Switzerland

1992

1992 Logo ©  EBU
Basic information
Date: 
9 May 1992
Venue: 
Isstadion, MalmöMässan, Malmö, Sweden
Broadcaster: 
SVT
Presenter(s): 
Harald Treutiger and Lydia Capolicchio
About the contest: 

Sweden’s third city, Malmö, was chosen to play host to the 37th contest in the home of the local ice-hockey team. Because The Netherlands returned after withdrawing the year before, and no country pulled out, a new record number of 23 countries took part. Yugoslavia was in its final days as a country, and its break up would have major implications for the future of the contest.

Linda Martin helped Johnny Logan achieve the full set of victories. In 1980, he won as a singer. In 1987 he won as singer/songwriter and this time, he won as the writer. Why Me? Had always been the favourite, although the competition was of a higher standard than Johnny had previously faced.

The United Kingdom had got used to finishing in the top five, but fortunes had recently been on the wane. In an effort to improve things, the BBC changed the selection process from a multi artist contest, to one singer format.  West End star, Michael Ball, was persuaded to take up the baton. The result was a record number of entries for the ‘A Song For Europe’ contest. Eight songs were chosen and the winner was written by three young unknowns, who had been up against more established songwriters.  Michael entertained everyone in Malmö and gave one of the all time great performances in achieving second place.

Serafin, Evridiki and Tony Wegas made their first Eurovision appearances, while Linda Marin, Mia Martini and Sigga from Iceland’s Heart 2 Heart made their second, and Wind its third. 

The points were awarded in the usual way. Juries awarded points from 1-8, then 10 and finally 12.

Trivia: 
Swiss singer Daisy Auvray had finished second in the national final, but travelled to the contest courtesy of a disqualification. Geraldine Olivier had won with the song 'Soliel Soliel', which was in German despite the French title. The song had originally been written in French and entered through the French arm of the Swiss national television company. When it was rejected, the lyrics were changed to German and the song re-entered through the German arm of the television company. After it won, the French company protested and the song was withdrawn, but not before 'Soliel Soliel' had been released as a single with the ‘Eurovision 1992’ pressing.
About the songs: 
SerafinSerafin Spain - Serafin - Todo Esto Es La Música (Spanish)

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.

 MorganeMorgane Belgium - Morgane - Nous On Veut Des Violons (French)

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.

 DafnaDafna Israel - Dafna - Ze Rak Sport (Hebrew)

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.

 Aylin VatankosAylin Vatankos Turkey - Aylin Vatankos - Yaz Bitti (Turkish)

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.  

 CleopatraCleopatra Greece - Cleopatra - Olou Tou Kosmou I Elpida (Greek)

Music/Lyrics: Christos Lagos/Christos Lagos

Conductor: Haris Andreadis

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

 KaliKali France - Kali - Monté La Riviè (French)

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.

 Christer BjörkmannChrister Björkmann Sweden - Christer Björkmann - I Morgon är En Annan Dag (Swedish)

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. 

 DináDiná Portugal - Diná - Amor D'água Fresca (Portuguese)

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. 

 EvridikiEvridiki Cyprus - Evridiki - Teriazoume (Greek)

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.

 Mary SpiteriMary Spiteri Malta - Mary Spiteri - Little Child (English)

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.

 Heart 2 HeartHeart 2 Heart Iceland - Heart 2 Heart - Nei Eða Já (Icelandic)

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. 

 PavePave Finland - Pave - Yamma Yamma (Finnish)

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 

 Daisy AuvrayDaisy Auvray Switzerland - Daisy Auvray - Mister Music Man (French)

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. 

 Marion WelterMarion Welter Luxembourg - Marion Welter and Kontinent - Sou Fräi (Luxembourgish)

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.

 Tony WegasTony Wegas Austria - Tony Wegas - Zusammen Geh'n (German)

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.

 Michael BallMichael Ball United Kingdom - Michael Ball - One Step Out Of Time (English)

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. 

 Linda MartinLinda Martin Ireland - Linda Martin - Why Me? (English)

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. 

 Lotte Nilsson and Kenny LübckeLotte Nilsson and Kenny Lübcke Denmark - Lotte Nilsson and Kenny Lübcke - Ålt Det Som Ingen Ser (Danish)

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.

 Mia MartiniMia Martini Italy - Mia Martini - Rapsodia (Italy)

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. 

 Extra NenaExtra Nena Yugoslavia - Extra Nena - Ljubim Te Pesmama (Serbo-Croat)

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. 

 Merethe TrøanMerethe Trøan Norway - Merethe Trøan - Visjoner (Norwegian)

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. 

