7 Things You Didn’t Know About … Eurovision

7 facts about Eurovision

1. Eurovision was set up as a way to unite people. I 1956, we were all to unite through song in Switzerland – and 7 countries took part. This year 42 countries will be competing (Russia is back after last year’s absence) – looking to unite through sequins and glitz, animal costumes and wind machines.
   
   
2. When ABBA won in 1974 with Waterloo, the UK gave them ‘nul points’. Oh ho ho.
   
   
3. In 1969, there were 4 winners – that was before the tie-rule was introduced, so, United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands and France all won. Nice, right?
   
   
4. In 1958, France won, but the one everyone remembers is Italy, with a song that you definitely know. Yes, you do. https://youtu.be/Z-DVi0ugelc
   

   (La presse)

    

5. Sweden has won Eurovision 6 times, Denmark and Norway have won 3 times, Norway has won twice and Finland just once. Iceland has never won.
   
   
6. In 2016, 204 million people watched Eurovision. Yes, that is more viewers than even Eastenders. Last year it was ‘only’ 184 million. But still more than Eastenders.
   
   
7. Youngest ever winner was Sandra Kim. She was 13 when she won in 1986. She had a good mullet.
   
   The oldest person ever to enter was 95, so no – it is not too late!