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{{Infobox recurring event
{{about||the most recent contest|Eurovision Song Contest 2021|the upcoming contest|Eurovision Song Contest 2022|other uses of "Eurovision"|Eurovision (disambiguation)}}
| name = Urthvision Songfestival
{{short description|Annual international song competition}}
| native_name =
{{good article}}
| native_name_lang =
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
| nickname =
{{Infobox television
| name = {{noitalic|Eurovision Song Contest}}
| logo =
| image = Eurovision Song Contest.svg
| logo_alt =
| logo_caption =
| image_alt = The current Eurovision Song Contest logo, in use since 2015
| caption = Logo since 2015
| logo_size =
| alt_name = {{Unbulleted list|{{noitalic|Eurovision}}|{{noitalic|ESC}}}}
| image =
| genre = [[Music competition]]
| image_size =
| creator = [[European Broadcasting Union]]
| alt =
| based_on = [[Sanremo Music Festival]]
| caption =
| developer =
| status = active
| writer =
| genre = songfestival competition
| director =
| date =
| creative_director =
| begins =
| presenter = [[List of Eurovision Song Contest presenters|Various presenters]]
| ends =
| frequency =
| theme_music_composer = [[Marc-Antoine Charpentier]]
| opentheme = [[Te Deum (Charpentier)|Prelude to ''Te Deum'', H. 146]]
| venue =
| endtheme =
| location = worldwide
| composer =
| coordinates =
| country = [[List of countries in the Eurovision Song Contest|Various participating countries]]
| country =
| language = English and French
| years_active =
| num_episodes = {{Plainlist|
| first =
| founder_name =
* 65 contests
| last =
* 94 live shows
| prev = 2023 (XIX)
}}
| executive_producer =
| next = 2024 (XX)
| producer =
| participants =
| attendance =
| location = [[List of Eurovision Song Contest host cities|Various host cities]]<br />(in 2022, TBD, [[Italy]])
| cinematography =
| leader_name =
| editor =
| patron =
| camera =
| organised = UVSF
| runtime = {{Plainlist|
| filing =
| people =
* ~2 hours (semi-finals)
| member =
* ~4 hours (finals)
| sponsor =
}}
| website =
| company = [[European Broadcasting Union]]<br />[[History of the Eurovision Song Contest|Various national broadcasters]] (in 2022, [[RAI]])
| distributor = [[Eurovision (network)|Eurovision]]
| picture_format = {{Plainlist|
* [[4:3]] [[576i]] (SDTV) (1956–2004)
* [[16:9]] [[576i]] (SDTV) (2005–present)
* [[1080i]] (HDTV) (2007–present)
}}
| audio_format =
| first_run =
| first_aired = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1956|05|24}}
| last_aired =
| preceded_by =
| followed_by =
| related = {{Plainlist|
* ''[[Eurovision Young Musicians]]''
* ''[[Junior Eurovision Song Contest]]''
* ''[[Eurovision Choir]]''
* ''[[American Song Contest]]''
}}
| website = https://eurovision.tv/
| website_title = Eurovision.tv
| production_website = https://www.ebu.ch/about
| italic_title = no
}}
}}


The '''Urthvision Songfestival''', commonly known as '''Urthvision''' or abbreviated as USF, is an international song competition organized by the Urthvision Songfestival Broadcaster (UVSF).
The '''Eurovision Song Contest''' ({{lang fr|Concours Eurovision de la chanson}}), sometimes abbreviated as '''ESC''', is an international song competition organised annually by the [[European Broadcasting Union]] (EBU) which features participants representing primarily European countries. Each participating country submits an original song to be performed on [[live television]] and [[Live radio|radio]], transmitted to national broadcasters via the EBU's [[Eurovision (network)|Eurovision and Euroradio networks]], with competing countries then casting votes for the other countries' songs to determine a winner.


The competition requires each participating country to submit an original song that will be performed live on television and radio, and transmitted to national broadcasters via the public broadcaster that joined the competition. The competing countries will then cast their votes to determine the winner of the competition.
Based on the [[Sanremo Music Festival]] held in Italy since 1951, Eurovision has been held annually (apart from {{Escyr|2020||2020}}) since 1956, making it the longest-running annual international televised music competition and one of the world's longest-running television programmes. Active members of the EBU, as well as invited associate members, are eligible to compete, and {{as of|2021|lc=y}}, [[List of countries in the Eurovision Song Contest|52 countries]] have participated at least once. Each participating broadcaster sends one original song of three minutes duration or less to be performed live by a singer or group of up to six people aged 16 or older. Each country awards two sets of 1–8, 10 and 12 points to their favourite songs, based on the views of an assembled group of music professionals and the country's viewing public, with the song receiving the most points declared the winner. Other performances feature alongside the competition, including a specially-commissioned opening and interval act and guest performances by musicians and other personalities, with past acts including [[Cirque du Soleil]], [[Madonna]] and the first performance of ''[[Riverdance]]''. Originally consisting of a single evening event, the contest has expanded as new countries joined, leading to the introduction of relegation procedures in the 1990s, and eventually the creation of semi-finals in the 2000s. {{As of|2021}}, {{Esccnty|Germany}} has competed more times than any other country, having participated in all but one edition, while {{Esccnty|Ireland}} holds the record for the most victories, with seven wins in total.

Traditionally held in the country which won the preceding year's event, the contest provides an opportunity to promote the host country and city as a tourist destination. Thousands of spectators attend each year, and journalists are present to cover all aspects of the contest, including rehearsals in venue, press conferences with the competing acts, and other related events and performances in the host city. Alongside the generic Eurovision logo, a unique theme and slogan is typically used for each event. The contest has aired in countries across all continents, and has been [[Streaming television|available online]] via the official Eurovision website since 2000. Eurovision ranks among the world's most watched non-sporting events every year, with hundreds of millions of viewers globally, and performing at the contest has often provided artists with a local career boost and in some cases long-lasting international success. Several of the [[List of best-selling music artists|best-selling music artists]] in the world have competed in past editions, including [[ABBA]], [[Celine Dion]], [[Julio Iglesias]], [[Olivia Newton-John]] and [[Flo Rida]], and some of the world's [[List of best-selling singles|best-selling singles]] have received their first international performance on the Eurovision stage.

The contest has received criticism for its musical and artistic quality, and for a perceived political aspect to the event. Competing entries have previously been derided for spanning various [[Contemporary folk music|ethnic]] and [[Mainstream|international]] styles, and in recent years a tendency towards elaborate stage shows has been highlighted as a distraction. Concerns have been raised regarding political friendships and rivalries between countries potentially influencing the results. Controversial moments from past editions include participating countries withdrawing at a late stage, censorship of segments of the broadcast by broadcasters, and political events impacting participation. Eurovision has however gained popularity for its [[kitsch]] appeal and emergence as part of [[LGBT culture]], resulting in a large active fan base and influence on popular culture. The popularity of the contest has led to the creation of several similar events, either organised by the EBU or created by external organisations, and several special events have been organised by the EBU to celebrate select anniversaries or as a replacement due to cancellation.


== Origins and history ==
== Origins and history ==
The Urthvision Songfestival finds its origine in the national Blueacian songcontest <nowiki>''Liet'' (Song), in Blueacia the contest is known as "Liet Ynternasjonaal" (International Song). Liet is a yearly event since 1956, after some rule changes and Liet losing interest with the people the organizers allowed foreign nations to join the national competition to ensure a filled roster. More and more nations joined and sterted winning Liet, at a point the organizers called for a change of the rules again. Then the international broadcasters (mostly from Aurora) came together and started the international competition we know now as the Urthvision Songfestival. It had it's first edition in November 2017 with 13 nations joining this edition and it had it'</nowiki>s first edition in Blueacia.
{{Further|History of the Eurovision Song Contest}}
[[File:Eurovision Song Contest 1958 - Lys Assia (crop).png|thumb|alt=Photo of Lys Assia, the first winner of the Eurovision Song Contest, performing at the third contest in 1958.|[[Lys Assia]], the winner of the first Eurovision Song Contest, performing at the 1958 contest]]
The Eurovision Song Contest's founding stemmed from a desire to promote cooperation between European countries in [[Aftermath of World War II|the years following the Second World War]] through cross-border television broadcasts, which gave rise to the founding of the [[European Broadcasting Union]] (EBU) in 1950.<ref name="Nutshell">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: In a Nutshell |url=https://eurovision.tv/history/in-a-nutshell |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> The word "Eurovision" was first used by British journalist George Campey in the ''[[Evening Standard|London Evening Standard]]'' in 1951, when he referred to a [[BBC]] programme being relayed by Dutch television.{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|pp=93–96}}<ref name="GoldenJubilee">{{cite web|first=Patrick |last=Jaquin |date=1 December 2004 |url=http://www.ebu.ch/en/union/diffusion_on_line/television/tcm_6-8971.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040811033906/http://www.ebu.ch/en/union/diffusion_on_line/television/tcm_6-8971.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 August 2004 |title=Eurovision's Golden Jubilee |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=18 July 2009}}</ref> Following several events broadcast internationally via the [[Eurovision (network)|Eurovision transmission network]] in the early 1950s, including the [[Coronation of Elizabeth II]] in 1953, an EBU committee, headed by [[Marcel Bezençon]], was formed in January 1955 to investigate new initiatives for cooperation between broadcasters, which approved for further study a European song competition from an idea initially proposed by [[Sergio Pugliese]].<ref name="GoldenJubilee" /><ref name="Eurovision network">{{cite web |title=Eurovision: About us – who we are |url=https://www.eurovision.net/about/whoweare |website=eurovision.net |publisher=[[Eurovision (network)|Eurovision Song Contest]] |access-date=28 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Sommerlad |first1=Joe |title=Eurovision 2019: What exactly is the point of the annual song contest and how did it begin? |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/eurovision-2019-song-contest-what-is-the-point-purpose-pop-history-a8916801.html |work=[[The Independent]] |access-date=27 June 2020 |date=18 May 2019}}</ref> The EBU's general assembly agreed to the organising of the song contest in October 1955, under the initial title of the ''European Grand Prix'', and accepted a proposal by the Swiss delegation to host the event in [[Lugano]] in the spring of 1956.{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|pp=93–96}}<ref name="GoldenJubilee" />{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=8–9}} The Italian [[Sanremo Music Festival]], held since 1951, was used as a basis for the initial planning of the contest, with several amendments and additions given its international nature.{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|pp=93–96}}


=== Naming ===
Seven countries participated in the {{Escyr|1956||first contest}}, with each country represented by two songs; the only time in which multiple entries per country were permitted.<ref name="Nutshell" /><ref name="Facts & Figures">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Facts & Figures |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/facts-and-figures |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> The winning song was "[[Refrain (Lys Assia song)|Refrain]]", representing the host country Switzerland and performed by [[Lys Assia]].<ref name="Winners">{{cite web|title=Eurovision Song Contest: Winners|url=https://eurovision.tv/winners|url-status=live|access-date=23 May 2021|publisher=Eurovision Song Contest}}</ref> Voting during the first contest was held behind closed doors, with only the winner being announced on stage; the use of a scoreboard and public announcement of the voting, inspired by the BBC's ''[[UK national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest|Festival of British Popular Songs]]'', has been used since 1957.{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|p=152}} The tradition of the winning country hosting the following year's contest, which has since become a standard feature of the event, began in 1958.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=12–13}}{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|p=160}} Technological developments have transformed the contest: [[Color television|colour broadcasts]] began in {{Escyr|1968}}; [[Satellite television|satellite broadcasts]] in {{Escyr|1985}}; and [[Streaming media|streaming]] in {{Escyr|2000}}.<ref name="Eurovision network" /><ref name="London 68">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: London 1968 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/london-1968 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=5 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="Webcasting">{{cite web |last1=Laven |first1=Philip |title=Webcasting and the Eurovision Song Contest |url=http://www.ebu.ch/en/technical/trev/trev_291-editorial.html |website=ebu.ch |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528091401/http://www.ebu.ch/en/technical/trev/trev_291-editorial.html |archive-date=28 May 2008 |date=July 2002}}</ref> Broadcasts in [[16:9 aspect ratio|widescreen]] began in 2005 and in [[High-definition television|high-definition]] since 2007.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Polishchuk |first1=Tetiana |title=Eurovision to Be Broadcast in Widescreen, With New Hosts |url=https://day.kyiv.ua/en/article/culture/eurovision-be-broadcast-widescreen-new-hosts |website=day.kyiv.ua |publisher=[[The Day (Kyiv)|The Day]] |access-date=23 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122170009/https://day.kyiv.ua/en/article/culture/eurovision-be-broadcast-widescreen-new-hosts |archive-date=22 November 2020 |date=17 May 2005 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Helsinki 07" />


== Format ==
By the 1960s, between 16 and 18 countries were regularly competing each year.<ref name="ESC History">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: History by events |url=https://eurovision.tv/events |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> Countries from outside the traditional [[Europe#Definition|boundaries of Europe]] began entering the contest, and countries in [[Western Asia]] and [[North Africa]] started competing in the 1970s and 1980s. Changes in Europe following the [[Cold War (1985–1991)|end of the Cold War]] saw an influx of new countries from [[Central and Eastern Europe]] applying for the first time. The {{Escyr|1993||1993 contest}} included a separate [[Kvalifikacija za Millstreet|pre-qualifying round]] for seven of these new countries, and from {{Escyr|1994}} [[Promotion and relegation|relegation systems]] were introduced to manage the number of competing entries, with the poorest performing countries barred from entering the following year's contest.<ref name="ESC History" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest 1993 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/millstreet-1993 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref> From 2004 the contest expanded to become a multi-programme event, with a semi-final at the {{Escyr|2004||49th contest}} allowing all interested countries to compete each year; a second semi-final was added to each edition from 2008.<ref name="Facts & Figures" /><ref name="ESC History" />


===Selection===
65 contests have been held {{as of|2021|lc=y}}, making Eurovision the longest-running annual international televised music competition as determined by ''[[Guinness World Records]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lynch |first1=Kevin |title=Eurovision recognised by Guinness World Records as the longest-running annual TV music competition (international) |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2015/5/eurovision-recognised-by-guinness-world-records-as-the-longest-running-annual-tv-379520 |publisher=[[Guinness World Records]] |access-date=26 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122030337/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2015/5/eurovision-recognised-by-guinness-world-records-as-the-longest-running-annual-tv-379520 |archive-date=22 January 2020 |date=23 May 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Escudero |first1=Victor M. |title=Eurovision Song Contest awarded Guinness world record |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-song-contest-awarded-guinness-world-record |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=9 July 2020 |date=23 May 2015}}</ref> The contest has been listed as one of the longest-running television programmes in the world and among the world’s most watched non-sporting events.<ref>{{cite web |title=Culture & Entertainment {{!}} Eurovision |url=http://www.brandeu.eu/eu-powerhouse/culture-and-entertainment/eurovision/ |publisher=[[Brand EU]] |access-date=19 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Press Release: 60th Eurovision Song Contest Seen by Nearly 200 Million Viewers |url=https://www.ebu.ch/news/2015/06/press-release-60th-eurovision-so |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=19 March 2021 |date=3 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ritman |first1=Alex |title=Eurovision Song Contest Draws Almost 200 Million Viewers |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6583366/eurovision-song-contest-draws-almost-200-million-viewers |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=20 March 2021 |date=3 June 2015}}</ref> A total of [[List of countries in the Eurovision Song Contest|52 countries]] have taken part in at least one edition, with a record 43 countries participating in a single contest, first in {{Escyr|2008}} and subsequently in {{Escyr|2011}} and {{Escyr|2018}}.<ref name="Facts & Figures" /><ref name="ESC History" /> Australia became the first non-EBU member country to compete following an invitation by the EBU ahead of the contest's {{Escyr|2015||60th edition}} in 2015;<ref name="Australia">{{cite web |title=Australia to compete in the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/australia-to-compete-in-the-2015-eurovision-song-contest |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=27 June 2020 |date=10 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kemp |first1=Stuart |last2=Plunkett |first2=John |title=Eurovision Song Contest invites Australia to join 'world's biggest party' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/feb/10/eurovision-song-contest-invites-australia-to-join-worlds-biggest-party |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=27 June 2020 |date=10 February 2015}}</ref> initially announced as a "one-off" for the anniversary edition, the country was invited back the following year and has subsequently secured participation rights until 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Australia to return to the Eurovision Song Contest! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/australia-to-return-to-the-eurovision-song-contest |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=27 June 2020 |date=17 November 2015}}</ref><ref name="Australia 2023">{{cite web |title=Australia secures spot in Eurovision for the next five years |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/australia-secures-spot-in-eurovision-until-2023 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=27 June 2020 |date=12 February 2019}}</ref>
== Hosting ==
=== Urthvision logo and theme ===


=== Preparations ===
Eurovision had been held every year until 2020, when {{Escyr|2020||that year's contest}} was cancelled in response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="Facts & Figures" /><ref name="2020 cancellation">{{cite web |title=Official EBU statement & FAQ on Eurovision 2020 cancellation |url=https://eurovision.tv/official-ebu-statement-and-faq-eurovision-song-contest-2020-cancellation |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=27 June 2020 |date=6 April 2020}}</ref> No competitive event was able to take place due to uncertainty caused by the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Europe|spread of the virus in Europe]] and the various restrictions imposed by the governments of the participating countries. In its place a special broadcast, ''[[Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light]]'', was produced by the organisers, which honoured the songs and artists that would have competed in 2020, in a non-competitive format.<ref name="2020 cancellation" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light |url=https://eurovision.tv/eurovision-europe-shine-a-light |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=27 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Eurovision still shines despite cancelled final |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/may/17/eurovision-still-shines-despite-cancelled-final |agency=[[PA Media]] |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=27 June 2020 |date=17 May 2020}}</ref>


=== Naming ===
== Rules ==
=== Song eligibility and languages ===
Over the years the name used to describe the contest, and used on the official logo for each edition, has evolved. The first contests were produced under the name of {{lang|fr|Grand Prix Eurovision de la Chanson Européenne}} in French and as the ''Eurovision Song Contest Grand Prix'' in English, with similar variations used in the languages of each of the broadcasting countries. From 1968, the English name dropped the 'Grand Prix' from the name, with the French name being aligned as the {{lang|fr|Concours Eurovision de la Chanson}}, first used in 1973.<ref name="ESC History" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Palmarès du Concours Eurovision de la Chanson |url=http://www.ebu.ch/departments/television/pdf/Winners-Palmares_56-02.pdf |website=ebu.ch |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528174029/http://www.ebu.ch/departments/television/pdf/Winners-Palmares_56-02.pdf |archive-date=28 May 2008 |year=2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Concours Eurovision de la Chanson 2019 |url=https://www.france.tv/france-4/concours-eurovision-de-la-chanson-2019/ |website=france.tv |publisher=[[France Télévisions]] |access-date=28 June 2020}}</ref> The contest's official brand guidance specifies that translations of the name may be used depending on national tradition and brand recognition in the competing countries, but that the official name ''Eurovision Song Contest'' is always preferred; the contest is commonly referred to in English by the abbreviation "Eurovision", and in internal documents by the acronym "ESC".<ref name="Brand" />
=== Artist eligibility and performances ===


=== Running order ===
On only four occasions has the name used for the official logo of the contest not been in English or French: the Italian names {{lang|it|Gran Premio Eurovisione della Canzone}} and {{lang|it|Concorso Eurovisione della Canzone}} were used when Italy hosted the {{Escyr|1965}} and {{Escyr|1991||1991 contests}} respectively; and the [[Dutch language|Dutch]] name {{lang|nl|Eurovisiesongfestival}} was used when the Netherlands hosted in {{Escyr|1976}} and {{Escyr|1980}}.<ref name="ESC History" />


== Format ==
=== Votin ===
Original songs representing participating countries are performed in a live television programme broadcast via the [[Eurovision (network)|Eurovision and Euroradio networks]] simultaneously to all countries. A "country" as a participant is represented by one television broadcaster from that country, a member of the European Broadcasting Union, and is typically that country's national [[public broadcasting]] organisation.<ref name="How it works">{{cite web |title=How it works – Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/how-it-works |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=28 June 2020}}</ref> The programme is staged by one of the participant countries and is broadcast from an [[auditorium]] in the selected host city.<ref>{{cite web |last1=LaFleur |first1=Louise |title=Rotterdam to host Eurovision 2020! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/rotterdam-to-host-eurovision-2020 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=9 July 2020 |date=30 August 2019}}</ref> Since 2008 each contest is typically formed of three live television shows held over one week: two semi-finals are held on the Tuesday and Thursday, followed by a grand final on the Saturday. All participating countries compete in one of the two semi-finals, except for the host country of that year's contest and the contest's biggest financial contributors known as the "Big Five"—{{Esccnty|France}}, {{Esccnty|Germany}}, {{Esccnty|Italy}}, {{Esccnty|Spain}} and the {{Esccnty|United Kingdom}}.<ref name="How it works" /><ref name="BBC lessons learned" /> The remaining countries are split between the two semi-finals, and the 10 highest-scoring entries in each qualify to produce 26 countries competing in the grand final.<ref name="How it works" />


