Bardo – One Step Additional (1982)
The best Eurovision track that by no means received was One Step Additional by Bardo, representing UK in 1982. It suffered from the “year-after-a-winner” curse, following Bucks Fizz’s triumph in 1981 – however for my part this could have received and Bucks Fizz ought to have come seventh as a substitute. In my reminiscence, One Step Additional was an thrilling tune sung by an attractive romantic duo who sparkled with chemistry. I’ve intentionally not rewatched it on-line so it shall stay completely frozen in my thoughts: an ideal Eurovision second. Tim Thornton, 49, musician, London
Nicole – Ein Bisschen Frieden (1982)
There are such a lot of Eurovision songs like this one which remind me of key moments in my life. After every contest, all via the yr, I used to rewatch the video recordings my dad made from it. My dad was an enormous fan of Eurovision – normally the France and Luxembourg entries. He had all the time liked the Nicole track and I used to be stunned to listen to it on the sixtieth anniversary present in 2015. I broke down in tears. It nonetheless makes me cry now. He died in 2001 and I didn’t cry rather a lot again then. I suppose it was 14 years of built-up emotion. Phil, 39, Middlesbrough
Lordi – Laborious Rock Hallelujah (2006)
It must be Laborious Rock Hallelujah, the 2006 winner from Finnish rock band Lordi. I recall seeing them on the Obtain competition the yr earlier than: dressed up of their extravagant horror-based costumes, they made me assume Kiss and Gwar had merged to supply a rock spawn. By no means in 1,000,000 years did I feel they’d be appropriate to look on Eurovision, not to mention win it. As a devoted metalhead, it was refreshing to see a tough rock band triumph. Given Måneskin received solely a few years in the past, it will hopefully set the pattern for years to come back. Grant, 38, well being intelligence adviser, Edinburgh, Scotland
Riva – Rock Me (1989)
I used to be 10 years outdated, residing in Sydney, Australia, when Riva received Eurovision in 1989 with Rock Me. The next yr, the competition was held in Zagreb (in what’s now Croatia), after which in 1992 Yugoslavia competed for the final time earlier than the conflict broke the nation up. It’s fascinating to think about the Eurovision track contest as some form of historical past marker. My dad was from Croatia however he died after I was little, so when the track got here out I used to be particularly taken by it. I keep in mind being at my pal’s home, whose mom was from Zagreb, and he or she was crying. I keep in mind feeling actually emotional and proud. The refrain is so catchy. I nonetheless sing the track at random occasions. Katia, Los Angeles, US
Circus Mircus – Lock Me In (2022)
If we’re moving into actual Eurovision, it’s the Georgian non-qualifiers Circus Mircus with the delightfully batty Lock Me In. But when we’re sticking to finalists, the 1998 UK entry The place Are You? by Imaani can’t be beat. (It was – by Dana Worldwide – however you already know what I imply.) Lydia, QI elf, Leicestershire
Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan – We Had been the Rock’n’roll Youngsters (1994)
It’s is gently folky and sweetly nostalgic, with a nice melody and addictive refrain. Charlie is a really good man with a nice Border accent. I additionally liked the Hothouse Flowers track Don’t Go, which they performed through the interval on one other yr Eire received, as a result of we normally received again then. I feel the nation has moved on from Eurovision as a little bit of cráic – it’s too massive now – however I nonetheless have nice reminiscences. Noel MacLiam, 60, musician, County Donegal, Eire
Vicky – L’Amour Est Bleu (1967)
I’ve no reminiscences of this one being carried out on the time as a result of it’s even older than me. However L’Amour Est Bleu, carried out by Vicky Leandros for Luxembourg in 1967, is my favorite. It’s a wonderful anthem of misplaced love, swinging between defiance and melancholy like a youngster’s moods. This was the year that Puppet on a String won however Vicky’s track deserved the prize. Tim Footman, 55, author, London
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Abba – Waterloo (1974)
Waterloo, in fact. There are a lot of different favourites, together with one other Swedish hit, Euphoria. Nonetheless, Agnetha and Frida rising of their eye-catching outfits, their smiles and emotions of pure pleasure, Björn’s star guitar and Benny’s piano taking centre stage: pop perfection. It’s a cracking track and one of the best ambassador for Eurovision. Marta, 46, Weybridge
Zlata Ognevich – Gravity (2013)
The primary one I keep in mind is Waterloo however my favorite is Gravity, the Ukrainian entry 10 years in the past. It was the one the place she was carried on to the foggy stage by an enormous (however why?). The lyrics are barely odd however her singing voice is improbable, second solely to Italy’s Giorgia Todrani. Her personal history displays the continuing tragedy of Ukraine and Crimea specifically. Andrew Scaife, 66, retired, York
Alexander Rybak – Fairy Story (2009)
By far one of the best, most dynamic and thrillingly lovely Eurovision winner. The efficiency is in a category of its personal. The normal dancers, the three ladies who slide into the track within the center, and that violin! Perfection. Daniel S Philips, 63, wine producer, Barcelona
DJ Bobo – Vampires Are Alive (2007)
This has an excellent, catchy hook, a dynamic, cool video and wonderful harmonies that ought to have made it an actual contender for Switzerland in 2007. A garbage semi-performance which concerned a load of store mannequins and singers who had been huffing and puffing via the bold but irrelevant choreography sunk this banger, although, and it didn’t make the ultimate. It’s nonetheless on my playlist immediately however it wasn’t till not too long ago that I realised that vampires by definition usually are not really alive. Ellie Baskerville, 55, St Asaph, Wales
Les Fatals Picards – L’amour à la Française (2007)
My major faculty college students and I really like L’amour à la Française by Les Fatals Picards. It’s in French and English, it’s humorous, inventive and an excellent illustration of the “French cultural exception”: the concept that France has a novel cultural method of expressing itself in artwork, music, tradition, and many others. Some foolish lyrics go: “I keep in mind, jolie demoiselle, so lovely along with your sac Chanel,” and “I gave you a rendez-vous, what’s it, what’s it?” Alexandra Milovanovic, 38, French instructor, Virginia, US