How much do you know about the Eurovision Song Contest?
Welcome to the Ultimate Eurovision Quiz! Are you ready to test your knowledge of the world's largest and most spectacular music competition? From unforgettable performances to jaw-dropping costumes, and from legendary winners to unforgettable songs that have moved millions, Eurovision has it all.
Whether you're a casual viewer or a die-hard fan, this quiz promises to challenge you, surprise you, and maybe even inspire you to host your own Eurovision party. Let's see how much you truly know about this iconic event. Get ready for a journey through music, history, and the magic of Eurovision. Let the quiz begin!
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Questions and answers about Eurovision
What country hosted the first Eurovision Song Contest?
Switzerland hosted the first Eurovision Song Contest in 1956, initiated by the European Broadcasting Union. It was hosted in the city of Lugano, and Switzerland also won the very first contest, setting the stage for decades of musical competition and cultural exchange across Europe.
- Switzerland
- France
- Italy
- Germany
Which country has won Eurovision the most times?
Ireland has won the Eurovision Song Contest the most times, distinguishing itself with its musical talent and appeal. Ireland's entries have delivered memorable performances and songs that have resonated with audiences and judges alike.
- Ireland
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
- Netherlands
What year did Australia first participate in Eurovision?
Australia first participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015 as a special guest. This marked a new chapter in the contest's history, expanding its global reach and appeal.
- 2015
- 2010
- 2012
- 2017
What is the most covered Eurovision song?
"Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu," better known as "Volare," is probably the Eurovision song that has been covered by the most famous artists. Originally brought to the stage by Domenico Modugno for Italy in 1958, it has seen renditions by notable names such as Dean Martin, Cliff Richard, David Bowie, and many more, making it a timeless piece that extends well beyond the Eurovision realm into music history.
- "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu"
- "Waterloo"
- "Euphoria"
- "Rise Like a Phoenix"
What is the maximum number of performers allowed on stage for a Eurovision act?
The Eurovision Song Contest limits the number of performers on stage to six during any act, maintaining a balance and fairness in the staging of performances. This rule ensures the focus remains on the music and the performance itself.
- Six
- Four
- Five
- Seven
Which Eurovision winner had the highest ever score under the old voting system?
Under the old voting system, "Fairytale" by Alexander Rybak for Norway set a record for the highest score ever achieved in Eurovision. This remarkable feat demonstrated the song's widespread appeal and Norway's success in captivating the European audience.
- "Fairytale" by Alexander Rybak for Norway
- "Euphoria" by Loreen for Sweden
- "Rise Like a Phoenix" by Conchita Wurst for Austria
- "Satellite" by Lena for Germany
What unusual prop did Russia use in their 2008 performance?
In 2008, Russia's performance in the Eurovision Song Contest featured an ice skater as an unusual and memorable prop. This prop played a significant role in the staging and presentation of the song, contributing to the act's overall impact and memorability.
- An ice skater
- A giant puppet
- Virtual reality effects
- A live horse
Which country received 'nul points' in the 2003 Eurovision contest?
In 2003, the United Kingdom's Eurovision entry ended up with 'nul points', meaning it did not receive any points from any other country. This is a rare and unfortunate occurrence in the contest's history.
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Norway
- Spain
Which band accused Netta, the 2018 Eurovision winner, of plagiarizing one of their songs?
The White Stripes alleged that Netta Barzilai's Eurovision-winning song "Toy" in 2018 bore similarities to their own song, sparking a debate over copyright and originality in music. Despite the controversy, "Toy" secured Netta's place in Eurovision history with its distinctive sound and message.
- The White Stripes
- Imagine Dragons
- Coldplay
- The Black Keys
What is the shortest song ever performed at Eurovision?
In 2015, Finland made Eurovision history with the shortest song ever performed in the contest. "Aina mun pitää" by Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät, lasting only one minute and 27 seconds, showcased a unique punk style and left a lasting impression with its brevity and energy.