==== Presentation of the votes ====
[[File:Opening act 2, ESC 2011.jpg|thumb|alt=Photograph of the opening act during the 2011 contest; Stefan Raab performs with a band while multiple women dressed as Lena dance behind them while waving the flags of the participating countries|The opening act during the grand final of the 2011 contest in Düsseldorf, Germany]]
Each show typically begins with an opening act consisting of music and/or dance performances by invited artists, which contributes to a unique theme and identity created for that year's event; since 2013 the opening of the contest's grand final has included a "Flag Parade", with competing artists entering the stage behind their country's flag in a similar manner to the [[Olympic Games ceremony#Parade of Nations|procession of competing athletes]] at the [[Olympic Games ceremony|Olympic Games opening ceremony]].<ref name="Grand Final story">{{cite web |title=Looking back: the Grand Final |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/grand-final-story |publisher=European Broadcasting Union |access-date=1 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401132202/https://eurovision.tv/story/grand-final-story |archive-date=1 April 2020 |date=16 May 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Iconic intervals">{{cite web |title=The Most Iconic Opening & Interval Acts of the Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/video/the-most-iconic-opening-interval-acts-of-the-eurovision-song-contest |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=28 June 2020 |date=16 August 2019}}</ref> Viewers are welcomed by [[List of Eurovision Song Contest presenters|one or more presenters]] who provide key updates during the show, conduct interviews with competing acts from the [[green room]], and guide the voting procedure in English and French.<ref>{{cite web |title=Presenters – Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/presenters |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=28 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Jordan |first1=Paul |title=Behind the scenes with the hosts of the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/behind-the-scenes-with-the-hosts |publisher=European Broadcasting Union |access-date=1 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928064139/https://eurovision.tv/story/behind-the-scenes-with-the-hosts |archive-date=28 September 2020 |date=1 March 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Rules" /> Competing acts perform sequentially, and after all songs have been performed viewers are invited to vote for their favourite performances—except for the performance of their own country—via [[Televoting|telephone]], [[SMS]] and the official Eurovision app.<ref name="How it works" /> The public vote comprises 50% of the final result alongside the views of a jury of music industry professionals from each country.<ref name="How it works" /><ref name="Rules" /> An [[Intermission|interval act]] is invariably featured during this voting period, which on several occasions has included a well-known personality from the host country or an internationally recognised figure.<ref name="Grand Final story" /><ref name="Iconic intervals" /> The results of the voting are subsequently announced; in the semi-finals the 10 highest-ranked countries are announced in a random order, with the full results undisclosed. In the final the presenters call upon a representative spokesperson for each country in turn who announces their jury's points, while the results of the public vote are subsequently announced by the presenters.<ref name="How it works" /><ref name="Voting" /> The qualifying acts in the semi-finals, and the winning delegation in the final are invited back on stage, and in the grand final a [[trophy]] is awarded to the winning performers and songwriters followed by a reprise of the winning song.<ref name="How it works" /><ref name="Trophy">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Trophy |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/trophy/ |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=30 June 2020}}</ref> The full results of the semi-finals are released online following the final, and the participating broadcaster of the winning entry is traditionally given the honour of organising the following year's event.<ref name="How it works" /><ref name="Voting" />


===Selection===
=== Broadcasting ===
{{main|National selections for the Eurovision Song Contest}}
Each participating broadcaster has sole discretion over the process they may employ to select their entry for the contest. Typical methods in which participants are selected include a televised national selection process using a public vote; an internal selection by a committee appointed by the broadcaster; and through a mixed format where some decisions are made internally and the public are engaged in others.<ref name="National selections">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: National Selections |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/in-depth/national-selections/ |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=7 July 2020}}</ref> Among the most successful televised selection shows is Sweden's ''[[Melodifestivalen]]'', first established in 1959 and now one of Sweden's most watched TV shows each year.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rosney |first1=Daniel |title=Sweden's Melfest: Why a national Eurovision show won global fans |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-51749312 |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=7 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Number of viewers of Swedish television show Melodifestivalen from 2018 to 2020 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/680472/tv-viewers-of-melodifestivalen-in-sweden/ |website=statista.com |publisher=[[Statista]] |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=March 2020}}</ref>


== Participation ==
== Winners by edition ==
[[File:Lórien victory.png|thumb|center|300px|With her victory for [[New Leganés in the Urthvision Songfestival|New Leganes]] on Urthvision XVII, [[Lórien Talháwi]] became the first artist to win the contest twice. New Leganes holds the record for most Urthvision victories until the date, with three trophies.]]
{{Further|List of countries in the Eurovision Song Contest}}
[[File:Justin Timberlake by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg|thumb|center|300px|[[Carl Stonelake]] represented [[Kaltariezh]] on the first edition and became the first winner of Urthvision.]]
[[File:European Broadcasting Area.png|thumb|upright=1.5|alt=Map of countries in Europe, North Africa and Western Asia in grey, with the boundaries of the European Broadcasting Area superimposed in red|The European Broadcasting Area, shown in red]]
{| class="wikitable sortable"
[[File:EurovisionParticipants.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|alt=Map of countries in Europe, North Africa and Western Asia, with a cut-out of Australia in top-right corner; countries are coloured to indicate contest participation and eligibility: countries which have entered at least once are coloured in green; countries which have never entered but eligible to do so are coloured in yellow; countries which intended to enter but later withdrew are coloured in red; and countries which competed as a part of another country but never as a sovereign country are coloured in light green.|right|Participation since 1956: {{legend|#22b14c|Entered at least once}} {{legend|#ffc20e|Never entered, although eligible to do so}} {{legend|#d40000|Entry intended, but later withdrew}} {{legend|#00ff00|Competed as a part of another country, but never as a [[sovereign state|sovereign country]]}}]]
|-
Active Members (as opposed to Associate Members) of the [[European Broadcasting Union]] are eligible to participate; Active Members are those who are located in states that fall within the [[European Broadcasting Area]], or are [[member states of the Council of Europe]].<ref name="EBUmembership">{{cite web |title=EBU – Admission |url=https://www.ebu.ch/about/members/admission |website=ebu.ch |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913022313/https://www.ebu.ch/about/members/admission |archive-date=13 September 2019}}</ref> Active Members include media organisations whose broadcasts are often made available to at least 98% of households in their own country which are equipped to receive such transmissions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Regulation on Detailed Membership Criteria under Article 3.6 of the EBU Statutes |url=https://www.ebu.ch/files/live/sites/ebu/files/About/Governance/Regulation%202013_EN.pdf |website=ebu.ch |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516221310/https://www.ebu.ch/files/live/sites/ebu/files/About/Governance/Regulation%202013_EN.pdf |archive-date=16 May 2019 |date=June 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Associate Member broadcasters may be eligible to compete, dependent on approval by the contest's Reference Group.<ref name="Who can take part">{{cite web |title=Which countries can take part? |url=https://eurovision.tv/page/about/which-countries-can-take-part#Which%20countries? |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317083448/https://eurovision.tv/page/about/which-countries-can-take-part#Which%20countries? |archive-date=17 March 2017}}</ref>
|+ Winners of the Urthvision Songfestival
|-
! scope="col" class="autorowspan" | Edition
! scope="col" class="autorowspan" | Venue
! scope="col" class="autorowspan" | Winner
! scope="col" class="autorowspan" | Artist(s)
! scope="col" class="autorowspan" | Song
! scope="col" class="autorowspan" | Year
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision I
| Blueacian Event Hall ([[Blueacia]])
|
[[File:Caltharus Flag Reborn.png|20px]]
'''[[Kaltariezh]]'''
| Carl Stonelake
| Mirrors
| 2017
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision II
| Aeger Stadium, [[Rouanezkador]] ([[Kaltariezh]])
|
| Black Star Elephant
| Am I Wrong
| 2018
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision III
| King Radu Indoor Arena
|
| Heartstrings
| Sunrise
| 2018
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision IV
|
| '''[[Furnifold]]'''
| [[Lórien Talháwi]]
| Statements
| 2018
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision V
| kAE Mystica Center, Accoco ([[Furnifold]])
|
[[File:East Cerdani Flag.svg|20px]]
'''[[East Cerdani]]'''
| Dschinighis Khaan
| Moskau
| 2018
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision VI
| Palace of the Republic, Morzahnstadt ([[East Cerdani]])
|
| The Stop-Gap Solution
| The Blank Stare Conceals the Eyes of a Hunter and an Inner Rage that can't be Pacified
| 2018
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision VII
| Total Bean Arrivaduction Air Stadium
|
[[File:Yellow Lily Flag 5.png|20px]]
'''[[Blueacia]]''' and
[[File:New Leganes flag.png|20px]]
'''[[New Leganes]]'''
| Kimberly Tomme and Laurens </br> Qúns & Tribárne
| Lost in Verona </br> This Girl
| 2018
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision VIII
| Porósin, [[Privétia Tauríllien]] ([[New Leganes]])
|
| King
| Momma
| 2019
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision IX
| Vista Lubra Arena, Luthernburg
|
[[File:Tivotflag.png|20px]]
'''[[Tivot]]'''
| Troizov
| Puleuz
| 2019
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision X
| One World Arena, [[Tarov]] ([[Tivot]])
| '''[[Shango]]'''
| Akyala Imlestravi
| Batkonga
| 2019
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision XI
| Ilhasse sen Ikogi, Wombo Lombo ([[Shango]])
| [[File:Flag_norgsveldet.jpg|20px]] '''[[Norgsveldet]]'''
| Ivar Rybak
| I Am in Love
| 2019
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision XII
| Hirdvik ([[Norgsveldet]])
| [[File:Kingdom_of_tavaris_flag.png|20px]] '''[[Tavaris]]'''
| The Greensleeves
| I Can't Wait to Know
| 2020
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision XIII
| King Kanor Great National Events Center, [[Nuvrenon]] ([[Tavaris]])
| [[File:New Leganes flag.png|20px]] '''[[New Leganes]]'''
| Ltxemxein Sarvis
| Beautiful Mess
| 2020
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision XIV
| Porósin, [[Privétia Tauríllien]] ([[New Leganes]])
| [[File:KyrlothFlag.png|20px]] '''[[Republic of Kyrloth|Kyrloth]]'''
| Kaili
| Say Something
| 2021
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision XV
| Táleu Arts Centre, Azmarin/Zlovskavaar ([[Republic of Kyrloth|Kyrloth]])
| [[File:Axdelian_flag.svg|20px]] '''[[Axdel]]'''
| Bemuse
| Algorithm
| 2021
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision XVI
| Lausker Arena, [[Andel]] ([[Axdel]])
| [[File:Tawuse_flag.jpg|20px]] '''[[Tawuse]]'''
| Walk the Moon
| Shut Up and Dance
| 2021
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision XVII
| Carriadian Stadium, Altomaré ([[Tawuse]])
| [[File:New Leganes flag.png|20px]] '''[[New Leganes]]'''
| [[Lórien Talháwi]]
| Euphoria
| 2022
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision XVIII
| Porósin, [[Privétia Tauríllien]] ([[New Leganes]])
| {{flagicon|Sayyed}} '''[[Sayyed]]'''
| Nailah Shehata
| We Have No Shame
| 2022
|-
! scope="row" | Urthvision XIX
| TBD ([[Sayyed]])
| {{flagicon|Korćetta}} '''[[Korćetta]]'''
| The Forgotten Stories
| Little Talks
| 2023
|-
!'''Urthvision XX'''
|TBD ([[Korćetta]])
|{{flagicon|TBD}} TBD
|
|
|2024
|}


== Entries and participants ==
The European Broadcasting Area is defined by the [[International Telecommunication Union]] as encompassing the geographical area between the boundary of [[International Telecommunication Union region|ITU Region 1]] in the west, the [[meridian 40° East]] of [[Greenwich meridian|Greenwich]] in the east, and [[parallel 30° North]] in the south. Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Ukraine, and the territory of Iraq, Jordan and Syria lying outside these limits are included in the European Broadcasting Area.<ref name="ITU-R Radio Regulation 2012">{{cite web |publisher=[[International Telecommunication Union]], available from the Spectrum Management Authority of Jamaica |year= 2012 |url= http://www.sma.gov.jm/sites/default/files/publication_files/ITU-R_Radio_Regulations_2012_%202015_%20Article_5_Table%20of%20Frequencies.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130816092114/http://sma.gov.jm/sites/default/files/publication_files/ITU-R_Radio_Regulations_2012_%202015_%20Article_5_Table%20of%20Frequencies.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-date= 16 August 2013 |title= ITU-R Radio Regulations 2012–15 |access-date=28 June 2019 }}</ref><ref name="ITU-R Radio Regulation 2004">{{cite web|url=http://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-s/oth/02/02/S020200001A4501PDFE.pdf|title=ITU-R Radio Regulations – Articles edition of 2004 (valid in 2004–07)|publisher=[[International Telecommunication Union]]|year=2004|access-date=28 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010235726/https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-s/oth/02/02/S020200001A4501PDFE.pdf|archive-date=10 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Eligibility to participate in the contest is therefore not limited to countries in Europe, as several states geographically outside the boundaries of the continent or which span [[List of transcontinental countries|more than one continent]] are included in the Broadcasting Area.<ref name="Who can take part" /> Countries from these groups have taken part in past editions, including countries in Western Asia such as Israel and [[Cyprus]], countries which span Europe and Asia like Russia and [[Turkey]], and North African countries such as [[Morocco]].<ref name="ESC History" /> Australia became the first country to participate from outside the European Broadcasting Area in 2015, following an invitation by the contest's Reference Group.<ref name="Australia" />

EBU Members who wish to participate must fulfil conditions as laid down in the rules of the contest, a separate copy of which is drafted annually. A maximum of 44 countries can take part in any one contest.<ref name="Rules">{{cite web|title=Eurovision Song Contest: Rules|url=https://eurovision.tv/about/rules/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506164157/https://eurovision.tv/about/rules/|archive-date=6 May 2021|access-date=28 June 2020|website=ebu.ch|publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref> Broadcasters must have paid the EBU a participation fee in advance to the deadline specified in the rules for the year in which they wish to participate; this fee is different for each country based on its size and viewership.<ref name="FAQ">{{cite web |title=FAQ – Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/faq/ |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623153206/https://eurovision.tv/about/faq/ |archive-date=23 June 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Fifty-two countries have participated at least once.<ref name="ESC History" /> These are listed here alongside the year in which they made their debut:


{|
{|
Line 120: Line 244:
! scope="col"| Country making its debut entry
! scope="col"| Country making its debut entry
|-
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="7"| {{ESCYr|1956}}
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="13"| [[Urthvision I]]
| [[The Oan Isles]]
| {{esc|Belgium}}
|-
|-
| [[Arramal]]
| {{esc|France}}
|-
|-
| [[Nacata]]
| {{esc|Germany}}{{efn|group=Participation|Represented [[West Germany]] until 1990; [[East Germany]] never competed. Presented on all occasions as 'Germany', except in 1967 as 'Federal Republic of Germany' and 1976 as 'West Germany'.}}
|-
|-
| [[East Cerdani]]
| {{esc|Italy}}
|-
|-
| [[West Cerdani]]
| {{esc|Luxembourg}}
|-
|-
| [[Yor Isles]]
| {{esc|Netherlands}}
|-
|-
| [[Emberwood Coast]]
| {{esc|Switzerland}}
|-
|-
| [[Lokania]]
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="3"| {{ESCYr|1957}}
| {{esc|Austria}}
|-
|-
| [[Blueacia]]
| {{esc|Denmark}}
|-
|-
| [[Staynes]]
| {{esc|United Kingdom}}
|-
|-
| [[Chianski]]
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1958}}
| {{esc|Sweden}}
|-
|-
| [[Kuthernburg]]
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1959}}
| {{esc|Monaco}}
|-
|-
| [[Kaltariezh]]
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1960}}
| {{esc|Norway}}
|-
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="3"| {{ESCYr|1961}}
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="7"| [[Urthvision II]]
| [[Xagrurg]]
| {{esc|Finland}}
|-
|-
| [[Hama]]
| {{esc|Spain}}
|-
|-
| [[Latianburg]]
| {{esc|Yugoslavia}}{{efn|group=Participation|Represented the [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]] until 1991, and the [[Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]] in 1992.}}
|-
|-
| [[Crania]]
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1964}}
| {{esc|Portugal}}
|-
|-
| [[Asendavia]]
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1965}}
|-
| {{esc|Ireland}}
| [[Furnifold]]
|-
| [[Axdel]]
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="7"| [[Urthvision III]]
| [[Fortuna]]
|-
| [[Absurdistan]]
|-
| [[New Leganés]]
|-
| [[Ostaria]]
|-
| [[Free Syllvin]]
|-
| [[Trukya]]
|-
| [[Verdrassil]]
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="4"| [[Urthvision IV]]
| [[Kyrloth]]
|-
| [[Fedele]]
|-
| [[Stratarin]]
|-
| [[Pendragonia]]
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| [[Urthvision VII]]
| [[Tivot]]
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="7"| [[Urthvision VIII]]
| [[Masceola]]
|-
| [[Pakitsk]]
|-
| [[Zukchiva]]
|-
| [[Duelland]]
|-
| [[Peregrinia]]
|-
| [[Valokchia]]
|-
| [[Balistria]]
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="2"| [[Urthvision IX]]
| [[Norgsveldet]]
|-
| [[Meridian Unity]]
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="3"| [[Urthvision X]]
| [[Rijelv]]
|-
| [[Setzna]]
|-
| [[Shango]]
|}
|}
|
|
Line 170: Line 346:
! scope="col"| Country making its debut entry
! scope="col"| Country making its debut entry
|-
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1971}}
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="3"| [[Urthvision XII]]
| [[Reyamyu]]
| {{esc|Malta}}
|-
|-
| [[]]
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1973}}
| {{esc|Israel}}
|-
|-
| [[Listonia]]
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1974}}
| {{esc|Greece}}
|-
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1975}}
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="8"| [[Urthvision XII]]
| [[Auraliyu]]
| {{esc|Turkey}}
|-
| [[Durakia]]
|-
| [[Morstaybishlia]]
|-
| [[Eyjaria]]
|-
| [[Lapinumbia]]
|-
| [[Tavaris]]
|-
| [[Sokala]]
|-
| [[Equatannia]]
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="3"| [[Urthvision XIII]]
| [[Alksearia]]
|-
| [[Meagharia]]
|-
| [[Vivancantadia]]
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="21"| [[Urthvision XIV]]
| [[Tennabroch]]
|-
| [[Ayaupia]]
|-
| [[Tuvaltastan]]
|-
| [[Arkalarius]]
|-
| [[Alyunthia]]
|-
| [[Nagato]]
|-
| [[Osterlicsh]]
|-
| [[South Peragen]]
|-
| [[Veutoa]]
|-
| [[Oceansend]]
|-
| [[Ziaarat]]
|-
| [[Petra Cauda]]
|-
| [[Iphelklori]]
|-
| [[Federation of Bana|Bana]]
|-
| [[Valerica]]
|-
| [[Tawuse]]
|-
| [[Dragonia]]
|-
| [[Libertanny]]
|-
| [[North Ethalria]]
|-
| [[Varletia]]
|-
| [[Infinite Loop]]
|-
|-
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1980}}
! scope="row" style="vertical-align:top;" rowspan="1"| {{ESCYr|1980}}
Line 264: Line 502:
|}
|}


[[Category:Urthvision]]
{{notelist|group=Participation}}
[[Category: Phoexy’s links]]

<references group="lower-alpha" />
== Hosting ==
{{Further|List of Eurovision Song Contest host cities}}

The winning country traditionally hosts the following year's event, with only [[List of Eurovision Song Contest host cities#Hosting traditions and exceptions|a number of exceptions]] since {{Escyr|1958}}.<ref name="Historical Milestones">{{cite web |title=Historical Milestones |url=http://www.eurovision.tv/english/611.htm |website=ebu.ch |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=3 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060526065558/http://www.eurovision.tv/english/611.htm |archive-date=26 May 2006}}</ref><ref name="ESC History" /> Hosting the contest can be seen as a unique opportunity for promoting the host country as a tourist destination and can provide benefits to the local economy and tourism sectors of the host city.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Boyle |first1=Stephen |title=The cost of winning the Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://www.rbs.com/rbs/news/2016/05/the-cost-of-winning-the-eurovision-song-contest.html |publisher=[[Royal Bank of Scotland]] |access-date=20 March 2021 |date=13 May 2016}}</ref> Preparations for each year's contest typically begin at the conclusion of the previous year's contest, with the winning country's head of delegation receiving a welcome package of information related to hosting the contest at the winner's press conference.<ref name="How it works" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Winner's Press Conference with Portugal's Salvador Sobral |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/2017-winners-press-conference |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |date=14 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Winner's Press Conference with the Netherlands' Duncan Laurence |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/winners-press-conference-with-netherlands-duncan-laurence |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |date=19 May 2019}}</ref> Eurovision is a non-profit event, and financing is typically achieved through a fee from each participating broadcaster, contributions from the host broadcaster and the host city, and commercial revenues from sponsorships, ticket sales, televoting and merchandise.<ref name="FAQ" />

The host broadcaster will subsequently select a host city, typically a national or regional capital city, which must meet certain criteria set out in the contest's rules. The host venue must be able to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators, a press centre for 1,500 journalists, should be within easy reach of an [[international airport]] and with hotel accommodation available for at least 2,000 delegates, journalists and spectators.<ref name="Host city criteria">{{cite web |title=What does it take to become a Eurovision host city? |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/what-does-it-take-to-become-a-eurovision-host-city |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |date=30 July 2007}}</ref> A variety of different venues have been used for past editions, from small theatres and television studios to large arenas and stadiums.<ref name="ESC History" /> The largest host venue is [[Parken Stadium]] in Copenhagen, which was attended by almost 38,000 spectators in {{Escyr|2001}}.<ref name="Facts & Figures" /><ref name="Copenhagen 01" /> With a population of 1,500 at the time of the {{Escyr|1993||1993 contest}}, [[Millstreet]], Ireland remains the smallest hosting settlement, although its [[Green Glens Arena]] is capable of hosting up to 8,000 spectators.<ref name="Millstreet 93" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Millstreet Town: Green Glens Arena |url=http://www.millstreet.ie/green%20glens/greenglens.htm |website=millstreet.ie |access-date=3 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401191842/http://www.millstreet.ie/green%20glens/greenglens.htm |archive-date=1 April 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Eurovision logo and theme ===
[[File:Eurovision Song Contest logo.svg|thumb|right|alt=Previous generic logo used at the contest between 2004 and 2014|Logo used in 2004–14]]

