Saturday night’s Grand Final is nearly upon us, and with , we’re gearing up for a huge Eurovision celebration.
But to get you in the mood, we’re looking back at the competition’s 66-year history for some of the best (and most bonkers) bangers.
Since the began in 1956, we’ve had shoeless singers, hard rock monsters, and of course, ABBA.
But there are also some niche entries that we think deserve a second listen (Iceland 1997, anyone?).
Without further ado, here is our ultimate Eurovision party playlist.
The ‘60s
Puppet On A String (1967)
Can ?
We can dream… kick off your shoes and bounce to Sandie Shaw’s first UK winner that turned us – for a while – into Eurovision’s team to beat.
The ’70s
Waterloo (1974)
are Eurovision. So forget the dodgy comeback and get down to the 1974 Eurowinner everyone knows. How could you ever refuse?
The ’80s
What’s Another Year? (1980)
Johnny Logan, the balladeer with the boyband looks, turned Ireland into a Euro-powerhouse. The song to play if it all goes pear-shaped for Sam.
Making Your Mind Up (1981)
How to turn a fun but probably not winning song into a guaranteed vote-catcher?
Whip some skirts off! Have a Bucks Fizz on Bucks Fizz for their costume contest clincher. Different times.
The ’90s
Love Shine A Light (1997)
OK nostalgia time, the last UK winner. Katrina And The Waves, belt out the feelgood anthem originally intended for the Sally Army.
Minn Hinsti Dans (1997)
This one’s niche, but if you like your party to go with a fetish swing and fishnets, check out Iceland’s Paul Oscar. Great tune, pervy video.
The ’00s
Hard Rock Hallelujah (2006)
Gimp masks and guitars – with this rock belter from Lordi Finland took Eurovision crashing with a mighty riff into the 21st century.
Dancing Lasha Tumbai (2007)
Best bop: Ukraine’s Verka Serduchka is a Eurovision legend and Lasha Tumbai is an irresistibly bonkers knees up.
Inexplicably it came 2nd – and is that really not Christopher Biggins under that make up?
Fairytale (2009)
Cheeky fiddler Alexander Rybak turned Norway from zeroes to heroes with this runaway winner, which came with the added attraction of amazing acrobats.
Many have tried – and failed with – that trick since.
The ’10s
Euphoria (2012)
Suddenly Eurovision got cool and was all down (on her knees) to Swedish dance diva Loreen who took us all up, up, up, up up, up.
I think that’s the right number of ups.
Rise Like A Phoenix (2014)
A bearded lady singing a should-have-been Bond theme – Conchita Wurst was way ahead of the inclusivity curve with this rousing anthem.
Amor Pelos Dois (2017)
A twitchy chap with a dodgy ticker singing a gently soulful love song – and it turned out to be the biggest landslide winner ever.
Step forward Portugal’s Salvador Sobral with a classic blessed by the voice of an angel.
Arcade (2019)
Dutch winner Duncan Laurence gave Eurovision a big boost in the US where this radio-friendly tune went platinum.
Will Ferrell took note and Fire Saga was born.
The ’20s
Zitti E Buoni (2021)
MÃ¥neskin rock – and they ruled. Eurovision will never be this cool again.
BONUS TRACK!
SPACE MAN (2022)
We have no idea why Sam Ryder’s song is all in CAPS but if he nails it in Turin we’ll be screaming it at the night SKY!
The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final kicks off on Saturday, May 14 at 8pm on BBC One.
