Quiz

BuzzFeed Staff

TVAndMovies

Consider this an interactive history lesson.

2005 winner Helena Paparizou next to 1963 winners Grethe & Jørgen Ingmann

What Song Won Eurovision The Year You Were Born?

The Winning Eurovision Song From The Year You Were Born

Only seven countries competed in the first Eurovision Song Contest, but they each were allowed to submit two songs. The only surviving footage from the competition is Lys Assia giving a repeat performance after winning the competition. [You can watch it here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyqIPvOkiRk)

Lys Assia singing a repeat performance of "Refrain" after winning

"Refrain" by Lys Assia — Switzerland

While only soloists could perform at the first Eurovision, the second in 1957 allowed duos as well. [You can watch "Net als toen" here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5gLyP977ew)

A close-up of Corry Brokken singing "Net als toen"

"Net als toen" by Corry Brokken — The Netherlands

André Claveau was 46 years old when he won, and he remained the oldest performer to win Eurovision until 1990. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WA7yXkUuQw)

"Dors, mon amour" by André Claveau — France

This was the Netherlands' second Eurovision win, making them the first country to win more than once. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGAupVJSO0k)

Teddy Scholten singing in front of a backdrop with a windmill on it

"Een beetje" by Teddy Scholten — The Netherlands

Jacqueline Boyer, the daughter of two famous French performers, was only 18 when she won. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYxRIujyKgg)

Jacqueline Boyer holding her trophy while runner-up Bryan Johnson kisses her cheek

"Tom Pillibi" by Jacqueline Boyer — France

This was Luxembourg's first Eurovision win, but it was the United Kingdom's third time as runner-up. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kphibiFR36k)

Tessa Beaumont, who performed the interval dance act, presenting Jean-Claude Pascal with his award

"Nous les amoureux" by Jean-Claude Pascal — Luxembourg

This was France's third victory in the contest's seven-year history. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0OPtdlSMVQ)

Isabelle Aubret singing, shown from the shoulders up

"Un premier amour" by Isabelle Aubret — France

This was Denmark's first victory and the first win for a duo. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYyhJvRE3mQ)

Grethe and Jørgen Ingmann posing in from of the scoreboard.

"Dansevise" by Grethe and Jørgen Ingmann — Denmark

Gigliola Cinquetti was only 16 when she won, and she remained the youngest winner until 13-year-old Sandra Kim's win in 1986. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utd9cHBPfRA)

A close-up of Gigliola Cinquetti's face as she sings

"Non ho l'età" by Gigliola Cinquetti — Italy

This year had the highest participation in the contest's 10-year history, with 18 countries competing. Every country who had previously competed returned. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cv9NIzGmSI)

"Poupée de cire, poupée de son" by France Gall — Luxembourg

This was Udo Jürgens' third time competing but the first victory for both him and Austria. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKqlOSDxvt0)

Udo Jürgens accepting his trophy from previous winner France Gall

"Merci, Chérie" by Udo Jürgens — Austria

This was the United Kingdom's first win as well as the first win for a song sung in English. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xnzPnyyWbY)

Sandie Shaw accepting her trophy from previous winner Udo Jürgens

"Puppet on a String" by Sandie Shaw — The United Kingdom

Many predicted that the United Kingdom's entry, performed by Cliff Richards, would win, but Massiel won by just one point, securing Spain's first victory. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4g5QYJOFzQ)

Massiel holding her award with runner-up Cliff Richard and the composers of "La, la, la," Ramon Arousa and Manuel de la Calva

"La, la, la" by Massiel — Spain

This was the first tie in Eurovision history, so there was no procedure to break it and all four countries were declared winners. France had "Un jour, un enfant" by Frida Boccara [(which you can watch here)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG57O5kFkv8), The Netherlands had "De troubadour" by Lenny Kuhr [(which you can watch here)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNBadtJvNUc), Spain had "Vivo cantando" by Salomé [(which you can watch here)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-PVtGc59CI), and the United Kingdom had "Boom Bang-a-Bang" by Lulu [(which you can watch here)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ew43u2gS0Y).

