Italy

Music/Lyrics: Constantina Constantinou/Constantina Constantinou

Conductor: Stavros Lantsias

The contest got off to a cracking start! Siblings Chara and Andreas had an up-tempo number with an infectious rhythm driving the whole song. They and the backing singers clearly enjoyed themselves. 

Music/Lyrics: Levent Coker/Mehtap Alnitenmiz

Conductor: Levent Coker

To avoid relegation from the contest, Turkey had to score 113 points, more than it had ever scored before. It was a wonderful moment when that was achieved with this unmistakably ethnic piece of uplifting pop.

Music/Lyrics: Tor Endresen, Arne Myksvoll/Tor Endresen, Arne Myksvoll

Conductor: Geir Langslet

Poor old Tor! He entered the Norwegian selection many times and when he finally won and went to the contest, he scored nothing. Although his guitar based mid-tempo MOR song deserved at least a few, this type of song was starting to sound a bit dated. 

Conductor: n/a

Bettina featured in George Nußbaumer’s backing group in 1996. Her song is jazz/funk influenced and while it is mainly in German, it features several words in English.

Ireland - Marc Roberts - Mysterious Woman (English)

Music/Lyrics: John Farry/John Farry

Conductor: n/a

The history books could have easily shown yet another victory for Ireland. Mysterious Woman is a well constructed and very engaging ballad which Marc delivered very well. 

Music/Lyrics: Saso Lobic/Zoran Predin

Conductor: Mojmir Sepe

Slovenia was one of the relative newcomers to the contest and this was arguably its best up to then. It’s a classy ballad during which Tanja stands fairly still and waves her arms slowly in the air in a manner that could have looked silly, but actually succeeded in fitting in with the mood of the song.

Music/Lyrics: Barbara Berta/Barbara Berta

Conductor: Petro Damiani

If the Swiss thought that his song was going to be a contender, they were always heading for disappointment. While not horrible to listen to, it is too easily forgotten, not a good sign when some of the scores would be decided by members of the public!

Music/Lyrics: Ed Hooijmans/Ed Hooijmans

Conductor: Dick Bakker

The experience of Mrs. Einstein shone through as they gave a very relaxed and professional performance of their up-tempo, old fashioned foot tapper.

Music/Lyrics: Fabio Ricci/Alessandra Drusian, Carmen di Domenico

Conductor: Lucio Fabbri

After a gap of four years, Italy returned for one year only. Almost as if Italian broadcaster RAI wanted to show Europe what it was missing, they sent a shortened version of the Sanremo winner and finished a creditable fourth. What a shame Italy hasn’t been seen in the contest since.

Music/Lyrics: Marcos Llunas/Marcos Llunas

Conductor: Toni Xucla

Spain does sincerity in music very well. Marcos sang like he meant it to lift an already high quality, very Spanish ballad.

Music/Lyrics: Ralph Siegel/Bernd Meinunger

Conductor: n/a

Another Siegel and Meinunger song and all the usual trademarks of their ballads are there. Bianca herself didn’t look too convinced of its merits. 

Music/Lyrics: Tomasz Lewandowski/Magda Czapinska

Conductor: Krzesimir Debski

With only three previous entries in the contest, Poland was already proving itself to be a strong competitor. Ale Jestem in no way lets the side down. It’s full of life, moves freely along and importantly, is very memorable.

Music/Lyrics: Harmo Kallaste/Kaari Sillamaa

Conductor: Tarmo Leinatamm

Maarja-Liis was making her second consecutive appearance in the contest, having been in Oslo the year before, when she performed a duet. As then, this song is a ballad that is pleasant, if not gripping. 

Music/Lyrics: Milic Vukasinovic, Sinan Alimanovic/Milic Vukasinovic

Conductor: Sinan Alimanovic

This was also the second appearance in the contest for Alma. Despite the title, this is a cheerier effort with an often repeated refrain.

Music/Lyrics: Thilo Krassman/Rosa Lobato de Faria

Conductor: Thilo Krassman

With the Blues Brothers cousins muttering in the background, Celia was never likely to be the first Portuguese singer to win the contest. The song is too bland and doesn’t go anywhere.

Music/Lyrics: Stephan Berg/Stephan Berg

Conductor: Curt-Eric Holmquist

Having tried (with some success) slow ballads for the previous three years, Sweden sent the type of song it is loved for; unashamedly upbeat and extrovert, Bara Hon Älskar Mig will certainly get the party started.

Music/Lyrics: Emmanouil Manousselis/Emmanouil Manousselis

Conductor: Anacreon Papageorgiou

Horepse was a late replacement as the Greek entry, and it shows. While it is not a bad song, it does sound under prepared.

Music/Lyrics: Ray Agius/Ray Agius

Conductor: Ray Agius

This is one of Malta’s better efforts. Debbie’s song flows effortlessly along and ups the ‘oomph’ just at the right time. The percussion section is put to good use.

Music/Lyrics: Viktor Rakonczai/Krisztina Bokor Fekete

Conductor: Peter Wolf

Boy bands were fashionable at the time. VIP and their song are an example of the worst of this ‘genre’, bland, irritating and empty. It sounds like it has lasted more than the regulation three minutes long before the three minutes are up! 

Music/Lyrics: Alla Pugachova/Alla Pugachova

Conductor: Rutgar Gunnarsson

Alla, the wife of 1994 Russian singer, Philipp Kirkorov, was given the opportunity for a suitably over the top performance for her big, show style song, and it is safe to say that she took full advantage!

Music/Lyrics: Lars Pedersen/Thomas Lægard

Conductor: Jan Glæsel

Kølig’s ode to the lady working on the telephone exchange is only the second rap song the contest has heard. His manic performance detracted slightly from what is quite a likeable entry. 

Music/Lyrics: Jean-Paul Dréau/Jean-Paul Dréau

Conductor: Régis Dupré

For someone so young, her performance was very relaxed. Her song is also very laid back and relaxed, perhaps a bit too laid back to have enough impact on the scoreboard.

Music/Lyrics: Davor Tolja/Alida Sarar

Conductor:  n/a

Four piece girl group ENI were very colourful and energetic as they performed their modern pop song. Although the look and sound were modern, it comes across as a bit amateurish. 

Music/Lyrics: Kimberley Rew/Kimberley Rew

Conductor: Don Airey

Katrina and friends scored what was at the time the highest number of points ever! Having won a low key national final, they headed to Dublin as one of the favourites. Love Shine A Light is a big anthem and was given a big performance by American Katrina. Both the televoters and juries loved it!

Music/Lyrics: Paul Oscar, Trausti Haraldsson/Paul Oscar

Conductor: Szymon Kuran

Without doubt, the most contemporary song of the contest, Paul gave us a high-tech trance song. His blonde, leggy dancers guaranteed the sexiest performance of the night.

Music/Lyrics: Enrico Ruggeri/Enrico Ruggeri

Conductor: Vittorio Cosma

Enrico won the 1993 Sanremo festival with a rock song, but went for something softer for the European stage. The lyrics are about the situation in what was by now the ex Yugoslavia.

Music/Lyrics: Burak Aydos/Burak Aydos

Conductor: n/a

Turkey was never going to be in the running to win with this song. It’s too messy, as is the performance by Burak and the two gentlemen who are effectively his backing musicians/singers. It looked like a bad audition for a talent show. 

Music/Lyrics: Stefan Zauner/Stefan Zauner

Conductor: Norbert Daum

Swirling strings make the German song burst into life from the start. The volume lowers for the first verse and builds gradually as the song progresses. Münchener Freiheit was one of the best known acts in the contest and much was expected of them.

Music/Lyrics: Christophe Duc/Jean Jacques Egli

Conductor: Marc Sorrentino

Switzerland made a strong attempt to win the contest for a third time with this very classy ballad. It was ‘quite simply’ Annie on the big stage; she was on her own and gave a strong performance.

Music/Lyrics: Tommy Seebach/Keld Heick

Conductor: Georg Keller

Tommy’s third contest entry is also his least successful. On some levels, it’s also his most appealing than his other two songs. He even managed to emerge from the whistling solo unscathed. 