Until 2004 each edition of the contest used its own logo and visual identity as determined by the respective host broadcaster. To create a consistent visual identity a generic logo was introduced ahead of the {{Escyr|2004||2004 contest}}. This is typically accompanied by unique theme artwork and a slogan designed for each individual contest by the host broadcaster, with the flag of the host country placed prominently in the centre of the Eurovision heart.<ref name="Brand">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Brand |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/brand |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201075740/https://eurovision.tv/about/brand |archive-date=1 February 2021}}</ref> The original logo was designed by the London-based agency JM International, and received a revamp in 2014 by Cornelis Jacobs of the Amsterdam-based Cityzen Agency for the contest's {{Escyr|2015||60th edition}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest logo evolves |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-song-contest-logo-evolves |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |date=31 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="Logos & Artwork">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Logos and Artwork |url=https://eurovision.tv/mediacentre/logos-and-artwork |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=17 March 2021}}</ref>

An [[History of the Eurovision Song Contest#Contest themes and slogans|individual slogan and theme]] has been associated with most editions of the contest since 2002 and utilised by contest producers when constructing the show's visual identity, including the stage design, the opening and interval acts, and the "postcards".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Groot |first1=Evert |title=Tel Aviv 2019: Dare to Dream |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/slogan-tel-aviv-2019-dare-to-dream |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=28 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=LaFleur |first1=Louise |title=The making of 'Open Up' |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-making-of-open-up |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=25 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2020 postcard concept revealed as Dutch people can join in on the fun |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2020-postcards-concept-revealed |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=9 December 2019}}</ref> The short video postcards are interspersed between the entries and were first introduced in 1970, initially as an attempt to "bulk up" the contest after a number of countries decided not to compete, but has since become a regular part of the show and usually highlight the host country and introduce the competing acts.<ref name="Amsterdam 50th anniv">{{cite web |title=Happy 50th Anniversary, Eurovision 1970! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/happy-50th-anniversary-1970-eurovision |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=29 April 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=40–43}}

=== Preparations ===
[[File:Željko Joksimović - Press conference (Eurovision Song Contest 2012) 3.jpg|thumb|right|alt=A press conference during the 2012 contest; the Serbian delegation are seated at a long table with rows of journalists seated facing them, with a large screen on the wall behind the delegation projecting a live relay of the conference.|The Serbian delegation hosting a press conference at Eurovision 2012]]
[[File:Pht-Vugar Ibadov eurovision (35).jpg|thumb|alt=Photo of the EuroClub in 2012; a large group of delegates are seen conversing|The EuroClub at the 2012 contest in Baku, Azerbaijan]]
Preparations in the host venue typically begin approximately six weeks before the grand final, to accommodate building works and technical rehearsals before the arrival of the competing artists.<ref>{{cite web |title=Anforderungsprofil an die Austragungsstätte des Eurovision Song Contest 2015 |url=http://kundendienst.orf.at/aktuelles/anforderungsprofl_austragungsstaette.pdf |website=orf.at |publisher=[[ORF (broadcaster)|ORF]] |access-date=3 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531162001/http://kundendienst.orf.at/aktuelles/anforderungsprofl_austragungsstaette.pdf |archive-date=31 May 2014 |language=de |trans-title=Requirements to the venue of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 }}</ref> Delegations will typically arrive in the host city two to three weeks before the live show, and each participating broadcaster nominates a head of delegation, responsible for coordinating the movements of their delegation and being that country's representative to the EBU.<ref name="Rules" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Rules of the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest |url=http://www.eurovision.tv/searchfiles_english/574.htm |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060210010517/http://www.eurovision.tv/searchfiles_english/574.htm |archive-date=10 February 2006}}</ref> Members of each country's delegation include performers, composers, lyricists, members of the press, and—in the years where a live orchestra was present—a conductor.<ref name="HoDs">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Heads of Delegation |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/organisers/heads-of-delegation/ |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=5 July 2020}}</ref> Present if desired is a commentator, who provides commentary of the event for their country's radio and/or television feed in their country's own language in dedicated booths situated around the back of the arena behind the audience.<ref>{{cite web |title=Commentator's guide to the commentators |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/commentator-s-guide-to-the-commentators |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |date=15 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Escudero |first1=Victor M. |title=Commentators: The national hosts of Eurovision |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/commentators-sweden-mans-zelmerlow-edward-af-sillen |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |date=14 May 2017}}</ref>

Each country conducts two individual rehearsals, the first for 30 minutes and held behind closed doors, and the second for 20 minutes and open to accredited press.<ref name="2008 rehearsal schedule" /> Technical rehearsals for the semi-finalists commence the week before the live shows, with countries typically rehearsing in the order in which they will perform during the contest; rehearsals for the host country and the "Big Five" automatic finalists are held towards the end of the week.<ref name="2008 rehearsal schedule">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest 2008: Rehearsal schedule |url=http://www.eurovision.tv/upload/media/ESC2008_rehearsals.pdf |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221010818/http://www.eurovision.tv/upload/media/ESC2008_rehearsals.pdf |archive-date=21 December 2008}}</ref><ref name="2018 rehearsal schedule">{{cite web |title=Your ultimate guide to the Eurovision 2018 event weeks |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/guide-to-eurovision-2018-event-weeks-rehearal-schedule |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518142209/https://eurovision.tv/story/guide-to-eurovision-2018-event-weeks-rehearal-schedule |archive-date=18 May 2019 |date=27 April 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Following rehearsals delegations meet with the show's production team to review footage of the rehearsal and raise any special requirements or changes. "Meet and greet" sessions with contest fans and press conferences with accredited press are held during these rehearsal weeks.<ref name="2008 rehearsal schedule" /><ref name="Event weeks">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Event weeks |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/in-depth/event-weeks |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020}}</ref> Each live show is preceded by three dress rehearsals, where the whole show is performed in the same way as it will be presented on TV.<ref name="Event weeks" /> The second dress rehearsal, alternatively called the "jury final" and held the night before the broadcast, is used as a recorded back-up in case of technological failure, and performances during this show are used by each country's professional jury to determine their votes.<ref name="2018 rehearsal schedule" /><ref name="Event weeks" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Time now for the all important Jury Final |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/time-now-for-the-all-important-jury-final |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=25 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902160705/https://eurovision.tv/story/time-now-for-the-all-important-jury-final |archive-date=2 September 2019 |date=17 May 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The delegations from the qualifying countries in each semi-final attend a qualifiers' press conference after their respective semi-final, and the winning delegation attends a winners' press conference following the grand final.<ref name="Event weeks" />

A welcome reception is typically held at a venue in the host city on the Sunday preceding the live shows, which includes a [[red carpet]] ceremony for all the participating countries and is usually broadcast online.<ref>{{cite web |title=Welcome Reception: Pink champagne for the stars |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/welcome-reception-pink-champagne-for-the-stars |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |date=25 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Tel Aviv prepares for glamorous Orange Carpet |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/tel-aviv-prepares-for-glamorous-orange-carpet-tune-in-at-18-00-cest |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |date=12 May 2019}}</ref> Accredited delegates, press and fans have access to an official nightclub, the "EuroClub", and some delegations will hold their own parties.<ref name="Event weeks" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: EuroClub |url=https://eurovision.tv/fans/euroclub |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title="Big Five" meet to take a trip down the Rhine |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/big-five-meet-to-take-a-trip-down-the-rhine |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020}}</ref> The "Eurovision Village" is an official fan zone open to the public free of charge, with live performances by the contest's artists and screenings of the live shows on big screens.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Eurovision Village |url=https://eurovision.tv/fans/eurovision-village |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020}}</ref>

== Rules ==
{{Further|Rules of the Eurovision Song Contest}}
[[File:JESC 2018. Jon Ola Sand during press conference (2) (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Photo of Jon Ola Sand|right|[[Jon Ola Sand]], the contest's Executive Supervisor from 2011 to 2020]]

The contest is organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), together with the participating broadcaster of the host country. The event is monitored by an [[Rules of the Eurovision Song Contest#Scrutineers and Executive Supervisors|Executive Supervisor]] appointed by the EBU, and by the [[Rules of the Eurovision Song Contest#Reference Group|Reference Group]] which represents all participating broadcasters, who are each represented by a nominated Head of Delegation.<ref name="Organisers">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Organisers |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/organisers |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=5 July 2020}}</ref> The current Executive Supervisor {{as of|2021|lc=y}} is [[Martin Österdahl]], who took over the role from [[Jon Ola Sand]] in May 2020.<ref name="Österdahl">{{cite web|date=20 January 2020|title=Martin Österdahl announced as new Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor|url=https://www.ebu.ch/news/2020/01/martin-osterdahl-announced-as-new-eurovision-song-contest-executive-supervisor|access-date=25 July 2020|website=ebu.ch|publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]}}</ref> A detailed set of rules is written by the EBU for each contest and approved by the Reference Group. These rules have changed over time, and typically outline, among other points, the eligibility of the competing songs, the format of the contest, and the voting system to be used to determine the winner and how the results will be presented.<ref name="Rules" />

=== Song eligibility and languages ===
{{further|Languages in the Eurovision Song Contest}}
All competing songs must have a duration of three minutes or less.<ref name="Rules" /> This rule applies only to the version performed during the live shows.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Muldoon |first1=Padraig |title=Italy: Ermal Meta & Fabrizio Moro release three-minute Eurovision 2018 version of "Non mi avete fatto niente" |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2018/03/30/italy-ermal-meta-fabrizio-moro-release-three-minute-eurovision-2018-version-non-mi-avete-fatto-niente/220657/ |website=wiwibloggs.com |access-date=27 February 2021 |date=30 March 2018}}</ref> In order to be considered eligible, competing songs in a given year's contest must not have been released commercially before the first day of September of the previous year.<ref name="Rules" /> All competing entries must include vocals and lyrics of some kind and purely instrumental pieces are not allowed.<ref>{{cite news |title=Eurovision: Rules, facts and controversies |url=https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/eurovision-rules-facts-and-controversies-1586799 |access-date=21 March 2021 |work=[[The Scotsman]] |date=7 March 2013}}</ref> Competing entries may be performed in any language, be that [[Natural language|natural]] or [[Constructed language|constructed]], and participating broadcasters are free to decide the language in which their entry may be performed.<ref name="Rules" />

Rules specifying in which language a song may be performed have changed over time. No restrictions were originally enacted when the contest was first founded, however following criticism over the {{Esccnty|Sweden|y=1965|t=1965 Swedish entry}} being performed in English, a new rule was introduced for the {{Escyr|1966||1966 contest}} restricting songs to be performed only in an official language of the country it represented.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=28–29}}<ref name="Naples 65">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Naples 1965 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/naples-1965 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=4 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="Luxembourg 66">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Luxembourg 1966 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/luxembourg-1966 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=4 July 2020}}</ref> This rule was first abolished in {{Escyr|1973}}, and subsequently reinstated for most countries in {{Escyr|1977}}, with only {{Esccnty|Belgium|y=1977}} and {{Esccnty|Germany|y=1977}} permitted freedom of language as their selection processes for that year's contest had already commenced.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=68–71}}<ref name="Luxembourg 73">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Luxembourg 1973 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/luxembourg-1973 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=4 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="London 77">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: London 1977 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/london-1977 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=4 July 2020}}</ref> The language rule was once again abolished ahead of the {{Escyr|1999||1999 contest}}.<ref name="Jerusalem 99" />{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=156–159}}

=== Artist eligibility and performances ===
[[File:Domenico Modugno (1958), Bestanddeelnr 909-4001 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|alt=Black and while photograph from the 1958 contest held in the AVRO Studios in Hilversum, the Netherlands; an orchestra seated to the left of a small stage, with Italian singer Domenico Modugno singing on the stage platform in front of a wall.|The orchestra was an integral part of the contest until 1998 ([[Domenico Modugno]] performing at the {{Escyr|1958||1958 contest}})]]

The rules for the first contest specified that only solo performers were permitted to enter;<ref name="Lugano 56" /> this criterion was changed the following year to permit duos to compete, and groups were subsequently permitted for the first time in {{Escyr|1971}}.<ref name="Frankfurt 57" /><ref name="Dublin 71">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Dublin 1971 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/dublin-1971 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=19 March 2021}}</ref> Currently the number of people permitted on stage during competing performances is limited to a maximum of six, and no live animals are allowed.<ref name="Rules" /> Since {{Escyr|1990}} all contestants must be aged 16 or over on the day of the live show in which they perform.<ref name="Lausanne 89">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Lausanne 1989 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/lausanne-1989 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=4 July 2020}}</ref> With this rule's introduction [[Sandra Kim]], the winner in {{Escyr|1986}} at the age of 13, shall remain the contest's youngest winner in perpetuity.<ref name="Bergen 86">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Bergen 1986 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/bergen-1986 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=4 July 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=104–107}} There is no limit on the nationality or country of birth of the competing artists, and participating broadcasters are free to select an artist from any country; several winning artists have subsequently held a different nationality or were born in a different country to that which they represented.{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|pp=387–396}}<ref name="Winners" /> No performer may compete for more than one country in a given year.<ref name="Rules" />

The orchestra was a prominent aspect of the contest from 1956 to 1998.<ref name="Facts & Figures" /> Pre-recorded backing tracks were first allowed for competing acts in 1973, but any pre-recorded instruments were required to seen being "performed" on stage; in 1997, all instrumental music was allowed to be pre-recorded, however the host country was still required to provide an orchestra.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=148–151}} In 1999 the rules were changed again, making the orchestra an optional requirement; the host broadcaster of {{Escyr|1999||that year's contest}}, Israel's [[Israel Broadcasting Authority|IBA]], subsequently decided not to provide an orchestra, resulting in all entries using backing tracks for the first time.<ref name="99 Rules" /><ref name="Jerusalem 99" />{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=156–159}} Currently all instrumental music for competing entries must now be pre-recorded, and no live instrumentation is allowed during performances.<ref name="Rules" /><ref name="15 Rules">{{cite web |title=Public Rules of the 60th Eurovision Song Contest |url=http://www.eurovision.tv/upload/press-downloads/2015/2014-09-02_2015_ESC_rules_EN_PUBLIC_RULES.pdf |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=4 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430201605/http://www.eurovision.tv/upload/press-downloads/2015/2014-09-02_2015_ESC_rules_EN_PUBLIC_RULES.pdf |archive-date=30 April 2015}}</ref>

The main vocals of competing songs must be performed live during the contest.<ref name="Rules" /> Previously live backing vocals were also required; for the {{Escyr|2021||2021 contest}} these may optionally be pre-recorded - this change has been implemented on a trial basis in an effort to introduce flexibility following the cancellation of the 2020 edition and to facilitate modernisation.<ref name="Back for good">{{cite web |title=Changes announced to ensure Eurovision comes 'back for good' |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/changes-announced-to-ensure-eurovision-comes-back-for-good |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=4 July 2020 |date=18 June 2020}}</ref>

=== Running order ===
Since {{Escyr|2013}} the order in which the competing countries perform has been determined by the contest's producers, and submitted to the EBU Executive Supervisor and Reference Group for approval before public announcement. This was changed from a random draw used in previous years in order to provide a better experience for television viewers and ensure all countries stand out by avoiding instances where songs of a similar style or tempo are performed in sequence.<ref>{{cite web |title=Running order Malmö 2013 to be determined by producers |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/running-order-malmoe-2013-to-be-determined-by-producers |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=9 July 2020 |date=7 November 2012}}</ref>

Since the creation of a second semi-final in {{Escyr|2008}}, a semi-final allocation draw is held each year.<ref name="Semi-Final Allocation" /> Countries are placed into pots based on their geographical location and voting history in recent contests, and are assigned to compete in one of the two semi-finals through a random draw.<ref>{{cite web |title=All you need to know for Monday's draw! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/all-you-need-to-know-for-monday-s-draw |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=21 March 2021 |date=24 January 2008}}</ref> Countries are then randomly assigned to compete in either the first or second half of their respective semi-final, and once all competing songs have been selected the producers then determine the running order for the semi-finals.<ref name="allocation 2018">{{cite web |last1=Zwart |first1=Josianne |last2=Jordan |first2=Paul |title=Which countries will perform in which Semi-Final at Eurovision 2018? |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/results-of-the-semi-final-allocation-draw-2018 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=9 July 2020 |date=29 January 2018}}</ref><ref name="2013 semi order">{{cite web |title=Eurovision 2013: Semi-Final running order revealed |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2013-semi-final-running-order-revealed |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=9 July 2020 |date=28 March 2013}}</ref> The automatic qualifiers are assigned at random to a semi-final for the purposes of voting rights.<ref name="Semi-Final Allocation" />

Semi-final qualifiers make a draw at random during the winners' press conference to determine whether they will perform during the first or second half of the final; the automatic finalists then randomly draw their competing half in the run-up to the grand final, except for the host country, whose exact performance position is determined in a separate draw.<ref name="2013 semi order" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Groot |first1=Evert |title=Portugal and 'Big Five' rehearse for the second time |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/portugal-france-spain-italy-united-kingdom-second-rehearsal-2018 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=9 July 2020 |date=6 May 2018}}</ref> The running order for the final is then decided following the second semi-final by the producers, taking into consideration both the competing songs' musical qualities as well as stage performance, to best work around the set up of any props, lighting requirements and other production considerations.<ref>{{cite web |title=How is the Running Order being decided? |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/exclusive-running-order-producers-decide-2017 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=9 July 2020 |date=12 May 2017}}</ref>

=== Voting ===
{{further|Voting at the Eurovision Song Contest}}
[[File:Eurovision 2004 Scoreboard.jpg|right|thumb|alt=A screenshot from the 2004 contest showing the electronic scoreboard: video footage of Johnny Logan is superimposed onto the scoreboard; the name and flag of the country giving its points is shown at the bottom of the screen, and the flag and country name of the finalists, the number of points being given by the giving country, and the total number of points received is shown in two columns, with the sorting order updated to place the country with the highest score at the top.|The electronic scoreboard used at the 2004 contest, with [[Johnny Logan (singer)|Johnny Logan]] announcing the votes from Ireland]]

In place since 2016, the current voting system used to determine the results of the contest works on the basis of [[positional voting]].<ref name="Change to voting">{{cite web |last1=Jordan |first1=Paul |title=Biggest change to Eurovision Song Contest voting since 1975 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/biggest-change-to-eurovision-song-contest-voting-since-1975 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=5 July 2020 |date=18 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest overhauls voting rules |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35602473 |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=5 July 2020 |date=18 February 2016}}</ref> Each country awards two sets of points: one set is based on the votes of each country's professional jury, comprising five music professionals from that country; and a second set is based on the votes of the general public in the competing countries through [[televoting|telephone]], SMS or the official Eurovision [[Mobile app|app]]. Each set of points consists of 1–8, 10 and 12 points to the jury and public's ten favourite songs, with the most preferred song receiving 12 points.<ref name="Voting">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Voting |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/voting |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=5 July 2020}}</ref> This system is a modification of that used since 1975, when the "12 points" system was first introduced but with each country providing one set of points.<ref name="Change to voting" /><ref name="2010 jury semis">{{cite web |title=Juries also get 50% stake in Semi-Final result |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/juries-also-get-50-stake-in-semi-final-result |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=2 July 2020 |date=11 October 2009}}</ref> National juries and the public in each country are not allowed to vote for their own country, a rule first introduced in 1957.<ref name="Voting" /><ref name="Frankfurt 57">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Frankfurt 1957 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/frankfurt-1957 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=5 July 2020}}</ref>

Historically, each country's points were determined by a jury, consisting at various times of members of the public, music professionals, or both in combination.{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|pp=387–396}}<ref name="Luxembourg 66" /> With advances in telecommunication technology, televoting was first introduced to the contest in {{Escyr|1997}} on a trial basis, with broadcasters in five countries allowing the viewing public to determine their votes for the first time.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=148–151}} From {{Escyr|1998}} televoting was extended to almost all competing countries, and subsequently became mandatory from {{Escyr|2004}}.<ref name="Birmingham 98" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Rules of the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest |url=http://www.myledbury.co.uk/eurovision/pdf/esc2004.pdf |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=22 March 2021}}</ref> A jury was reintroduced for the grand final in {{Escyr|2009}}, with each country's points comprising both the votes of the jury and public in an equal split; this mix of jury and public voting was expanded into the semi-finals from 2010.<ref name="Jury 09 final">{{cite web |title=Televoting/jury mix in 2009 Final voting |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/televoting-jury-mix-in-2009-final-voting |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=5 July 2020 |date=14 September 2008}}</ref><ref name="2010 jury semis" />

Should two or more countries finish with the same number of points, a tie-break procedure is employed to determine the final placings. {{as of|2016}}, a combined national televoting and jury result is calculated for each country, and the country which has obtained points from the most countries following this calculation is deemed to have placed higher.<ref name="Voting" />

==== Presentation of the votes ====
[[File:Eurovision Song Contest 1958 - Scoreboard.png|thumb|right|alt=Black and white photograph of the scoreboard in 1958; the running order numbers and song titles of the competing entries are printed on the left-hand side of the scoreboard, and rotating numbers on the right-hand side show the allocation of points to each song as each country's jury is called, and a total of all points received; song titles are sorted by order of appearance, with the first song to be performed appearing at the top of the scoreboard.|The scoreboard at the 1958 contest]]

