hall, London, UK
Broadcaster: 
BBC
Presenter(s): 
Katie Boyle
About the contest: 

The BBC hosted the contest for the first time. Katie Boyle would go on to host three more contests, more than any other presenter. The hosts were represented by the brother of Teddy Johnson, who had represented his country the year before. There were more countries than ever before with Luxembourg returning and Norway making its debut.

The same voting system as the previous three contests was used, with each country having ten jurors giving 1 point to their favourite song.

The voting system in the ESC has always been a topic for discussion. Even before televoting was introduced, the idea of the idea of neighbourly voting and so-called mafias had been discussed. The most recent example is the Balkan mafia, who seems to have replaced the Scandinavian mafia to some extent.

When Norway joined the Contest in 1960, they only gave two points to Denmark and none to Sweden - although over the years, the four countries which have received most points from Norway are Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Russia - all Norway's four neighbours! It has to be mentioned though, that only Sweden to some extent pay those points back to Norway - which actually receive most of its points from Belgium and Ireland. Who talks about a Scandinavian mafia?

France won in 1960 with the song "Tom Pillipi", only two years after their first victory and once again the United Kingdom came second.

Trivia: 
The winner, Jacqueline Boyer, was the daughter of Jacques Pills, who represented Monaco the year before. With only one single point for dad, the daughter turned out to win the family competition quite clearly.
About the songs: 
Bryan JohnsonBryan Johnson

UK – Bryan Johnson – Looking High, High, High (English)

Music/Lyrics: John Watson/John Watson

Conductor: Eric Robinson

Bryan sounded rather cheerful considering he was singing about looking for his lost love. Like his brother, Teddy, the year before, he gave the listener a reason to smile as all ended happily.

 Siw MalmqvistSiw Malmqvist

Sweden – Siw Malmkvist - Alla Andra Får Varann (Swedish)

Music/Lyrics: Ulf Källqvist/Åke Gerhard

Conductor: Thore Ehrling

A Big Band sound dominated in the background while Siw confidently made her way through the song. The instrumental lasts for almost a minute, maybe one of the longest ever in the contest.

 Camillo FelgenCamillo Felgen Luxembourg – Camillo Felgen – So Lang We’s du do Bast (Luxembourgish)

Music/Lyrics: Henri Mootz & Jean Roderes/Henri Mootz

Conductor: Henri Mootz

Instead of French, Luxembourg tried their own language for the first time. Baritone Camillo delivered a song which wouldn’t have been out of place in a Hollywood musical.

 Katy BødtgerKaty Bødtger

Denmark – Katy Bødtger – Det Var en Yndig Tid (Danish)

Music/Lyrics: Vilfred Kjær/Sven Buemann

Conductor: Kai Mortensen

The song is pleasant enough to listen to but doesn’t hold the listeners ear very well.

 Fud LeclercFud Leclerc

Belgium – Fud Leclerc – Mon Amour Pour Toi (French)

Music/Lyrics: Jack Say/Robert Montal

Conductor: Henry Segers

For their third year entering a song in French, Belgium turned to Fred Luclerc for the third time. There is a slow jazz feel to this song.

 Nora BrockstedtNora Brockstedt

Norway – Nora Brockstedt – Voi, Voi (Norwegian)

Music/Lyrics: George Elgaaen/ George Elgaaen

Conductor: Øivind Bergh

Norway’s debut was a happy sounding tune, using soft swing as the basis for the arrangement.

 Harry WinterHarry Winter Austria – Harry Winter – Du Hast Mich So Fasziniert (German)

Music/Lyrics: Robert Stolz/Robert Gilbert

Conductor: Robert Stolz

After entering something a bit different in 1959, Austria opted went for something more typical of the period, a well sung ballad.

 Francois DegueltFrancois Deguelt

Monaco – Francois Deguelt – Ce Soir-là (French)

Music/Lyrics: Hubert Giraud/Pierre Dorsey

Conductor: Raymond Lefèvre

The intro features swirling strings and energetic piano before calming down for the rest of the song. The strings and piano return for the outro.

 Anita TraversiAnita Traversi

Switzerland – Anita Traversi – Cielo e Terra (Italian)

Music/Lyrics: Mario Robbiani/Mario Robbiani

Conductor: Cedric Dumont

This mid-tempo song jogs along nicely without really going anywhere.

 Rudi CarrellRudi Carrell

The Netherlands – Rudi Carrell – Wat Een Geluk (Dutch)

Music/Lyrics: Dick Schallies/Willy van Hemert

Conductor: Dolf van der Linden

The Dutch went for two in a row with this bouncy little number which features several repetitions of la-la-la.