Music/Lyrics: Dimosthenis/Dimosthenis

Conductor: Haris Andreadis

Kati was a big star in Greece at the time and continues to be. This is not one of the strongest songs in her repertoire, but it’s still a strong song with a good Greek feel about it. She was one of the best performers on show. 

Music/Lyrics: Marc Vleigen/Marc Dex

Conductor: Bert Candries

Fashion student Barbara designed her dress. It may have been wise to take advice from the pros as it was hard to take your eyes off the dress, and not for positive reasons. 

Music/Lyrics: William Mangion/William Mangion

Conductor: Joseph Sammut

William’s voice is well suited to his blues influenced song. It was a rare outing for a song of that genre in the contest.

Music/Lyrics: Jon Kjell Seljeseth/Fredrik Sturluson

Conductor: Jon Kjell Seljeseth

The Saxophone features prominently in Iceland’s jazz influenced ballad. This, combined with Inga’s sultry performance, created a memorable three minutes.  

Music/Lyrics: Christian Kolonovits, Johann Bertl

Conductor: Christian Kolonovits

Austrian broadcaster, ORF, asked Tony, who had sung in Malmö the year before, to again represent Austria. Maria Magdalena was a lot more up-tempo than his previous entry, and edges towards rock.

Music/Lyrics: Pedro Abrantes, Marco Quelhas/Pedro Abrantes, Marco Quelhas

Conductor: Armindo Neves

Anabela’s performance was full of charm. Her song is a grower that needs a few listens, not a good thing in a contest of this nature, when jurors may be listening to the song for the second or third time.

Music/Lyrics: Francois Valery/Francois Valery

Conductor: Christian Cravero

The French had experimented with different rhythms for the last three years but returned to more native ground. Patrick is from Corsica, and the use of an accordion and traditional guitar gave the song a very Corsican taste.  

Music/Lyrics: Lasse Holm/Gert Lengstrand

Conductor: Curt-Eric Holmquist

Arvingarna were four blond Swedish chaps who looked resplendent in jackets best described as interesting. The song is more than strong enough to divert attention away from the sartorial choices. Eloïse is more edgy than typical Swedish Schlager, but retains a very strong sing-along element.  

Music/Lyrics: Jimmy Walsh/Jimmy Walsh

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

Ireland won for the second year in succession, the first time this had happened since Israel won in 1978 and 1979. When the Irish send a ballad, it’s usually a good one, and In Your Eyes sounds as good now as it did then, if not better.  

Music/Lyrics: Jimmy Martin, Patrick Hippert/Pedro Abrantes, Marco Quelhas

Conductor: Francis Goya

In the unlikely event that Luxembourg enters the contest again, then this will be the last entry from the Grand Duchy. Luxembourg usually entered a ballad, and this one is no more than adequate. This is not a fitting end for a country that has made a positive contribution to the quality of songs over the years.

Music/Lyrics: Cole Moretti/Tomaz Kosec

Conductor: Jozé Privsek

1X Band qualified by winning the pre-selection contest held in Ljubljana.  Despite that, Slovenia finished lower than the other two songs that had qualified from the pre-selection. Tih Dezeven Dan is more positive than the songs from the other Yugoslav republics. Perhaps this is a reflection of how much easier it was for Slovenia to achieve independence than it proved for some of the other Yugoslav republics. 

Finland - Katri-Helena - Tule Luo (Finnish)

Music/Lyrics: Matti Puurtinen/Jukka Saarinen

Conductor: Olli Ahvenlahti

This is an old fashioned Finnish song which also has a more contemporary flavour. Katri was making her second appearance in the contest, 14 years after her first.

Music/Lyrics: Dino Dervishalidovic/ Dino Dervishalidovic

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

Fazla arrived in Millstreet with a dramatic tale of running to the plane in Sarajevo under gunfire, their conductor failing catch the flight. Lead singer, Muhamed Fazlagic, took every opportunity to speak lovingly of his home country and what was happening to it. After the contest, he went to Sweden and claimed asylum! That aside, the song is a beautifully constructed piece of emotional heart tugging with an arrangement tinged with sadness.

Music/Lyrics: Dean Collinson, Brian Teasdale/Dean Collinson, Brian Teasdale

Conductor: Nigel Wright

The BBC stuck with the formula that nearly brought success to the United Kingdom the year before. Pop star Sonia was asked to take up the baton from Michael Ball. Naturally, the United Kingdom public chose an up-tempo song for her to sing. It’s fair to say she gave the performance of her life.   

Music/Lyrics: Eric van Tijn, Jochem Fluitsma/Hans Westbroek

Conductor: Harry van Hoof

Ruth sang all the songs in the Dutch final having been asked to represent her country by Dutch broadcaster, NOS. With hubby Humphrey Campbell (ESC 1992) among her backing group, Ruth’s performance was one of the strongest of the night. The same could definitely not be said of the song, despite it being one of the more modern in the contest.

Music/Lyrics: Andrej Basa, Dorde Novkovic/Andrej Basa, Dorde Novkovic

Conductor: Andrej Basa

Croatia’s first entry is a soft, melodic number that doesn’t quite hit the mark. Put displayed their newly acquired patriotism by dressing in traditional costume. The final line, "Don't ever cry, my Croatian Sky", reflected the pride Croats were feeling in their new nation.

Music/Lyrics: Carlos Toro/Carlos Toro

Conductor: Eduardo Leyva

Hombres was one of the most contemporary songs in the contest, but still remained very Spanish. The presentation on stage was not helped by choreography that, at times, made the dancers look like clockwork toys.

Music/Lyrics: Aristos Moschovakis/Rodoulla Papalambrianou

Conductor: George Theophanous

Perhaps in misguided anticipation of winning, Zymboulakis and Van Beke recorded their song in four languages. The rules dictated they had to sing their mid-tempo ballad in the Cypriot national language of Greek. 

Music/Lyrics: Shaike Paikov/Yoram Tahar-Lev

Conductor: Amir Fröhlich

This is very, very Israeli! There is lots of harmonising, one line solos, an anthemic chorus and a bringing together of the group at the end, except for the backing singer, who forced her way into the final camera shot, contrary to what had been rehearsed.

Music/Lyrics: Björn Erik Vige/Björn Erik Vige

Conductor: Rolf Lövland

Silje’s folk song was the dark horse of the contest. Her image of innocence added to the ambience of a song, which build gradually. Unusually, the two verses were sung first, followed by three choruses.

Music/Lyrics: Alfredo Valbuena, Luis Miguelez/Luis Miguelez

Conductor: Javier Losada

Serafin gave the contest a melodic and solid opening. Everything was uncomplicated, from the tune to the presentation.

Music/Lyrics: Claude Barzotti/Anne-Marie Gaspard

Conductor: Frank Fievez

Sixteen year old Morgane arrived in Malmö fresh from her debut single topping the Belgian charts. Nous On Veut Des Violons was her second release and she performed with the shy charm that had won over the accredited journalists all week during rehearsals. Given the title, there are no surprises contained within the arrangement.

Music/Lyrics: Kobi Oshrat/Ehud Manor

Conductor: Kobi Oshrat

Dafna came through one of the highest quality national finals of the year. Her backing singers had problems in rehearsals with the positioning of their microphones, which were eventually hung around their necks. Ze Rak Sport is up-tempo and was suitable in what was an Olympic year.

Music/Lyrics: Aldogan Simsekyay/Aylin Ucanlar~

Conductor: Aydin Özari

It was a family affair for Turkey. The composer (who somewhat worryingly hit the very high note every time) and his sons made up Aylin’s backing group. The song is flavoured with Turkish and European influences and is a bit underwhelming.  

Music/Lyrics: Christos Lagos/Christos Lagos

Conductor: Haris Andreadis

Traditional Greek rhythms and melody made this a strong contender, as did Cleopatra’s performance. 

Music/Lyrics: Kali/Rémi Bellenchombre

Conductor: Magdi Vasco Noverraz

This is the first, and so far last, Eurovision song to be sung in Creole. France continued its recent trend of entering songs with music from specific parts of the world. The tactic had earned it two successive second places, but didn’t work this time.

Music/Lyrics: Niklas Strömstedt/Niklas Strömstedt

Conductor: Anders Berglund

The hometown favourite had a lovely ballad. However, while it moves along freely and unspectacularly, it lacked the impact to make it memorable in a field of 22 songs. 