Since 1957 each country's votes have been announced during a special voting segment as part of the contest's broadcast, with a selected spokesperson assigned to announce the results of their country's vote.<ref name="Voting" /> This spokesperson is typically well known in their country; previous spokespersons have included former Eurovision artists and hosts.<ref name="2016 spokespersons">{{cite web |last1=Roxburgh |first1=Gordon |title=The 42 spokespersons for the 2016 Grand Final |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-42-spokespersons-for-the-2016-grand-final |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=5 July 2020 |date=14 May 2016}}</ref> Historically the announcements were made through [[telephone line]]s from the countries of origin, with [[satellite link]]s employed for the first time in {{Escyr|1994}}, allowing the spokespersons to be seen visually by the audience and TV spectators.<ref name="Dublin 94" />

Scoring is done by both a national jury and a national televote. Each country's jury votes are consecutively added to the totals [[scoreboard]] as they are called upon by the contest presenter(s).{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|p=152}} The scoreboard was historically placed at the side of the stage and updated manually as each country gave their votes; in {{Escyr|1988}} a [[computer graphics]] scoreboard was introduced.<ref name="Dublin 88">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Dublin 1988 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/dublin-1988 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=5 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Milestone Moments: 1988 – When Celine was crowned Queen |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/milestone-moments-1988-when-celine-was-crowned-queen |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=5 July 2020 |date=12 September 2016}}</ref> The jury points from 1–8 and 10 are displayed on screen and added automatically to the scoreboard, then the country's spokesperson announces which country will receive the 12 points.<ref name="2016 spokespersons" /> Once jury points from all countries have been announced, the presenter(s) announce the total public points received for each finalist, with the votes for each country being consolidated and announced as a single value.<ref name="Change to voting" /> The public points are revealed in ascending order based on the jury vote, with the country that received the fewest points from the jury being the first to receive their public points.<ref name="Voting" /> A full breakdown of the results across all shows is published on the official Eurovision website after the final, including each country's televoting ranking and the votes of its jury and individual jury members. Each country's individual televoting points in the final are typically displayed on-screen by that country's broadcaster following the announcement of the winner.<ref name="Change to voting" />

=== Broadcasting ===
Participating broadcasters are required to air live the semi-final in which they compete, or in the case of the automatic finalists the semi-final in which they are required to vote, and the grand final, in its entirety; this includes all competing songs, the voting [[Abstract (summary)|recap]] containing short clips of the performances, the voting procedure or semi-final qualification reveal, and the [[reprise]] of the winning song in the grand final.<ref name="Rules" /><ref name="15 Rules" /> Since 1999 broadcasters who wished to do so were given the opportunity to provide [[Television advertisement|advertising]] during short, non-essential hiatuses in the show's schedule.<ref name="99 Rules" /> In exceptional circumstances, such as due to developing emergency situations, participating broadcasters may delay or postpone broadcast of the event.<ref name="Decade Stockholm 2000">{{cite web |title=The end of a decade: Stockholm 2000 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-end-of-a-decade-stockholm-2000 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=5 July 2020 |date=21 December 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Albania to broadcast tonight's Semi-Final deferred |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/albania-to-broadcast-tonight-s-semi-final-deferred |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=5 July 2020 |date=22 May 2012}}</ref> Should a broadcaster fail to air a show as expected in any other scenario they may be subject to sanctions by the EBU.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Royston |first1=Benny |title=Spain to face sanctions over late broadcast |url=http://esctoday.com/14060/spain_to_face_sanctions_over_late_broadcast/ |website=esctoday.com |access-date=5 July 2020 |date=15 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Escartín |first1=Javier |title=Los problemas de Soraya en Eurovisión |url=https://www.abc.es/play/abci-problemas-soraya-eurovision-200905150300-92916354130_noticia.html |work=[[ABC (newspaper)|ABC]] |access-date=5 July 2020 |language=es |trans-title=Soraya's problems at Eurovision |date=15 May 2009}}</ref> Several broadcasters in countries that are unable to compete have previously aired the contest in their markets.<ref>{{cite web |title=Here's where to watch Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/heres-where-to-watch-eurovision-europe-shine-a-light |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |date=16 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://www.bbcnewzealand.com/shows/eurovision/ |work=[[BBC UKTV]]|access-date=3 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Netflix Picks Up U.S. VOD Rights To Eurovision Song Contest 2019 & 2020 |url=https://deadline.com/2019/07/netflix-eurovision-song-contest-2019-2020-picks-up-us-vod-rights-1202648894/ |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=3 July 2020 |date=19 July 2019}}</ref>

As national broadcasters join and leave the [[Eurovision (network)|Eurovision]] feed transmitted by the EBU, the EBU/Eurovision [[Station identification|network logo ident]] (not to be confused with the logo of the song contest itself) is displayed. The accompanying music (used on other Eurovision broadcasts) is the Prelude ''(Marche en rondeau)'' to [[Marc-Antoine Charpentier]]'s ''[[Te Deum (Charpentier)|Te Deum]]''.<ref name="GoldenJubilee"/> Originally, the same logo was used for both the Eurovision network and the European Broadcasting Union, however, they now have two different logos; the latest Eurovision network logo was introduced in 2012, and when the ident is transmitted at the start and end of programmes it is this Eurovision network logo that appears.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stage Set for Animated Eurovision Logo |url=https://www.ebu.ch/news/2012/11/stage-set-for-animatedeurovision |website=ebu.ch |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=22 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517232922/https://www.ebu.ch/news/2012/11/stage-set-for-animatedeurovision |archive-date=17 May 2019 |date=29 November 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{YouTube|stZDkX2Xzow|EUROVISION Animated logo}}</ref>

The EBU now holds recording of all but two editions of the contest in its archives following a project initiated in 2011 to collate footage and related materials of all editions ahead of the event's 60th anniversary in 2015.<ref name="Eurovision Again BtS" /> The first contest in 1956 was primarily a radio show, and although cameras were present to broadcast the show for the few Europeans who had television sets no video footage of the contest is known to have survived.<ref name="Lugano 56">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Lugano 1956 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/lugano-1956 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=5 July 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=8–9}} No known footage of the {{Escyr|1964||1964 contest}} exists either, with conflicting reports of the fate of any copies that may have survived.{{sfn|Roxburgh|2012|pp=348–358}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grønbech |first1=Jens |title=BT afslører: Her er DRs største grandprix-brøler |url=https://www.bt.dk/melodi-grand-prix/bt-afsloerer-her-er-drs-stoerste-grandprix-broeler |website=bt.dk |publisher=[[B.T. (tabloid)|B.T.]] |access-date=6 July 2020 |language=da |trans-title=BT reveals: DR's biggest Eurovision groan |date=2 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Dohrman |first1=Jan |title=Billeder: I denne uge er det 55 år siden, Danmark holdt sit første Eurovision i Tivoli |url=https://www.dr.dk/om-dr/nyheder/billeder-i-denne-uge-er-det-55-aar-siden-danmark-holdt-sit-foerste-eurovision-i-tivoli |website=dr.dk |publisher=[[DR (broadcaster)|DR]] |access-date=6 July 2020 |language=da |trans-title=Pictures: This week marks 55 years since Denmark held its first Eurovision at Tivoli |date=20 March 2019}}</ref> Audio recordings of both contests do however exist, and some short pieces of footage from both events have survived.<ref name="Lugano 56" /><ref name="Copenhagen 64">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Copenhagen 1964 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/copenhagen-1964 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=5 July 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=24–25}}

== Expansion of the contest ==
{{Further|List of countries in the Eurovision Song Contest}}
[[File:Eurovision participation map.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|alt=Map of countries in Europe, North Africa and Western Asia, with Australia as an insert in the top-right corner, coloured to indicate the decade in which they first participated in the contest: 1950s in red, 1960s in orange, 1970s in yellow, 1980s in green; 1990s in sky blue; 2000s in blue; and 2010s in purple|Participants in the Eurovision Song Contest, coloured by decade of debut]]
{{multiple image
| width = 280
| footer = [[Revolutions of 1989|Changes in Europe in the 1980s and 1990s]] impacted the contest, as [[Yugoslavia]] ceased participating under one name and new countries in Central and Eastern Europe started competing.
| image1 = Eurovision Participants 1992.svg
| alt1 = Map of countries in Europe, North Africa and Western Asia showing boundaries in 1992; contest participants in 1992 are coloured in green, with Yugoslavia coloured in red.
| caption1 = Participating countries in {{Escyr|1992}}; [[Yugoslavia]] (in red) participated for the final time
| image2 = Regular Participants 1994.svg
| alt2 = Map of countries in Europe, North Africa and Western Asia showing boundaries in 1994; contest participants in 1994 are coloured in green
| caption2 = Participating countries in {{Escyr|1994}}
}}
From the original seven countries which entered the first contest in 1956, the number of competing countries has steadily grown over time. 18 countries participated in the contest's 10th edition in 1965, and by 1990 22 countries were regularly competing each year.<ref name="Naples 65" /><ref name="Zagreb 90">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Zagreb 1990 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/zagreb-1990 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=27 February 2021}}</ref>

Besides slight modifications to the voting system and other contest rules, no fundamental changes to the contest's format were introduced until the early 1990s, when [[Revolutions of 1989|events in Europe in the late 1980s and early 1990s]] resulted in a growing interest from new countries in the former [[Eastern Bloc]], particularly following the merger of the Eastern European rival [[International Radio and Television Organisation|OIRT network]] with the EBU in 1993.<ref>{{cite book |title=50 Years of Eurovision |date=2004 |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |pages=32–33 |url=https://www.ebu.ch/CMSimages/en/dossiers_1_04_eurovision50_ve_tcm6-13890.pdf |access-date=1 July 2020}}</ref>

=== Pre-selections and relegation ===
29 countries registered to take part in the 1993 contest, a figure the EBU considered unable to fit reasonably into a single TV show. A preselection method was subsequently introduced for the first time in order to reduce the number of competing entries, with seven countries in [[Central and Eastern Europe]] participating in ''[[Kvalifikacija za Millstreet]]'', held in [[Ljubljana]], Slovenia one month before the event. Following a vote among the seven competing countries, {{Esccnty|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}, {{Esccnty|Croatia}} and {{Esccnty|Slovenia}} were chosen to head to the contest in [[Millstreet]], Ireland, and {{Esccnty|Estonia}}, {{Esccnty|Hungary}}, {{Esccnty|Romania}} and {{Esccnty|Slovakia}} were forced to wait another year before being allowed to compete.<ref name="Millstreet 93">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Millstreet 1993 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/millstreet-1993 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=1 July 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=132–135; 219}} A new [[Promotion and relegation|relegation system]] was introduced for entry into the 1994 contest, with the lowest-placed countries being forced to sit out the following year's event to be replaced by countries which had not competed in the previous contest. The bottom seven countries in 1993 were required to miss the following year's contest, and were replaced by the four unsuccessful countries in ''Kvalifikacija za Millstreet'' and new entries from {{Esccnty|Lithuania}}, {{Esccnty|Poland}} and {{Esccnty|Russia}}.<ref name="Millstreet 93" /><ref name="Dublin 94">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Dublin 1994 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/dublin-1994 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=1 July 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=136–139}}

This system was used again in 1994 for qualification for the {{Escyr|1995||1995 contest}}, but a new system was introduced for the {{Escyr|1996||1996 contest}}, when an audio-only qualification round held in the months before the contest in [[Oslo]], Norway; this system was primarily introduced in an attempt to appease Germany, one of Eurovision's biggest markets and biggest financial contributors, which would have otherwise been relegated under the previous system.<ref name="Oslo 96">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Oslo 1996 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/oslo-1996 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=1 July 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=144–147}} 29 countries competed for 22 places in the main contest alongside the automatically-qualified Norwegian hosts, however Germany would ultimately still miss out, and joined Hungary, Romania, Russia, {{Esccnty|Denmark}}, {{Esccnty|Israel}}, and {{Esccnty|North Macedonia|t=Macedonia}} as one of the seven countries to be absent from the Oslo contest.<ref name="Oslo 96" />{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=144–147}} For the {{Escyr|1997||1997 contest}} a similar relegation system to that used between 1993 and 1995 was introduced, with each country's average scores in the preceding five contests being used as a measure to determine which countries would be relegated.<ref name="Dublin 97">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Dublin 1997 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/dublin-1997 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=1 July 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=148–151}} This was subsequently changed again in 2001, back to the same system used between 1993 and 1995 where only the results from that year's contest would count towards relegation.<ref name="Copenhagen 01">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Copenhagen 2001 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/copenhagen-2001 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=1 July 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=164–167}}

=== The "Big Four" and "Big Five" ===
In 1999 an exemption from relegation was introduced for France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom, giving them an automatic right to compete. This group, as the highest-paying EBU members which significantly fund the contest each year, subsequently became known as the "Big Four" countries.<ref name="Jerusalem 99">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Jerusalem 1999 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/jerusalem-1999 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=1 July 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=156–159}}<ref name="99 Rules">{{cite web |title=Rules of the 44th Eurovision Song Contest, 1999 |url=http://www.eurosong.net/archive/esc1999.pdf |access-date=1 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418112958/http://www.eurosong.net/archive/esc1999.pdf |archive-date=18 April 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> This group was expanded in 2011 when Italy began competing again, becoming the "Big Five".<ref>{{cite web |title=43 nations on 2011 participants list! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/43-nations-on-2011-participants-list |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=1 July 2020 |date=31 December 2010}}</ref> Originally brought in to ensure that the financial contributions of the contest's biggest financial backers would not be missed, since the introduction of the semi-finals in 2004, the "Big Five" now instead automatically qualify for the final along with the host country.<ref name="Decade Istanbul 04">{{cite web |title=The end of a decade: Istanbul 2004 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-end-of-a-decade-istanbul-2004 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=1 July 2020 |date=25 December 2009}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=176–180}}

There remains debate on whether this status prejudices the countries' results, based on reported antipathy over their automatic qualification and the potential disadvantage of having spent less time on stage through not competing in the semi-finals, however this status appears to be more complex given results of the "Big Five" countries can vary widely.<ref name="BBC lessons learned">{{cite web |title=Eurovision 2019: Five lessons learned |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-48325868 |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=1 July 2020 |date=19 May 2019}}</ref><ref name="Brexit to blame?">{{cite web |title=Eurovision: Is Brexit to blame for the UK's latest flop? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-48334089 |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=1 July 2020 |date=20 May 2019}}</ref> This status has caused consternation from other competing countries, and was cited, among other aspects, as a reason why {{Esccnty|Turkey}} had ceased participating after {{Escyr|2012}}.<ref name="Turkey LGBT">{{cite web |title=Turkey to return Eurovision 'if no more bearded divas' |url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-return-eurovision-if-no-more-bearded-divas-135427 |work=[[Hürriyet Daily News]] |access-date=1 July 2020 |date=4 August 2018}}</ref>

=== Introduction of semi-finals ===
[[File:Eurovision semifinal qualification rate map.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|alt=Map of countries in Europe, North Africa and Western Asia, with Australia as an insert in the top-right corner, shaded to indicate their semi-final qualification rates: countries with high rates are shown in shades of blue, while countries with low rates are shown in shades of red and orange|Qualification rates per country (2004-2021; automatic qualifications not included)]]

An influx of new countries applying for the {{Escyr|2003||2003 contest}} resulted in the introduction of a semi-final from 2004, with the contest becoming a two-day event.<ref name="new format">{{cite web |last1=Bakker |first1=Sietse |title=EBU confirms new Eurovision Song Contest format |url=http://esctoday.com/1192/ebu_confirms_new_eurovision_song_contest_format/ |website=esctoday.com |access-date=22 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029133229/http://esctoday.com/1192/ebu_confirms_new_eurovision_song_contest_format/ |archive-date=29 October 2020 |date=29 January 2003}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=172–175}} The top 10 countries in each year's final would qualify automatically to the following year's final, alongside the "Big Four", meaning all other countries would compete in the semi-final to compete for 10 qualification spots.<ref name="Decade Istanbul 04" /> The {{Escyr|2004||2004 contest}} in [[Istanbul]], Turkey saw a record 36 countries competing, with new entries from {{Esccnty|Albania}}, {{Esccnty|Andorra}}, {{Esccnty|Belarus}} and {{Esccnty|Serbia and Montenegro}} and the return of previously relegated countries.<ref name="Decade Istanbul 04" />{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=177–179}} The format of this semi-final remained similar to the final proper, taking place a few days before the final; following the performances and the voting window, the names of the 10 countries with the highest number of points, which would therefore qualify for the grand final, were announced at the end of the show, revealed in a random order by the contest's presenters.<ref name="Decade Istanbul 04" />{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=177–179}}

The single semi-final continued to be held between 2005 and 2007; however, with over 40 countries competing in the {{Escyr|2007||2007 contest}} in [[Helsinki]], Finland, the semi-final had 28 entries competing for 10 spots in the final.<ref>{{cite web |title=Countdown to Baku – Helsinki 2007 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/countdown-to-baku-helsinki-2007 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=2 July 2020 |date=18 January 2012}}</ref> Following criticism over the mainly Central and Eastern European qualifiers at the 2007 event and the poor performance of entries from Western European countries, a second semi-final was subsequently introduced for the {{Escyr|2008||2008 event}} in [[Belgrade]], Serbia, with all countries now competing in one of the two semi-finals, with only the host country and the "Big Four", and subsequently the "Big Five" from 2011, qualifying automatically.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Two Semi-Finals in 2008 |url=http://www.ebu.ch/CMSimages/en/PR_ESC%20Semi-Finals_01.10.07_EN_tcm6-54154.pdf |website=ebu.ch |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=2 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928062242/http://www.ebu.ch/CMSimages/en/PR_ESC%20Semi-Finals_01.10.07_EN_tcm6-54154.pdf |archive-date=28 September 2012}}</ref><ref name="2 semis announcements">{{cite web |title=Two Semi-Finals Eurovision Song Contest in 2008 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/two-semi-finals-eurovision-song-contest-in-2008 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=2 July 2020 |date=11 January 2008}}</ref> 10 qualification spots would be available in each of the semi-finals, and a new system to split the competing countries between the two semi-finals was introduced based on their geographic location and previous voting patterns, in an attempt to reduce the impact of [[Voting bloc|bloc voting]] and to make the outcome less predictable.<ref name="Semi-Final Allocation">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Semi-Final Allocation Draw |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/in-depth/semi-final-allocation-draw/ |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=2 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="08 semi draw">{{cite web |title=All you need to know for Monday's draw! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/all-you-need-to-know-for-monday-s-draw |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=2 July 2020 |date=24 January 2008}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=192–195}}

== Winners ==
{{Further|List of Eurovision Song Contest winners}}
[[File:Eurovision winners map.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|alt=Map of countries in Europe, North Africa and Western Asia, with inserts of Australia and Yugoslavia in the top-right corner, coloured to indicate their win record: countries with no wins are coloured in dark grey; other countries are coloured as follows: 1 win in yellow, 2 wins in light green, 3 wins in neon green; 4 wins in teal; 5 wins in blue; 6 wins in purple; 7 wins in dark purple|Each country's win record in the contest as of the 2021 contest]]
[[File:Eurovision Song Contest 1980 - Johnny Logan 4 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|alt=Black and white photograph of Johnny Logan performing on stage at the 1980 contest|[[Johnny Logan (singer)|Johnny Logan]] is the only performer to have won the contest twice, in {{Escyr|1980}} ''(pictured)'' and {{Escyr|1987}}; he also wrote the winning song in {{Escyr|1992}}.]]