 Wind 1992Wind 1992 Germany - Wind - Träume Sind Für Alle Da (German)

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. 

 Humphrey CampbellHumphrey Campbell The Netherlands - Humphrey Campbell - Wijs Me De Weg (Dutch)

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. 

Swiss Song Presented to Public

Michael von der Heide

This evening, Michael von der Heide gave the first public performance of the song he will sing in Olso, Il Pleut de l'or.

1991

1991 Logo ©  EBU
Basic information
Date: 
4 May 1991
Venue: 
Studio 15 di Cinecitta, Roma, Italy
Broadcaster: 
RAI
Presenter(s): 
Gigliola Cinquetti and Toto Cutugno
About the contest: 

The producers and presenters of the 1991 contest have come in for a lot of criticism over the years for the way the contest was presented. The complaints have been directed at Toto for speaking to the singers before or after their performance, the apparent lack of organisation and Toto and Gigliola’s lack of English. It is for these reasons that RAI can actually be very proud of its production. Every year, there are presenters who flirt with each other, make jokes they don’t understand and waffle on about how music brings everyone together. There’s nothing wrong with that, but the viewer could be forgiven for not knowing which country the contest is being broadcast from. What was seen in Rome was a very Italian show; presenters and singers converse, there is an element of adlibbing and Toto and Gigliola spoke English with an Italian rather than American accent. The presentation should have a flavour of the host country. Other broadcasters take note.

RAI decided to host the contest in the Teatro Ariston, the annual venue for the Sanremo festival. All was going well until the first Gulf war broke out. Due to the very urban location of the Teatro Ariston, it was decided for security reasons to move the contest to the Cinecitta film studios in Rome.

The Netherlands was the only country from the previous contest to withdraw due to the date clashing with the national remembrance commemorations. Malta returned after a 15 year absence so 22 countries took part.

Thomas Forstner, Stefán, Hanne Krogh (as part of Just 4 Fun) and Carola had taken part in previous contests and their returns saw varying degrees of success.

The scoring system was very familiar by now. Juries awarded points from 1-8, then 10 and finally 12.

Trivia: 
Norwegian broadcaster, NRK, wanted to select the Norwegian entry via a national final. They decided that none of the submitted songs was good enough and so commissioned a song and group. This brought together four singers for a one off collaboration.
About the songs: 
 Baby Doll
Baby Doll

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.

 Stefán and Eyfi
Stefán and Eyfi

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.

 Paul Giordimaina and Georgina
Paul Giordimaina and Georgina

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.

 Sofia Vossou
Sofia Vossou

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. 

 Sandra Simò
Sandra Simò

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.

 Thomas Forstner
Thomas Forstner

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.

 Sarah Bray
Sarah Bray

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

 Carola
Carola

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.

 Amina
Amina

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.

 Izel Çeliköz, Rayhan Soykarçi and Can Ugurluér
Izel Çeliköz, Rayhan Soykarçi and Can Ugurluér

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.  

 Kim Jackson
Kim Jackson

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. 

 Dulce
Dulce

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. 

 Anders Frandsen
Anders Frandsen

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.  

 Just 4 Fun
Just 4 Fun

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. 

 Duo Datz
Duo Datz

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.

 Kaija
Kaija

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.

 Atlantis 2000
Atlantis 2000

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.  

 Clouseau
Clouseau

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.  

 Sergio Dalma
Sergio Dalma

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. 

 Samantha Janus
Samantha Janus

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.

 Elena Patroclou
Elena Patroclou

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.

 Peppino di Capri
Peppino di Capri

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. 

39 countries to participate in Oslo - three countries less than last year

Eurovision song Contest 2010 ©  EBU

EBU has just announced that a total number of 39 countries will participate at the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo in May. Hungary, Czech Republic and Montenegro do not wish to take part while no new countries will be joining or rejoining the Contest.

1990

1990 Logo ©  EBU
Basic information
Date: 
5 May 1990
Venue: 
Vatroslav Lisinski, Zagreb, Yugoslavia
Broadcaster: 
JRT
Presenter(s): 
Helga Vlahovic and Oliver Vlacar
About the contest: 

In the history of the contest, 1990 is one of the most eventful. Simone was representing Austria almost by default. Austrian broadcaster ORF held a national final for the first time in years, and Simone finished second. The song that won, Das Beste by Duett, was disqualified after the final when it was discovered that the song had been entered for the German selection the previous year.

On the night of the contest, a technician started the backing track of the Spanish song in the wrong place. When they realised what had happened, Azucar Moreno left the stage. According to the rules, they should not have been allowed back, but common sense prevailed, and they returned to give a gutsy performance.