Music/Lyrics: Dina/Rosa Lobato de Faria

Conductor: Carlos Alberto Moniz

Diminutive Dina was very lively and so she should have been. There are more fruits than a supermarket in her song, which is a cheerful clap-along full of bounce. 

Music/Lyrics: George Theophanous/George Theophanous

Conductor: George Theophanous

Written by Evridiki’s husband, Teriazoume is quietly powerful. The false endings keep the listener guessing and Evridiki was seductive in her performance.

Music/Lyrics: Georgina Abela/Raymond Mahoney

Conductor: Paul Abela

Mary’s big ballad came across very well in the Isstadion, but unfortunately, some of the grandness was lost through the camera lens. Mary had the voice necessary to give the vocal performance the song needed to be a contender.

Music/Lyrics: Fredrik Karlsson, Grétar Örvarsson/Stefán Hilmarsson

Conductor: Nigel Wright

Heart 2 Heart was essentially Stjórnin, the group that represented Iceland in 1990, with a few more members. The song was a crowd pleaser and a mood lifter. 

Music/Lyrics: Pave/Heikki Haarma

Conductor: Olli Ahvenlahti

Pave seemed to have aspirations to be a rocker, but rock songs don’t have lyrics like Yamma Yamma does. The whole chorus is that one word repeated several times 

Music/Lyrics: Gordon Dent/Gordon Dent

Conductor: Roby Seidel

Daisy was only in the contest because the song that won the Swiss final was disqualified. They should have stuck with the other song! Mister Music Man is really just The Stripper with lyrics. 

Music/Lyrics: Jang Linster, Ab van Goor/Jang Linster, Ab van Goor

Conductor: Christian Jacob

Sou Fräi is only the second cong to represent Luxembourg is Luxembourgish instead of French. Her outfit looked not so much spray painted as splash painted. The song is a nice mid-tempo number which you will hum along to, but won’t make you dash for the ‘repeat’ button.

Music/Lyrics: Dieter Bohlen/Joachim Horn-Bernges

Conductor: Leon Ives

A big personality with a big voice; it’s one of Austria’s best, but perhaps it’s position in the running order, plonked immediately before the eventual top two, did it no favours. Tony’s voice sounded slightly strained in some sections of his epic ballad.

Music/Lyrics: Paul Davies, Tony Ryan, Victor Stratton/Paul Davies, Tony Ryan, Victor Stratton

Conductor: Ronnie Hazlehurst

Michael earned every penny of the large fee he was reported as having been paid by the BBC. His voice, charismatic stage presence and dynamic performance lifted One Step Out Of Time beyond where this up-tempo song would otherwise have finished. 

Music/Lyrics: Johnny Logan/Johnny Logan

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

Johnny Logan completed his hat-trick of victories with another ballad. Linda was an experienced singer and paced herself to be at her peak on the big night. 

Music/Lyrics: Carsten Warming/Carsten Warming

Conductor: Henrik Krogsgaard

This is not a lovey-dovey duet expressing eternal love. It’s a couple trying to sort out their relationship but, being Danish, it’s done in a jolly way.

Music/Lyrics: Giuseppe Dati/Giancarlo Bigazzi

Conductor: Marco Falagiani

Having finished second in the Sanremo festival, Mimì, as she was affectionately known, was asked to perform in the Eurovision Song Contest for the second time.  This is a true Italian song, full of sincerity, emotion, intensity, with a hint of desperation. 

Music/Lyrics: Rade Radivojevic/Gale Jankovic

Conductor: Anders Berglund

This proved to be Yugoslavia’s last entry. In fact, the country was already started to disintegrate.  It went out in style with a song that starts softly and builds verse by verse to end the song and Yugoslavia’s participation on a high musically, if not high on the scoreboard. 

Music/Lyrics: Robert Morley/Eva Jansen

Conductor: Rolf Lôvland

Perky Merethe won many friends with her jolly personality while she was in Malmö. She even found time to laugh while she performed her anthem to save the planet, a theme that would crop up with boring regularity in years to come. 

Music/Lyrics: Ralph Siegel/Bernd Meinunger

Conductor: Norbert Daum

The same name, but a very different line up to the Wind of the 1985 and 1987 contests. The subject matter is the same, ’peace for all’, but the result was more deserved than the previous two. 

Music/Lyrics: Edwin Schimscheimer/Edwin Schimscheimer

Conductor: Harry van Hoof

The accordion made a rare appearance. Wijs Me De Weg tries to be a floor filler of a dance tune, but doesn’t quite achieve it. That said, it’s still a worthy tune and may have benefited from using a backing track rather than the orchestra. 

Yugoslavia - Baby Doll - Brazil (Serbo-Croat)

Music/Lyrics: Zoran Vracevic/Zoran Vracevic

Conductor: Slobodan Markovic

Getting things going with some eccentricity was the weird and wacky Baby Doll. She was certainly entertaining and the song, if you can look behind the image, is actually very good.

Iceland - Stefán and Eyfi - Nina (Icelandic)

Music/Lyrics: Eyjóolfur Kristjánsson/Eyjóolfur Kristjánsson

Conductor: Jorn Olafsson

Eyfi was adorned with a bandana to hide his receding hairline. It’s less quirky than Stefán’s song from the 1988 contest, but the regular ballad is an improvement and considerably easier on the ear.

Malta - Paul Giordimaina and Georgina - Could It Be (English)

Music/Lyrics: Paul Abela/Raymond Mahoney

Conductor: Paul Abela

This proved to be a very successful return for Malta. The arrangement was fuller than the preview video and this gave the ballad more substance.

Greece - Sofia Vossou - I Anixi (Greek)

Music/Lyrics: Andreas Mikroutsikos/Andreas Mikroutsikos

Conductor: Haris Andreasdis

Pre-contest, the Greek song was seen as a possible winner. All dreams were shattered by the sax solo, which failed to hit almost any note properly. Sofia pretended not to notice, but the juries definitely did. A real shame as the song deserves to be remembered more fondly. 

Switzerland - Sandra Simò - Canzone Per Te (Italian)

Music/Lyrics: Renato Mascetti/Renato Mascetti

Conductor: Flaviano Cuffari

The Swiss chose a song in Italian to represent them in Rome. It’s a ballad that builds well and surprised a few when finishing fifth.

Austria - Thomas Forstner - Venedig Im Regen (German)

Music/Lyrics: Robby Musenbichler, Hunbert Moser/Wolfgang Eltner

Conductor: Richard Österreicher

Things got off to a sartorially bad start when Thomas appeared on stage in a purple suit! As with his 1989 song, it tries to be an epic, unlike Nur Ein Lied, it doesn’t quite do it.

Luxembourg - Sarah Bray - Un Baiser Volé (French)

Music/Lyrics: Patrick Hippert/Mick Wersant, Linda Lecomte

Conductor: Francis Goya

After the saxophonist had ruined any chance of winning the contest, it was the turn of the guitarist to play his part. In fairness, one of the strings broke, which wasn’t his fault. Sarah remained unfazed and delivered her ballad well

Sweden - Carola - Fångad Av En Stormvind (Swedish)

Music/Lyrics: Stefan Berg/Stefan Berg

Conductor: Anders Berglund

Carola was the bookies favourite and she didn’t disappoint. She used her experience to good effect and had as much bounce as her winning song. Like it or hate it, it stays in your head.

France - Amina - C'est Le Dernier Qui A Parlé Qui A Raison (French)

Music/Lyrics: Wasis Diop/Amina Annabi

Conductor: Jérome Pillement

Having been influenced by African rhythms the year before, the French chose an Arabic flavoured song. The result was the same, second place, although it took the tie-break rule to separate Amina from Carola. While it might be more musically credible than the Swedish song, it’s not nearly as nice to listen to and that is what counts. Unlucky not to win? No, lucky to be second.

Turkey - Izel Çeliköz, Rayhan Soykarçi and Can Ugurluér - Iki Dakika (Turkish)

Music/Lyrics: Sevket Ugurluer/Aysel Gurel

Conductor: Turan Yukseler

This song moves along at an almost frantic speed, but if you can keep up, it’s good for a toe-tap. The trio gave it their all and were constantly smiling.  