68 songs from 27 countries have won the Eurovision Song Contest {{as of|2021|lc=y}}.<ref name="Winners" /> {{Esccnty|Ireland}} has recorded the most wins, with seven in total, followed by {{Esccnty|Sweden}} with six, and {{Esccnty|France}}, {{Esccnty|Luxembourg}}, the {{Esccnty|United Kingdom}} and the {{Esccnty|Netherlands}} with five each.<ref name="Facts & Figures" /><ref name="Winners" /> Of the 52 countries to take part, 25 have yet to win.<ref name="ESC History" /> On only one occasion have multiple winners been declared in a single contest: in {{Escyr|1969}}, four countries finished the contest with an equal number of votes and due to the lack of a tie-break rule at the time, all four countries were declared winners.<ref name="Facts & Figures" /><ref name="Madrid 69">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Madrid 1969 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/madrid-1969 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=30 June 2020}}</ref> A majority of winning songs have been performed in English, particularly since the language rule was abolished in 1999. Since that contest, only six winning songs have been performed either fully or partially in a language other than English.<ref name="ESC History" />

Two countries have won the contest on their first appearance: {{Esccnty|Switzerland}}, by virtue of being declared the winner of the first contest in 1956; and {{Esccnty|Serbia}}, which won in 2007 in their first participation as an independent country, following entries in previous editions as part of the now-defunct {{Esccnty|Yugoslavia}} and then {{Esccnty|Serbia and Montenegro}}.<ref name="Helsinki 07">{{cite web |title=The end of a decade: Helsinki 2007 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-end-of-a-decade-helsinki-2007 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=30 June 2020 |date=30 December 2009}}</ref> Other countries have had relatively short waits before winning their first contest, with {{Esccnty|Ukraine}} victorious on their second contest appearance in {{Escyr|2004}} and {{Esccnty|Latvia}} winning with their third entry in {{Escyr|2002}}.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=208–209}} Conversely, some countries have competed for many years before recording their first win: {{Esccnty|Greece}} recorded their first win in {{Escyr|2005}}, 31 years after their first appearance, while {{Esccnty|Finland}} ended a 45-year losing streak in {{Escyr|2006}}.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=208–209}}<ref name="Countdown Athens 06">{{cite web |title=Countdown to Baku – Athens 2006 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/countdown-to-baku-athens-2006 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=30 June 2020 |date=27 December 2011}}</ref> {{Esccnty|Portugal}} waited the longest, recording their first win in {{Escyr|2017}}, 53 years after their first participation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Salvador Sobral given a hero's welcome in Portugal |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/salvador-sobral-given-a-hero-s-welcome-in-portugal |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=30 June 2020 |date=15 May 2017}}</ref> Countries have in the past had to wait many years to win the contest a second time: Switzerland went 32 years between winning in 1956 and {{Escyr|1988}}; {{Esccnty|Denmark}} held a 37-year gap between wins in {{Escyr|1963}} and {{Escyr|2000}}; the Netherlands waited 44 years to win again in {{Escyr|2019}}, their most recent win having been in {{Escyr|1975}}; and {{Esccnty|Austria}} won its second contest in {{Escyr|2014}}, 48 years after their first win in {{Escyr|1966}}.<ref name="ESC History" />{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=208–209}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Welcome home, Conchita! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/welcome-home-conchita |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=30 June 2020 |date=15 May 2014}}</ref>

The United Kingdom holds the record for the highest-number of second-place finishes, having come runner-up in the contest fifteen times.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: United Kingdom |url=https://eurovision.tv/country/united-kingdom |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=30 June 2020}}</ref> Meanwhile, {{Esccnty|Norway}} has come last more than any other country, appearing at the bottom of the scoreboard on eleven occasions, including scoring ''[[Voting at the Eurovision Song Contest#Scoring no points|nul points]]'' four times.<ref name="Facts & Figures" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Norway |url=https://eurovision.tv/country/norway |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=30 June 2020}}</ref> A country has recorded back-to-back wins on four occasions: {{Esccnty|Spain}} recorded consecutive wins in {{Escyr|1968}} and 1969; Luxembourg did likewise in {{Escyr|1972}} and {{Escyr|1973}}; Israel won the contest in {{Escyr|1978}} and {{Escyr|1979}}; and Ireland became the first country to win three consecutive titles, winning in {{Escyr|1992}}, {{Escyr|1993}} and {{Escyr|1994}}.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=208–209}} Ireland's winning streak in the 1990s includes the {{Escyr|1996||1996 contest}}, giving them a record four wins in five years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Ireland |url=https://eurovision.tv/country/ireland |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=30 June 2020}}</ref>

The winning artists and songwriters receive a trophy, which since 2008 has followed a standard design: a handmade piece of sandblasted glass with painted details in the shape of a 1950s-style [[microphone]], designed by Kjell Engman of the Swedish-based glassworks [[Kosta Glasbruk|Kosta Boda]].<ref name="Trophy" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://kostaboda.co.uk/eurovision-song-contest/ |publisher=[[Kosta Glasbruk|Kosta Boda]] |access-date=30 June 2020}}</ref> The trophy is typically presented by the previous year's winner; others who have handed out the award in the past include representatives from the host broadcaster or the EBU, and politicians; in 2007 the fictional character, [[Joulupukki]] (original [[Santa Claus]] from [[Finland]]), presented the award to the winner [[Marija Šerifović]].<ref name="Helsinki 07" />{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|p=216}}

== Entries and participants ==
{{Further|List of Eurovision Song Contest entries|List of Eurovision Song Contest entries (1956–2003)}}
The contest has been used as a launching point for artists who went on to achieve worldwide fame, and several of [[List of best-selling music artists|the world's best-selling artists]] are counted among past Eurovision Song Contest participants and winning artists. [[ABBA]], the {{Escyr|1974}} winners for Sweden, have recorded an estimated 380 million albums and singles sales since their contest win brought them to worldwide attention, with their winning song "[[Waterloo (ABBA song)|Waterloo]]" selling over five million records.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Harrison |first1=Andrew |title=Why are Abba so popular? |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20140415-why-are-abba-so-popular |work=[[BBC]] Culture|access-date=30 June 2020 |date=21 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |first=Joseph |last=Murrells |title=The Book of Golden Discs |url=https://archive.org/details/bookofgoldendisc00murr |url-access=registration|year=1978 |edition=2nd, illustrated |publisher=Barrie & Jenkins |isbn=0-214-20480-4 |page=395}}</ref> [[Celine Dion]]'s win for Switzerland in {{Escyr|1988}} helped launch her international career, particularly in the [[English-speaking world|anglophone]] market, and she would go on to sell an estimated 200 million records worldwide.<ref name="Dublin 88" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Southern |first1=Kieran |title=Celine Dion and James Corden recreate famous Titanic scene for Carpool Karaoke |url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/celine-dion-and-james-corden-recreate-famous-titanic-scene-for-carpool-karaoke-38132381.html |access-date=30 June 2020 |agency=[[PA Media]] |work=[[Irish Independent]] |date=21 May 2019}}</ref> [[Julio Iglesias]] was relatively unknown when he represented Spain in {{Escyr|1970}} and placed fourth, but worldwide success followed his Eurovision appearance, with an estimated 100 million records sold during his career.<ref>{{cite web |title=Iglesias praises Eurovision as a learning moment |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/iglesias-praises-eurovision-as-a-learning-moment |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=20 March 2021 |date=11 October 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Julio Iglesias pulls out of NZ tour |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/86012722/julio-iglesias-pulls-out-of-nz-tour |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |access-date=20 March 2021 |date=2 November 2016}}</ref> Australian singer [[Olivia Newton-John]] represented the United Kingdom in 1974, placing fourth behind ABBA, but went on to sell an estimated 100 million records, win four [[Grammy Award]]s, as well as star in the critically and commercially successful [[musical film]] ''[[Grease (film)|Grease]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Milestone Moments: 1974 - The arrival of ABBA |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/milestone-moments-1974-the-arrival-of-abba |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=20 March 2021 |date=5 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Olivia Newton-John displays movie memorabilia in Newbridge |url=https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2019/0723/1064799-olivia-newton-john-visits-newbridge/ |publisher=[[Raidió Teilifís Éireann]] |access-date=20 March 2021 |date=25 July 2019}}</ref>

[[File:ABBA1974TopPop.jpg|thumb|left|After winning in the {{Escyr|1974}} contest with the song "[[Waterloo (ABBA song)|Waterloo]]", the Swedish pop group [[ABBA]] became one of the most commercially successful popular music acts]]
A number of performers have competed in the contest after having already achieved considerable success. These include winning artists [[Lulu (singer)|Lulu]],<ref name="UK">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: United Kingdom |url=https://eurovision.tv/country/united-kingdom |website=eurovision.tv |access-date=15 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Lulu at 70: singer celebrates landmark birthday |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/lulu-at-70-singer-celebrates-landmark-birthday-37488096.html |access-date=20 March 2021 |work=[[Belfast Telegraph]] |date=3 November 2018}}</ref> [[Toto Cutugno]],<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Bensalhia |first1=John |title=Music Maestros: Top 10 Best Selling Italian Music Artists and Acts |url=https://www.italymagazine.com/featured-story/music-maestros-top-10-best-selling-italian-music-artists-and-acts |magazine=Italy Magazine |access-date=25 March 2021 |date=5 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Puglisi |first1=Federica |title= Happy birthday Toto Cutugno, the most loved Italian singer abroad |url=https://www.italiani.it/en/happy-birthday-toto-cutugno-the-most-loved-italian-singer-abroad/ |website=italiani.it |access-date=26 March 2021 |date=8 July 2020}}</ref> and [[Katrina and the Waves]],<ref name="UK" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Emma |title=Katrina And The Waves reckon Eurovision winner Love Shine A Light 'didn't get a look in' in the UK |url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/09/07/katrina-and-the-waves-reckon-eurovision-winner-love-shine-a-light-didnt-get-a-look-in-in-the-uk-13233379/ |access-date=20 March 2021 |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |date=7 September 2020}}</ref> and acts that failed to win such as [[Nana Mouskouri]],<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Keeb |first=Brigitte |title=Wendland Nearing One Million Mark |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LhYEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22One+Million%22+%22Nana+Mouskouri%22 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=23 March 2021 |date=21 April 1962}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Papadatos |first1=Markos |title="Forever Young" with Nana Mouskouri, the biggest-selling female artist of all time! |url=https://www.neomagazine.com/2018/07/forever-young-with-nana-mouskouri-the-biggest-selling-female-artist-of-all-time/ |magazine=Neo Magazine |access-date=23 March 2021 |date=8 July 2018}}</ref> [[Cliff Richard]],<ref name="UK" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Cliff Richard's 'Congratulations' beaten in Eurovision fix? |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/cliff-richard-26-1328736 |access-date=20 March 2021 |work=[[NME]] |date=6 May 2008}}</ref> [[Baccara]],<ref name="Luxembourg story">{{cite web |last1=Escudero |first1=Victor M. |title=Luxembourg: Small in size, big in Eurovision |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/top-10-entries-from-luxembourg |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=20 March 2021 |date=19 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Eames |first1=Tom |title=How Scotland's football team has given Baccara's 'Yes Sir I Can Boogie' a sudden chart comeback |url=https://www.smoothradio.com/news/music/baccara-yes-sir-i-can-boogie-scotland-considine-video/ |publisher=[[Smooth Radio (2014)|Smooth Radio]] |access-date=20 March 2021 |date=16 November 2020}}</ref> [[Umberto Tozzi]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dondoni |first1=Luca |title=Tozzi: "Ti amo" ha 40 anni, merita una festa |url=https://www.lastampa.it/spettacoli/musica/2017/04/06/news/tozzi-ti-amo-ha-40-anni-merita-una-festa-1.34643232 |work=[[La Stampa]] |access-date=25 March 2021 |date=20 June 2019 |language=Italian}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1= |first1= |title=Italy's Music Charts: Then and Now |url=https://www.lagazzettaitaliana.com/entertainment/8532-italy-s-music-charts-then-and-now |magazine=La Gazzetta Italiana |access-date=25 March 2021 |date=August 2017}}</ref> [[Plastic Bertrand]],<ref name="Luxembourg story"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Idato |first1=Michael |title=Eurovision's honour roll: from Domenico Modugno to ABBA and Celine Dion |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/eurovisions-honour-roll-from-domenico-modugno-to-abba-and-celine-dion-20150519-gh4lgl.html |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |access-date=20 March 2021 |date=19 May 2015}}</ref> [[t.A.T.u.]],<ref name="Decade Riga 03" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Paton Walsh |first1=Nick |title=Vote switch 'stole Tatu's Eurovision win' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/may/30/russia.arts |access-date=20 March 2021 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=30 May 2003}}</ref> [[Las Ketchup]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Las Ketchup: “We didn’t choose to do Eurovision — we had to do it” |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2017/07/21/las-ketchup-didnt-choose-eurovision/193062/ |access-date=14 May 2021 |work=[[Wiwibloggs]] |date=21 July 2019}}</ref> [[Patricia Kaas]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Patricia Kaas représentera la France à l'Eurovision |url=https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/patricia-kaas-representera-la-france-a-l-eurovision-30-01-2009-392630.php |access-date=23 March 2021 |work=[[Le Parisien]] |date=30 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323115319/https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/patricia-kaas-representera-la-france-a-l-eurovision-30-01-2009-392630.php |archive-date=23 March 2021 |language=French |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Osborn |first1=Michael |title=Battle of the Eurovision ballads |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8002018.stm |publisher=[[BBC News]] |access-date=23 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515120314/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8002018.stm |archive-date=15 May 2009 |date=12 May 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Engelbert Humperdinck (singer)|Engelbert Humperdinck]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Engelbert Humperdinck is United Kingdom entrant! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/engelbert-humperdinck-is-united-kingdom-entrant |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=20 March 2021 |date=1 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Paton Walsh |first1=Nick |title=Vote switch 'stole Tatu's Eurovision win' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/may/30/russia.arts |access-date=20 March 2021 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=30 May 2003}}</ref> and [[Bonnie Tyler]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Bonnie Tyler to represent United Kingdom |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/bonnie-tyler-to-represent-united-kingdom |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=20 March 2021 |date=7 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lanham |first1=Tom |title='Total Eclipse' singer Bonnie Tyler survived Eurovision |url=https://www.sfexaminer.com/entertainment/total-eclipse-singer-bonnie-tyler-survived-eurovision/ |access-date=20 March 2021 |work=[[San Francisco Examiner]] |date=2 March 2021}}</ref> Past participants have contributed to other fields in addition to their music careers. The Netherlands' [[Annie M. G. Schmidt|Annie Schmidt]], lyricist of the first entry performed at Eurovision, has gained a worldwide reputation for her stories and earned the [[Hans Christian Andersen Award]] for children's literature.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Lynch‐Brown |first=Carol |title=A profile of Annie M. G. Schmidt, 1988 Hans Christian Andersen medalist |doi=10.1080/0300443890480104 |journal= Early Child Development and Care|date=22 December 2010|volume=48 |pages=19–27 }}</ref> French "[[Yé-yé|yé-yé]] girls" [[Francoise Hardy]] and contest winner [[France Gall]] are household names of 1960s pop culture, while Hardy being a pioneer of [[street style]] fashion trends and an inspiration for the global [[Youthquake (movement)|youthquake]] movement.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Wilson |first1=Eric |title= Now You Know: Françoise Hardy Was the Original Street Style Star |url=https://www.instyle.com/fashion/street-style/original-street-style-star-francoise-hardy?slide=b3b12a90-74fc-4486-ba8d-73bd6a0cbd04#b3b12a90-74fc-4486-ba8d-73bd6a0cbd04 |magazine=[[InStyle]] |access-date=27 March 2021 |date=11 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Borrelli-Persson |first1=Laird |title=Sarah Jessica Parker Narrates the History of 1960s Fashion in Vogue |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/vogue125-video-fashion-history-sarah-jessica-parker-1960s |magazine=[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]] |access-date=27 March 2021 |date=14 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Mackenzie-Smith |first1=Stevie |title=A Tribute to France Gall, the Iconic Yé-Yé Star |url=https://www.anothermag.com/fashion-beauty/10483/a-tribute-to-france-gall-the-iconic-ye-ye-star |magazine=[[Another Magazine]] |access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref> Figures who formerly carved a career in politics and gained international acclaim for humanitarian achievements include contest winner [[Dana Rosemary Scallon|Dana]] as a two-time [[Irish presidential election|Irish presidential candidate]] and [[Member of the European Parliament]] (MEP);<ref>{{cite web |title=Dana Rosemary Scallon seeking presidency backing |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/mobile/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-14985227 |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=30 June 2020 |date=20 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Irish presidential election: Michael D Higgins elected |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15488067 |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=30 June 2020 |date=29 October 2011}}</ref> Nana Mouskouri as Greek MEP and a [[List of UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors|UNICEF international goodwill ambassador]];<ref>{{cite web |title=Nana Mouskouri Goodwill Ambassador |url=https://sites.unicef.org/people/people_nana_mouskouri.html |publisher=[[UNICEF]] |website=unicef.org |access-date=25 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=European Parliament - Nana MOUSKOURI |url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/2183/NANA_MOUSKOURI/history/4 |publisher=[[European Union]] |website=Europarl.europa.eu |access-date=25 March 2021}}</ref> contest winner [[Ruslana]] as member of [[Verkhovna Rada]], Ukraine's parliament and a figure of the [[Orange Revolution]] and [[Euromaidan]] protests, who gained global honours for leadership and courage;<ref>{{cite web |last=Ahuja |first=Masuma |title=Why did Michelle Obama give a Ukrainian pop star the Women of Courage award? |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2014/03/04/why-did-michelle-obama-give-a-ukrainian-pop-star-the-women-of-courage-award/ |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=30 March 2021 |date=5 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="live">{{cite web |last1=Davies |first1=Russell |title=Ruslana: sings major recording deal with Warner Records |url=http://esctoday.com/10527/ruslana_sings_major_recording_deal_with_warner_records |publisher=ESCToday |access-date=30 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204031105/http://www.esctoday.com/10527/ruslana_sings_major_recording_deal_with_warner_records/ |archive-date=4 December 2013 |date=15 February 2008}}</ref><ref>[http://www.kyivpost.com/guide/about-kyiv/musicians-liven-up-euromaidan-stage-332611.html Musicians liven up EuroMaidan stage], ''[[Kyiv Post]]'' (29 November 2013) {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129091452/http://www.kyivpost.com/guide/about-kyiv/musicians-liven-up-euromaidan-stage-332611.html |date=29 November 2013}}</ref> and North Macedonia's [[Esma Redžepova]] as member of political parties and a two-time [[Nobel Peace Prize]] nominee.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cartwright |first=Garth |title=Esma Redžepova obituary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/14/esma-redzepova-obituary |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=30 March 2021 |date=14 December 2016}}</ref>

Competing songs have occasionally gone on to become successes for their original performers and other artists, and some of the [[List of best-selling singles|best-selling singles]] globally received their first international performances at Eurovision. "[[Save Your Kisses for Me]]", the winning song in {{Escyr|1976}} for the United Kingdom's [[Brotherhood of Man]], went on to sell over six million singles, more than any other winning song.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Eurovision Song Contest: The Official History |first=John Kennedy |last=O'Connor |publisher=[[Carlton Publishing Group|Carlton Books]] |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-8444-2994-3}}</ref>{{sfn|West|2020|pp=95-96}} "[[Nel blu, dipinto di blu (song)|Nel blu, dipinto di blu]]", also known as "Volare", Italy's third-placed song in {{Escyr|1958}} performed by [[Domenico Modugno]], has since been recorded by various artists and achieved combined sales of over 22 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pierluigi |first1=Panza |title=Piramidi rotanti luci da record e 007 in azione |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1996/febbraio/17/Piramidi_rotanti_luci_record_007_co_0_9602175076.shtml |work=[[Corriere della Sera]] |access-date=9 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802023205/http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1996/febbraio/17/Piramidi_rotanti_luci_record_007_co_0_9602175076.shtml |archive-date=2 August 2012 |date=17 February 1996 |quote=Il brano presentato a Sanremo che ha venduto di piu' e' "Nel blu dipinto di blu" di Domenico Modugno (22 milioni di dischi).}}</ref> "[[Eres tú]]", performed by Spain's [[Mocedades]] and runner-up in {{Escyr|1973}}, became the first Spanish-language song to reach the top 10 of the ''[[Billboard Hot 100]]'' in the United States,<ref>{{cite web |title=Hispanic Heritage Month: The 50 Greatest Latin Songs of All Time |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/greatest-of-all-time/6760654/best-latin-songs-of-all-time |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=9 July 2020 |date=15 September 2017}}</ref> and the Grammy-nominated "[[Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit]]", which came eighth in {{Escyr|1996}} for the United Kingdom, sold 790,000 records and achieved success across Europe and the US, reaching #1 on the [[UK Singles Chart]] and peaking at #12 on the ''Billboard Hot 100''.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book |first=David |last=Roberts |year=2006 |title=[[British Hit Singles & Albums]] |edition=19th |publisher=Guinness World Records Limited |location=London |isbn=1-904994-10-5 |page=593}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Anderson |first1=Sarah |title=50 best-selling tracks of the '90s |url=https://www.nme.com/photos/50-best-selling-tracks-of-the-90s-1437045 |work=[[NME]] |access-date=9 July 2020 |date=21 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Gina G Chart History (Hot 100) |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/Gina-G/chart-history/HSI |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=9 July 2020}}</ref>

"[[Euphoria (Loreen song)|Euphoria]]", [[Loreen (singer)|Loreen]]'s winning song for Sweden in {{Escyr|2012}}, achieved Europe-wide success, reaching number one in several countries and by 2014 had become the most [[Music download|downloaded]] Eurovision song to date.<ref>{{cite web |title=Loreen's "Euphoria" Enjoys Biggest Chart Success From Eurovision Winner In Years |url=https://www.wmg.com/news/loreen-s-euphoria-enjoys-biggest-chart-success-eurovision-winner-years-19271 |publisher=[[Warner Music Group]] |date=5 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kreisler |first1=Lauren |title=The Most Downloaded Eurovision Songs of All Time Revealed! |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-most-downloaded-eurovision-songs-of-all-time-revealed-__4088/ |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |access-date=21 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929045506/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-most-downloaded-eurovision-songs-of-all-time-revealed-__4088/ |archive-date=29 September 2018 |date=9 May 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> The video for "[[Occidentali's Karma]]" by [[Francesco Gabbani]], which placed sixth for Italy in {{Escyr|2017}}, became the first Eurovision song to reach more than 200 million views on [[YouTube]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://escxtra.com/2018/09/16/occidentalis-karma-hits-200-million-views-on-youtube/|title=Occidentali's Karma hits 200 million views on Youtube!|publisher=escxtra.com|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> while [[Mahmood (singer)|Mahmood]]'s "[[Soldi]]", the Italian runner-up in {{Escyr|2019}}, was the most-streamed Eurovision song on [[Spotify]] until it was overtaken by that year's winner for the Netherlands, "[[Arcade (song)|Arcade]]" by [[Duncan Laurence]], following [[Viral phenomenon|viral success]] on [[TikTok]] in late 2020 and early 2021; "Arcade" would later become the first Eurovision song since "Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit" and the first Eurovision winning song since "Save Your Kisses for Me" to break into the ''Billboard Hot 100''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2019/10/16/italy-mahmoods-soldi-is-now-the-most-streamed-eurovision-song-on-spotify/242939/|title=Italy: Mahmood's "Soldi" is now the most-streamed Eurovision song on Spotify|publisher=Wiwibloggs|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-29|title="Arcade" passes "Soldi" as the most-streamed Eurovision entry on Spotify|url=https://escxtra.com/2021/01/29/arcade-passes-soldi-as-the-most-streamed-eurovision-entry-on-spotify/|access-date=2021-01-29|website=ESCXTRA.com|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-13|title=Duncan Laurence's 'Arcade' Is First Eurovision Song Contest Winner to Hit Hot 100 in 45 Years|url=http://www.billboard.com/index.php/articles/business/chart-beat/9555608/duncan-laurence-arcade-hits-hot-100-eurovision|access-date=2021-04-16|website=Billboard}}</ref>