Huge changes were starting to happen in Europe politically at the time. The eastern European countries were starting to want their independence from the Soviet Union and this would impact on the contest in not so many years to come. The Berlin Wall, the symbol of the division between east and west Europe had been pulled down by the people and the smell of freedom was very strong in the air. Many of the songs in the contest reflected these historic times.

In addition to the historical element to the contest, it was also a family affair. Finland, The Netherlands, Spain and Sweden all featured brothers and sisters, while Belgium’s representative sang about his missus 

No country withdrew and no-one new came along so 22 countries competed. Ketil Stokkan had represented Norway on home turf four years earlier and he sung for his country for the second time. Haris Anastasiou had been a backing dancer in 1987 and now had the limelight. Icelandic duo Stjórnin featured Sigga, who would try her luck again in 1994.

The scoring system remained unchanged. Juries awarded points from 1-8, then 10 and finally 12.

About the songs: 
Azúcar MorenoAzúcar Moreno Spain - Azúcar Moreno - Bandido (Spanish)

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.

 Christos CallowChristos Callow Greece - Christos Callow and Wave - Horis Skopo (Greek)

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. 

 Philippe LafontainePhilippe Lafontaine Belgium - Philippe Lafontaine - Macédomienne (French)

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.

 KayahanKayahan Turkey - Kayahan - Gözlerinin Hapsindeyim (Turkish)

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.

 MaywoodMaywood The Netherlands - Maywood - Ik Wil Alles Met Je Delen (Dutch)

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.

 Céline CarzoCéline Carzo Luxembourg - Céline Carzo - Quand Je Te Rêve (French)

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.

 EmmaEmma United Kingdom - Emma - Give A Little Love Back To The World (English)

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.

 StjórninStjórnin Iceland - Stjórnin - Eitt Lag Enn (Icelandic)

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.

 Ketil Stokkan 1990Ketil Stokkan 1990 Norway - Ketil Stokkan - Brandenburger Tor (Norwegian)

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. 

 RitaRita Israel - Rita - Shara Barechovot (Hebrew)

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!

 Lonnie DevantierLonnie Devantier Denmark - Lonnie Devantier - Hallo Hallo (Danish)

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. 

 Egon EgemannEgon Egemann Switzerland - Egon Egemann - Musik Klingt In Die Welt Hinaus (German)

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.

 Chris Kempers and Daniel KovacChris Kempers and Daniel Kovac Germany - Chris Kempers and Daniel Kovac - Frei Zu Leben (German)

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.

 Joelle UrsullJoelle Ursull France - Joelle Ursull - White And Black Blues (French)

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.

 TajciTajci Yugoslavia - Tajci - Hajde Da Ludujemo (Serbo-Croat)

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.

 NuchaNucha Portugal - Nucha - Há Sempre Alguém (Portuguese)

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.  

 Liam ReillyLiam Reilly Ireland - Liam Reilly - Somewhere In Europe (English)

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.  

 Edin-ÅdahlEdin-Ådahl Sweden - Edin-Ådahl - Som En Vind (Swedish)

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.

 Toto CutugnoToto Cutugno Italy - Toto Cutugno - Insieme 1992 (Italian)

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. 

 SimoneSimone Austria - Simone - Keine Mauern Mehr (German)

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. 

 Haris AnastasiouHaris Anastasiou Cyprus - Haris Anastasiou - Milas Poli (Greek)

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.

 BeatBeat Finland - Beat - Fri? (Finnish)

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.  

1989

1989 Logo ©  EBU
Basic information
Date: 
5 May 1989
Venue: 
Palais de Beaulieu, Lausanne, Switzerland
Broadcaster: 
SSR
Presenter(s): 
Lolita Morena and Jacques Deschenaux
About the contest: 

Shortly before the country was torn apart by civil war, Yugoslavia won for the only time. Riva was a six piece band fronted by Emilija Kokic, who went solo not long after. Celebrated DJ John Peel spent the week in Lausanne making a radio documentary. On the plane home, he interviewed Ray Caruanna, the lead singer of Live Report, and got his views on finishing second to Rock Me. “I wouldn’t have minded if France or Spain had won because they were good songs, but that!” bitterness or the truth, you can decide.

Cyprus rejoined the fray after being forced to withdraw in 1988, so the number of songs went back up to 22. Unusually, there were no familiar faces in 1989, but Thomas Forstner and Marianna made their debuts, which were both more successful than their second attempts.
The set was designed around Switzerland’s most famous landmark, the Matterhorn, and was less high tech than the previous two years.