Ireland - Kim Jackson - Could It Be That I'm In Love (English)

Music/Lyrics: Liam Reilly/Liam Reilly

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

Kim had been one of Liam’s backing singers in Zagreb the year before. She wasn’t quite up to the task of of giving his ballad the necessary boost it needed and the result was underwhelming. 

Portugal - Dulce - Lusitana Paixão (Portuguese)

Music/Lyrics: Fred Micaelo, Jorge Quintela/Fred Micaelo, Jorge Quintela

Conductor: Fernando Correia-Martins

Finally Portugal got close to achieving a deserved high position on the scoreboard. Dulce oozed class, as did her song. It’s not as melancholy as the traditional Fado style it is about, but it is could only be Portuguese. 

Denmark - Anders Frandsen - Lige Der Hvor Hjertet Slår (Danish)

Music/Lyrics: Michael Elo/Michael Elo

Conductor: Henrik Krogsgaard 

Denmark’s song is an understated ballad. If you want to knock it, you should first listen to the song that it beat into second place in the Danish final, and be grateful it exists.  

Norway - Just 4 Fun - Mrs. Thompson (Norwegian)

Music/Lyrics: P.G. Roness, Dag Kolsrud/P.G. Roness, Kaare Skevik

Conductor: Pete Knutsen

Without knowing what NRK (the Norwegian broadcaster) had rejected, it seems they made a good choice of song. Mrs Thompson is catchy yet musically credible, with an easy to remember refrain. 

Israel - Duo Datz - Kan (Hebrew)

Music/Lyrics: Uzi Chitman/Uzi Chitman

Conductor: Kobi Oshrat

Husband and wife duo Orna and Moshe Datz had more chemistry than a high street full of pharmacies. The song is a wonderful Israeli sing-along and very memorable. It was always going to be in contention.

Finland - Kaija - Hullu Yö (Finnish)

Music/Lyrics: Ile Kallio/Jukka Välimaa

Conductor: Olli Ahvenlahti

Once again, the Finns can count themselves unlucky to score so few points. Hullu Yö is a rock song with a restrained power which Kaija delivered with the required level of feeling.

Germany - Atlantis 2000 - Dieser Traum Darf Niemals Sterben (German)

Music/Lyrics: Alfons Weindorf/Helmut Frey

Conductor: Hermann Weindorf

Yet again, the Germans had an anthemic song urging peace and love to everyone. Following the fall of the Berlin wall, the group even included an East German woman for good measure.  

Belgium - Clouseau - Geef Het Op (Flemish)

Music/Lyrics: Kris Wauters, Koen Wauters, Bob Savenburg, Jan Leyers/Kris Wauters, Koen Wauters, Bob Savenburg, Jan Leyers

Conductor: Roland Verlooven

Clouseau were the biggest name in Belgian music at the time they tried to expand their success to the rest of Europe with an uplifting, brassy pop song which deserved better. The performance was very professional.  

Spain - Sergio Dalma - Bailar Pegados (Spanish)

Music/Lyrics: Julio Seijas/Luis Escolar

Conductor: Eduardo Leiva

Host Toto Cotugno nicknamed Sergio ‘little Toto’. Bailar Pegados was one of the favourites going into the contest and rightly so. It’s a classic Spanish ballad which, if given an additional chorus, could have done better. At two minutes 32 seconds, it ends rather unexpectedly and quickly. 

United Kingdom - Samantha Janus - A Message To Your Heart (English)

Music/Lyrics: Paul Curtis/Paul Curtis

Conductor: Ronnie Hazlehurst

The United Kingdom delegation arrived in Rome with hopes high. However, the rock element of the song seemed to have been left behind in London. This, combined with inappropriate outfits (including the backing singers) and Samantha’s nerves on the night combined to scupper any hope of winning. Samantha’s engagement to her Italian boyfriend during the week (an engagement that was soon broken off) may have proved a distraction. A great, great shame as the studio version of the song demonstrates how good it really sounds and it would have been a worthy winner.

Cyprus - Elena Patroclou - SOS (Greek)

Music/Lyrics: Kypros Charalambous/Andrteas Christou

Conductor: Alexandro Kirou-Zografou

This song is weaker than a shandy without the lager. Songwriters ego overcame common sense and Kypros appeared on stage with his bass guitar when there was absolutely no need for him to be there. The presentation needed only Elena and no-one else to be on the stage.

Italy - Peppino di Capri - Comme E' Ddoce 'o Mare (Italian)

Music/Lyrics: Marcello Marrocchi/Giampiero Artegiani

Conductor: Bruno Canfora

This song was originally intended for the Sanremo festival, but RAI instead nicked it to represent Italy in the Eurovision. It’s in Peppino’s native Neapolitan dialect, which adds a greater flavour to the Neapolitan style of the song. 

Music/Lyrics: José-Luis Abel/Raúl Orellana, Jaime Stinus

Conductor: Eduardo Leyva

Despite a false start, the sisters of Azucar Moreno performed strongly. Their passionate vocal combined with Spanish rhythms and dance beat to provide a very trendy opening to the contest.

Music/Lyrics: Giorgos Papagiannakis/Giorgos Paleokastriris

Conductor: Michalis Rozakis

Christos is the nephew of top English actor, Simon Callow. The presentation wasn’t helped when the microphone of the female backing singer didn’t work. The song is sensitive and sincere, and well done to Christos for hitting the big high note at the end. 

Music/Lyrics: Philippe Lafontaine/Philippe Lafontaine

Conductor: Rory Brack

Philippe wrote this song about his Macedonian wife. There is a romantic, almost monastic feel about it, supplemented by the strong arrangement.

Music/Lyrics: Kayahan Acar/Kayahan Acar

Conductor: Ümit Eroglu

Kayahan came across as a very likeable, his friendly smile added charm to his folk song. He sat on his stool, strummed his guitar and let the song sell itself.

Music/Lyrics: Alice May/Alice May

Conductor: Harry van Hoof

This is an example of the unpredictability of the contest. Prior to the contest, Maywood was rightly one of the favourites, but the juries combined to put the sisters in 15th place. Ik Wil Alles Met Je Delen is worth a higher placing than that. It is well constructed, memorable, and powerful and was well performed.

Music/Lyrics: Jean-Charles France/Thierry Delianis

Conductor: Thierry Durbet

The beautiful, sultry Céline was plucked from obscurity by the writers and RTL (Luxembourg’s national broadcaster) to sing this striking, atmospheric ballad. The co-ordinated presentation was just right, but somehow it passed over the heads of the juries.

Music/Lyrics: Paul Curtis/Paul Curtis

Conductor: Alyn Ainsworth

Emma was 15 at the time of the contest, but was just old enough to compete as she turned 16 in the year of the contest. Give A Little Love Back To The World is a big anthem which she performed well, ably assisted by, amongst others, Miriam Stockley, with whose voice the big note was safe.

Music/Lyrics: Hördur Olafsson/Adalsteinn Asberg Sigurdsson

Conductor: Jón Kjell Seljeseth

Iceland’s duo were full of energy and they needed to be! Eitt Lag Enn is the type of song the Eurovision Song Contest Is often criticised for; it’s chirpy, fast and fun, and we all need that sort of thing from time to time.

Music/Lyrics: Ketil Stokkan/Ketil Stokkan

Conductor: Pete Knutsen

Four years after he sang about Romeo, Ketil made the Brandenburg Gate the subject of his second contest entry. It doesn’t sound as serious as maybe it should and is a bit too sing-along for the subject matter. 

Music/Lyrics: Rami Kleinstein/Tzurya Lahav

Conductor: Rami Levine

Barefooted Rita changed the atmosphere. After the carefree feel of the previous two songs came her dramatic, emotive ballad. The camera loved her!

Music/Lyrics: John Hatting, T. Leandager/Keld Heick

Conductor: Henrik Krogsgaard

Young Lonnie did her best but looked uneasy and stiff with the very little choreography she was given. It wasn’t necessarily her fault, swaying on the spot was not what her up-tempo song full of zip needed. 

Music/Lyrics: Cornelia Lackner/Cornelia Lackner

Conductor: Bela Balint

Clad all in white and armed with a violin (also white) and a cheesy grin, Egon had to be alert to flit quickly between singing and fiddle playing. His song - written by his wife - is melodic, uplifting and very hummable.