 Wyn HoopWyn Hoop

Germany – Wyn Hoop – Bonne Nuit, Ma Chérie (German)

Music/Lyrics: Franz Josef Breuer/Kurt Schwabach

Conductor: Franz Josef Breuer

Although Germany didn’t ‘Wyn’, it was another strong effort. Elements of the Cha-Cha-Cha are to the fore.

 Renato RascelRenato Rascel

Italy – Renato Rascel – Romantica (Italian)

Music/Lyrics: Renato Rascel/Dino Verde

Conductor: Cinico Angelini

Another Italian entry, another Sanremo winner. Imagine a traditional Italian ballad of the time and you will hear this.

 Jacqueline BoyerJacqueline Boyer

France – Jacqueline Boyer – Tom Pillibi (French)

Music/Lyrics: André Popp/Pierre Cour

Conductor: Franck Pourcel

France’s second win came with this quirky song delivered well by Jacqueline. Certainly a case of last but not least.

1959

1959 Logo (copyright - EBU)
Basic information
Date: 
6 March 1959
Venue: 
Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France
Broadcaster: 
RTF
Presenter(s): 
Jacqueline Joubert
About the contest: 

A great alphabetic order was destroyed in 1959:

1956 - A for Assia, B for Brokken in 1957 and C for Claveau in 1958 - but the closest they got to D in 1959 was D. Modugno who came 6th - but once again he got himself a big world hit which, as the year before with "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu", is much more remembered than the actual Eurovision winner.

The UK returned after missing 1958, Monaco joined the fun for the first time while Luxembourg withdrew.

The Netherlands second win was also a second win for lyricist Willy van Hemert, who also wrote the words for the Dutch winnner in 1957. Each country had 10 jurors, who each awarded 1 point to their favourite song. The In-House orchestra provided the entertainment while the juries collected their votes.

Trivia: 
In what proved to be a new innovation and an experiment which was never repeated again, the top 3 songs were all given a reprise at the end of the contest.
About the songs: 
Jean PhilipeJean Philipe

France – Jean Philipe – Oui, Oui, Oui, Oui (French)

Music/Lyrics: Hubert Giraud/Pierre Cour

Conductor: Franck Pourcel

No laughing at the back there! Having previously sent
standard French ballads, France defended the title with a slightly quicker tune
with a silly title. It was composed by the same man who composed ‘Dors Mon
Amour’.

 

Birthe WilkeBirthe Wilke

Denmark – Birthe Wilk – Uh Jeg Ville Onsker Jeg Var Dig (Danish)

Music/Lyrics: Otto Lington/Carl Andersen

Conductor: Kai Mortensen

Singing on her own this time, Birthe tried to cheer everyone up. As with their first entry in 1958, Denmark sent another jolly little song.

Domeniso ModugnoDomeniso Modugno

Italy – Domenico Modugno – Piove (Italian)

Music/Lyrics: Domenico Modugno/Dino Verde

Conductor: William Galasini

Fresh from two Grammy Awards for ‘Nel Blu, di Pinto di Blu’, Domenico won Sanremo again with this song. It starts slowly but builds to a steady pace.

Jacques PillsJacques Pills

Monaco – Jacques Pills – Mon Ami Pierrot (French)

Music/Lyrics: Florence Veran/Raymond Bravard

Conductor: Franck Pourcel

Monaco’s first entry combines a mid-tempo vocal with a busy arrangement.

Teddy ScholtenTeddy Scholten

The Netherlands – Teddy Scholten – Een Beetje (Dutch)

Music/Lyrics: Dick Schallies/Willy van Hemert

Conductor: Dolf van der Landen

The Netherlands second victory in three years saw a departure in style from what had won the contest previously. Instead of a slow ballad, this is a happier, quicker song.

Alice and Ellen KesslerAlice and Ellen Kessler

Germany – Alice and Ellen Kessler – Heute Abend Woll’n Wir Tanzen Geh’n (German)

Music/Lyrics: Helmut Zander/Astrid Voltmann

Conductor: Franck Pourcel

Germany tried to break from the norm with this swing number.

Brita BorgBrita Borg

Sweden – Brita Borg – Augustin (Swedish)

Music/Lyrics: Harry Sandin/Åke Gerhard

Conductor: Franck Pourcel

By the time of the fourth contest, Sweden and Denmark were already showing that the Scandinavians liked happier sounding songs than the rest of Europe. This song continues to demonstrate that.