Two eleven years olds ‘graced’ the stage, Gili from Israel and France’s Nathalie Pâque. If it was an attempt to win votes, it was a risky tactic. As Ken Bruce pointed out when he presented the BBC previews before going to Lausanne to provide commentary for Radio 2, “For as many people who think ”ah, how cute”, there are as many who want to deliver a good clip round the ear."

The scoring system remained unchanged. Juries awarded points from 1-8, then 10 and finally 12.  

Trivia: 
Unconfirmed rumours say that Swiss TV were irritated at what they allegedly thought was a cynical attempt by France and Israel to win votes by using child singers. Israel’s Gali gave a bad performance at the recorded dress rehearsal. This recording is made to run alongside the live broadcast in case the transmission experiences technical difficulties, so there can be a (hopefully) seamless switch. Swiss TV are rumoured to have switched to the recording when Israel took to the stage in an attempt to sabotage Gili’s chances.
About the songs: 
Anna Oxa and Fausto LealiAnna Oxa and Fausto Leali Italy - Anna Oxa & Fausto Leali - Avrei Voluto (Italian)

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.

 Gili & GalitGili & Galit Israel - Gili & Galit - Derech Ha'melech (Hebrew)

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.

 Kiev ConnollyKiev Connolly Ireland - Kiev Connolly and the Missing Passengers - The Real Me (English)

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.

 Justine PelmelayJustine Pelmelay The Netherlands - Justine Pelmelay - Blijf Zoals Je Bent (Dutch)

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.

 PanPan Turkey - Pan - Bana Bana (Turkish)

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.  

 IngeborgIngeborg Belgium - Ingeborg - Door De Wind (Flemish)

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.

 Live ReportLive Report United Kingdom - Live Report - Why Do I Always Get It Wrong (English)

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.

 Britt Synnøve JohansenBritt Synnøve Johansen Norway - Britt Synnøve Johansen - Venners Nærhet (Norwegian)

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. 

 Da VinciDa Vinci Portugal - Da Vinci - Conquistador (Portuguese)

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.

 Tommy NilssonTommy Nilsson Sweden - Tommy Nilsson - En Dag (Swedish)

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.  

 Park CaféPark Café Luxembourg - Park Café - Monsieur (French)

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

 Birthe KjærBirthe Kjær Denmark - Birthe Kjær - Vi Maler Byen Rød (Danish)

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.  

 Thomas ForstnerThomas Forstner Austria - Thomas Forstner - Nur Ein Lied (German)

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.

 Anneli SaaristoAnneli Saaristo Finland - Anneli Saaristo - La Dolce Vita (Finnish)

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?

 Nathalie PâqueNathalie Pâque France - Nathalie Pâque - J'ai Volé La Vie (French)

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.

 NinaNina Spain - Nina - Nacida Para Amar (Spanish)

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.

 Fanny Polymeri and Yiannis SavvidakisFanny Polymeri and Yiannis Savvidakis Cyprus - Fanny Polymeri and Yiannis Savvidakis - Apopse As Vrethoume (Greek)

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. 

 FurbazFurbaz Switzerland - Furbaz - Viver Senza Tei (Romanche)

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.    

 MariannaMarianna Greece - Marianna - To Diko Sou Asteri (Greek)

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. 

 Daníel Augúst HaraldssonDaníel Augúst Haraldsson Iceland - Daníel Augúst Haraldsson - Það Sem Enginn Sér (Icelandic)

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.  

 Nino de AngeloNino de Angelo Germany - Nino de Angelo - Flieger (German)

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.  

 RivaRiva Yugoslavia - Riva - Rock Me (Serbo-Croat)

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.

1987

1987 Logo ©  EBU
Basic information
Date: 
9 May 1987
Venue: 
Palais de Centenaire, Brussels, Belgium
Broadcaster: 
RTBF
Presenter(s): 
Viktor Lazlo
About the contest: 

The Belgians gave the contest its first high-tech set, a mostly dark background with lots of strobe lighting and lasers.

After being dissatisfied with how he had been treated by his record company in the years since he won the contest in 1980, Johnny Logan decided to enter the contest again to revive his career. In doing so, he became the first person to win the contest twice with an emotional performance of a song which he also wrote.  It was difficult to see any other song winning, and so it proved as Ireland romped to a 31 point victory.

Johnny wasn’t the only act coming back for more. Gary Lux, Wind and Alexia were also faces familiar to fans and those with a good memory.

All countries that were in the 1986 contest were present, while Greece and Italy returned, bringing the number of songs to a record number of 22.

The scoring system remained unchanged. Juries awarded points from 1-8, then 10 and finally 12.