Four-way tie between France, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom

Five countries decided not to participate this year due to the four-way tie the year before. This was Ireland's first win. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xmnd3uiK_Y)

Dana singing while sitting in front of a bouquet

"All Kinds of Everything" by Dana — Ireland

This is Monaco's first and only win in Eurovision history, but the song was actually written, sung, and conducted by French people. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ8V7-oS6yk)

"Un banc, un arbre, une rue" by Séverine — Monaco

Although Vicky Leandros competed for Luxembourg, she's actually Greek, though she's also lived in Germany for much of her life. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka89ORFu_Tc)

"Après toi" by Vicky Leandros — Luxembourg

Though this wasn't the first time a country had won two years in a row, the only other time occurred when Spain got its second win in a four-way tie. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVGHBBcnlbo)

"Tu te reconnaîtras" by Anne-Marie David — Luxembourg

This was an especially historic year for Eurovision. It was Sweden's first win, which launched ABBA's career. Olivia Newton-John, who competed for the United Kingdom, finished in fourth place. And Portugal's entry, a song called "E depois do adeus," would be used later that month as a signal to begin the military coup known as the Carnation Revolution. [You can watch "Waterloo" here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FsVeMz1F5c)

"Waterloo" by ABBA — Sweden

Many songs this year included at least some English lyrics, and some countries even performed in English during rehearsals where judges were present and then their native language for the official performance. [You can watch "Ding-a-dong" here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI78Bqp6z6g)

A close-up of Teach-In lead singer Betty Vermeulen performing

"Ding-a-dong" by Teach-In — The Netherlands

Sweden did not participate this year because they couldn't afford to host the contest again if they won, which resulted in a new system being created after this year where all participants pitch in money to pay for the contest. [You can watch "Save Your Kisses for Me" here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhq_Q1Ut8SQ)

The four members of Brotherhood of Man dancing and singing on stage

"Save Your Kisses for Me" by Brotherhood of Man — The United Kingdom

This was France's fifth victory, creating a record that wouldn't be broken until Ireland's sixth win in 1994. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa5ASp_EA-0)

"L'oiseau et l'enfant" by Marie Myriam — France

This was Israel's first Eurovision win after joining the competition for the first time in 1973. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZRQPif18EY)

Izhar Cohen and the Alphabeta performing on stage

"A-Ba-Ni-Bi" by Izhar Cohen and the Alphabeta — Israel

This was Israel's second win, and their first win was only the year before. The group Milk and Honey was specifically formed for the contest because producers wanted Gali Atari to perform "Hallelujah," but the arrangement of the song also required three male voices. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKbvuYRR35E)

The four members of Milk and Honey smiling on stage

"Hallelujah" by Milk and Honey — Israel

Israel, who'd won the last two contests, couldn't compete this year because they couldn't afford to host again, and the Netherlands, who took over hosting duties, held the competition the same day as Israel's Memorial Day. This is the only time a winning country hasn't returned to defend their title. [You can watch "What's Another Year" here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ2jDdOfRwM)

"What's Another Year" by Johnny Logan — Ireland

Probably the most famous part of this performance was when Bobby G and Mike Nolan tore off Jay Aston and Cheryl Baker's skirts to reveal miniskirts. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62SrA5hCmkE)

The four members of Bucks Fizz performing

"Making Your Mind Up" by Bucks Fizz — The United Kingdom

This was Germany's first Eurovision win, despite the fact that they'd competed every year since the contest started 26 years earlier. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJDxnWFqpiA)

"Ein bißchen Frieden" by Nicole — Germany

This year was the first time Eurovision was broadcast in Australia, where the contest would become so popular that Australia would eventually join in 2015 (initially as a guest). [You can watch "Si la vie est cadeau" here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HYdS_WDZCM)

"Si la vie est cadeau" by Corinne Hermès — Luxembourg

Louis Herrey, one of the three brothers that make up the Herreys, was 18 at the time, making him the youngest man to ever win Eurovision. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGNUco3mmk0)

"Diggi-Loo Diggi-Ley" by Herreys — Sweden

Thirteen performers at Eurovision 1985 had previously competed, including both members of Bobbysocks!, though not together. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h2-QFbtXtM)

"La det swinge" by Bobbysocks! — Norway

Sandra Kim was 13 years old when she competed, making her the youngest winner in Eurovision history. Unless the current rule requiring performers be at least 16 years old changes, she'll always hold the record. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZfcdzbeIfg)

