So, the EBU celebrated 60 years of Eurovision in 2015. But it all started in 1956, so it should be celebrated in 2016, no? So let me do the honors, and offer you my short view on every country’s track record. I’ll add my top three per country to that – in the spirit of the Olympics, that other peaceful and worldly event!
We move along chronologically, so it’s time for the countries that joined the Eurovision family in 1973, ’74, ’75, ’80, ’81 and ’86!
20. Morocco
*slightly bewildered look* This kinda feels like the Australia from the ’80s, eller hur?
- 1980 – Bitakahat hob – Samira
Because…well…I need to include all countries, basically.
21. Israel
The not-really-in-Europe country always managed to liven things up pre-televoting with kinda awesome tunes. They often take the visual presentation a stretch too far, which makes for unforgettable moments of course. Same thought when it comes to the backings – those get drowned by the shadows all too often, but Israel seems to be making a goal of getting them as noticed as possible. I do hate it when they go all religion on our asses, like the insufferable 1995 or…
1979, even though that one is tolerable thanks to the build-up. Loving their 1978 winner, more in studio than live however. And their 1998 win? Well…
- 1985 – Olé olé – Izhar Cohen
Because it’s cheerful, it’s all over the place, it’s awesome and Izhar is simply kick-ass! - 1976 – Emor Shalom – Chocolate Menta Mastik
Because #sultry - 1998 – Diva – Dana International
Because of the sideways strutting.
22. Greece
Gosh, I love the older Greek entries – in the ’70s, ’80s and even ’90s they gave us some beautiful Mediterranean flavors (which by no means is a reference to their horrible 1994 entry). Don’t quite ‘get’ them post Y2K – stuff like 2007 or 2008 simply makes me grind my teeth.
Even though their 2005 winner is okay-ish, it’s a bit of a shame that they had to win with something quite mediocre.
- 1993 – Ellada hora tou photos – Keti Garbi
Because #tsiftedeli - 1981 – Feggari Kalokerino – Yannis Dimitras
Becasue #thefeels - 1992 – Olou tou kosmou i elpida – Cleopatra
Because #thedrama
23. Turkey
I miss Turkey in Eurovision. They always bring something lively to the table, even when they’re not that great. They’re quite stubborn and particular. I like that.
As far as their only winner goes, well…
- 1997 – Dinle – Sebnem Paker
Because it’s so sultry. And #fingercimbals of course. - 2008 – Deli – Mör v Otezi
Because #rockon - 2003 – Every way that I can – Sertab
Because it still makes me wanna bellydance every time I hear it (in studio…)
24. Cyprus
Another one that kinda lost track post-televoting. They’ve given us something okay-ish way too often, though. But occasionally, they came shining through. Mostly with a little help from either Evridiki or Alex Panayi.
- 1992 – Teriazoume – Evridiki
Because how Bond can a non-Bond song sound? - 1982 – Mono i agapi – Anna Vissi
Because #beautiful - 2012 – La la love – Ivi Adamou
Because Ivi just rocks it *imitates sultry look into camera*
25. Iceland
I kinda love Iceland. Sometimes they’re a bit too schlageresque for their own good (but then again, they àre Scandinavian). Sometimes they think out of the box and it’s delicious. I’d be delighted to see them take the crown some time soon.
- 1997 – Minn hinsti dans – Paul Oscar
Because #EPIC - 1987 – Haegt og ljott – Halla Margret
Because it’s just so damn haunting and beautiful - 2009 – Is it true? – Yohanna
Because that live version is to die for.
Tomorrow: the new generation makes its appearance!
Dimivision 