Trivia: 
In the Melodifestivalen (the Swedish selection contest) 'Boogaloo' was called 'Fyra Bugg och en Coca-Cola'. The European arm of the American drinks company wouldn’t allow the brand name to be used in the contest, and the song was renamed.
About the songs: 
Kate GulbrandsenKate Gulbrandsen Norway - Kate Gulbrandsen (Norwegian)

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.

 Datner and KushnirDatner and Kushnir Israel - Datner and Kushnir - Shir Habatlanim (Hebrew)

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.

 Gary Lux 1987Gary Lux Austria - Gary Lux - Nur Noch Gefühl (German)

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.

 Halla MargarétHalla Margarét Iceland - Halla Margarét - Hægt Og Hljótt (Icelandic)

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.

 Liliane Saint-PierreLiliane Saint-Pierre Belgium - Liliane Saint-Pierre - Soldiers Of Love (Flemish)

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.

 Lotta EngbergLotta Engberg Sweden - Lotta Engberg - Boogaloo (Swedish)

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.’ 

 Umberto Tozzi and RafUmberto Tozzi and Raf Italy - Umberto Tozzi and Raf - Gente di Mare (Italian)

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. 

 NevadaNevada Portugal - Nevada - Neste Barco à Vela (Portuguese)

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. 

 Patricia KrausPatricia Kraus Spain - Patricia Kraus - No Estás Solo (Spanish)

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. 

 Seyyal Tanner and LokomotifSeyyal Tanner and Lokomotif Turkey - Seyyal Tanner and Lokomotif - Sarkim Sevgi üstüne (Turkish)

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.

 BangBang Greece - Bang - Stop (Greek)

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.

 MarchaMarcha The Netherlands - Marcha - Rechtop In De Wind (Dutch)

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. 

 Plastic BertrandPlastic Bertrand Luxembourg - Plastic Bertrand - Amour Amour (French)

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.

 RikkiRikki United Kingdom - Rikki - Only The Light (English)

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.

 Christine MinierChristine Minier France - Christine Minier - Les D'amour N'ont Pas De Dimanche (French)

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.

 WindWind Germany - Wind - Laß Die Sonne In Dein Herz (Germany)

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.

 AlexiaAlexia Cyprus - Alexia - Aspro Mavro (Greek)

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. 

 Vicky RostiVicky Rosti Finland - Vicky Rosti - Sata Salamaa (Finnish)

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. 

 Anne-Catherine HerdorfAnne-Catherine Herdorf Denmark - Anne-Catherine Herdorf and Bandjo - En Lille Melodi (Danish)

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.

 Johnny LoganJohnny Logan Ireland - Johnny Logan - Hold Me Now (English)

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. 

 Novi FosiliNovi Fosili Yugoslavia - Novi Fosili - Ja Sam Za Ples (Serbo-Croat)

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.

 Carole RichCarole Rich Switzerland - Carole Rich - Moitié Moitié (French)

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.

1986

1986 Logo ©  EBU
Basic information
Date: 
3 May 1986
Venue: 
Grieghallen, Bergen, Norway
Broadcaster: 
NRK
Presenter(s): 
Ase Kleveland
About the contest: 

NRK turned to former participant and future Minister of Culture, Ase Kleveland, to host the first contest to be held in Norway. She got the contest off to a dubious start by singing “Soon we will know who’ll be the best, in the Eurovision Song Contest” to the theme tune of the contest, Te Deum

Ryder, the band representing the United Kingdom, courted controversy by not using the orchestra, relying completely on a backing track.

Belgium won the contest for the first (and so far only) time with the youngest ever winning singer. This is a record that will not be broken while the current rule restricting participants to the age of 16 and over remains in place. Sandra Kim arrived in Bergen with everyone believing she was 15. After the contest, it was revealed she was just 13.

Greece decided to take the year off, but Yugoslavia returned and Iceland entered for the first time, so 20 countries travelled to Bergen.  Doris Dragovic, Dora and Ketil Stokkan all made their first appearance in the contest. Elpida had represented Greece seven years earlier and now flew the flag for Cyprus. Lasse Holm had written for Sweden in the past, and this year, he also went on to the stage to perform his own song.

The scoring system remained unchanged. Juries awarded points from 1-8, then 10 and finally 12. 

About the songs: 
Sherisse LaurenceSherisse Laurence Luxembourg - Sherisse Laurence - L'amour De Ma Vie (French)

Music/Lyrics: Rolf Soja/Alain Garcia, Frank Dostal

Conductor: Rolf Soja

A cracking opening to the contest! This could well have brought Luxembourg victory number six, a smooth ballad with a backing vocal which does more than simply support the song, it gives it more depth.