"J'aime la vie" by Sandra Kim — Belgium

Johnny Logan is the only performer to ever win Eurovision twice (first in 1980 and again in 1987). [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6RjdihLfiA)

"Hold Me Now" by Johnny Logan — Ireland

Although Céline Dion is Canadian, she competed for Switzerland when she was 20 years old, which helped her gain international recognition. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pEYw8PcBas)

"Ne partez pas sans moi" by Céline Dion — Switzerland

This was Yugoslavia's first and last Eurovision win, as Yugoslavia no longer exists as a unified country. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoAsBMK_OvM)

Riva holding flowers and waving next to past winner Céline Dion

"Rock Me" by Riva — Yugoslavia

The song is about the unification of Europe under the European Union, which was to begin in 1992. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b5whZydVZc)

"Insieme: 1992" by Toto Cutugno — Italy

Sweden and France initially tied, but the tie was broken by checking who had more high-point votes. (By today's tie-breaking rules, France would have won because they had more overall votes.) [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d14Y62WBei4)

A close-up of Carola singing to the camera

"Fångad av en stormvind" by Carola — Sweden

Johnny Logan, who won twice as a performer, wrote the song. Linda Martin was 41 when she competed, and she's still the oldest woman to ever win Eurovision. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTPtDFxQgn4)

"Why Me" by Linda Martin — Ireland

Many countries wanted to compete for the first time this year (including countries formerly under Soviet control and those formerly a part of Yugoslavia), and in order to cut down on total performers, they were required to first compete for just three available spots in a qualifying round. Ireland's win made them the third country to win five times and the fourth country to win two years in a row. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAKqQJshR_c)

"In Your Eyes" by Niamh Kavanagh — Ireland

The interval act this year was the first ever performance of the famous Irish dance show Riverdance. Ireland’s win earned them the record for the most Eurovision wins total (six), as well as the record for the most consecutive wins (three). [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x_9JnCGXFY)

Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan singing and playing piano and guitar respectively

"Rock 'n' Roll Kids" by Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan — Ireland

Though Norway's victory broke Ireland's winning streak, Secret Garden's violinist and singer Fionnuala Sherry is actually Irish. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qqOI04uo_c)

Fionnuala Sherry of Secret Garden playing violin

"Nocturne" by Secret Garden — Norway

A non-televised qualifying round was introduced this year for all participants, and seven participants failed to qualify, including Germany who had competed every year since the contest started. Ireland set a new record this year by winning their seventh title, though they also held the previous record. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyA4wO5iqJI)

"The Voice" by Eimear Quinn — Ireland

This was the first year Eurovision used a qualifying system that excluded countries with the lowest average score from the last four years. Katrina and the Waves' win in 1997 was the last time the United Kingdom won Eurovision. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnoikRec67k)

A close-up of Katrina Leskanich of Katrina and the Waves singing

"Love Shine a Light" by Katrina and the Waves — The United Kingdom

Dana International is the first openly trans performer to enter Eurovision _and_ the first to win. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ5B6w-Baxs)

Dana International singing with her arms out after winning Eurovision

"Diva" by Dana International — Israel

A rule that countries must perform in one of their national languages was abolished for good this year, and a majority of countries decided to perform in English. [You can watch "Take Me to Your Heaven" here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg2ncWX2QO8)

"Take Me to Your Heaven" by Charlotte Nilsson — Sweden

Jørgen Olsen was 50 years old when he won Eurovision, making him the oldest winner yet, but his record would be broken the very next year by someone just 40 days older. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xROvbWV-nA)

The Olsen Brothers singing and playing guitar

"Fly on the Wings of Love" by Olsen Brothers — Denmark

Dave Benton is the first Black person to win Eurovision, and he was, at the time, the oldest performer to ever win. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTDtRxMslAo)

"Everybody" by Tanel Padar, Dave Benton and 2XL — Estonia

This was Latvia's first Eurovision win after participating in the contest for only three years. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cCUrEIpSJQ)

"I Wanna" by Marie N — Latvia

This was Turkey's first Eurovision win after participating for 28 years. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq9OAEBZmAg)

Sertab Erener holding her trophy in the air

"Everyway That I Can" by Sertab Erener — Turkey

This was the first year to include semifinals instead of the whole competition being held in one night, meaning every country was allowed to participate. The past system didn't allow countries with recent poor performances to compete. This was also Ukraine's first win after debuting just the year before. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10XR67NQcAc)

