Eurovision Song Contest: Nine global stars you didn’t know competed
Before the Grammys, sparkling costumes and world tours, Eurovision was a launchpad that transformed unknown performers into superstars.
Eurovision has always been more than a song contest. It’s a celebration of unity, friendly competition and cultural expression, writes Music News Blitz’s Harry Perdios.
The competition is a platform where European countries can showcase not only their musical talent, but also their individuality, creativity and identity.
What is the Eurovision Song Contest?
The contest, which began in 1956, is held annually by the European Broadcasting Union.
This year marks the 70th edition of the competition, with 35 countries participating.
Each year, there are three televised rounds: the first semi-final, the second semi-final and eventually the grand finale.
The contest draws in over 160 million viewers globally each year.
Live coverage of the competition is held on major broadcasting networks.
Each year’s winning country hosts the contest the following year.
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How does voting work during the final?
Each entry submits an original song, which is later performed live.
Once performances conclude, the public can vote for their favourite singer by phone or SMS.
At the end of the show, a spokesperson from each country is broadcast live to announce their nation’s majority scores for the competition.
The UK, Italy, Germany and France go straight to the grand finale as they are among the contest’s biggest funders.
You cannot vote for your own country.
Which celebrities have performed at the Eurovision?
Many global pop stars have performed at the Eurovision Song Contest throughout the years.
For some, Eurovision was their big break, and for others, this was simply a lifelong goal to take part.
ABBA
In 1974, ABBA won the 19th edition of the contest representing their home country of Sweden.
After taking the global stage with their hit song ‘Waterloo’, ABBA became a household name overnight.
51 years after their iconic performance, ABBA has sold over 400 million records worldwide, with their ABBA Gold: The Greatest Hits album remaining in the UK’s Top 100 Charts for 1,248 weeks as of April 2026.
Olivia Newton-John
Before her iconic role as Sandy in Grease and a plethora of albums, Newton-John competed against ABBA during the 1974 Eurovision.
She represented the UK in the competition with her upbeat song ‘Long Live Love’.
She scored 4th place overall.
Celine Dion
Dion gained global recognition after winning the contest in 1988.
Performing her song ‘Ne partez pas sans moi’ (Don’t leave without me), Dion represented Switzerland in the 33rd edition of the competition.
After receiving 137 points, Dion went on to become a music legend with hit songs like ‘My Heart Will Go On’ and ‘All by Myself’.
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Bonnie Tyler
Welsh singer-songwriter, known for her hit song ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’, performed in the 2013 Eurovision.
Placing 19th, Tyler sang ‘Believe in Me’, expressing that she wrote the song to “uplift the world”.
Tyler describes competing as an “Incredible experience” and an honour.
Over 120 million viewers tuned in to see Tyler perform.
Flo Rida
The American rapper and singer, known for his hits such as ‘Wild Ones’ and ‘Low’, competed in the 2021 contest representing San Marino.
Placing 22nd in the competition, he performed the upbeat dance track “Adrenalina” as a surprise guest alongside singer Senhit.
Måneskin
The Italian rock band, known for their songs such as ‘I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE’, won the contest in 2021 with their hit song ‘Zitti e buoni’.
This marked the first win for Italy in 31 years.
Since then, the band has gained global popularity with multiple platinum certifications worldwide.
Olly Alexander
Alexander, best known as the frontman for Years & Years, represented the UK at the 2024 contest with his track ‘Dizzy’, ultimately finishing 18th.
Alongside Eurovision, Alexander has an impressive resume with ballads like ‘It’s a sin’ featuring Elton John.
Bucks Fizz
The British band won the contest in 1981 with their song ‘Making Your Mind Up’.
After representing the UK, the band went on to be an iconic 1980s household staple, with singles like ‘Piece of the Action’.
Brotherhood of Man
Brotherhood of Man won the 1976 contest whilst representing the UK.
Performing their iconic ‘Save Your Kisses for Me’, the musical group went on to sell over 15 million records.
This year’s Eurovision Song Contest grand final will take place on 16 May in Vienna, with coverage beginning at 8pm on BBC One.
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