 Doris DragovicDoris Dragovic Yugoslavia - Doris Dragovic - Zeljo Moja (Serbo-Croat)

Music/Lyrics: Zrinko Tutic/Zrinko Tutic

Conductor: Nikica Kalogjera

This was Doris’ first Eurovision entry and is a calming Balkan ballad which she delivered with a smile.

 Cocktail ChicCocktail Chic France - Cocktail Chic - Européennes (French)

Music/Lyrics: George Costa, Michel Costa/George Costa, Michel Costa

Conductor: Jean-Claude Petit

Bursting with French chic, the four madams did their best, but it was always going to be an impossible task selling a sub-standard product. The juries were clearly not impressed.

 Ketil StokkanKetil Stokkan Norway - Ketil Stokkan - Romeo (Norwegian)

Music/Lyrics: Ketil Stokkan/Ketil Stokkan

Conductor: Egil-Monn Iversen

Romeo is a rock song which, curiously, was presented with a dance act called The Great Garlic Girls, who were both men! It did distract from a song that is very likeable and, as the home audience proved, very easy to clap along with. The orchestra stopped and Ketil led the clapping as everyone in the auditorium joined in.

 RyderRyder United Kingdom - Ryder - Runner In The Night (English)

Music/Lyrics: Brian Wade/Maureen Darbyshire

Conductor: n/a

Led by the son of actor Bill Maynard, Ryder had been formed especially for the contest. Runner In The Night merges rock with 80’s style synths to produce a song that does linger in the memory.

 IcyIcy Iceland - Icy - Gleðibankinn (Icelandic)

Music/Lyrics: Magnús Eriksson/Magnús Eriksson

Conductor: Gunnar Thórdarsson

Iceland got off to a rather lacklustre start with a trio brought together for the contest. It looked and sounded rather disorganised.

 Frizzle SizzleFrizzle Sizzle The Netherlands - Frizzle Sizzle - Alles Heeft Ritme (Dutch)

Music/Lyrics: Peter Schőn, Rob ten Bokum/Peter Schőn

Conductor: Harry van Hoof

Four young ladies in bare feet made up Frizzle Sizzle. Their song is a very jolly little ditty which raises a smile.

 Klips ve OnlarKlips ve Onlar Turkey - Klips ve Onlar - Halley (Turkish)

Music/Lyrics: Melih Kibar/Ilhan Irem

Conductor: Melih Kibar

Two groups, one all male and one all female, joined forces for a song about Halley’s Comet, which passed over the planet in 1986. The result is ok at best, forgettable at worst. 

 CadillacCadillac Spain - Cadillac - Valentino (Spanish)

Music/Lyrics: José Maria Guzman/ José Maria Guzman

Conductor: Eduardo Leyva

With a lead singer who looked like a young Roy Castle, the three piece Spanish band oozed confidence. It’s a good song in a making up the numbers way.

 Daniela SimonsDaniela Simons Switzerland - Daniela Simons - Pas Pour Moi (French)

Music/Lyrics: Atilla Sereftug/Nella Martinetti

Conductor: Atilla Sereftug

Rightly finishing in the top three, Daniela exuded class with this emotive, piano based ballad. She started at the piano but rose to her feet for the finale.

 Moti Galadi and Sarai TzurielMoti Galadi and Sarai Tzuriel Israel - Moti Galadi and Sarai Tzuriel - Yavoh Yom (Hebrew)

Music/Lyrics: Yoram Zadok/Moti Giladi

Conductor: Yoram Zadok

While on its own it’s a decent enough song, Yavoh Yom lacks a bit of the zip usually associated with up-tempo Israeli songs.

 Luv BugLuv Bug Ireland - Luv Bug - You Can Count On Me (English)

Music/Lyrics: Kevin Sheerin/Kevin Sheerin

Conductor: Noel Kelehan

Luv Bug was the first band to represent Ireland, and they were all family. Their song is a rather average, mid-tempo piece of pop.

 Sandra KimSandra Kim Belgium - Sandra Kim - J'aime La Vie (French)

Music/Lyrics: Jean-Pierre Furnémon, Angelo Crisci/Rosario Marino Altri

Conductor: Jo Carlier

Sandra gave a confident performance for such a young girl on such a big stage, no-one knew at that stage exactly how young she was. Her song is feel very good pop and very 1980’s.

 Ingrid PetersIngrid Peters

Germany - Ingrid Peters - Über Die Brücke Geh'n (German)

Music/Lyrics: Hans Blum/Hans Blum

Conductor: Hans Blum

This is one of Germany’s better efforts at this genre; a big ballad with a big brass intro, anthemic and appealing to everyone to get along with everyone else.

