Lucky cats, nonsense lyrics and a full-throttle performance heavy on quirk saw this Israeli entry become the first novelty winner since Lordi in 2006.
Drawing tacit parallels between modern day Russia and Stalinist atrocities during the Second World War, this haunting Ukrainian number is the contest’s most political winner.
Mr Eurovision’s unprecedented second win was a textbook power ballad delivered with keening aplomb in an iconic white suit.
Triumphing over the flash and energy of Verka Serduchka this heartfelt, powerful ballad was a victory for raw talent and committed performance.
Revelling in the contest’s reputation for high camp, the transgender Dana International delivered a high energy club classic celebrating a host of legendary female icons.
Eurovision’s youngest victor at just 13 years old Sandra Kim squeaked her way through this upbeat, synth driven paean to the simple joys of life.
Proving that the future global megastar had an impressive set of pipes from the off, this funked up chanson is arguably the best thing Céline Dion has ever done.
It may be so saccharine it should carry a health warning but the first of Ireland’s record breaking seven wins is beautifully arranged and charmingly delivered.
Erener’s canny melding of traditional Eastern rhythms with modern euro pop scandalised conservative Turks but led to the nation’s sole victory thus far.
Lyrically sexist and loathed by its barefoot star performer, Puppet remains an inescapably catchy slice of late 60s oompah.
Hitherto famous for its dreadful showings and reputation for nul points, Norway turned things around in 1985 with an irresistible boogie that has gone on to become a fan favourite.
1969 returned a quartet of winners but this is the only one that has endured; a classic piece of flirty froth milked for sly fun and showmanship by Lulu.
Pole-axing the competition with a high octane performance, Sweden’s Carola sold this driving piece of early 90s power pop with punch and vigour.
Awash with plaintive flute and general folksy vibes, Denmark’s 2013 success is built around a strong melody and simply addictive chorus.
Now largely forgotten, the remarkable fifth victory for tiny Luxembourg possesses a chorus with the kind of soaring melody that Eurovision is built for.
So delicate and fragile it threatens to fall away to nothing at any moment, Portugal’s long awaited triumph is an exquisite ballad sung with understated sincerity and charm.
Cheesier than an Edam factory and as visually dated as any winner, there is no denying the sweetness of melody that turned this UK entry into a Eurovision legend.
Unlike any other Eurovision winner before or since, this Finnish metal band were a breath of rancid air in a sea of bland electro pop. Much more than just a novelty act, Hard Rock Hallelujah is a cracking tune.
The most downloaded song in Eurovision history and the closest the contest has ever come to credibility, this Swedish dancefloor banger would be right at home in the coolest Ibiza club.
The best of the ‘let’s all live in love and harmony’ anthems that the contest is famed for, the UK’s last victory is an uplifting singalong which never dissolves into mawkishness.
10 Diggi Loo Diggi Ley - Herreys (Sweden - 1984)
Once rashly dismissed by Terry Wogan as the
worst Eurovision entry ever, this ode to a pair of golden shoes is anything
but. Perfectly put together and with a simply unbeatable chorus it’s a
bubblegum gem.
9 Fairytale - Alexander Rybak (Norway - 2009)
With a cheeky smile and some frenetic
fiddling, Rybak captured European hearts with this classic singalong love song,
bagging the highest points tally of any winner at the time.
8 Rise Like a Phoenix - Conchita Wurst (Austria - 2014)
There has been so much emphasis on
Conchita Wurst’s backstory and the liberal significance of Austria’s win that
it’s easy to forget that the song itself is a thing of majestic, sweeping
wonder.
7 Apres Toi - Vicky Leandros (Luxembourg - 1972)
Sublimely structured and brilliantly sung,
this powerful chanson set a new standard for Eurovision balladry. Little
Luxembourg punching above its weight once more.
6 Making Your Mind Up - Bucks Fizz (United Kingdom - 1981)
The UK’s most evergreen winner remains an
infectious, gleeful pleasure, from its delirious circular melody to its saucy
stage tricks.
5 Take Me To Your Heaven - Charlotte Nilsson (Sweden - 1999)
A precision-engineered ABBA rip-off that
succeeds stupendously, Sweden’s fourth victory is sugar sweet pop perfection
that will lodge itself in your head for days.
4 Satellite - Lena (Germany - 2010)
The cream of the 21st century crop of
Eurovision winners eschews flash and gimmicks, relying instead on lean
songwriting craft and a charismatic vocal delivery.
3 Tu Te Reconnaitras - Anne-Marie David (Luxembourg - 1973)
If ever there was a true neglected classic
amongst the annals of Eurovision it is this storming ballad from 1973. Melodically
impeccable and thrillingly arranged, it’s the finest ballad to have graced the
contest.
2 Poupee de Cire, Poupee de Son - France Gall (Luxembourg - 1965)
The song that transformed a decorous festival
of balladry into something people under 30 could get excited about. Penned by
Serge Gainsbourg and performed by the coquettish- and exquisitely off key-
France Gall, it is a milestone in the evolution of the contest.
1 Waterloo - ABBA (Sweden - 1974)
Well, how could it be anything else? A
marvel of song craft, ABBA’s stunning calling card stands head and shoulders
above anything else Eurovision has seen. If France Gall’s triumph had steered
the contest away from easy listening, then Waterloo’s dominance dragged
proceedings towards the pop mainstream. And, since then, Eurovision has never
looked back.
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