Music/Lyrics: Ralph Siegel/Michael Kunze

Conductor: Rainer Pietsch

Daniel returned to his native country to represent Germany with Chris, who looked the much more relaxed of the two. It’s German, therefore it’s anthemic with a peace theme which was of the time.

Music/Lyrics: George Ougier de Moussac/Serge Gainsbourg

Conductor: Régis Dupré

Over-rated is the word that springs to mind. Yes, it is original, but that doesn’t mean it’s any bloomin’ good! Joelle sang and danced well and the flavour was very African.

Music/Lyrics: Zrinko Tutic/Zrinko Tutic, Alka Vuica

Conductor: Igor Kuljeric

The hosts turned to youth rather than experience. Looking like a young Marilyn Monroe, 17 year old Tajci flirted with her backing singers and had a great time performing this rock song, which had a touch of innocence about it.

Music/Lyrics: Jan van Dijck, Luis Filipe/Teotonio Pereira

Conductor: Carlos Alberto Moniz

The occasional blast of brass gives the song a bit of life. All the same, it does get slightly lost in the crowd.  

Music/Lyrics: Liam Reilly Liam Reilly

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

In an attempt to please everyone everywhere, the lyrics mention almost every country in Europe, together with its major tourist attraction as Liam pines for his holiday romance. It must have been a coach tour of epic proportions! Finishing second, it clearly worked and, desperate lyrics aside, it is a pleasant ballad.  

Music/Lyrics: Mikael Wendt/Mikael Wendt

Conductor: Curt-Eric Holmquist

Having come close with a rock song one year earlier, Sweden sent another song in that genre. The two sets of brothers gave it their all, but Som En Vind was never going to repeat the success of its predecessor.

Music/Lyrics: Toto Cutugno/Toto Cutugno

Conductor: Gianni Madonini

Eighteen years after Italy first won the contest, the second victory was finally achieved. Nothing much was expected after the preview video was very under produced, leading some to wonder if Toto had actually finished writing the song at that stage. These thoughts would not exactly have been dispelled when he turned up at his first rehearsal with a music stand and sheet music.  The song is about the creation of a more unified Europe due at the end of 1992 and, as might be expected, is an anthem which builds gradually. 

Music/Lyrics: Wolfgang Berry/Mario Botazzi

Conductor: Richard Österreicher

Glamorous Simone was thankful just to have the chance to sing having finished second in the first Austrian final for a few years. Keine Mauern Mehr is a fairly ordinary song about the political changes of the time. Lines like “no walls anywhere” and “tomber le barriers” are used to re-inforce the image. 

Music/Lyrics: John Vickers/Haris Anastasiou

Conductor: John Vickers

Anastasiou (as he was known) livened things up a bit with his energetic, if slightly forced, choreography to his disco tune.

Music/Lyrics: Kim Engblom, Janne Engblom, Tina Krause/Tina Engblom

Conductor: Olli Ahvenlahti

The brothers and sisters of Beat stood side by side to perform this soft rock song. While it is decent enough effort, there was a feeling the songs had ended with more of a whimper than a bang.  

Music/Lyrics: Franco Fasano/Franco Ciani, Franco Berlincioni

Conductor: Mario Natale

Anna and Fausto won the Sanremo festival in 1989, and three of the writers of that song also wrote Avrei Voluto. It needed a stronger input from the orchestra, who were not yet warmed up, and as a result, it sounded less strong than it is. The argument set to music is a very strong theme which Anna and Fausto got into the spirit of.

Music/Lyrics: Shaike Paikov/Shaike Paikov

Conductor: Shaike Paikov

Despite being surrounded by Galit and a couple of backing singers, Gili started very nervously but did become more relaxed. The song had potential to be a big belter, but suffered because of Gili’s immature voice.

Music/Lyrics: Kiev Connolly/Kiev Connolly

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

Kiev’s song is soft rock and moves along smoothly. As well as The Passengers, Kiev was accompanied by a female singer who was never far from his shoulder and was surplus to requirements.

Music/Lyrics: Jan Kisjes/ Jan Kisjes

Conductor: Harry van Hoof

A week of rehearsals had taken its toll on Justine’s voice, which cracked on the big note right at the end. That didn’t detract from the quality of her big power ballad.

Music/Lyrics: Timur Selçuk/ Timur Selçuk

Conductor: Timur Selçuk

Usually, if the most memorable thing about a song is the performance of the conductor, it wouldn’t be saying much about the quality of the song. However, despite Timur’s energetic display with the baton and a repetitive lyric, there is still a very infectious tune and rhythym to make the song stand out on its own.  

Music/Lyrics: Stef Bos/Stef Bos

Conductor: Freddy Sunder

Door De Wind starts modestly staying within itself, but by the end, it comes out of its shell by picking up the pace and power.

Music/Lyrics: John Beeby/Brian Hodgson

Conductor: Ronnie Hazlehurst

As usual, the United Kingdom was near the top of the bookmakers list. This year, it was fully justified. Why Do I Always Get It Wrong is a quiet, yet emotive ballad that leaves its mark.

Music/Lyrics: Inge Enoksen/Leiv Grotte

Conductor: Pete Knutsen

Heard on its own, Venners Nærhet is an appealing song; a sincere and gentle ballad. However, it doesn’t quite have the strength to pull itself above the competition. 

Music/Lyrics: Ricardo/Pedro Luis

Conductor: Luis Duarte

Portugal tried a rock song for the first time. The final position on the scoreboard doesn’t reflect how good the song is. The downfall comes when the lyrics go all geographic.

Music/Lyrics: Tim Norell, Ola Hakansson/Tim Norell, Ola Hakansson

Conductor: Anders Berglund

Sporting a hairstyle that any lead singer of a rock band would be proud of, Tommy gave everything as he delivered his uplifting piece of rock. Time has not diminished its quality.  

Music/Lyrics: Maggie Parke, Gast Waltzing/Maggie Parke, Bernard Loncheval

Conductor: Benoit Kaufman

Fronted by American Maggie Parke, the band representing Luxembourg gave us something different. An obvious bass, brass and plucked strings make Monsieur stand out from the crowd

Music/Lyrics: Soren Bundgard/Keld Keick

Conductor: Henrik Krogsgaard

Veteran Birthe showed the others how to do it as she lifted this bouncy little number to third place. There was even a chance to Henrik to dash from the orchestra pit to join in the proceedings on stage. How fortunate that the conductor from the previous song was on hand to take over, and seemed to know exactly where to start.  

Music/Lyrics: Dieter Bohlen/Joachim Horn-Bernges

Conductor: n/a

Thomas (a former member of the Vienna Boys Choir) achieved Austria’s highest placing since 1976, and the top five has eluded them ever since. Nur Ein Lied starts in dramatic style and maintains its grandness right to the end.

Music/Lyrics: Matti Puurtinen/Turkka Mali

Conductor: Ossi Runne

A song in Finnish with an Italian title and Spanish influences, what more could you ask for?

Music/Lyrics: Guy Matteoni, G. G. Candy/Sylvein Lebel

Conductor: Guy Matteoni

The second of the annoying child singers was much more confident than Gili had been earlier in the evening. She breezed her way through this admittedly good ballad.

Music/Lyrics: Juan Carlos Calderon/Juan Carlos Calderon

Conductor: Juan Carlos Calderon

In a year that contained more than its fair share of big ballads, Spain’s stood apart from the rest.  Nina sang with real feeling and could have brought her country its third win.

Music/Lyrics: Marios Meletiou/Efi Meletiou

Conductor: Haris Andreadis

A couple of wobbles with the vocals didn’t help a song already in need of all the assistance it could get. It’s rather empty and unsatisfying. 

Music/Lyrics: Marie-Louise Werth/Marie-Louise Werth

Conductor: Benoit Kaufman

This is the only song in the history of the contest to be sung in Switzerland’s fourth language, Romanche. It’s a rather subdued effort which passes by almost unnoticed.    

Music/Lyrics: Yannis Kyris, Marianna Efstratiou/Villy Saniánou

Conductor: Yiorgos Niachros

Marianna was one of the stronger singers in the contest but had one of the weakest songs. It holds itself together, but seems to drift along aimlessly, never really taking off or achieving its potential. 