[[Johnny Logan (singer)|Johnny Logan]] remains the only artist to have won multiple Eurovision titles as a performer, winning the contest for Ireland in {{Escyr|1980}} with "[[What's Another Year]]", written by [[Shay Healy]], and in {{Escyr|1987}} with the self-penned "[[Hold Me Now (Johnny Logan song)|Hold Me Now]]". Logan was also the winning songwriter in {{Escyr|1992}} for the Irish winner, "[[Why Me? (Linda Martin song)|Why Me?]]" performed by [[Linda Martin]], and has therefore achieved three contest victories as either a performer or writer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Malmö 1992 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/malmo-1992 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=30 June 2020}}</ref> Four further songwriters have each written two contest-winning songs: [[Willy van Hemert]], Yves Dessca, [[Rolf Løvland]], and [[Brendan Graham]].{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|p=201}} Several other well-known composers and lyricists have competed over the years, including [[Serge Gainsbourg]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jordan |first1=Paul |title=France Gall, Luxembourg's Eurovision 1965 winner, dies at 70 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/france-gall-passed-away-at-70-luxembourg-1965 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=20 March 2021 |date=7 January 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kennedy |first1=Maev |title=France Gall: French singer who inspired My Way dies age 70 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/07/french-singer-and-eurovision-winner-france-gall-dies-age-70 |access-date=23 March 2021 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=7 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110055621/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/07/french-singer-and-eurovision-winner-france-gall-dies-age-70 |archive-date=10 January 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Goran Bregović]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Bregović to compose Serbian entry; picks from three artists |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/bregovic-to-compose-serbian-entry-picks-from-three-artists |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=23 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128030256/https://eurovision.tv/story/bregovic-to-compose-serbian-entry-picks-from-three-artists |archive-date=28 November 2020 |date=20 January 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Diane Warren]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Diane Warren: Legendary songwriter |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/diane-warren-legendary-songwriter |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=23 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919213534/https://eurovision.tv/story/diane-warren-legendary-songwriter |archive-date=19 September 2020 |date=15 May 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Andrew Lloyd Webber]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Andrew Lloyd Webber to compose the UK entry |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/andrew-lloyd-webber-to-compose-the-uk-entry |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=20 March 2021 |date=18 October 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Emma |title=Andrew Lloyd Webber was almost replaced by a body double at Eurovision because he was so nervous |url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/05/14/andrew-lloyd-webber-was-almost-replaced-body-double-eurovision-was-nervous-12702228/ |access-date=20 March 2021 |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |date=14 May 2020}}</ref> [[Pete Waterman]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Pete Waterman to write UK entry for Eurovision |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2010/01_january/29/eurovision.shtml |publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=20 March 2021 |date=29 January 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pete Waterman's Eurovision entry finishes last |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/pete-watermans-eurovision-entry-finishes-3064178 |access-date=20 March 2021 |work=[[Coventry Telegraph]] |date=31 May 2010}}</ref> and [[Tony Iommi]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Sabbath star Tony Iommi writes Eurovision entry |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-birmingham-21689607|publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=14 May 2021 |date=6 March 2013}}</ref>, as well as producers [[Timbaland]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Dima Bilan again conquers Russian hearts |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/dima-bilan-again-conquers-russian-hearts|publisher=eurovision.tv |access-date=14 May 2021 |date=9 March 2008}}</ref> and [[Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Sébastien Tellier to represent France |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/sebastien-tellier-to-represent-france|publisher=eurovision.tv |access-date=14 May 2021 |date=9 March 2008}}</ref>

== Interval acts and guest appearances ==
[[File:Riverdance cast, 2019 crop.jpg|thumb|alt=Photograph of Riverdance cast|''[[Riverdance]]'' (cast pictured at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin in 2019) was the interval act at the 1994 contest.]]

Alongside the song contest and appearances from local and international personalities, performances from non-competing artists and musicians have been included since the first edition,<ref name="Iconic intervals" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Star percussionist revealed as Eurovision interval act |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/star-percussionist-revealed-as-eurovision-interval-act |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223021251/https://eurovision.tv/story/star-percussionist-revealed-as-eurovision-interval-act |archive-date=23 December 2019 |date=18 March 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> and have become a staple of the live show.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|p=216}} These performances have varied widely, previously featuring music, art, dance and circus performances, and past participants are regularly invited to perform, with the reigning champion traditionally returning each year to perform the previous year's winning song.<ref name="Iconic intervals" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Siim |first1=Jarmo |title=Conchita Wurst & a magical bridge to open the Eurovision Final |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/conchita-wurst-a-magical-bridge-to-open-the-eurovision-final |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=1 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926223803/https://eurovision.tv/story/conchita-wurst-a-magical-bridge-to-open-the-eurovision-final |archive-date=26 September 2020 |date=29 April 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The contest's opening performance and the main interval act, held following the final competing song and before the announcement of the results, has become a memorable part of the contest and has included both internationally known artists and local stars. Contest organisers have previously used these performances as a way to explore their country's culture and history, such as in "4,000 Years of Greek Song" at the {{Escyr|2006||2006 contest}} held in Greece;<ref>{{cite book |last1=Polychronakis |first1=Ioannis |editor1-last=Tragaki |editor1-first=Dafni |title=Made in Greece: Studies in Popular Music |date=2019 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=978-1-315-74907-5 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xjVlDwAAQBAJ&q=4000+Years+of+Greek+Song&pg=PT52 |access-date=29 June 2020 |chapter=Singing Greece's Contemporary Socio-Cultural History}}</ref> other performances have been more comedic in nature, featuring parody and humour, as was the case with "Love Love Peace Peace" in {{Escyr|2016}}, a humorous ode to the history and spectacle of the contest itself.<ref name="Love Love Peace Peace">{{cite web |last1=Jordan |first1=Paul |title=Stockholm Revisited Part Three: Writing the Script |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/stockholm-revisited-part-three-writing-the-script |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=29 June 2020 |date=17 June 2016}}</ref> ''[[Riverdance]]'', which later became one of the most successful dance productions in the world, first began as the interval performance at the 1994 contest in Ireland; the seven-minute performance of [[Irish traditional music|traditional Irish music]] and [[Irish dance|dance]] was later expanded into a full stage show that has been seen by over 25 million people worldwide and provided a launchpad for its lead dancers [[Michael Flatley]] and [[Jean Butler]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Riverdance: The Journey |url=https://riverdance.com/the-show/the-journey/ |website=riverdance.com |access-date=29 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Amazing facts about the Irish dance phenomenon "Riverdance" |url=https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/entertainment/amazing-facts-about-the-irish-dance-phenomenon-riverdance |website=IrishCentral.com |access-date=29 June 2020 |date=29 January 2015}}</ref>

Among other artists who have performed in a non-competitive manner are Danish [[Europop]] group [[Aqua (band)|Aqua]] in {{Escyr|2001}},<ref>{{cite web |last1=Collins |first1=Simon |title=Aqua ride the highs and lows ahead of 2019 Australian tour |url=https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/music/aqua-ride-the-highs-and-lows-ng-b88965837z |publisher=[[The West Australian]] |access-date=29 June 2020 |date=7 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The end of a decade: Copenhagen 2001 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-end-of-a-decade-copenhagen-2001 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=29 June 2020 |date=22 December 2009}}</ref> Russian pop duo [[t.A.T.u.]] in {{Escyr|2009}},<ref>{{cite web |title=Russian army choir – Eurovision 2009 interval act – loses 64 members in plane crash tragedy |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/russian-army-choir-eurovision-2009-interval-act-loses-64-members-in-plane-crash-tragedy |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=29 June 2020 |date=26 December 2016}}</ref> and American entertainers [[Justin Timberlake]] and [[Madonna]] in {{Escyr|2016}} and {{Escyr|2019}} respectively.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jordan |first1=Paul |title=Justin Timberlake makes world premiere live performance in the Eurovision Song Contest! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/justin-timberlake-makes-world-premiere-live-performance-in-the-eurovision-song-contest |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=29 June 2020 |date=9 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Picheta |first1=Rob |title=Eurovision: Madonna mixes politics with a classic hit during performance |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/05/18/europe/madonna-eurovision-israel-scli-intl/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=29 June 2020 |date=19 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Belam |first1=Martin |title=Madonna was excruciating: what we learned from Eurovision 2019 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/may/19/madonna-was-excruciating-eurovision-2019 |work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=29 June 2020 |date=19 May 2019}}</ref> Other notable artists, including [[Cirque du Soleil]] ({{ESCYr|2009}}), [[Alexandrov Ensemble]] ({{ESCYr|2009}}), [[Vienna Boys' Choir]] ({{ESCYr|1967}} and {{ESCYr|2015}}) and [[Fire of Anatolia]] ({{ESCYr|2004}}), also performed on the Eurovision stage,<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/cirque-du-soleil-opener-for-the-final|title=Cirque du Soleil!|accessdate=18 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Cirque du Soleil: opener for the final! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/cirque-du-soleil-opener-for-the-final |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=29 June 2020 |date=15 May 2009}}</ref> and there have been guest appearances from well-known faces from outside the world of music, including actors, athletes, and serving astronauts and cosmonauts.<ref name="Decade Kyiv 05">{{cite web |title=The end of a decade: Kyiv 2005 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-end-of-a-decade-kyiv-2005 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=29 June 2020 |date=27 December 2009}}</ref><ref name="Decade Riga 03">{{cite web |title=The end of a decade: Riga 2003 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-end-of-a-decade-riga-2003 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=29 June 2020 |date=24 December 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Russian singer wins 2008 Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/russian-singer-wins-2008-eurovision-song-contest-1.297954 |access-date=29 June 2020 |agency=[[Associated Press]] |publisher=[[CTV News]] |date=24 May 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Fry |first1=Naomi |title=Eurovision's Sanitized Vision of Israel |url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/eurovisions-sanitized-vision-of-israel |work=[[The New Yorker]]|access-date=29 June 2020 |date=21 May 2019}}</ref> Guest performances have been used as a channel in response to global events happening concurrently with the contest. The {{Escyr|1999||1999 contest}} in Israel closed with all competing acts performing a rendition of Israel's {{Escyr|1979}} winning song "[[Hallelujah (Milk and Honey song)|Hallelujah]]" as a tribute to the victims of the ongoing [[Kosovo War|war in the Balkans]],{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=156–159}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Jerusalem 1999 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/jerusalem-1999 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=29 June 2020}}</ref> and a dance performance entitled "The Grey People" in 2016's first semi-final was devoted to the [[European migrant crisis]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Stockholm Revisited Part Five: Interval Acts |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/stockholm-revisited-part-five-interval-acts |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=29 June 2020 |date=1 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Åberg |first1=Erik |title=Mellanakten hyllas av Eurovision-tittarna |url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/a/zLk891/mellanakten-hyllas-av-eurovision-tittarna |work=[[Aftonbladet]] |access-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629201422/https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/a/zLk891/mellanakten-hyllas-av-eurovision-tittarna |archive-date=29 June 2020 |language=sv |date=11 May 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Grey People (Interval act Semi – Final 1 of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest) |url=https://eurovision.tv/video/the-grey-people-interval-act-semi-final-1-of-the-2016-eurovision-song-contest |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=29 June 2020 |date=11 May 2016}}</ref>

{{wide image|File:ESC2016 Grand Final Interval Act 18.jpg|900px|alt=Photograph of performance of "Love Love Peace Peace" at the 2016 grand final: Petra Mede and Måns Zelmerlöw perform on stage surrounded by performers dressed in costumes of past Eurovision acts|"Love Love Peace Peace" at the 2016 grand final, performed by presenters [[Petra Mede]] and [[Måns Zelmerlöw]], featured memorable moments from Eurovision history.}}

== Criticism and controversy ==
The contest has been the subject of considerable criticism regarding both its musical content and what has been reported to be a political element to the event, and several controversial moments have been witnessed over the course of its history.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Robinson|first1=Frances|date=3 May 2017|title=13 times Eurovision got super political|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/13-times-eurovision-song-contest-got-political/|access-date=8 July 2020|work=[[Politico]]}}</ref>

=== Musical style and presentation ===
Criticism has been levied against the musical quality of past competing entries, with a perception that certain music styles seen as being presented more often than others in an attempt to appeal to as many potential voters as possible among the international audience.<ref name="How to win">{{cite web |title=How to win the Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://www.economist.com/europe/2019/05/16/how-to-win-the-eurovision-song-contest |work=[[The Economist]] |access-date=8 July 2020 |date=16 May 2019}}</ref> [[Sentimental ballad#Power ballads|Power ballads]], [[Folk music|folk rhythms]] and [[Bubblegum music|bubblegum pop]] have been considered staples of the contest in recent years, leading to allegations that the event has become formulaic.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Carniel |first1=Jess |title=The Six Types of Eurovision Contestant |url=https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/05/the-six-types-of-eurovision-contestant/ |website=lifehacker.com.au |access-date=8 July 2020 |date=10 May 2018}}</ref><ref name="Fringe" /> Other traits in past competing entries which have regularly been mocked by media and viewers include an abundance of [[Modulation (music)|key changes]] and lyrics about love and/or peace, as well as [[Non-native pronunciations of English|the pronunciation of English]] by non-native users of the language.<ref name="How to win" /><ref>{{cite web |title=What makes the perfect Eurovision song? |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2018-05-11/what-makes-the-perfect-eurovision-song/ |work=[[Radio Times]] |access-date=8 July 2020 |date=11 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Picheta |first1=Rob |title=Want to win Eurovision? Write a nice, slow song about love |url=https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/eurovision-winners-analysis-scli-intl-style/index.html |publisher=[[CNN]] |access-date=8 July 2020 |date=29 June 2020}}</ref> Given Eurovision is principally a television show, over the years competing performances have attempted to attract the viewers' attention through means other than music, and elaborate [[Stage lighting|lighting displays]], [[pyrotechnics]], and extravagant on-stage theatrics and costumes having become a common sight at recent contests;<ref>{{cite web |last1=Picheta |first1=Rob |title=Eurovision: What is it and what time is it on? |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/05/18/europe/eurovision-explainer-2019-intl/index.html |publisher=[[CNN]] |access-date=8 July 2020 |date=18 May 2019}}</ref> criticism of these tactics have been levied as being a method of distracting the viewer from the weak musical quality of some of the competing entries.<ref name="Antes cursi">{{cite journal |last1=Allatson |first1=Paul |title='Antes cursi que sencilla': Eurovision Song Contests and the Kitsch‐Drive to Euro‐Unity |journal=Culture, Theory and Critique |year=2007 |volume=48 |issue=1 |pages=87–98 |doi=10.1080/14735780701293540|s2cid=146449408 }}</ref>

Although many of these traits are ridiculed in the media and elsewhere, for others these traits are celebrated and considered an integral part of what makes the contest appealing.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Campbell |first1=Chuck |title='Eurovision' soundtrack kicks up the camp |url=https://eu.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/columnists/chuck-campbell/2020/07/05/eurovision-soundtrack-will-ferrell-rachel-mcadams-6-lack-jessie-ware-dream-wife-peter-manos-review/5378820002/ |website=knoxnews.com |access-date=8 July 2020 |date=5 July 2020}}</ref> Although many of the competing acts each year will fall into some of the categories above, the contest has seen a diverse range of musical styles in its history, including [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]], [[jazz]], [[Country music|country]], [[Electronic music|electronic]], [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] and [[Hip hop music|hip hop]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pattillo |first1=Alice |title=The 10 Most Metal Moments in Eurovision |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-most-metal-moments-in-eurovision |website=loudersound.com |access-date=8 July 2020 |date=14 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Escudero |first1=Victor M. |title=Eurovision and all that jazz! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/history-of-jazz-in-eurovision |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=8 July 2020 |date=11 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Osborn |first1=Michael |title=Rapping for glory at Eurovision |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4900892.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=8 July 2020 |date=16 May 2006}}</ref>

=== Political controversies ===
{{main|Political controversies in the Eurovision Song Contest}}
[[File:Calls for boycott Eurovision Song Contest 2019 (crop).jpg|thumb|right|alt=A painted mural on a wall on a street in Girona, Spain: the Eurovision trophy appears covered in barbed wire surrounded by tower blocks, with the words "#BoycottEurovision2019" above, and "Free Palestine" in English and Arabic to the top left|A mural in [[Girona]] promoting a boycott of the 2019 contest in Israel]]
As artists and songs ultimately represent a country, the contest has seen several controversial moments where political tensions between competing countries as a result of [[frozen conflict]]s, and in some cases open warfare, are reflected in the performances and voting.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Frances |title=13 times Eurovision got super political |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/13-times-eurovision-song-contest-got-political/ |access-date=21 March 2021 |work=[[Politico]] |date=3 May 2017}}</ref>

The [[Nagorno-Karabakh conflict|continuing conflict]] between {{Esccnty|Armenia}} and {{Esccnty|Azerbaijan}} has affected the contest on numerous occasions. [[Armenia–Azerbaijan relations in the Eurovision Song Contest|Conflicts between the two countries at Eurovision]] escalated quickly since both countries began competing in the late 2000s, resulting in fines and displinary action for both countries' broadcasters over political stunts, and a forced change of title for one competing song due to allegations of political subtext.<ref name=ararat-diplomacy>{{cite web|title=Can Eurovision Succeed Where Diplomacy Has Failed?|url=http://araratmagazine.org/2011/05/can-eurovision-succeed-where-diplomacy-has-failed/|website=Ararat|access-date=5 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606221748/http://araratmagazine.org/2011/05/can-eurovision-succeed-where-diplomacy-has-failed/|archive-date=6 June 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Lomsadze |first1=Giorgi |title=Armenia Dodges Eurovision Controversy |url=https://eurasianet.org/armenia-dodges-eurovision-controversy |website=eurasianet.org |access-date=8 July 2020 |date=17 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Halpin |first1=Chris |title=EBU sanctions Armenian broadcaster over Nagorno-Karabakh flag incident |url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2016/05/11/ebu-sanctions-armenian-broadcaster-nagorno-karabakh-flag-incident/141783/ |website=wiwibloggs.co.uk |access-date=8 July 2020 |date=11 May 2016}}</ref> Interactions between {{Esccnty|Russia}} and {{Esccnty|Ukraine}} in the contest had originally been positive, however as [[Russia–Ukraine relations|political relations]] soured between the two countries so too have [[Russia–Ukraine relations in the Eurovision Song Contest|relations at Eurovision]] become more complex. Complaints were levied against Ukraine's winning song in {{Escyr|2016}}, "[[1944 (song)|1944]]", whose lyrics referenced the [[deportation of the Crimean Tatars]], but which the Russian delegation claimed had a greater political meaning in light of [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|Russia's annexation of Crimea]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Savage |first1=Mark |title=Eurovision: Ukraine's entry aimed at Russia |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35630395 |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=8 July 2020 |date=22 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Withnall |first1=Adam |title=Russian officials threaten to boycott next Eurovision after victory for 'political' Ukraine entry |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/eurovision-song-contest-2016-winner-ukraine-jamala-russia-threat-boycott-next-year-a7030591.html |work=[[The Independent]] |access-date=8 July 2020 |date=15 May 2016}}</ref> As Ukraine prepared to host the following year's contest, Russia's selected representative, [[Yuliya Samoylova (singer)|Yuliya Samoylova]], was barred from entering the country due to having previously entered Crimea illegally according to Ukrainian law.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision 2017: Ukraine bars Russian singer Samoilova from contest |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39354775 |work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=BBC |access-date=8 July 2020 |date=22 March 2017}}</ref> Russia eventually pulled out of the contest after offers for Samoylova to perform remotely were refused by Russia's broadcaster, [[Channel One Russia]], resulting in the EBU reprimanding the Ukrainian broadcaster, [[UA:PBC]].<ref>{{cite web |title=EBU: "Russia no longer able to take part in Eurovision 2017" |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/russia-unable-to-participate-2017-ebu-statement |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=8 July 2020 |date=13 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Eurovision threatens to ban Ukraine over Russian singer row |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/apr/01/eurovision-threatens-to-ban-ukraine-over-russian-singer-row |access-date=8 July 2020 |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> In the aftermath of the [[Russo-Georgian War]], {{Esccnty|Georgia}}'s planned entry for the {{Escyr|2009||2009 contest}} in Moscow, Russia, "[[We Don't Wanna Put In]]", caused controversy as the lyrics appeared to criticise Russian leader [[Vladimir Putin]]. After requests by the EBU for changes to the lyrics were refused, Georgia's broadcaster [[Georgian Public Broadcasting|GPB]] subsequently withdrew from the event.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision axes 'anti-Putin' song |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7935865.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=8 July 2020 |date=10 March 2009}}</ref>{{sfn|West|2020|pp=253–257}} {{Esccnty|Belarus}}' planned entry in {{Escyr|2021}} also caused controversy in the wake of [[2020–2021 Belarusian protests|demonstrations against disputed election results]], resulting in the country's disqualification when two potential songs were deemed to breach the contest's rules on neutrality and politicisation.<ref name="Belarus 2021">{{cite web |title=EBU statement on Belarusian participation |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/ebu-statement-on-belarusian-entry-2021 |website=eurovision.tv |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=5 April 2021 |date=26 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Agadellis |first1=Stratos |title=Belarus: EBU releases statement on the country's entry for Eurovision 2021 |url=http://esctoday.com/182383/belarus-ebu-releases-statement-on-the-countrys-entry-for-eurovision-2021/ |website=esctoday.com |access-date=5 April 2021 |date=11 March 2021}}</ref>