- "Aina mun pitää" by Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät (Finland, 2015)
- "Running Scared" by Eldar & Nigar (Azerbaijan, 2011)
- "Dinle" by Şebnem Paker (Turkey, 1997)
- "Fly On The Wings Of Love" by Olsen Brothers (Denmark, 2000)
Who is the oldest person to ever compete in Eurovision?
Emil Ramsauer from Takasa, representing Switzerland in the 2013 Eurovision at 95, was the oldest competitor ever, showcasing the contest's inclusivity and diversity across ages.
- Emil Ramsauer from Takasa (Switzerland, 2013)
- Magdi Rúzsa (Hungary, 2007)
- Buranovskiye Babushki (Russia, 2012)
- Engelbert Humperdinck (United Kingdom, 2012)
What was the first entry in Eurovision that featured a fictional language?
"Sanomi" by Urban Trad from Belgium in 2003 is a Eurovision entry featuring a song in a fictional language. This entry demonstrated that music is a universal language, capable of transcending linguistic barriers and engaging audiences with its melody and rhythm. They finished in a notable second place in 2003.
- "Sanomi" by Urban Trad (Belgium, 2003)
- "Dschinghis Khan" by Dschinghis Khan (Germany, 1979)
- "Ovo je Balkan" by Milan Stanković (Serbia, 2010)
- "Deli" by Mor ve Ötesi (Turkey, 2008)
Which year was the first semi-final introduced in Eurovision?
The first semi-final in the Eurovision Song Contest was introduced in 2004, marking a significant change in the format of the competition, allowing for more countries to participate and for a more dynamic selection process for the grand finale.
- 2004
- 2000
- 1998
- 2006
What was the theme of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest?
The 2016 Eurovision Song Contest, hosted in a city known for its vibrant culture and history, chose the theme "Come Together," reflecting the spirit of unity and diversity.
- "Come Together"
- "Building Bridges"
- "All Aboard!"
- "Celebrate Diversity"
Which country was disqualified in 1999 from the Eurovision Song Contest?
Four days following the German final, it was revealed that "Hör den Kindern einfach zu," Corinna May's song, had already been released in 1997 by a different artist. As a result, she was disqualified, leading to the runner-up, Sürpriz, being named the winner.
- Germany
- Portugal
- Greece
- Norway
Who was the youngest winner in Eurovision history?
Sandra Kim, a 15-year-old representing Belgium in 1986, was the youngest winner in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest. Her victory showcased her extraordinary talent and the contest's ability to be a platform for artists of all ages.
- Sandra Kim (Belgium, 1986)
- Lys Assia (Switzerland, 1956)
- Netta (Israel, 2018)
- Duncan Laurence (Netherlands, 2019)
Who is the first female artist to win the Eurovision Song Contest twice?
Loreen, the acclaimed Swedish artist, made history as the first female artist to win the Eurovision Song Contest twice. Her first win was in 2012 with the mesmerizing performance of 'Euphoria,' and she achieved her second victory in 2023 with 'Tattoo.' This remarkable achievement not only cements her status in Eurovision history but also has helped Sweden to tie with Ireland for the record of most Eurovision wins.
- Loreen
- Celine Dion
- Conchita Wurst
- Emmelie de Forest
Which was the first Eurovision entry to feature sign language in their performance?
In a pioneering step for inclusivity, the Eurovision Song Contest saw its first performance featuring sign language in 2005. This historic moment was delivered by Valters & Kaža, a young Latvian duo. Their song, "The War Is Not Over," included sign language in its final chorus, leaving a memorable impression in the contest and finishing in fifth place.
- Valters & Kaža (Latvia)
- Ich Troje (Poland)
- Evelina Sašenko (Lithuania)
- Bojana Stamenov (Serbia)
What year did Israel win for the first time?