Music/Lyrics: Valgeir Gudjonsson/Valgeir Gudjonsson

Conductor: Valgeir Gudjonsson

Perhaps a little unlucky to score no points at all, this is a steady rather than strong ballad. It wasn’t the worst song in the contest, but was probably just outside the top ten of most of the juries.  

Music/Lyrics: Dieter Bohlen/Joachim Horn-Bernges

Conductor: n/a

Had Austria chosen a different song, Germany may well have been fifth instead. The two are very similar in style and presentation. This is not such a big surprise when you consider that the same songwriters were responsible for both songs.  

Music/Lyrics: Rajko Dujmic/Stevo Cvikic

Conductor: Nikica Kalogjera

Yugoslavia’s 24th entry brought it its first and only win. The often tried Balkan ballad was abandoned in favour of a europop tune of the type so often derided by cynics. It is one of the less musical credible songs Yugoslavia entered, but a win is a win and it is fun. Not only that, but the ‘Rock me baby’ refrain is very memorable.

Music/Lyrics: Sverrir Stormsker/Sverrir Stormsker

Conductor: n/a

Despite the title, there is nothing philosophical about Iceland’s third entry. The verses consist almost entirely of the names of famous people such as John Waine and Michael Caine.  

Music/Lyrics: Py Bäckman/Py Bäckman

Conductor: Anders Berglund

Better known for its up-tempo, bouncy songs, Sweden sent a fine ballad and Tommy, appearing in the Eurovision for the second time, had one of the best voices of the 1988 contest.

Music/Lyrics: Pepe Willberg/Kirsti Willberg

Conductor: Ossi Runne

The smiling Finnish band lifted the mood of the audience with their upbeat pop song. They ran on to the stage with arms in the air encouraging the audience to clap along from the start, and the scene was set for the next three minutes.

Music/Lyrics: Julie Forsyth/Julie Forsyth

Conductor: Ronnie Hazlehurst

Written by Julie, the daughter of Sir (well, he should be) Bruce Forsyth, Go is a beautiful ballad which was complimented well by Scott’s suitably melancholy voice. The string arrangement adds to the atmosphere of the song. Runner up was the least it deserved.

Music/Lyrics: Mazhar, Fauat, Özkan/ Mazhar Alanson

Conductor: Turan Yukseler

There is an infectious rhythm driving through the second of MFÖ’s eurosongs. It’s very catchy and even the ‘hey-ya’s’ don’t distract from one of the best of Turkey’s offerings.

Music/Lyrics: Enrique Piero/Francisco Dondiego

Conductor: Javier de Juan

The chirpy Spanish group gave a chirpy rendition of this up-tempo tune. The performance lifted the appeal of a song which would otherwise have blended unnoticed into the pack.

Music/Lyrics: Peter de Wijn/Peter de Wijn

Conductor: Harry van Hoof

Gerard gave his all as he belted out his infectious foot tapper of a song. It even edges towards the anthemic later on.

Music/Lyrics: Boris Dimitshtein/Ehud Manor

Conductor: Eldad Shrem

The host of the 1979 contest picked up the microphone to sing a song whose pace is slow at first, but increases bit by bit so that at the end, it’s difficult to keep up with if you’re singing along.  

Music/Lyrics: Atilla Sereftug/Nella Martinetti

Conductor: Atilla Sereftug

This is where one of the most successful careers of the last 30 years was born. Nella and Atilla had given her the type of ballad which would become her trademark. What a difference one point makes!   

Music/Lyrics: Peter Eades/Peter Eades

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

The hosts entered a soft rock ballad whose theme is along the lines of The Righteous Brothers He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother. It was a credible defence that was unlikely to win.

Music/Lyrics: Ralph Siegel/Bernd Meinunger

Conductor: Michael Thatcher

The Germans employed the slightly gimmicky services of a mother/daughter duo. They both played piano and sported insincere smiles as they sung their Song For a Friend.

Music/Lyrics: Wilfried Scheuz, Klaus Kofler/Wilfried Scheuz, Klaus Kofler

Conductor: Harald Neuwirth

A rather unkempt looking Wilfried may well have felt aggrieved at scoring no points. His heartfelt ballad to a mysterious woman is by no means the worst song of the contest. 

Music/Lyrics: Soren Bundgard/Keld Heick

Conductor: Henrik Krogsgaard

There were six people on stage when the song started, but Kirsten was so heavily pregnant, there may well have been seven by the time this Danish europop song finished. 

Music/Lyrics: Dimitris Sakislis/Dimitris Sakislis

Conductor: Haris Andreadis

The rock edged intro gave way to a more broad European style when a nervous looking Aphroditi started singing. Despite that, it’s all a bit unmemorable.

Music/Lyrics: Anita Skorgan/Erik Hillestad

Conductor: Arild Stav

Candleabra adorned the piano at which Karoline sat, surrounded by her backing singers. The combination created the right atmosphere for Norway’s ballad. 

Music/Lyrics: Joseph Reynaerts, Dany Willem/ Joseph Reynaerts, Philippe Anciaux

Conductor: Dany Willem

Loaded with haunting atmosphere, Laissez Briller Le Soleil (Let the Sun Shine in Your Heart) could be dark and depressing (in a good way) if it had a different theme to the one suggested by the title. The mood remains throughout, supplemented by the backing vocals.

Music/Lyrics: Jacques Cardona/Alain Garcia

Conductor: Régis Dupré

Lara brought a bit of class to the evening with a beautiful, thoughtful ballad. The presentation was effectively simple and Lara was vocally flawless. 

Music/Lyrics: Luca Barbarossa/Luca Barbarossa

Conductor: n/a

Luca was third in the Sanremo festival in 1988 with a very challenging song, especially lyrically. Perhaps deciding that it would have been too much for a European audience, Luca’s rote this for the Eurovision. It has a more internationally appealing theme. The style is more soft rock than Italian.

Music/Lyrics: Gérard Lenorman/Gérard Lenorman, Claude Lemesler
Conductor: Guy Matteoni

The very French Gerard certainly had ‘le charme’ but not the song to contend for victory. It could make up the numbers on an album, but no more than that. 

Music/Lyrics: José Calvário, José Niza/José Calvário, José Niza

Conductor: José Calvário

Voltarei is the second, and far and away the best of Dora’s entries. It’s a very dramatic and emotional ballad which demonstrates that when Portugal gets it right, it gets it very right indeed. Not for the first time, a fantastic song went above the heads of the jurors.

Music/Lyrics: Rajko Dujmic/Stevo Svikic, Rajko Dujmic

Conductor: Nikica Kalogjera

There are hints of desperation and anger in Srebrna Krila’s song, which is essentially a pop tune. The lead singer gives a spirited performance.

Music/Lyrics: Rölf Lovland/Hanne Krogh, Rölf Lovland

Conductor: Terje Fjaern

Sporting hair that defied gravity, Kate opened the contest with a charming performance of her sub-anthem ditty.

Music/Lyrics: Zohar Laskov/Zohar Laskov

Conductor: Kobi Oshrat

The Israeli Minister of Culture threatened to resign if this song represented his country! Dressed as the Blues Brothers, Datner and Kushnir couldn’t be accused of taking things too seriously as they ‘danced’ their way through their fairly amusing spoof.

Music/Lyrics: Kenneth Westmore/Stefanie Werger

Conductor: Richard Österreicher

The third, last and best of Gary’s songs. Previously, he had entered an up-tempo and an anthem song. This time, he entered a piano based ballad full of beauty.

Music/Lyrics: Valgeir Gugjonsson/Valgeir Gugjonsson

Conductor: Hjálmar Ragnarsson

After a messy debut the year before, Iceland returned with a mellow ballad, which is well constructed and subtle. The presentation was simple with Halla standing by the piano before walking slowly across the stage.

Music/Lyrics: Liliane Keuninckx, Guyri Spies/Liliane Keuninckx, Guyri Spies

Conductor: Freddy Sunder

The hosts went all rocky as they went for a second victory in a row. Soldiers Of Love is very memorable and the two guitarists are very entertaining as they fling their instruments with gusto.