Christa WilliamsChrista Williams

Switzerland – Christa Williams – Irgendwoher (German)

Music/Lyrics: Lothar Löffler/ Lothar Löffler

Conductor:
Franck Pourcel

The first Swiss entry sans Lys Assia moves along nicely enough with elements of Jazz.

Ferry GrafFerry Graf

Austria – Ferry Graf – Der K und K Kalypso Aus Wien (German)

Music/Lyrics: Norbert Powlicki/Günther Leoplod

Conductor: Franck Pourcel

As well as the Calypso style (almost), Ferry also treats us to a bit of yodeling.

Pearl Carr and Teddy JohnsonPearl Carr and Teddy Johnson

UK – Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson – Sing Little Birdie (English)

Muisc/Lyrics: Stan Butcher/Syd Cordell

Conductor: Eric Robinson

This is the sort of song that gives the contest a bad name. Overlooking that, it’s positive, happy and a good pick-me-up if you’re feeling low, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Bob BennyBob Benny

Belgium – Bob Benny – Hou Toch van Mij (Flemish)

Music/Lyrics: Hans Flower/Ke Riema

Conductor: Francis Bay

This is a mid-tempo ballad which uses a lot of strings in the general arrangement and brass in the instrumental.

1957

1957 ESC Logo (copyright - EBU)
Basic information
Date: 
13 February 1957
Venue: 
Grosser Sendesaal des Hessischen Rundfunks, Frankfurt
Broadcaster: 
ARD/HR
Presenter(s): 
Anaid Plikjan
About the contest: 

With three debutants, United Kingdom, Austria and Denmark, 10 countries were competing in the second Eurovision contest, each with just one song which would be the standard for ESC from 1957 and forward.

Corry Brokken got a clear victory for The Netherlands with her song “Net Als Toen”. The song was one minute longer than allowed by the rules, but in these early years of Eurovision, it was not taken that seriously and the Netherlands were not the only ones to break that rule as the Italian entry went on for exactly 5 minutes and 9 seconds.

A memorable moment from the '57 performances was the Danish entry ending with a never-ending kiss. The kiss was not supposed to be that long, but they had been told to stop kissing on a certain signal… someone forgot to give the signal and they were standing there kissing waiting for a signal that never came!

Trivia: 
The shortest Eurovision entry ever came from UK in 1957. The song “All” was just 1 minute and 52 seconds.
About the songs: 
Bobbejaan SchoepenBobbejaan Schoepen

Belgium - Bobbejaan Schoepen - Straatdeuntje (Flemish)

Music/Lyrics: Harry Frekin/Eric Franssen

Conductor: Willy Berking

The normal structure of a song is verse, chorus, verse, chorus etc. This one is verse, a few la-la-la's, followed by whistle, whistle etc.

Danièle DupréDanièle Dupré

Luxembourg - Danièle Dupré - Tant de Piene (French)

Music/Lyrics: Jean-Pierre Kemmer / Jacques Taber

Conductor: Willy Berking

Danièle was given this standard French ballad, which she delivered adequately enough.

Patricia BredinPatricia Bredin

UK - Patricia Bredin - All (English)

Music/Lyrics: Reynell Wreford/Alan Stranks

Conductor: Eric Robinson

Experienced theatrical singer, Patricia, opened the UK's participation with what could have been an operatic aria.

Nunzio Gallo: Nunzio GalloNunzio Gallo

Italy - Nunzio Gallo - Corde della mia Chitarra (Italian)

Music/Lyrics: Mario Riccione/Giuseppi Cavaliere

Conductor: Armando Trovajoli

The song which won the 1957 Sanremo festival, lasts for over five minutes. Frankly, it seems longer as it is a very very slow song which doesn't vary much.

Bob MartinBob Martin

Austria - Bob Martin - Wohin, Kleines Pony? (German)

Music/Lyrics: Kurt Svab/Hans Werner & Kurt Svab

Conductor: Carl de Groof

Austria's first entry was a jolly little song. It was enjoyed by the audience, if not the judges

Corry BrokkenCorry Brokken

The Netherlands - Corry Brokken - Net Als Toen (Dutch)

Music/Lyrics: Guus Jansen/Willy van Hemert

Conductor: Dolf van der Linden

Starting brightly, this year's winner becomes more of a standard ballad. The arrangement adds to the song without being intrusive.