{{Esccnty|Israel}}'s participation in the contest has resulted in several controversial moments in the past, with the country's first appearance in {{Escyr|1973}}, less than a year after the [[Munich massacre]], resulting in an increased security presence at the venue in [[Luxembourg City]].{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=52–55}}<ref name="Luxembourg 73" />{{sfn|West|2020|pp=83–86}} Israel's first win in {{Escyr|1978}} proved controversial for [[Arab world|Arab states]] broadcasting the contest which would typically cut to [[Television advertisement|advertisements]] when Israel performed due to [[International recognition of Israel|a lack of recognition of the country]], and when it became apparent Israel would win many of these broadcasters cut the feed before the end of the voting.<ref name="Paris 78">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Paris 1978 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/paris-1978 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=7 July 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=72–75}}<ref name="Roxburgh 2">{{cite book |last=Roxburgh |first=Gordon |title=Songs for Europe: The United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest |date=2014 |publisher=Telos Publishing |location=Prestatyn |isbn=978-1-84583-093-9 |volume=Volume Two: The 1970s }}</ref> Arab states which are eligible to compete have been precluded from participating due to Israel's presence, with {{Esccnty|Morocco}} the only Arab state to have entered Eurovision, competing for the first, and {{as of|2021|lc=y}} the only time, in {{Escyr|1980}} when Israel was absent.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=80–83}}<ref name="The Hague 80">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: The Hague 1980 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/the-hague-1980 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=7 July 2020}}</ref> Israeli participation has been criticised by those who oppose current government policies in the state, with calls raised by various political groups for a boycott ahead of the {{Escyr|2019||2019 contest}} in [[Tel Aviv]], including proponents of the [[Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions]] (BDS) movement in response to the country's policies towards [[Palestinians]] in the [[West Bank]] and [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]], as well as groups who take issue with perceived [[Pinkwashing (LGBT)|pinkwashing]] in Israel.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Farrell |first1=Stephen |title=Israel counters Eurovision boycott campaign with Google ads |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-music-eurovision-israel-preparations/israel-counters-eurovision-boycott-campaign-with-google-ads-idUSKCN1SG11L |work=[[Reuters]] |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=10 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Maikey |first1=Haneen |last2=Aked |first2=Hilary |title=L'Eurovision comme occasion de pinkwashing pour Israël – la communauté LGBT+ devrait le boycotter |url=http://agencemediapalestine.fr/blog/2019/03/04/15797/ |website=agencemediapalestine.fr/ |publisher=Agence Médias Palestine |access-date=7 July 2020 |language=fr |trans-title=Eurovision as a pinkwashing opportunity for Israel – the LGBT+ community should boycott it |date=4 March 2019}}</ref> Others campaigned against a boycott, asserting that any cultural boycott would be antithetical to advancing peace in the region.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sherwin |first1=Adam |title=Eurovision 2019: Stephen Fry & Sharon Osbourne lead celebrities rejecting boycott of Israel Song Contest |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/stephen-fry-sharon-osbourne-lead-celebrities-rejecting-boycott-of-israel-eurovision-song-contest-285507 |work=[[i (newspaper)|i]]|access-date=7 July 2020 |date=30 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Snapes |first1=Laura |title=Celebrities denounce proposed boycott of Eurovision in Israel |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/apr/30/celebrities-denounce-proposed-boycott-of-eurovision-in-israel-stephen-fry |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=12 March 2021 |date=30 April 2019}}</ref>

=== Political and geographical voting ===
{{multiple image
| direction = vertical
|align=center
| width = 900
| footer = Produced using the methods presented in:;{{sfn| Mantzaris | Rein | Hopkins | 2018a }}{{sfn| Mantzaris | Rein | Hopkins | 2018b }} a network of the significant score deviations can be viewed over a time period of interest.
| image1 = The collusion between countries in Eurovision 1997 to 2017.png
| alt1 = Voting preferences in Eurovision 1997 to 2017
| caption1 = Voting preferences between countries in Eurovision between 1997 and 2017
| image2 = Mutual neglect of score allocations in the Eurovision 2010 to 2015.png
| alt2 = Neglect in Eurovision 2010 to 2015
| caption2 = Mutual neglect of score allocations in Eurovision between 2010 and 2015
}}
The contest has been described as containing political elements in its voting process, a perception that countries will give votes more frequently and in higher quantities to other countries based on political relationships, rather than the musical merits of the songs themselves.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision votes 'farce' attack |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/3719157.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040603125500/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/3719157.stm |archive-date=3 June 2004 |date=16 May 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Malta slates Eurovision's voting |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6654719.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070709104543/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6654719.stm |archive-date=9 July 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> Numerous studies and academic papers have been written on this subject, which have corroborated that certain countries form "clusters" or "cliques" by frequently voting in the same way; one study concludes that [[voting bloc]]s can play a crucial role in deciding the winner of the contest, with evidence that on at least two occasions bloc voting was a pivotal factor in the vote for the winning song.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Fenn |first1=Daniel |last2=Suleman |first2=Omer |last3=Efstathiou |first3=Janet |last4=Johnson |first4=Niel F. |title=How does Europe Make Its Mind Up? Connections, cliques, and compatibility between countries in the Eurovision Song Contest |journal=Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and Its Applications |date=1 February 2006 |volume=360 |issue=2 |pages=576–598 |doi=10.1016/j.physa.2005.06.051|arxiv=physics/0505071 |bibcode=2006PhyA..360..576F |s2cid=119406544 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gatherer |first1=Derek |title=Comparison of Eurovision Song Contest Simulation with Actual Results Reveals Shifting Patterns of Collusive Voting Alliances. |journal=Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation |date=31 March 2006 |volume=9 |issue=2 |url=http://jasss.soc.surrey.ac.uk/9/2/1.html |access-date=6 July 2020 |issn=1460-7425}}</ref> Other views on these "blocs" argue that certain countries will allocate high points to others based on similar musical tastes, shared cultural links and a high degree of similarity and [[mutual intelligibility]] between languages, and are therefore more likely to appreciate and vote for the competing songs from these countries based on these factors, rather than political relationships specifically.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ginsburgh |first1=Victor |last2=Noury |first2=Abdul |title=The Eurovision Song Contest: Is Voting Political or Cultural? |date=October 2006 |url=http://w.ecares.org/ecare/personal/ginsburgh/papers/153.eurovision.pdf |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903222919/http://w.ecares.org/ecare/personal/ginsburgh/papers/153.eurovision.pdf |archive-date=3 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="Spierdijk/Vellekoop">{{cite journal |last1=Spierdijk |first1=L |last2=Vellekoop |first2=M.H. |title=Geography, culture, and religion: Explaining the bias in Eurovision song contest voting |journal=Applied Mathematics Memoranda |year=2006 |volume=1794 |url=https://research.utwente.nl/en/publications/geography-culture-and-religion-explaining-the-bias-in-eurovision- |access-date=6 July 2020}}</ref> Analysis on other voting patterns have revealed examples which indicate voting preferences among countries based on shared religion, as well as "patriotic voting", particularly since the introduction of televoting in 1997, where [[Expatriate|foreign nationals]] vote for their country of origin.<ref name="Spierdijk/Vellekoop" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Is there a Eurovision migrant effect? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-36305838 |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=6 July 2020 |date=17 May 2016}}</ref>

Voting patterns in the contest have been reported by news publishers, including ''[[The Economist]]'' and ''[[BBC News]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Alexander |first1=Ruth |title=The maths of Eurovision voting |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7408216.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=19 May 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Neighbourly voting in the Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://www.economist.com/europe/2018/05/12/neighbourly-voting-in-the-eurovision-song-contest |work=[[The Economist]] |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=12 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Partisanship at Eurovision is becoming more blatant |url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2018/05/11/partisanship-at-eurovision-is-becoming-more-blatant |work=[[The Economist]] |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=11 May 2018}}</ref> Criticism of the voting system was at its highest in the mid-2000s, resulting in a number of calls for countries to boycott the contest over reported voting biases, particularly following the {{Escyr|2007||2007 contest}} where Eastern European countries occupied the top 15 places in the final and dominated the qualifying spaces.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=188–191}}{{sfn|West|2020|pp=241–245}} The poor performance of the entries from more traditional Eurovision countries had subsequently been discussed in European national parliaments, and the developments in the voting was cited as among the reasons for the resignation of [[Terry Wogan]] as commentator for the UK, a role he had performed at every contest from 1980.<ref>{{cite web |title=MP demands Eurovision vote change |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6657207.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=6 July 2020 |date=15 May 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Terry Wogan 'very doubtful' about presenting Eurovision again |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/eurovision-12-1323243 |work=NME |access-date=6 July 2020 |date=12 August 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Norton is Eurovision's new Wogan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7766310.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=6 July 2020 |date=5 December 2008}}</ref> In response to this criticism, the EBU introduced a second semi-final in 2008, with countries split based on geographic proximity and voting history, and juries of music professionals were reintroduced in 2009, in an effort to reduce the impacts of bloc voting.<ref name="2010 jury semis" /><ref name="Jury 09 final" /><ref name="Revamp">{{cite web |title=Revamp for Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/revamp-for-eurovision-song-contest |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=9 January 2008}}</ref>

=== LGBT visibility ===
{{main|LGBT visibility in the Eurovision Song Contest}}
[[File:Dana International op Het Grote Songfestivalfeest 2019.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Photograph of Dana International during a performance|[[Dana International]], the contest's first [[Transgender|trans]] participant, and winner of the 1998 contest for Israel]]
Eurovision has had a long-held fan base in the [[LGBT community]], and contest organisers have actively worked to include these fans in the event since the 1990s.<ref>{{cite web |title=How Eurovision became a gay-friendly contest |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20150522-eurovision-gay-friendly-song-contest-lgbt-conchita-wurst |publisher=[[France 24]] |access-date=7 July 2020 |language=en |date=22 May 2015}}</ref> [[Paul Oscar]] became the contest's first openly gay artist to compete when he represented {{Esccnty|Iceland}} in {{Escyr|1997}}, and Israel's [[Dana International]], the contest's first [[Transgender|trans]] performer, became the first LGBT artist to win in {{Escyr|1998}}.{{sfn|West|2020|pp=191–195}}<ref name="Birmingham 98">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Birmingham 1998 |url=https://eurovision.tv/event/birmingham-1998 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=7 July 2020}}</ref> Several open members of the LGBT community have since gone on to compete and win: [[Conchita Wurst]], the drag persona of openly gay Thomas Neuwirth, won the 2014 contest for Austria; and openly [[bisexual]] performer [[Duncan Laurence]] was the winner of the 2019 contest for the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bromwich |first1=Kathryn |title=Conchita Wurst: 'Most artists are sensitive and insecure people. I am too' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jul/06/conchita-interview-sensitive-insecure-eurovision-gay-pin-up-austrian |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=6 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Moore |first1=Matt |title=Dutch Eurovision contestant Duncan Laurence comes out as bisexual |url=https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/community/122298/dutch-eurovision-contestant-duncan-laurence-comes-out-as-bisexual/ |work=[[Gay Times]] |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=18 May 2019}}</ref> [[Marija Šerifović]], who won the 2007 contest for Serbia, subsequently came out publicly as a lesbian in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://inserbia.info/today/2013/11/i-am-a-lesbian-marija-serifovic-opens-herself-completely-in-her-film-confession/|title=I Am A Lesbian! – Marija Serifovic Opens Up in Her Film "Confession"|publisher=InSerbia News|date=28 November 2013|access-date=7 August 2015}}</ref> Past competing songs and performances have included references and allusions to same-sex relationships; "[[Nous les amoureux]]", the 1961 winning song, contained references to the difficulties faced by a homosexual relationship;<ref>{{Cite web|title=" Nous les amoureux " de Jean-Claude Pascal, une chanson qui annonce la révolution du mouvement gay...|url=https://www.rtbf.be/lapremiere/article/detail_nous-les-amoureux-de-jean-claude-pascal-une-chanson-qui-annonce-la-revolution-du-mouvement-gay?id=10221083|date=16 May 2019|website=La Première|language=fr|access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref> [[Krista Siegfrids]]' performance of "[[Marry Me (Krista Siegfrids song)|Marry Me]]" at the {{Escyr|2013||2013 contest}} included a same-sex kiss with one of her female backing dancers;<ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision 2013 final underway amid lesbian kiss controversy |url=https://www.dw.com/en/eurovision-2013-final-underway-amid-lesbian-kiss-controversy/a-16822230 |website=dw.com |publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]] |access-date=28 February 2021 |date=18 May 2013}}</ref> and the stage show of Ireland's [[Ryan O'Shaughnessy]]'s "[[Together (Ryan O'Shaughnessy song)|Together]]" in {{Escyr|2018}} had two male dancers portraying a same-sex relationship.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Reynolds |first1=Daniel |title=Ireland's Gay Dance on Eurovision Shows World That 'Love Is Love' |url=https://www.advocate.com/world/2018/5/09/irelands-gay-dance-eurovision-shows-world-love-love |website=advocate.com |publisher=[[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]] |access-date=28 February 2021 |date=9 May 2018}}</ref> [[Drag (clothing)|Drag performers]], such as Ukraine's [[Verka Serduchka]], Denmark's [[DQ (artist)|DQ]] and Slovenia's [[Sestre (drag act)|Sestre]], have appeared, including Wurst winning in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jordan |first1=Paul |title=Life's a drag! Eurovision queens past and present |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/life-s-a-drag-eurovision-queens-past-and-present |website=eurovision.tv |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=28 February 2021 |date=24 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Transvestite Sisters stir Eurovision storm |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/monitoring/media_reports/1855726.stm |website=bbc.co.uk |publisher=[[BBC News]] |access-date=28 February 2021 |date=5 March 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Banks |first1=Martin |title=Transvestite Eurosong win sparks Slovenia accession doubts |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/transvestite-eurosong-win-sparks-slovenia-accession-doubts/ |website=politico.eu |publisher=[[Politico]] |access-date=28 February 2021 |date=6 March 2002}}</ref>

In more recent years, various political ideologies across Europe have clashed in the Eurovision setting, particularly on LGBT rights. Dana International's selection for the 1998 contest in [[Birmingham]] was marked by objections and death threats from orthodox religious sections of Israeli society, and at the contest her accommodation was reportedly in the only hotel in Birmingham with bulletproof windows.{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|pp=152–155}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Transsexual singer stirs up passions |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/special_report/1998/05/98/eurovision/90279.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=10 May 1998}}</ref> Turkey, once a regular participant and a one-time winner, first pulled out of the contest in 2013, citing dissatisfaction in the voting rules and more recently Turkish broadcaster [[Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest|TRT]] have cited LGBT performances as another reason for their continued boycott, refusing to broadcast the 2013 event over Finland's same sex kiss.<ref name="Turkey LGBT" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Marshall |first1=Alex |title=Eurovision Song Contest Is Canceled Over Coronavirus Concerns |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/arts/music/eurovision-canceled-coronavirus.html |work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=7 July 2020 |date=18 March 2020 |quote="In 2018, the head of Turkey's public broadcaster said the boycott was also partly because some past winners, including the drag queen Conchita Wurst, had gone against Turkey's social values."}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Morgan |first1=Joe |title=Turkey cancels Eurovision Song Contest over lesbian kiss |url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/turkey-cancels-eurovision-song-contest-over-lesbian-kiss160513/ |publisher=[[Gay Star News]] |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=16 May 2013}}</ref> LGBT visibility in the contest has been cited as a deciding factor for {{Esccnty|Hungary}}'s non-participation since 2020, although no official reason was given by the Hungarian broadcaster [[MTVA (Hungary)|MTVA]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Shaun |last2=Garamvolgyi |first2=Flora |title=Hungary pulls out of Eurovision amid rise in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/nov/27/hungary-pulls-out-of-eurovision-amid-rise-in-anti-lgbt-rhetoric |work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=16 July 2020 |date=27 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kozlov |first1=Vladimir |title=Hungary Exits 2020 Eurovision Over Contest's LGBT-Friendly Policies: Report |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8545072/hungary-exits-2020-eurovision-song-contest-over-lgbt-friendly-policies-report |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=16 July 2020 |date=29 November 2019}}</ref> The rise of anti-LGBT sentiment in Europe has led to a marked increase in [[booing]] from contest audiences, particularly since the introduction of a [[Russian gay propaganda law|"gay propaganda" law in Russia]] in 2013.{{sfn|West|2020|pp=283–286}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nelson |first1=Fraser |title=Eurovision 2014: the booing of Russia was a disgrace |url=http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/culturehousedaily/2014/05/eurovision-2014-the-booing-of-russia-was-a-disgrace/ |work=[[The Spectator]] |access-date=7 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504080615/http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/culturehousedaily/2014/05/eurovision-2014-the-booing-of-russia-was-a-disgrace/ |archive-date=4 May 2015 |date=11 May 2014}}</ref> Conchita Wurst's win was met with criticism on the Russian political stage, with several conservative politicians voicing displeasure in the result.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Davies |first1=Caroline |title=Conchita Wurst pledges to promote tolerance after jubilant welcome home |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2014/may/11/conchita-wurst-pledges-to-promote-tolerance |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=11 May 2014}}</ref> Clashes on LGBT visibility in the contest have occurred in countries which do not compete, such as in China, where broadcasting rights were terminated during the {{Escyr|2018||2018 contest}} due to censorship of "abnormal sexual relationships and behaviours" that went against Chinese broadcasting guidelines.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Royston |first1=Benny |title=China banned from broadcasting Eurovision after cutting same-sex dance and tattooed singer |url=https://metro.co.uk/2018/05/10/china-banned-from-broadcasting-eurovision-after-cutting-same-sex-dance-and-tattooed-singer-7536787/ |publisher=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=10 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bakker |first1=Sietse |title=EBU terminates this year's partnership with Mango TV |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/ebu-terminates-this-year-s-partnership-with-mango-tv |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=10 May 2018}}</ref>

== Cultural influence ==
The Eurovision Song Contest has amassed a global following and sees annual audience figures of between 100 million and 600 million.<ref>{{cite web |title=Finland wins Eurovision contest |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/archive/2006/05/2008410141723346664.html |publisher=[[Al Jazeera]] |access-date=26 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200119173244/https://www.aljazeera.com/archive/2006/05/2008410141723346664.html |archive-date=19 January 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest – International Music Program |url=http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/E/htmlE/eurovisionso/eurovisionso.htm |publisher=[[Museum of Broadcast Communications]] |access-date=26 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050113034609/http://www.museum.tv/Archives/Etv/E/htmlE/eurovisionso/eurovisionso.htm |archive-date=13 January 2005}}</ref> The contest has become a cultural influence worldwide since its first years, is regularly described as having [[kitsch]] appeal, and is included as a topic of parody in television [[Sketch comedy|sketches]] and in stage performances at the [[Edinburgh Festival Fringe|Edinburgh Fringe]] and [[Melbourne International Comedy Festival|Melbourne Comedy]] festivals among others.<ref name="Fringe">{{cite web |last1=Majendie |first1=Paul |title=Fringe show celebrates Eurovision kitsch |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/stage-arts-edinburgh-eurovision-dc/edinburgh-fringe-show-celebrates-eurovision-kitsch-idUKL1142844820070811 |work=[[Reuters]] |access-date=7 July 2020 |date=11 August 2007}}</ref><ref name="Antes cursi" />{{sfn|Raykoff|Tobin|2016|p=9}}<ref>{{cite web |title=comedyfestival.com.au |url=https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2020/shows/eurowision |website=Melbourne International Comedy Festival: Eurowision |access-date=7 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306071538/https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2020/shows/eurowision |archive-date=6 March 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Several films have been created which celebrate the contest, including [[Eytan Fox]]'s 2013 Israeli comedy ''{{ill|Cupcakes (film)|lt=Cupcakes|he|בננות (סרט, 2013)}}'', and the [[Netflix]] 2020 musical comedy, ''[[Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga]]'', produced with backing from the EBU and starring [[Will Ferrell]] and [[Rachel McAdams]].<ref>{{cite web |title='Cupcakes': Film Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/cupcakes-film-review-784623 |website=hollywoodreporter.com |publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=28 February 2021 |date=26 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga – out now! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-movie-the-story-of-fire-saga |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |date=24 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Scott |first1=Sheena |title='Eurovision Song Contest' Movie on Netflix Celebrates A Very European Show |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/sheenascott/2020/06/26/eurovision-song-contest-the-story-of-fire-saga-on-netflix-celebrates-a-very-european-show |work=[[Forbes]]|access-date=3 July 2020 |date=26 June 2020}}</ref>

Eurovision has a large online following and multiple independent websites, news blogs and [[fan clubs]] are dedicated to the event. One of the oldest and largest Eurovision fan clubs is [[OGAE]], founded in 1984 in Finland and currently a network of over 40 national branches across the world. National branches regularly host events to promote and celebrate Eurovision, and several participating broadcasters work closely with these branches when preparing their entries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Fans |url=https://eurovision.tv/fans |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=10 July 2020}}</ref>