 ElpidaElpida Cyprus - Elpida - Tora Zo (Greek)

Music/Lyrics: Petros Yiannaki/Phivos Gavris, Petros Yiannaki

Conductor: Martin Ford

Seven years after representing Greece, Elphida was chosen by its neighbour to sing Cyprus’ sixth entry. It’s more pop than her previous entry and was unlucky to finish last.

 Timna BrauerTimna Brauer Austria - Timna Brauer - Die Zeit Ist Einsam (German)

Music/Lyrics: Peter Janda/Peter Cornelius

Conductor: Richard Österreicher

A very soft and gentle song at the start, Die Zeit Ist Einsam explodes briefly into life before coming to almost a complete stop very suddenly.

 Lasse Holm and Monica TörnellLasse Holm and Monica Törnell Sweden - Lasse Holm and Monica Törnell - E' De' Det Här Du Kallar Kärlek (Swedish)

Music/Lyrics: Lasse Holm/Lasse Holm

Conductor: Anders Berglund

In the preview video, things got very messy with paint flying around everywhere. Fortunately for the stage hands, there wasn’t a pot of emulsion in sight as the Swedes got everyone to their feet and singing with this magnificently fun song. Even the head of Sweden’s SVT stripped to the waist and ‘played’ guitar.

 Lise Haavik and TraxLise Haavik and Trax Denmark - Lise Haavik and Trax - Du Er Fuld Af Løgn (Danish)

Music/Lyrics: John Hatting/John Hatting

Conductor: Egil-Monn Iversen

This is what the Danes do best; fun, unpretentious with no ambition to be anything other than enjoyable. You either love it or hate it.

 Kari KuivalainenKari Kuivalainen Finland - Kari Kuivalainen - Päivä Kahden Ihmisen (Finnish)

Music/Lyrics: Kari Kuivalainen/Kari Kuivalainen

Conductor: Ossi Runne

Some say the Finns were at a disadvantage when singing in their native tongue because their language is so unique. If there is any truth in that, then this is the song that can be highlighted as suffering s a result. It’s a great song; a powerful ballad sung with no lack of feeling by Kari and certainly deserved to be in the top ten at least.

 DoraDora Portugal - Dora - Não Sejas Mau Para Mim (Portuguese)

Music/Lyrics: Guilherme Inês, Zé da Ponte, Luis Oliveira/Guilherme Inês, Zé da Ponte, Luis Oliveira

Conductor: Colin Frechter

The Portuguese song moves along consistently but it’s a bit messy. This description could also be applied to Dora’s outfit, which was a strange mix of colours and styles.

1985

1985 Logo ©  EBU
Basic information
Date: 
4 May 1985
Venue: 
Scandinavium, Gothenburg, Sweden
Broadcaster: 
SVT
Presenter(s): 
Lill Lindfors
About the contest: 

The 1985 contest is widely regarded as not only one of the best of the eighties, but one of the best ever. Swedish broadcaster SVT gave viewers a good show with a very competent presenter, while the competing countries sent songs of an overall high quality.

Presenter Lill Lindfors provided one of the funniest and memorable moments in the contest. As she walked on to the set for the voting, her skirt appeared to catch on something, and she was left without it. How fortunate then that she was wearing a top that could fold down into a dress.

Norway surprised many by winning the contest for the first time. Attired in sparkly purple outfits, the two ladies of Bobbysocks, Elisabeth Andreasson and Hanne Krogh, bounced their way to a victory that was celebrated madly back home. Both Elisabeth and Hanne had been in the contest before. Many others also came back for more; Al Bano and Romina Power, Gary Lux, Kikki Danielsson (who had been part of Swedish act Chips in 1982), Hot Eyes, Mariella Farré, Izhar Cohen and Irene Sheer all tried again. Wind and MFO would be seen again before the decade was out.

The Netherlands withdrew from the contest as it clashed with their Remembrance commemorations. Greece returned to leave the number of participants at nineteen as it had been the year before.

The scoring system remained unchanged. Juries awarded points from 1-8, then 10 and finally 12.  

About the songs: 
Maria ChristianMaria Christian Ireland - Maria Christian - Wait Until the Weekend Comes (English)

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.

 Sonja LummeSonja Lumme Finland - Sonja Lumme - Eläköön Elämä (Finnish)

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.

 Lia VishyLia Vishy Cyprus - Lia Vishy - To Katalava Arga (Greek)

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.

 Hot EyesHot Eyes Denmark - Hot Eyes - Sku' Du Spør Fra No'n (Danish)

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.