Israel first clinched victory in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1978 with the iconic song "A-Ba-Ni-Bi," performed by Izhar Cohen and Alphabeta. This winning entry, known for its catchy tune and spirited performance, marked Israel's debut triumph on the international music stage. The song's success not only celebrated Israel's rich cultural heritage but also left an indelible mark in the annals of Eurovision history, captivating audiences across Europe.
- 1978
- 1981
- 1998
- 2018
Which band that later became famous worldwide represented the UK in 1997?
Katrina and the Waves, a band that would later gain international fame, represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1997. Their participation in the contest was one of the early highlights of their career before they achieved global stardom.
- Katrina and the Waves
- Blue
- Oasis
- The Spice Girls
Which Eurovision song featured a dance that became a viral sensation during 2020 pandemic?
The Eurovision song "Think About Things" by Daði og Gagnamagnið from Iceland became a viral sensation, especially for its quirky dance routine. Originally featured in the cancelled Eurovision 2020 due to the pandemic, the song gained widespread popularity as its dance went viral on social media and TikTok.
- "Think About Things" by Daði og Gagnamagnið (Iceland)
- "Dancing Lasha Tumbai" by Verka Serduchka (Ukraine)
- "Fuego" by Eleni Foureira (Cyprus)
- "Toy" by Netta (Israel)
In what year did the contest introduce televoting?
Televoting was introduced in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1997, marking a significant shift in how the results were determined and adding a new layer of excitement and engagement for viewers.
- 1997
- 2001
- 1994
- 2003
Which Eurovision entry had the most languages in one song?
"It's Just A Game," performed by Bendik Singers from Norway in 1973, holds the distinction of featuring the most languages used in a single Eurovision song. The lyrics seamlessly integrated English and French, with some lyrics in Spanish, Italian, Dutch, German, Irish, Serbo-Croatian, Hebrew, Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian.
- "It's Just A Game" by Bendik Singers (Norway, 1973)
- "Volare" by Domenico Modugno (Italy, 1958)
- "Love Love Peace Peace" by Måns Zelmerlöw and Petra Mede (Sweden, 2016)
- "Diva" by Dana International (Israel, 1998)
What was the first non-European country to compete in Eurovision?
In 1973, Israel debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest, becoming the first non-European country to be allowed participation. This was possible because Israel's broadcaster was a member of the EBU, which permitted their involvement in the event.
- Australia
- Israel
- Morocco
- Canada
Which artist, the first Romani to participate in Eurovision, represented Spain in 1983, finishing with zero points?
In a historic Eurovision entry in 1983, Spain was represented by Remedios Amaya, a distinguished Romani flamenco singer. Her performance of "¿Quién Maneja Mi Barca?" was not only remarkable for being the first from a Romani artist in the contest, but also for her choice to perform barefoot. Despite her powerful delivery, she unfortunately finished with zero points, a result that paradoxically contributed to her enduring fame and respect in the music world.
- Remedios Amaya
- Massiel
- Julio Iglesias
- Rosa López
Which country had a Eurovision entry disqualified for being too political in 2009?
In 2009, Georgia's entry in Eurovision was disqualified for being too political. The song, "We Don't Wanna Put In," was seen as having political connotations, specifically perceived as references to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, which led to its disqualification.
- Georgia
- Ukraine
- Armenia
- Russia
What is the record number of times a country has participated before winning for the first time?
Portugal holds the record for the most Eurovision participations before achieving their first victory, taking 49 attempts. This long-awaited win came in 2017 with Salvador Sobral's captivating performance of the song "Amar Pelos Dois." This achievement was a testament to Portugal's persistence and evolution in the contest, eventually leading to a triumphant moment.
- Portugal
- Malta
- Cyprus
- Iceland
Who was the first transgender performer in Eurovision?
Dana International, representing Israel in 1998, was the first transgender performer in the Eurovision Song Contest, representing a significant moment in the contest's history, highlighting its diversity and inclusivity.