In the run-up to each year's contest, several countries regularly host smaller events between the conclusion of the national selection shows in March and the contest proper in May. These events typically include the artists which will go on to compete at that year's contest, and consist of performances at a venue and "meet and greets" with fans and the press. "Eurovision in Concert", held annually in [[Amsterdam]], was one of the first of these events to be created, holding its first event in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Eurovision in Concert |url=https://eurovisioninconcert.nl/en/about-eurovision-in-concert/ |website=eurovisioninconcert.nl |access-date=3 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Groot |first1=Evert |title=This was Eurovision in Concert 2019 in Amsterdam |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-in-concert-2019-in-review |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |date=7 April 2019}}</ref> Other events held regularly include the "London Eurovision Party", the "ESPreParty" in Madrid, and the "Eurovision PreParty" in Riga.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Holdren |first1=Steve |title=Eurovision Tel Aviv 2019: Why the song contest is bigger than ever |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-48023500 |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=3 July 2020 |date=12 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Zwart |first1=Josianne |last2=Escudero |first2=Victor M. |title=Over 20 acts to appear at Madrid's ESPreParty this weekend |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/espreparty-madrid-spain-2018 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |date=18 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Jordan |first1=Paul |title=A magical rendezvous: Riga hosted first Eurovision party of the season |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/riga-party-2017 |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |date=27 March 2017}}</ref> Several community events have been held virtually, particularly since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. ''#EurovisionAgain'', an initiative where fans watched and discussed past contests in sync on YouTube and other social media platforms started during the first [[COVID-19 lockdowns]] and subsequently became a [[Twitter trends|top trend on Twitter]] across Europe, catching the attention of Eurovision organisers who began to broadcast the contests through their official YouTube channel.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rosney |first1=Daniel |title=Eurovision Again: Why fans of the song contest get together every Saturday |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-52381023 |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |access-date=3 July 2020 |date=25 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Again wordt maandelijks initiatief |url=https://www.ad.nl/show/eurovision-again-wordt-maandelijks-initiatief~ac29e875/ |work=[[Algemeen Dagblad]]|access-date=3 July 2020 |language=nl |trans-title=Eurovision Again becomes a monthly initiative |date=27 June 2020}}</ref> Through the EBU, the initiative was able to secure the rights to show several older editions for the first time on their YouTube channel, and over £20,000 was raised for UK-based [[LGBT|LGBTQ+]] charities.<ref name="Eurovision Again BtS">{{cite web |title=How Eurovision Again came to your screens |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/how-eurovisionagain-was-brought-to-your-screens |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=3 July 2020 |date=27 June 2020}}</ref><ref name="Broadcasting Rights">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Song Contest: Broadcasting Rights |url=https://eurovision.tv/about/broadcasting-rights |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=5 July 2020}}</ref>

== Special events and related competitions ==
[[File:Destiny Chukunyere at stage of JESC 2015 (2).jpg|thumb|right|[[Destiny Chukunyere]] won the [[Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2015|2015 edition]] of the junior contest for [[Malta]]]]
[[File:Hosts of the Eurovision Greatest Hits.jpg|thumb|right|Hosts [[Graham Norton]] and [[Petra Mede]] during the ''[[Eurovision Song Contest's Greatest Hits]]'', special event that marked contest's 60th anniversary]]

Several anniversary events, and related contests under the "Eurovision Live Events" brand, have been organised by the EBU with member broadcasters.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Live Events |url=https://events.eurovision.tv/ |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref> In addition participating broadcasters have occasionally commissioned special Eurovision programmes for their home audiences, and a number of other imitator contests have been developed outside of the EBU framework, on both a national and international level.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dahlander |first1=Gustav |title=Klart för Eurovision-vecka i SVT |url=https://blogg.svt.se/melodifestivalen-expertbloggen/klart-for-eurovision-vecka-i-svt/ |website=svt.se |publisher=[[Sveriges Television]] |access-date=15 July 2020 |language=sv |date=3 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=May means Eurovision on the BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eurovision/entries/990f7787-04ae-4b49-b62f-7303d1898a06 |publisher=BBC |access-date=15 July 2020 |date=1 May 2020}}</ref>

The EBU has held several events to mark selected anniversaries in the contest's history: ''[[Songs of Europe (1981 concert)|Songs of Europe]]'', held in 1981 to celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary, had live performances and video recordings of all Eurovision Song Contest winners up to 1981;<ref>{{cite web |title=Songs of Europe – BBC Two "Radio Times" listing |url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/d80d6106cc8a4d1199c991955cd18b8d |publisher=[[BBC Genome Project]] |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref>{{sfn|O'Connor|2010|p=87}} ''[[Congratulations: 50 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest]]'' was organised in 2005 to celebrate the event's fiftieth anniversary, and featured a contest to determine the most popular song from among 14 selected entries from the contest's first 50 years;<ref name="Congratulations">{{cite web |title=Congratulations Show – Eurovision History |url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/history/congratulations-show |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=26 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905232704/http://www.eurovision.tv/page/history/congratulations-show |archive-date=5 September 2015}}</ref><ref name="ABBA 50">{{cite web |last1=Adam |first1=Karla |title=Abba's 'Waterloo' is voted best song of 50 Eurovision years |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/abbas-waterloo-is-voted-best-song-of-50-eurovision-years-321745.html |work=[[The Independent]] |access-date=26 June 2020 |date=24 October 2005}}</ref> and in 2015 the event's sixtieth anniversary was marked by ''[[Eurovision Song Contest's Greatest Hits]]'', a concert of performances by past Eurovision artists and video montages of performances and footage from previous contests.<ref>{{cite web |title=Official: London to host Eurovision's 60th Anniversary Event |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/official-london-to-host-eurovision-s-60th-anniversary-event |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=26 June 2020 |date=5 February 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision's Greatest Hits – line-up |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/36KjTqPHSdTCqkv93SsGvJd/line-up |publisher=BBC |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref> Following the cancellation of the {{Escyr|2020||2020 contest}}, the EBU subsequently organised a special non-competitive broadcast, ''[[Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light]]'', which provided a showcase for the songs which would have competed in the competition.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision: Europe Shine A Light |url=https://eurovision.tv/eurovision-europe-shine-a-light |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Eurovision still shines despite cancelled final |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/may/17/eurovision-still-shines-despite-cancelled-final |access-date=26 June 2020 |agency=[[PA Media]] |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=17 May 2020}}</ref>

Other contests organised by the EBU include [[Eurovision Young Musicians]], a classical music competition for European musicians between the ages of 12 and 21;<ref name="EYM">{{cite web |title=Live Event: Eurovision Young Musicians |url=https://www.ebu.ch/projects/tv/music/eurovision-young-musicians |website=ebu.ch |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref> [[Eurovision Young Dancers]], a dance competition for non-professional performers between the ages of 16 and 21;<ref name="EYD">{{cite web |title=Live Event: Eurovision Young Dancers |url=https://www.ebu.ch/projects/tv/dance/eurovision-young-dancers |website=ebu.ch |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref> [[Eurovision Choir]], a choral competition for non-professional European choirs produced in partnership with [[Interkultur]] and modelled after the [[World Choir Games]];<ref name="Choir">{{cite web |title=Eurovision Choir |url=https://www.ebu.ch/eurovision-choir |website=ebu.ch |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref> and the [[Junior Eurovision Song Contest]], a similar song contest for singers aged between 9 and 14 representing primarily European countries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Events: Junior Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://events.eurovision.tv/junior-eurovision-song-contest |publisher=Eurovision Song Contest |access-date=26 June 2020}}</ref> The [[Eurovision Dance Contest]] was an event featuring pairs of dancers performing ballroom and latin dancing, which took place for two editions, in 2007 and 2008.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Dance Contest |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00dp4cf/episodes/guide |publisher=BBC |access-date=23 April 2020}}</ref>

Similar international music competitions have been organised externally to the EBU. The [[Sopot International Song Festival]] has been held annually since 1961; between 1977 and 1980, under the patronage of the [[International Radio and Television Organisation]] (OIRT), an Eastern European broadcasting network similar to the EBU, it was rebranded as the [[Intervision Song Contest]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Morton |first1=Elise |title=Intervision, the Communist Counterpart to Eurovision That Didn't Quite Work |url=https://theculturetrip.com/europe/articles/intervision-the-communist-counterpart-to-eurovision-that-didnt-quite-work/ |website=theculturetrip.com |publisher=Culture Trip |access-date=28 February 2021 |date=5 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Rosenberg |first1=Steve |title=The Cold War rival to Eurovision |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18006446 |website=bbc.co.uk |publisher=[[BBC News]] |access-date=28 February 2021 |date=14 May 2012}}</ref> A similar [[Ibero-America]]n contest, the [[OTI Festival]], was previously held among [[hispanophone]] and [[lusophone]] countries in Europe, North America and South America, and a contest for countries and [[Autonomous administrative division|autonomous regions]] with [[Turkic peoples|Turkic]] links, the [[Turkvision Song Contest]], has been organised since 2013.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Escudero |first1=Victor M. |title=Celebration! The best of Spain in Eurovision |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/spain-top-ten-entries |website=eurovision.tv |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=28 February 2021 |date=28 January 2018 |quote=In 1995 [Marcos Llunas] won the latin version of Eurovision, the Festival OTI where Spain, Portugal and the American countries participated until the year 2000, when the last edition took place.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=El Festival de la OTI, el olvidado Eurovisión de las Américas |url=https://www.elespanol.com/bluper/television/20200122/festival-oti-olvidado-eurovision-americas/460954581_0.html |website=elespanol.com |publisher=[[El Español]] |access-date=28 February 2021 |language=Spanish |date=22 January 2020 |trans-title=The OTI Festival, the forgotten Eurovision of the Americas}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=After snubbing the Eurovision Song Contest, Turkey officially launches 'Turkvision' |url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/after-snubbing-the-eurovision-song-contest-turkey-officially-launches-turkvision-54886 |access-date=28 February 2021 |agency=[[Demirören News Agency|Doğan News Agency]] |publisher=[[Hürriyet Daily News]] |date=21 September 2013 |location=Eskişehir}}</ref> The EBU has announced plans for a number of future contests in different regions: the [[Eurovision Asia Song Contest]] for countries in the Asia-Pacific region;<ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision Asia Song Contest |url=https://www.eurovisionasia.tv/about-eurovision-asia/ |website=eurovisionasia.tv |access-date=28 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Jordan |first1=Paul |title=The Greatest Song Contest in the World is coming to Asia! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-is-coming-to-asia |website=eurovision.tv |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=28 February 2021 |date=18 August 2017}}</ref> and an [[American Song Contest]] has been announced as a counterpart in the United States, with artists representing the 50 [[U.S. state]]s.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Eurovision Song Contest travels to America! |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/the-eurovision-song-contest-travels-to-america |website=eurovision.tv |publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]] |access-date=28 February 2021 |date=7 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Can a Eurovision-style song contest work in the US? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-53695337 |website=bbc.co.uk |publisher=[[BBC News]] |access-date=28 February 2021 |date=7 August 2020}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

Sources:
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Mantzaris |first1=Alexander V. |last2=Rein |first2=Samuel R. |last3=Hopkins |first3=Alexander D. |title=Examining Collusion and Voting Biases Between Countries During the Eurovision Song Contest Since 1957 |journal=[[Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation]] |date=2018a |volume=21 |issue=1 |page=1 |doi=10.18564/jasss.3580|doi-access=free }}
* {{cite journal |last1=Mantzaris |first1=Alexander V. |last2=Rein |first2=Samuel R. |last3=Hopkins |first3=Alexander D. |title=Preference and neglect amongst countries in the Eurovision Song Contest |journal=Journal of Computational Social Science |date=2018b |volume=1 |issue=2 |pages=377–390 |doi=10.1007/s42001-018-0020-2|doi-access=free }}
* {{cite book |last=O'Connor |first=John Kennedy |author-link=John Kennedy O'Connor |title=The Eurovision Song Contest: The Official History |date=2010 |publisher=[[Carlton Publishing Group|Carlton Books]] |location=London |isbn=978-1-84732-521-1 |edition=2nd}}
* {{cite book |editor1-last=Raykoff |editor1-first=Ivan |editor2-last=Tobin |editor2-first=Robert Deam |title=A Song for Europe: Popular Music and Politics in the Eurovision Song Contest |date=2016 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |location=Abingdon-on-Thames |isbn=978-0-754658-79-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5zQrDwAAQBAJ |access-date=3 July 2020}}
* {{cite book |last=Roxburgh |first=Gordon |title=Songs for Europe: The United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest |date=2012 |publisher=[[Telos Publishing]] |location=Prestatyn |isbn=978-1-84583-065-6 |series=Volume One: The 1950s and 1960s }}
* {{cite book |last=West |first=Chris |author-link=Chris West |title=Eurovision! A History of Modern Europe Through the World's Greatest Song Contest |date=2020 |publisher=[[Melville House Publishing|Melville House UK]] |location=London |isbn=978-1-911545-55-2 |edition=2nd}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |last1=Jordan |first1=Paul |title=The Modern Fairy Tale: Nation Branding, National Identity and the Eurovision Song Contest in Estonia |date=2014 |publisher=[[University of Tartu Press]] |location=Tartu |isbn=978-9949-32-559-7 |url=https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/id/c349bb4e-c048-4cf8-a847-ed07fe8e0367/474310.pdf |access-date=6 July 2020}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Yair |first1=Gad |year=1995 |title='Unite Unite Europe' The political and cultural structures of Europe as reflected in the Eurovision Song Contest |journal=Social Networks |volume=17 |issue=2 |pages=147–161 |doi=10.1016/0378-8733(95)00253-k }}
* {{cite journal |last1=Yair |first1=Gad |last2=Maman |first2=Daniel |year=1996 |title=The Persistent Structure of Hegemony in the Eurovision Song Contest |journal=Acta Sociologica |volume=39 |issue=3 |pages=309–325 |doi=10.1177/000169939603900303 |s2cid=144085791 }}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
<!-- PLEASE NOTE: Wikipedia is not a link farm. Please do not list country-specific sites, sites which violate the artist's copyright, or non-English-language sites. Please review [[WP:EL]] before adding. -->
*{{Commons category-inline}}
*{{wikiquote-inline}}
* {{Official website|https://eurovision.tv/}}
* {{Official website|https://www.ebu.ch/projects/tv/eurovision-song-contest|name=EBU website}}
* {{youtube|user=eurovision}}

{{Eurovision Song Contest}}
{{Music industry}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Eurovision Song Contest| ]]
[[Category:1956 establishments in Europe]]
[[Category:Eurovision events|Song Contest]]
[[Category:Music television]]
[[Category:Pop music festivals]]
[[Category:Recurring events established in 1956]]
[[Category:Song contests]]

Latest revision as of 21:17, 11 March 2024

Urthvision Songfestival
Statusactive
Genresongfestival competition
Location(s)worldwide
Previous event2023 (XIX)
Next event2024 (XX)
Organised byUVSF

The Urthvision Songfestival, commonly known as Urthvision or abbreviated as USF, is an international song competition organized by the Urthvision Songfestival Broadcaster (UVSF).

The competition requires each participating country to submit an original song that will be performed live on television and radio, and transmitted to national broadcasters via the public broadcaster that joined the competition. The competing countries will then cast their votes to determine the winner of the competition.

Origins and history

The Urthvision Songfestival finds its origine in the national Blueacian songcontest ''Liet'' (Song), in Blueacia the contest is known as "Liet Ynternasjonaal" (International Song). Liet is a yearly event since 1956, after some rule changes and Liet losing interest with the people the organizers allowed foreign nations to join the national competition to ensure a filled roster. More and more nations joined and sterted winning Liet, at a point the organizers called for a change of the rules again. Then the international broadcasters (mostly from Aurora) came together and started the international competition we know now as the Urthvision Songfestival. It had it's first edition in November 2017 with 13 nations joining this edition and it had it's first edition in Blueacia.

Naming

Format

Selection

Hosting

Urthvision logo and theme

Preparations

Rules

Song eligibility and languages

Artist eligibility and performances

Running order

Votin

Presentation of the votes

Broadcasting

Winners by edition

With her victory for New Leganes on Urthvision XVII, Lórien Talháwi became the first artist to win the contest twice. New Leganes holds the record for most Urthvision victories until the date, with three trophies.
Carl Stonelake represented Kaltariezh on the first edition and became the first winner of Urthvision.
Winners of the Urthvision Songfestival
Edition Venue Winner Artist(s) Song Year
Urthvision I Blueacian Event Hall (Blueacia)

Kaltariezh

Carl Stonelake Mirrors 2017
Urthvision II Aeger Stadium, Rouanezkador (Kaltariezh) Black Star Elephant Am I Wrong 2018
Urthvision III King Radu Indoor Arena Heartstrings Sunrise 2018
Urthvision IV Furnifold Lórien Talháwi Statements 2018
Urthvision V kAE Mystica Center, Accoco (Furnifold)

East Cerdani

Dschinighis Khaan Moskau 2018
Urthvision VI Palace of the Republic, Morzahnstadt (East Cerdani) The Stop-Gap Solution The Blank Stare Conceals the Eyes of a Hunter and an Inner Rage that can't be Pacified 2018
Urthvision VII Total Bean Arrivaduction Air Stadium

Blueacia and New Leganes

Kimberly Tomme and Laurens
Qúns & Tribárne 		Lost in Verona
This Girl 		2018
Urthvision VIII Porósin, Privétia Tauríllien (New Leganes) King Momma 2019
Urthvision IX Vista Lubra Arena, Luthernburg

Tivot

Troizov Puleuz 2019
Urthvision X One World Arena, Tarov (Tivot) Shango Akyala Imlestravi Batkonga 2019
Urthvision XI Ilhasse sen Ikogi, Wombo Lombo (Shango) Norgsveldet Ivar Rybak I Am in Love 2019
Urthvision XII Hirdvik (Norgsveldet) Tavaris The Greensleeves I Can't Wait to Know 2020
Urthvision XIII King Kanor Great National Events Center, Nuvrenon (Tavaris) New Leganes Ltxemxein Sarvis Beautiful Mess 2020
Urthvision XIV Porósin, Privétia Tauríllien (New Leganes) Kyrloth Kaili Say Something 2021
Urthvision XV Táleu Arts Centre, Azmarin/Zlovskavaar (Kyrloth) Axdel Bemuse Algorithm 2021
Urthvision XVI Lausker Arena, Andel (Axdel) Tawuse Walk the Moon Shut Up and Dance 2021
Urthvision XVII Carriadian Stadium, Altomaré (Tawuse) New Leganes Lórien Talháwi Euphoria 2022
Urthvision XVIII Porósin, Privétia Tauríllien (New Leganes) Sayyed Sayyed Nailah Shehata We Have No Shame 2022
Urthvision XIX TBD (Sayyed) Korćetta Korćetta The Forgotten Stories Little Talks 2023
Urthvision XX TBD (Korćetta) TBD TBD 2024

Entries and participants

Year Country making its debut entry
Urthvision I The Oan Isles
Arramal
Nacata
East Cerdani
West Cerdani
Yor Isles
Emberwood Coast
Lokania
Blueacia
Staynes
Chianski
Kuthernburg
Kaltariezh
Urthvision II Xagrurg
Hama
Latianburg
Crania
Asendavia
Furnifold
Axdel
Urthvision III Fortuna
Absurdistan
New Leganés
Ostaria
Free Syllvin
Trukya
Verdrassil
Urthvision IV Kyrloth
Fedele
Stratarin
Pendragonia
Urthvision VII Tivot
Urthvision VIII Masceola
Pakitsk
Zukchiva
Duelland
Peregrinia
Valokchia
Balistria
Urthvision IX Norgsveldet
Meridian Unity
Urthvision X Rijelv
Setzna
Shango
Year Country making its debut entry
Urthvision XII Reyamyu
[[]]
Listonia
Urthvision XII Auraliyu
Durakia
Morstaybishlia
Eyjaria
Lapinumbia
Tavaris
Sokala
Equatannia
Urthvision XIII Alksearia
Meagharia
Vivancantadia
Urthvision XIV Tennabroch
Ayaupia
Tuvaltastan
Arkalarius
Alyunthia
Nagato
Osterlicsh
South Peragen
Veutoa
Oceansend
Ziaarat
Petra Cauda
Iphelklori
Bana
Valerica
Tawuse
Dragonia
Libertanny
North Ethalria
Varletia
Infinite Loop
Template:ESCYr Template:Country data Morocco
Template:ESCYr  Cyprus
Template:ESCYr Template:Country data Iceland
Template:ESCYr Template:Country data Bosnia and Herzegovina
 Croatia
 Slovenia
Template:ESCYr  Estonia
 Hungary
 Lithuania
 Poland
 Romania
Template:Country data Russia
 Slovakia
Template:ESCYr Template:Country data North Macedonia[a]
Year Country making its debut entry
Template:ESCYr  Latvia
Template:ESCYr  Ukraine
Template:ESCYr Template:Country data Albania
Template:Country data Andorra
Template:Country data Belarus
Template:Country data Serbia and Montenegro
Template:ESCYr  Bulgaria
Template:Country data Moldova
Template:ESCYr Template:Country data Armenia
Template:ESCYr  Czech Republic
Template:Country data Georgia
Template:Country data Montenegro
Template:Country data Serbia
Template:ESCYr Template:Country data Azerbaijan
Template:Country data San Marino
Template:ESCYr Template:Country data Australia[b]
  1. ↑ Presented as the 'Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia' before 2019.
  2. ↑ Initially announced as a one-off participant to commemorate the contest's 60th anniversary; has since gained participation rights until 2023.[1]
  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Australia 2023
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