Music/Lyrics: Mikael Wendt/Christer Lundh

Conductor: Curt-Eric Holmquist

With shades of the Caribbean in sound and appearance, the Swedes had a song that, if it was a school report, would have the comments ‘could do better.’ 

Music/Lyrics: Umberto Tozzi, Raf Riefoli/Giancarlo BIgazzi

Conductor: Giancarlo Lombardi

Umberto won the Sanremo festival as part of a trio which Raf wasn’t a part of. This isn’t the song that won the festival, but its quiet power and melodic tune made it a strong contender to win Sanremo’s big brother. 

Music/Lyrics: Alfredo Azinheira, Jorges Mendes/Alfredo Azinheira

Conductor: Jaime Oliveira

Suitably attired in seafarers style suits, the third male duo of the evening had an ocean themed song. It was one of the better songs of the contest, but probably lacked the ability to appeal to enough jury members. 

Music/Lyrics: Rafael Martinez, Rafael Trabucchelli/Patricia Kraus

Conductor: Eduardo Leyva

Did she have an accident in make up? Her appearance might have distracted from her song. Some would argue that wouldn’t be a bad thing. The two guitarists trying to steal the limelight did her no favours either. For the record, the song is dramatic and isn’t actually that bad. 

Music/Lyrics: Olcayto Ahmet Tugsuz/Olcayto Ahmet Tugsuz

Conductor: Garo Mafyan

All the chest wiggling and general prancing around was probably too much for most viewers. The performance is more memorable than the song, which tries to be a sing-along.

Music/Lyrics: Thanos Kalliris Vassilis Dertilis/Thanos Kalliris Vassilis Dertilis

Conductor: Yiorgos Niachros

Bizarrely compared to 80’s pop stars, Wham! by Terry Wogan (it takes more than just being a male duo to be Wham!), the Greek chaps gave us possibly the most un-Greek song that the country has sent to the contest. It has lots of brass and backing singers in strange outfits.

Music/Lyrics: Peter Koelewijn/Peter Koelewijn

Conductor: Rogier van Otterloo

Marcha sang all the songs in the Dutch final in 1987. The song chosen for her to perform in the contest is at times dark, and at other times, lively. Her two keyboard players were almost as involved in the performance as she was. 

Music/Lyrics: Roger Jouret, Alec Mansion/Roger Jouret, Alec Mansion

Conductor: Alec Mansion

Plastic certainly couldn’t be faulted for his lack of effort. He bounded all over the stage as he gave a rock style vocal to a synth based pop song.

Music/Lyrics: Rikki Peebles/Rikki Peebles

Conductor: Ronnie Hazlehurst

At the time, 11th was the worst position for any United Kingdom entry to finish, the tartan sash did him no favours! His song, which actually deserved a higher placing, is about an alleged UFO sighting.

Music/Lyrics: Marc Minier/Gérard Curci

Conductor: Jean-Claude Petit

This is the style of song the French do best. Christine was charming as she performed her floating ballad. Somehow, the juries failed to see the merits of what they were listening to.

Music/Lyrics: Ralph Siegel/Bernd Meinunger

Conductor: Laszlo Bencker

A different song, but essentially the same message as their 1985 entry. The style this time was a mix of calypso and reggae. As in 1985, they finished second when second last would have been more appropriate.

Music/Lyrics: Andreas Papapávlou/Maria Papapávlou

Conductor: Jo Carlier

Alexia had previously been in the contest when Cyprus debuted in 1981. This song is far more contemporary and infectious with a look to match. Arguably, it’s one of the best songs Cyprus has sent to the contest. 

Music/Lyrics: Petri Laaksonen/Veli-Pekka Lehto

Conductor: Ossi Runne

This is one of Finland’s most popular entries among fans. It’s certainly a lot more modern and continental than songs entered by Finland in previous years, a sign perhaps that the Finns were starting to understand what was required. 

Music/Lyrics: Helga Engelbrecht/Jacob Jonia

Conductor: Henrik Krogsgaard

While it is quite melodic, the Danish song is also rather twee but was probably sung around camp fires all over the country. The faces pulled by the members of Bandjo didn’t help the presentation.

Music/Lyrics: Sean Sherrard/Sean Sherrard

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

Having won the contest in 1980 with a song written by someone else, Johnny, aka Sean Sherrard, wrote his second winner himself.  As with his 1980 winner, the song is based on personal experience as it was written about his then wife. It was clear when the preview videos were released (these were the prehistoric days before the internet!) that Hold Me Now was the one everyone else would struggle to beat. 

Music/Lyrics: Rajko Dujmic/Stevo Cvikic

Conductor: Nikica Kalogjera

There were so many ‘hics’, you’d think the band had had a few drinks before going on stage! The performance had no ’hiccups’, but it wasn’t going to be enough to pull this fairly weak song victory.

Music/Lyrics: Jean-Jacques Egli/Jean-Jacques Egli

Conductor: n/a

A very nervous looking Carole moved carefully on stage and seemed to be thinking about the next piece of choreography as much as anything else. Moitié Moitié is a pop/rock crossover.

Music/Lyrics: Brendan Graham/Brendan Graham

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

The contest was opened by a below par Irish ballad. Maria’s performance was a bit on the sickly side.

Music/Lyrics: Petri Laaksonen/Veli-Pekka Lehto

Conductor: Ossi Runne

Finland is capable of sending a song which is capable of sounding good only to natives. Not this time!! Eläköön Elämä is one of their best entries, a powerful, almost rock song, which Sonja delivered very well.

Music/Lyrics: Lia Vishy/Lia Vishy

Conductor: Haris Andreadis

Lia (sister of Anna - Greece 1980 and Cyprus 1982), looked very vulnerable as she sung, sometimes with a wobble, this nice, soothing ballad.

Music/Lyrics: Soren Bundgard/Keld Heick

Conductor: Wolfgang Käfer

Kirsten and Soren, who had represented their country the year before, came back for more and this time, they had a secret weapon, or at least they thought they did; an ever so slightly annoying child. Not content with joining in with the song, the child (boy or girl, who knows? Who cares?!) got dressed into adult clothes while the others did their bits.

Music/Lyrics: Juan Carlos Calderón/ Juan Carlos Calderón

Conductor: Juan Carlos Calderón

Classic elegance was the order of the day for Paloma. La Fiesta Terminó shows how good Spanish songs can be when they really try. This is how big ballads should sound.

Music/Lyrics: Didier Pascalis/Didier Pascalis

Conductor: Michel Bernholc

The most memorable thing about this song is the fantastic string arrangement. It dominates the whole song, lifting it out of the realms of the ordinary into something that should have been placed in the top five.

Music/Lyrics: Mazhar, Fauat, Özkan/ Mazhar, Fauat, Özkan

Conductor: Garo Mafyan

MFO were three chaps who clearly enjoyed their three minutes on stage. They gave a cheery performance of a cheery song. You might not vote for it, but it will make you smile. 

Music/Lyrics: Pieter Verlinden/Bert Vivier

Conductor: Curt-Eric Holmquist

Linda can count herself unlucky to have finished last with this sincere ballad for which she gave a sincere, professional performance.

Music/Lyrics: Tozé Brizo/Adelaïde Ferreria, Luis Fernando

Conductor: José Calvário

If ever Portugal deserved a place in the top five, this was it. The powerful and emotional ballad seemed to take its toll on Adelaïde. She ended her performance of one knee with her head bowed and took time to stand up again. Eigtheenth? The juries must have been listening to a different song!

Music/Lyrics: Hanne Haller/Hanne Haller

Conductor: Rainer Pietsch

This song is more highly regarded than it deserves. The ‘peace for all’ theme was starting to become boringly predictable in the German entries, a description which can also be applied to Für Alle.

Music/Lyrics: Kobi Oshrat/Hamutal Ben Ze’ev

Conductor: Kobi Oshrat

Izhar won the contest in 1979 and went for the double with a song which is almost guaranteed to fill dance floors and sounds as good today as it did then. It’s full of bounce and zip.

Music/Lyrics: Dario Farina, Michael Hofmann/Christiano Minellono

Conductor: Fio Zanotti

Italy’s favourite husband and wife team came back for a second attempt nine years after their first, with a slightly cheesy cabaret number. That said, it’s given a lift by the quality of Al’s voice, and when you look as good as Romina, you can get away with anything.