- Dana International
- Conchita Wurst
- Valentina Monetta
- Sestre
What's the first Oceania country to join Eurovision?
Australia was the first country from the Oceania region to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, marking a significant expansion of the contest's geographical boundaries and reflecting its growing global appeal and diversity.
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Fiji
- Papua New Guinea
Who was the first black artist to win Eurovision?
Dave Benton, part of 2XL, representing Estonia in 2001, was the first black artist to win the Eurovision Song Contest. This victory was not just a personal achievement for the artist but also a significant moment in the history of the contest.
- Dave Benton
- Loreen
- Salvador Sobral
- Måns Zelmerlöw
What year did Eurovision introduce a 'Big 5' rule?
The 'Big 5' rule in the Eurovision Song Contest was introduced in 2000, granting automatic final entry to the five largest financial contributors to the European Broadcasting Union. This rule was a significant change in the contest's format.
- 2000
- 1995
- 2005
- 2010
Which entry featured the oldest group of performers in Eurovision history?s
The oldest group ever to take the stage at the Eurovision Song Contest was Buranovskiye Babushki, the sextet of septuagenarians from Russia in 2012. Their participation highlighted the diversity of ages represented in the contest and showed that music transcends generational boundaries.
- Buranovskiye Babushki
- The Olsen Brothers
- Takasa
- Nicki French
Which Eurovision year had the theme "Celebrate Diversity"?
The 2017 Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv featured the 'Celebrate Diversity' theme, emphasizing the contest's commitment to showcasing a wide range of cultures, languages, and musical styles, while promoting unity and inclusivity.
- 2017
- 2014
- 2018
- 2015
What’s behind the controversy over Spain’s ‘Zorra’ entry in 2024?
The controversy surrounding Spain's 2024 Eurovision entry, "Zorra," performed by the electropop band Nebulossa, arises from the song's title and lyrics. In English, "Zorra" means "vixen," but it's often used derogatorily in Spanish, similar to "bitch" or "slut." This has ignited a conversation in Spanish society about whether the song serves as a feminist anthem that reclaims a word historically used to demean women, or if it's unsuitable for Spain's representation at Eurovision.
- "Zorra" is an insult for women
- "Zorra" lyrics contains political references
- The singer goes out of tune too often
- Too provocative perfomance
About Eurovision
Eurovision Song Contest, often simply called Eurovision, is an annual international song competition held primarily among the member countries of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) since 1956, making it one of the longest-running televised events in the world. Despite its name, the competition has expanded beyond European borders to include countries in Asia and Africa that are part of the EBU.
The contest was originally conceived to foster unity and post-war recovery in Europe through the medium of music, promoting cultural exchange and showcasing musical talent across the continent. Each participating country submits an original song to be performed on live television and radio, then competes against the other countries' entries. The performances are incredibly diverse, ranging from pop, rock, and dance to traditional folk music, reflecting the rich cultural variety of the participating nations.
Voting has evolved over the years and now combines scores from professional juries and public tele-voting from each country, ensuring that both expert opinions and audience preferences contribute to the final outcome. The country that wins the Eurovision Song Contest has the honor of hosting the event the following year, which provides a unique opportunity to showcase its culture and hospitality to an international audience.
Eurovision has launched the careers of many artists who went on to achieve international fame, including ABBA, Celine Dion, and Conchita Wurst. Over the decades, it has grown in popularity and now attracts millions of viewers worldwide, becoming a celebration of diversity, creativity, and unity through music.
The contest is known for its extravagant and often theatrical performances, making it a spectacle of music, fashion, and stage design. Despite—or perhaps because of—its occasionally kitsch and over-the-top nature, Eurovision maintains a dedicated fan base and continues to be a platform for powerful messages, from political statements to calls for social change and inclusion.
Eurovision's enduring appeal lies in its ability to adapt to changing musical trends and its commitment to bringing countries together, offering a joyous escape into the world of music where borders blur, and differences are celebrated.