Ruslana performing in front of backup dancers

"Wild Dances" by Ruslana — Ukraine

The televised contest this year lasted almost 3.5 hours because the voting process involved representatives from all 39 countries reading all their scores. This system was changed for future contests. [You can watch "My Number One" here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcOwvZ26KFQ)

Helena Paparizou performing with backup dancers crouched around her

"My Number One" by Helena Paparizou — Greece

This was Finland's first Eurovision win in 45 years of competing and the first hard rock song to win. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAh9NRGNhUU)

Lordi posing for photos after winning Eurovision

"Hard Rock Hallelujah" by Lordi — Finland

This was the first time Serbia competed as an independent country and their first win. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSueQN1QvV4)

Marija Šerifović performing with backup singers

"Molitva" by Marija Šerifović — Serbia

This was Russia's first Eurovision win. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-72s4WzUcKI)

A violinist, Dima Bilan, and an ice skater performing

"Believe" by Dima Bilan — Russia

Georgia was forced to withdraw from this year's contest after refusing to change the lyrics to their song, which seemed to criticize Vladimir Putin. [You can watch "Fairytale" here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXwgZL4zx9o)

Alexander Rybak singing while holding a violin in playing position

"Fairytale" by Alexander Rybak — Norway

This was Germany's second win, but their first as a reunified country. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pL9vdpSvnY)

Lena holding a bouquet while surrounded by people holding German flags and confetti

"Satellite" by Lena — Germany

This was Azerbaijan's first Eurovision win after only four years of competing. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq2yLykdjvA)

Ell touching Nikki's face while singing with two backup singers in the background

"Running Scared" by Ell & Nikki — Azerbaijan

This was Sweden's fifth Eurovision win. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfo-8z86x80)

Loreen sitting on the stage and singing as confetti falls

"Euphoria" by Loreen — Sweden

This was Denmark's third Eurovision win, the first being in 1963 and the second in 2000. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k59E7T0H-Us)

Emmelie de Forest singing in front of two drummers

"Only Teardrops" by Emmelie de Forest — Denmark

This was Austria's second win, with the first being all the way back in 1966. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaolVEJEjV4)

"Rise Like a Phoenix" by Conchita Wurst — Austria

This was Sweden's sixth Eurovision victory, with the last one being just three years earlier. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sGOwFVUU0I)

Måns Zelmerlöw singing and dancing in front of a projection of  doodled people

"Heroes" by Måns Zelmerlöw — Sweden

This was the first Eurovision Song Contest to be broadcast live in the United States. [You can watch "1944" here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxS6eKEOdLQ)

"1944" by Jamala — Ukraine

This was Portugal's first win after 53 years of competing. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymFVfzu-2mw)

Salvador Sobral singing with his hands over his heart

"Amar pelos dois" by Salvador Sobral — Portugal

The contest this year had around 186 million viewers worldwide. [You can watch the performance here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMpL79vNXFw)

"Toy" by Netta — Israel

This was the Netherlands' fifth victory, with their most recent win being in 1975. [You can watch the semi-final and grand final performances here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8Lt4UsmDe4)

Duncan Laurence singing at a piano in front of a digital night sky background

"Arcade" by Duncan Laurence — The Netherlands

About BuzzFeed Community

Community Brand Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community

Sorry, this content is <i>no longer</i> supported.

BuzzFeed Community Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community Leaderboard

BuzzFeed News has breaking stories and original reporting on politics, world news, social media, viral trends, health, science, technology, entertainment, and LGBTQ issues.

All the best animals on the internet. The snuggle is real.

BuzzFeed has breaking news, vital journalism, quizzes, videos, celeb news, Tasty food videos, recipes, DIY hacks, and all the trending buzz you’ll want to share with your friends. Copyright BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved.

BuzzFeed News | Breaking News | Original Reporting | News Analysis

Animal Pictures and Videos - Adorably from BuzzFeed

Name

Thanks for subscribing!

Stay up to date with our latest BuzzFeed video. Enter your email to subscribe!

Oops! Upload an image or add text to submit.

BuzzFeed has the hottest, most social content on the web. We feature breaking buzz and the kinds of things you'd want to pass along to your friends.

What Song Won Eurovision The Year You Were Born?

Share This Article