Pol Carricondo CampoEurovision, the world’s largest music contest, has witnessed some of the most memorable performances in music history. From ABBA’s iconic victory in 1974 to Loreen’s triumph in 2012, the contest has been a platform for artists from around the world to showcase their talent and creativity. In the latest edition of the contest, on the night of Saturday, May 11, 2024, Switzerland emerged victorious with the performance of “Nemo” and their song “The Code”. This victory adds to a list of legendary winners who have left an indelible mark on the history of Eurovision. But which performances have been the most outstanding in the history of the contest?
Choosing among so many performances is difficult, with nearly 70 editions of the program since 1956. However, there are certainly some songs that have made history and are most remembered in Eurovision.
1.”Waterloo” – ABBA (1974) – Sweden
In 1974, the world met ABBA and would never be the same again. With its catchy melody, infectious rhythm, and vibrant performance, “Waterloo” became an instant hit and catapulted ABBA to international fame. The song, performed by Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, won first place at Eurovision, marking the beginning of a legendary career for the Swedish band.
2. “Ne partez pas sans moi” – Celine Dion (1988) – Switzerland
In 1988, a young Canadian singer named Celine Dion represented Switzerland in Eurovision with the emotional ballad “Ne partez pas sans moi”. With her powerful voice and dazzling stage presence, Celine captivated the audience and won first place in the contest. This victory was a springboard for Celine Dion’s international career, as she would become one of the most successful artists of all time.
3. “Euphoria” – Loreen (2012) – Sweden
In 2012, Loreen made an indelible mark on Eurovision with her electrifying performance of “Euphoria”. With a combination of a catchy melody, impressive production, and charismatic performance, Loreen won first place in the contest and became one of Eurovision’s all-time favorites. “Euphoria” was not only a success at Eurovision but also became a commercial hit across Europe.
4. “Rise Like a Phoenix” – Conchita Wurst (2014) – Austria
In 2014, Conchita Wurst took the world by storm with her powerful performance of “Rise Like a Phoenix”. With her unique voice and message of equality and acceptance, Conchita captivated the audience and won first place at Eurovision. Her victory was not only a triumph for Austria but also a historic moment for the LGBTQ+ community. “Rise Like a Phoenix” became an anthem of empowerment and remained in the memories of Eurovision fans around the world.
5. “Amar pelos dois” – Salvador Sobral (2017) – Portugal
In 2017, Salvador Sobral captivated the world with his emotional performance of “Amar pelos dois”. With his unique voice and stripped-down style, Salvador won the hearts of the audience and won first place at Eurovision, marking Portugal’s first victory in the contest. “Amar pelos dois” stood out for its simple beauty and message of love and nostalgia, and became one of the most beloved songs in Eurovision history.
