Eurovision is on its way (Picture: Guy Levy)

It’s May, and you know what that means. No, not just two bank holiday weekends and the Game Of Thrones finale.

The Eurovision Song Contest begins in two weeks’ time, with 41 countries set to compete to take over Netta’s reign as champion.

There’s plenty to look forward to, from Norway’s act planning to stage an Arctic version of The Lion King to Iceland’s entry leading men around the stage in dog collars, but will anything make it into the history books?

Over the last 10 years, Eurovision has given us some majorly memorable moments, from cheese and campness to contemporary classic, and some songs have changed the face of the contest for good.




So, in anticipation of the contest in Tel Aviv, we’ve taken a look back over the last decade of contests to decide our top 20 songs from that time. There’s bangers, there’s ballads, there’s drag queens, there’s dancing grandmas – what more could you want?

20. Beauty Never Lies: Bojana Stamenov (2015) – placed 10th for Serbia

OK, so the vocal performance on the night wasn’t spot on, so its 10th place wasn’t so surprising. But tell us you didn’t get chills at the drop.

Bojana’s song was all about self-love and acceptance, with the star belting out ‘here I am’ and challenging anyone to question her beauty and badassness.

We’re big fans of a costume change, so the dancers whipping off their outfits at the tempo drop was Eurovision heaven.

19. It’s My Time: Jade Ewen (2009) – placed 5th for UK

The UK’s most recent shining moment came in 2009, when Jade Ewen and Andrew Lloyd Webber reached the top five with this very West End ballad. The lyrics were a bit earnest and cheesy, but you just couldn’t dislike this song, and Jade gave a great performance.

It represents a time when the UK really put in the effort. Getting Andrew Lloyd Webber and Diane Warren to write the song? Sending a soon-to-be Sugababe? Perfect.

Come to think of, there are hundreds of other Sugababes to enlist for Eurovision. Get on it.

18. Lipstick: Jedward (2011) – placed 8th for Ireland

Say what you want about Jedward, but they gave Eurovision their all. Lipstick was a slice of classic Eurovision fun, complete with exaggerated costumes and a very enthusiastic performance.

The twins loved Europe and it loved them back, with Ireland getting their best score in years. This is a great example of giving in to the madness and OTT-ness of Eurovision, and it was tailored to leave a smile on your face.

17. Fairytale: Alexander Rybak (2009) – placed 1st for Norway

Fairytale won with the highest score in Eurovision history at the time, and it managed to make tradition work. Going super traditional can be incredibly dodgy, but Alexander’s fun-time chimney sweep persona and his admittedly brillaint violin skills made this work.

Looking back on it now, I can’t imagine it having the same effect today – the dancers and the walk-on backing singers are all a bit distracting. But there’s no denying this is a classic Eurovision winner.



16. Only Teardrops: Emmelie de Forest (2013) – placed 1st for Denmark

Emmelie de Forest perfectly combined tradition and contemporary on Only Teardrops. Sure, there were pan pipes and drums, but there was also a super-catchy chorus and distinctive vocals.

This is one of the most downloaded Eurovision songs in the UK, and could easily fit in the charts anywhere. Unlike some recent winners, Only Teardrops still holds up as current.

15. Love Injected: Aminata (2015) – placed 6th for Latvia

Aminata’s dramatic entry for Latvia deserved a higher placing in what was admittedly a very strong year. The eerie, ethereal verses teamed with the booming chorus gave us goosebumps, with Aminata’s voice being the standout star of the performance.

This could be released by London Grammar and it would be an instant indie hit.

14. Party For Everybody: Buranovskiye Babushki (2012) – placed 2nd for Russia

Eurovision may be introducing more and more contemporary songs – for the better – but we do love a dose of the ridiculous. And nothing puts a smile on our face more than Buranovskiye Babushki – better known as the dancing Russian grandmas.

The babushki teamed traditional verses with a ridiculous earworm of a chorus, and baked bread while doing it. Good luck getting this one out of your head any time soon.

13. Sound Of Silence: Dani Im (2016) – placed 2nd for Australia

Anyone who complains about Australia being part of Eurovision – show them this.

We reckon Dani Im’s entry was more deserving of a win than Jamala’s 1944, and was a ballad that dodged cheesiness and went straight into arena territory.

While Dani was decked out in crystals, the staging was fairly simple, and it was all about her voice and that chorus. This is the benchmark Australia need to meet each year – and it’s a high bar.


12. Occidentali’s Karma: Francesco Gabbani (2017) – placed 6th for Italy

Occidentali’s Karma was a hot favourite to win the 2017 contest, but it seemed to be a bit lost in translation on the night. Opting not to sing in English is always a risk, and it’s a shame it didn’t pay off for Francesco.

The good-natured ribbing of materialism was wrapped up in a super-catchy chorus – and then a dancing gorilla came on. What more could you want, Europe?!

It only came sixth, but for true Eurovision lovers, it remains a favourite.