Music/Lyrics: Rolf Lövland/Rolf Lövland

Conductor: Terje Fjaern

The country which had unfairly become famous for not scoring found itself at the top of the scoreboard for the first time. It’s a bouncy, catchy, clap-along which was given an appropriately lively performance by Elisabeth Andreasson and Hanne Krogh, both experienced song contest performers.

Music/Lyrics: Vikki Watson/James Kaleth

Conductor: John Coleman

Chosen from a high quality ‘A Song For Europe’ competition, it might have been expected for Love Is to do well. So it proved for the contemporary pop song.

Music/Lyrics: Anita Kerr/Trudi Muller-Bosshard

Conductor: Anita Kerr

Having sang solo two years earlier, Mariella was joined by the splendidly moustached Pino for this fairly unmemorable song.

Music/Lyrics: Lasse Holm/Ingela ‘Pling’ Forsman

Conductor: Curt-Eric Holmquist

Kikki wisely moved only a little, leaving her two dancers to perform the acrobatics. Her song spoke for itself, an up-tempo, foot tapping and wonderful slice of Schlager. The title also allowed Lill Lindfors to make a saucy joke about the English translation of the title.  

Music/Lyrics: Mick Jackson, Geoff Bastow/Michael Kunze

Conductor: Richard Österreicher

Singing the first of two successive songs in the 1985 contest about children, Gary appeared for the first time as a solo artist. His song is not quite an anthem, but moves along freely.

Music/Lyrics: Ralph Siegel/Bernd Meinunger, Jean-Michel Beriat

Conductor: Norbert Daum

An array of singers from almost as many countries as were in the contest joined forces for Luxembourg to sing what is almost a series of duets. It should have been messy, but it actually worked reasonably well.

Music/Lyrics: Takis Biniaris/Maro Bizani

Conductor: Haris Andreadis

The contest ended with a very gentle song. Takis' performance was rightly understated and respectful of his own composition.

Adorned in golden boots, the three chaps from Sweden bounded their way through the slick choreography. There were songs more worthy of winning, but you will find yourself humming Diggi-loo Diggy-ley long after it has finished.

Luxembourg - Sophie Carle - 100% D'amour (French)
Music/Lyrics: Jean-Pierre Goussaud/Jean-Michel Beriat/Patrick Jaymes
Conductor:  Pascal Stive

The hopes of the host nation lay on the shoulders of teenager Sophie. She was clearly happy to be there, but her inexperience did show. As for the song, it can best be described as bubblegum pop.

France - Annick Thoumazeau - Autant D'amoureux Que D'étoiles (French)
Music/Lyrics: Vladimir Cosma/Charel Lavel
Conductor: Francois Raubèrt

A very elegant Annick stood quite still as she performed the French song, a mid-tempo ballad which sometimes veers towards the operatic.

Spain - Bravo - Lady, Lady (Spanish)
Music/Lyrics: Miguel Blasco/Amaya Saizar
Conductor: Eddie Guerin

Bravo were a group of three men and two ladies, one of which performed lead vocals. The song is a nice, mid-tempo ballad. 

Norway - Dollie de Luxe - Lenge Leve Livet (Norwegian)
Music/Lyrics: Ingrid Björnov/Benedicte Adrian/Ingrid Björnov/Benedicte Adrian
Conductor: Sigurd Jansen

The two ladies of Dollie de Luxe were hard to miss in their bright white outfits and a dance routine which featured a lot of marching movements. Although the vocals of this contemporary song were a bit screechy in places, seventeenth was a long way off where they deserved to finish. They would go on to star in the West End in their own musical, Which Witch.

United Kingdom - Belle and the Devotions - Love Games (English)
Music/Lyrics: Paul Curtis, Graham Sacher/ Paul Curtis, Graham Sacher
Conductor: John Coleman

Paul Curtis’ third song for his country is 60’s retro in the Motown mould. Belle and the Devotions resembled anything but a Motown group. Belle would return in later years as a backing singer for more than one United Kingdom act.  

Cyprus - Andy Paul - Anna Mari-Elena (Greek)
Music/Lyrics: Andy Paul/Andy Paul
Conductor: Pierre Cao

Even the involvement of ‘The Hitman’ Pete Waterman couldn’t propel the Cypriot song to the top of the scoreboard. Andy’s performance of his gentle toe-tapper was assured.

Belgium - Jacques Zegers - Avanti La Vie (French)
Music/Lyrics: Henri Seroka/Jacques Zegers
Conductor: Jo Carlier

Hopefully, Jacques and his backing singers remembered to put on deodorant, they all stood very close together and looked very serious as they sung this calm ballad.  

Ireland - Linda Martin - Terminal 3 (English)
Music/Lyrics: Sean Sherrard/Sean Sherrard
Conductor: Noel Kelehan

The team that would win the 1992 contest came second with their first collaboration. Unlike Sean's (aka Johnny Logan) winners, Terminal 3 is an uptempo song with a beat that drives the song relentlessly from beginning to end.   

Denmark - Hot Eyes - Det' Lige Det (Danish)
Music/Lyrics: Soren Bundgard/Keld Heick
Conductor: Henrik Krogsgaard

The Danish duo are popular amongst the fans for their chirpy songs, and this is arguably the best of their three efforts in the contest. Unlike the other two, it’s gimmick free, which is always a bonus. 

The Netherlands - Maribelle - Ik Hou Van Jou (Dutch) Music/Lyrics: Peter van Asten/Richard Debois/Peter van Asten/Richard Debois
Conductor: Rogier van Otterloo

Sensibly, the presentation was kept simple to allow the absolute beauty of the song shine through. It’s one of those that deserve to be much higher up the scoreboard.

Yugoslavia - Vlado and Isolda - Ciao Amore (Serbo Croat)
Music/Lyrics: Slobodan Bucevac/Milan Peric
Conductor: Mato Dosen

Isolda had been one third of Aska in 1982. Her duet with Vlado is rock influenced and is one of quite a few this year that should have finished higher than it did. 

Austria - Anita - Einfach Weg (German)
Music/Lyrics: Brigitte Seuberth, Ernst Seuberth/Walter Muller
Conductor:  Richard Österreicher

From start to finish, the Austrian song is pleasant if unspectacular. The beat and tempo remain very steady. Her two backing singers make the performance more entertaining to watch.

Germany - Mary Roos - Aufrecht Geh'n (German)
Music/Lyrics: Michael Reinecke/Michael Kunze
Conductor: Pierre Cao

Twelve years after she finished 3rd in the contest, Mary returned with a big German ballad with a big intro.

Turkey - Bes Yil Önce, On Yil Sonra - Halay (Turkish) Music/Lyrics: Selcuk Basar/Ulku Aker
Conductor: Selcuk Basar

While there are a couple of interesting moments during the song, it does drift along rather aimlessly and it’s easy for the mind to wander to others things before the end.

Finland - Kirka - Hengaillaan (Finnish) 
Music/Lyrics: Jukka Siikavire/Jussi Tuominen
Conductor: Ossi Runne

Kirka’s slightly rough voice adds a bit of character to Finland’s song, which is an uptempo and slightly unusual number. It occupies a place on the scoreboard that songs below it were more deserving of. 

Switzerland - Rainy Day - Welche Farbe Hat Der Sonnenschein (German)
Music/Lyrics: Gunther Loose/Gunther Loose
Conductor: Mario Robbiani

The Swiss representatives were a trio of two men and a woman. The lady did most of the singing for this very soothing and sophisticated ballad. 

Italy - Alice and Franco Battiato - I Treni Di Tozeur (Italian) 
Music/Lyrics: Franco Battiato/Rosario Cosantino
Conductor: Giusto Pio

The classiest song of the night! It sounded good at the time and the years have not taken away anything. The only down side were the dresses worn by the three backing singers. They wore green, white and red dresses and stood in order to make the Italian flag.

Portugal - Maria Guinot - Silêncio E Tanta Gente (Portuguese)
Music/Lyrics: Maria Guinot/Maria Guinot
Conductor: Pedro Osório

Maria sat at the piano to sing her melancholic but poetic and melodic ballad Portugal have often finished lower than their entries have deserved and this was one of those times.