EUROVISION'S 100 SONGS THAT MATTER MOST Update: #50-46. The countdown is halfway through and more songs will be featured next week.

EUROVISION’S

100

MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS

(1956-2015)

Now that the dust has settled on another fabulous Eurovision Song Contest, it’s time to look back on the most important and influential songs that have competed over the last 60 years. All of the winning songs are included, as well as other noteworthy entries from the most watched music contest in the world.

#50

INSIEME: 1992

TOTO COTUGNO

Italy -1990

Eurovision often reflects the changes on the continent: geographic, social and political. Italy’s 1990 entry implored Europe to come together as a single market in 2 years’ time. Its catchy chorus encouraged the countries with its refrain of “unite, unite Europe!” sung in English. The title “Insieme” translates as “together”. When the song emerged as the winner, the integrity of the Italian jury was questioned. The victory was Italy’s 2^nd win. It had last triumphed in 1964. This remains Italy’s most recent win. The lack of success of the winning sing on the charts once again highlighted the contrast between the public’s taste and that of the jury members.

#49

MINN HINSTI DANS

PAUL OSCAR

Iceland -1997

Eurovision can often be over the top, flamboyant and shocking. Its gay appeal is undeniable. Paul Oscar’s performance in 1997 truly marked a turning point for the ESC. Representing Iceland, Oscar appeared on stage with dancers suggestively dressed. It was a camp and kinky watershed moment. Oscar continued being a vocal gay advocate in Iceland. His modern techno song was possibly too ahead of its time for Eurovision. He finished 20^th out of 25 entries.

#48

FANGAD AV EN STORMVIND

CAROLA

Sweden -1991

Carola returned to represent Sweden again in 1991, after finishing 3^rd In 1983 with “Framling”. Not even a technical fault fazed the Swedish soloist during her performance. Following the disastrous result of the 1969 ESC, rules were put in place to ensure there would never be more than 1 winning entry. By the end of the voting, 2 countries had earned 146 points: France and Sweden. The rules stipulated that the country with the most 12 points would be the winner. Both nations had received 4 “douze points”. The rules state any further ties are to be separated by whichever country then received the most 10, 8, 7 points and so on. Sweden had received 10 points from 5 nations and France only 2. Carola was therefore declared the winner.  

#47

DANCING LASHA TUMBAI

VERKA SERDUCHKA

Ukraine -2007

A drag act from the Ukraine proved to be the most captivating entry at Eurovision in 2007. Some compatriots were outraged when Verka Serduchka was selected to represent the Ukraine. Then its line “lasha tumbai” (which means nothing) attracted controversy for sounding too similar to “Russia goodbye”. In the end, Serduchka finished in 2^nd place, with Russia in 3^rd position. Controversy, politics and camp antics proved a winning combination for this act.

#46

ALL KINDS OF EVERYTHING

DANA

Ireland -1970

The 4-way tie in 1969 was a much-criticised anti-climax that threatened the future of Eurovision. The result led to a boycott from some countries. Only 12 nations took part. Rosemary Brown represented Ireland. Billed as Dana, she gained enough points to win outright. Her song was a ballad that evoked memories of “My Favourite Things” from the hit film ‘The Sound Of Music’. It proved to be a popular single, including a 2-week reign atop the UK chart. Ireland had made its debut in 1965 and Dana’s win was its 1^st ever victory at Eurovision. The outcome began a record-breaking association with the ESC for the nation.