11. Rise Like A Phoenix: Conchita Wurst (2014) – placed 1st for Austria

Rise Like A Phoenix is more than a song – it represents a real moment in Eurovision history. Conchita Wurst, the drag persona of Thomas Neuwirth, was mocked throughout the contest, and was branded ‘not natural’ by the Armenian entry. But on the night, there could not have been another winner.

The song was like a Bond theme, Conchita’s vocals were on point, and Europe fell in love. Even non-Eurovision viewers knew all about Conchita and her victory over the haters.

If there’s a Eurovision song of the past decade that sums up unity and acceptance, it’s this one.

10. Popular: Eric Saade (2011) – placed 3rd for Sweden

Azerbaijan may have won the contest in 2011, but surely Sweden’s song is the most memorable.

Eric Saade was the perfect popstar – good looks, perfect teeth, edgy leather jacket – and the chorus of this third place tune is still in our heads eight years on.

9. I Feed You My Love: Margaret Berger (2013) – came 4th for Norway

This has to be Norway’s strongest song of the decade – sorry Alexander.

Margaret’s entry was chart-worthy, and was accompanied by flashing lights and simple staging. More songs like this please, Norway.


8. J’ai Cherche: Amir (2016) – placed 6th for France

Another act who was predicted to chart higher thanks to his performance on the promo tour was Amir.

This French-English mash up is catchy AF, and Amir was charming to boot. The result was an irresistible number that is a firm fixture on our Spotify playlists.

7. Heroes: Mans Zelmerlow (2015) – placed 1st for Sweden

The most mainstream winner in recent years, Mans managed to connect a great song with personality and perfect staging – a combo that’s rarely achieved.

The lit-up stick man is one of the most impressive stages in recent Eurovision history, creating an instantly iconic and memorable performance. And Mans’ personality only made the entry stronger. He has gone on to be Mr Eurovision – hosting, presenting You Decide and even returning to perform this year.

Don’t you just love an entry that truly loves Eurovision?

6. Golden Boy: Nadav Guedj (2015) – placed 9th for Israel

No shade at Netta, but there is no song that sums up Israel at Eurovision like Golden Boy. It starts off a bit slow, then sounds a bit like Sing by Ed Sheeran – but by the time Nadav gets to the chorus, we defy you not to be dancing.

It managed to mash up a boyband style track with traditional notes and references to Tel Aviv – and we have to give extra points to Nadav for those winged trainers.

Whack this tune on at any Eurovision party and everyone will lose their minds.

5. I Can’t Go On: Robin Bengtsson (2017) – placed 5th for Sweden

What. A. Banger. I Can’t Go On could easily be on a Radio 1 playlist if recorded by Justin Timberlake, Jason Derulo or Robin Thicke, and proves that Sweden will always be the most formidable country in the contest.

As well as the song being catchy, current and slick, the staging brought Eurovision into a new era with Robin emerging from backstage, before he and his dancers performed on a series of treadmills in suits.

I Can’t Go On represents the new era of Eurovision, and that’s a very good thing.

4. Rhythm Inside: Loic Nottet (2015) – placed 4th for Belgium

Belgium have been consistently producing the coolest Eurovision entries in recent years, and Loic Nottet’s set the standard.

The achingly cool staging teamed with the teenager’s static choreography elevated this above its competitors, and although not a typical Eurovision song, broke the top five and could have gone all the way in any year.

Also, that pirouette still gives us chills.

3. Fuego: Eleni Fourera (2018) – placed 2nd for Cyprus

Again, no shade to Netta – she was a totally worthy winner – but we’re still a bit sad this absolute bop didn’t take the crown.

Bringing Shakira’s Hips Don’t Lie into 2018, Eleni was all about the sex appeal, emerging on stage in a spray on glitter catsuit and throwing around her hair extensions like nobody’s business. Seriously – did she learn that hairography from Queen Bey?

Fuego is the perfect summer song and will no doubt remain in Eurovision fans’ minds in the years to come.

2. Satellite: Lena (2010) – placed 1st for Germany

Lena’s win in 2010 signalled a change in Eurovision – an understated staging could compete with all the bells and whistles.

Like a teenage Lily Allen, Lena’s quirky lyrics and trademark pronunciation made this a clear winner, and remains one of the most commercial Eurovision winners to date.

While she couldn’t replicate her success upon her return, Lena gave us one of the best Eurovision songs of the 21st century.

1. Euphoria: Loreen (2012) – placed 1st for Sweden

Could it have been anything else? Euphoria marks a turning point in Eurovision history – contemporary songs can not only win, but are now the new standard to reach.

The dance track remains not only a staple in Eurovision circles, it went mainstream across Europe and is still played in nightclubs six years on. Euphoria did everything right – an absolute banger, great vocals, pared back yet memorable staging.

We have high hopes for every Eurovision contest – but this song will take some beating.

The Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals take place on 14 and 16 May in Tel Aviv, while the grand final is on 18 May.

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