Eurovision Song Contest (1956)
The world's longest-running live music competition, uniting nations across Europe and beyond through original songs, spectacular staging, and the joy of collective celebration.
Eurovision Song Contest - Series Information
- Original Title: Eurovision Song Contest
- First Air Year: 1956
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Reality, Family, Talk
- Number of Seasons: 70
- Number of Episodes: 110
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, French
- First Air Date: May 24, 1956 (United Kingdom - 12A), May 24, 1956 (Germany - 12), May 24, 1956 (Italy - T)
- Networks: BBC One, RTÉ One, ORF 1, RTL, TF1, Das Erste, ProSieben, SVT1, NRK1, DR1, La 1, Channel 1, Rai 1, RTP1, Channel One, RTS 1, SRF 1, Yle TV1, TRT 1, ETV, LTV1, La Une, NPO 1, RTS Un, RTV 1, EinsFestival, RSI LA1, HRT 1, ERT1, Kan 11, BBC Television, RTV Slovenija, RTL9, RTK, Suspilne Pershyi, Eurovision, RTS, İctimai TV, RTL
- Alternative Titles: ESC (UK), Eurovisiesongfestival (BE)
- Production Companies: European Broadcasting Union
- Production Countries: Austria
Eurovision Song Contest - Plot
The Eurovision Song Contest is an international song competition, organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and featuring participants representing primarily European countries. Each participating country submits an original song to be performed on live television and radio, transmitted to national broadcasters via the EBU's Eurovision and Euroradio networks, with competing countries then casting votes for the other countries' songs to determine the winner.
Eurovision Song Contest - Trailer
Watch the official Eurovision Song Contest trailer and see the spectacle for yourself:
United by Music
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Eurovision Song Contest - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Petra Mede
- Carola Häggkvist
- Måns Zelmerlöw
- Hera Björk
- Edsilia Rombley
- Conchita Wurst
- Loreen
- Helena Paparizou
- Eldar Gasimov
- Alexander Rybak
Writers
- David Reilly
- Christine Rose
Executive Producers
- Jon Ola Sand
- Martin Österdahl
- Edgar Böhm
- Astrid Dutrenit
- Simona Martorelli
Eurovision Song Contest - FAQs
What is the Eurovision Song Contest about?
Eurovision Song Contest is an annual international live music competition organised by the European Broadcasting Union. Participating countries each submit an original song performed on live television, and competing nations vote for one another's entries to determine the overall winner.
Which country has won Eurovision the most times?
Ireland and Sweden share the record for most Eurovision victories, each having won the contest seven times. Sweden's wins include back-to-back victories in 2012 and 2023 courtesy of Loreen, making her the only solo artist to win Eurovision twice.
When did the Eurovision Song Contest first air?
The Eurovision Song Contest first aired on May 24, 1956, in Lugano, Switzerland. That inaugural edition featured just seven competing countries and was won by Switzerland's Lys Assia with the song 'Refrain', making it the world's longest-running annual live music competition.
Where can you watch the Eurovision Song Contest?
Eurovision Song Contest airs on national broadcasters across Europe, including BBC One (UK), SVT1 (Sweden), NRK1 (Norway), DR1 (Denmark), and many others. In the United States, Peacock and Paramount+ have previously streamed the contest. Check JustWatch for current regional streaming availability.
How many seasons does Eurovision Song Contest have?
Eurovision Song Contest has 70 seasons spanning from its debut in Lugano in 1956 through to Basel 2025 and the upcoming Vienna 2026 edition. Each season corresponds to one annual contest held in the winning country from the previous year, comprising 110 episodes in total.
Is the Eurovision Song Contest still ongoing or cancelled?
Eurovision Song Contest is a returning series and is currently in production. The 2025 edition took place in Basel, Switzerland, and the 2026 contest is confirmed for Vienna, Austria, ensuring the competition continues its remarkable run as the world's most-watched annual live entertainment event.
Who are the most famous Eurovision Song Contest performers?
Notable Eurovision performers include Loreen (Sweden, two-time winner), Alexander Rybak (Norway, 2009 winner with a record-breaking score), Conchita Wurst (Austria, 2014 winner), Helena Paparizou (Greece, 2005 winner), and Dima Bilan (Russia, 2008 winner). ABBA also launched their global career after winning in 1974.
What genre is the Eurovision Song Contest?
Eurovision Song Contest is classified as a Reality, Family, and Talk format. At its core it is a live international music competition blending elaborate stage productions, national pride, and audience participation through televoting, making it a uniquely celebratory and cross-cultural entertainment event enjoyed by viewers of all ages.
More About Eurovision Song Contest
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