 Paloma San BasilioPaloma San Basilio Spain - Paloma San Basilio - La Fiesta Terminó (Spanish)

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.

 Roger BensRoger Bens France - Roger Bens - Femme Dans Ses Rêves Aussi (French)

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.

 MFÖMFÖ Turkey - MFÖ - Di Dai Di Dai Dai (a'sik Oldum) (Turkish)

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. 

 Linda LepommeLinda Lepomme Belgium - Linda Lepomme - Laat Me Nu Gaan (Flemish)

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.

 AdelaïdeAdelaïde Portugal - Adelaïde - Penso Em Ti, Eu Sei (Portuguese)

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!

 WindWind Germany - Wind - Für Alle (German)

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.

 Izhar Cohen 1985Izhar Cohen 1985 Israel - Izhar Cohen - Olé Olé (Hebrew)

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.

 Al Bano and Romina Power 1985Al Bano and Romina Power 1985 Italy - Al Bano and Romina Power - Magic, Oh Magic (Italian)

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.

 BobbysocksBobbysocks Norway - Bobbysocks - La Det Swinge (Norwegian)

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.

 VikkiVikki United Kingdom - Vikki - Love Is (English)

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.

 Mariella Farré and Pino GaspariniMariella Farré and Pino Gasparini Switzerland - Mariella Farré and Pino Gasparini - Piano, Piano (German)

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.

 Kikki DanielssonKikki Danielsson Sweden - Kikki Danielsson - Bra Vibrationer (Swedish)

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.  

 Gary LuxGary Lux Austria - Gary Lux - Kinder Dieser Welt (German)

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.

 Margo, Franck Olivier, Diane Solomon, Ireen Sheer, Malcolm Roberts and Chris RobertsMargo, Franck Olivier, Diane Solomon, Ireen Sheer, Malcolm Roberts and Chris Roberts Luxembourg - Margo, Franck Olivier, Diane Solomon, Ireen Sheer, Malcolm Roberts and Chris Roberts - Children, Kinder, Enfants (French)

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.

 Takis BiniarisTakis Biniaris Greece - Takis Biniaris - Miazoume (Greek)

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.

1984

Basic information
Date: 
5 May 1984
Venue: 
Theatre Municipal, Luxembourg
Broadcaster: 
RTL
Presenter(s): 
Desiree Nosbusch
About the contest: 

Popular belief is that you can’t win if you perform first. For the third time in ten years, the first song won, blowing that theory out of the water. The all singing, all dancing Swedes clearly made a lasting impression on the juries as the emerged victorious.

RTL chose nineteen year old Desiree Nosbusch to host the contest. It seemed she was ad-libbing at times rather than reciting a script. She spoke in a very considered and thoughtful way.

Representing the United Kingdom, Belle and the Devotions were booed when they finished their performance. It was nothing to do with them. Brain-dead morons calling themselves football fans had run riot a few months earlier when the England team played in Luxembourg.

Two singers, Mary Roos and Isolda, were in the contest for the second time. Mary had participated in 1972 and Isolda had been part of Aska in 1982. Future winner, Linda Martin, and popular Danish duo, Hot Eyes, made their contest debuts.

Ireland, having not taken part the year before, came back, but Greece and Israel left the party for one year. As a result, nineteen countries took to the stage in Luxembourg.

The scoring system remained unchanged. Juries awarded points from 1-8, then 10 and finally 12. 

About the songs: 
Herrey'sHerrey's  Sweden - Herrey's - Diggi-loo Diggy-ley (Swedish)
Music/Lyrics: Torgny Söderberg/Britt Lindedborg
Conductor:  Curt-Erik Holmquist

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.

 Sophie CarleSophie Carle

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.

 Annick ThoumazeauAnnick Thoumazeau

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.

 BravoBravo

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. 

 Dollie de LuxeDollie de Luxe

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.

 Belle and the DevotionsBelle and the Devotions

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.  

 Andy PaulAndy Paul

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.

 Jacques ZegersJacques Zegers

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.  

 Linda MartinLinda Martin

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.   

 Hot EyesHot Eyes

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. 

 MaribelleMaribelle

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.

 Vlado and IsoldaVlado and Isolda

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. 

 AnitaAnita

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.

 Mary RoosMary Roos

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.

 Bes Yil Önce, On Yil SonraBes Yil Önce, On Yil Sonra

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.

 KirkaKirka

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. 

 Rainy DayRainy Day

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. 

 Alice and Franco BattiatoAlice and Franco Battiato

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.

 Maria GuinotMaria Guinot

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.  

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