Margot HeilscherMargot Heilscher

Germany - Margot Heilscher - Telefon, Telefon (German)

Writer/Lyrics: Friedrich Meyer/ Ralph Maria Seigel

Conductor: Willy Berking

The first use of a gimmick at the Eurovision Song Contest. Margot pretended to talk on the phone during the song.

Paule DesjardinsPaule Desjardins

France - Paule Desjardins - La Belle Amour (French)

Writer/Lyrics: Guy Lefarge/Francis Carco

Conductor: Paul Durand

As in the first contest, France entered a ballad typical of the nation. The string section were the busiest in the orchestra.

Birthe Wilke and Gustav WincklerBirthe Wilke and Gustav Winckler

Denmark - Birthe Wilke and Gustav Winckler - Skibet Skal Sejle i Nat (Danish)

Writer/Lyrics: Eric Fiehn/Paul Sorenesen

Conductor: Kai Mortensen

The first song from Denmark and the first duo as well. It is a pleasant mid-tempo (for the period) tune.

 

Lys AssiaLys Assia

Switzerland - Lys Assia - L'enfant Que J'étais (French)

Writer/Lyrics: Géo Voumard/Emile Gardaz

Conductor: Willy Berking

Lys returned after winning the first contest. A similar song to 'Refrain', it finished near the bottom instead of at the top.

“East of the Danube, they won't be voting for any black singer any day soon.” claims Terry Wogan

Andy Abraham (copyright - www.myspace.com/andyabrahammusic)

Terry Wogan has claimed that the reason Andy Abraham and Germany’s No Angels finished joint last is because of racism.

How the UK Can Win Again

The Current Issue of The Spectator (copyright - The Spectator Magazine)

A week after Dima Bilan won the contest for Russia and Andy Abraham finished joint last, the UK is still talking about the result and what the Brits should do next. However, one man claims to have the answer.

What the Papers Say

The Victorious Russians (copyright - eurovision.tv)

The British press have been giving their reaction to the results of the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest.

Wogan Questions UK’s Future at Eurovision

Terry Wogan (copyright - BBC)

Terry Wogan, the UK’s voice of Eurovision, has questioned the country’s future participation in the contest.

Last Chance For Changes: Rehearsals - Day 8

Dustin the Turkey (copyright - Eurovisionary)

Today was the last realistic opportunity for delegations to experiment with new ideas in their acts before the start of the full show rehearsals tomorrow.

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The sensations of Melodifestivalen 2010

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Yes, how hard can it be to select a bunch of great songs sung by good singers and let them compete against each other in a national final well set up? Apparently it is very difficult this year. Read more

Welcome to Sweden, Melodifestivalen 2010 is Here!

As a Swede, I’m waiting with excitement for the Melodifestivalen season to start. All the artists and composers have been announced, so as of right now we’re just waiting for the party to start. And meanwhile there are of course speculations among the Swedish fans, about who will surprise us this year, and who will be the winner of Melodifestivalen 2010? Read more

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Niamh Kavanagh (Ireland 1993, 2010) talks to EuroVisionary.com

Niamh Kavanagh & Songwriting team © Denis McEvoy
Niamh Kavanagh has already won the Eurovision Song Contest once, now 17 years after her first win she's going to try it again for Ireland. She talks to us about her song, her plans for Oslo and her memories of the 1993 contest in Milstreet. read more
 

Mike Tramp & The Rock `N`Roll Circuz

Mike Tramp & The Rock `N`Roll Circuz {copyright:Mediefabrikken.dk}
The return back home to Denmark by Mike Tramp, formerly known as Michael Trempenau, has so far resulted in this “come back” album: Mike Tramp & The Rock `N`Roll Circuz. A lot of things have happened since 1978, when he represented Denmark at the Eurovision Song Contest. read more
 
 
 
 

EuroShopping

Absolute Schlager (3CD)

Absolute Schlager album

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CD: Melodifestivalen 2010

Melodifestivalen 2010

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MGP - Melodi Grand Prix 2010 (Norway)

MGP - Melodi Grand Prix 2010

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Sertab Erener - Bu Böyle

Sertab Erener - Bu Böyle album picture

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Tomas Ledin - 500 Dagar Om Året

Tomas Ledin - 500 Dagar Om Året

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MaNga - Şehr-i Hüzün

MaNga - Sehr-i Huzun

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Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2010

Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2010

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Kenan Doğulu - Patron

Kenan Doğulu - Patron album picture

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The New Seekers - It's Been Too Long... The Greatest Hits And More

The New Seekers - It's Been Too Long... The Greatest Hits And More

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Aqua - Greatest Hits (+ 3 new songs)

Aqua - Greatest Hits

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