I’ve watched every Eurovision for 25 years – these are the 10 most iconic performances

Having watched every Eurovision since the turn of the century, there are certain entries that will forever stick in the mind. Some for masterful songwriting, others for inspired staging and some for all the wrong reasons (poor Jemini). However, there’s another more exclusive club of songs that, for various reasons, are almost bigger than the competition itself.

This week’s shebang in Basel will see the likes of Swedish sauna obsessives KAJ, Malta’s “kant”-serving provocateur Miriana Conte and Finland’s giant-microphone-straddling Erika Vikman all attempt to join membership. But here’s a look at 10 performances that have already helped shape the contest into the world-conquering, multimedia spectacular we know today.

10. Dami Im – “Sound of Silence” (Australia, 2016) 

10. Dami Im – “Sound of Silence” (Australia, 2016) , 9. Sertab Erener – “Every Way That I Can” (Turkey, 2003), 8. Bambie Thug – “Doomsday Blue” (Ireland, 2024), 7. Jamala – “1944” (Ukraine, 2016), 6. Måneskin – “Zitti e buoni” (Italy, 2021), 5. Verka Serduchka – “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” (Ukraine, 2007), 4. Måns Zelmerlöw – “Heroes” (Sweden, 2015), 3. Lordi – “Hard Rock Hallelujah” (Finland, 2006), 2. Conchita Wurst – “Rise Like A Phoenix” (Austria, 2014), 1. Loreen – “Euphoria” (Sweden, 2012)

Dami Im representing Australia at Eurovision 2016 in Stockholm (Photo: Michael Campanella/Getty)

“What on Earth is Australia doing in Eurovision?” appeared to be the general consensus when the country was confirmed to join the contest in 2015. Second entrant Dami Im’s “Sound of Silence” single-handedly justified their inclusion. The X Factor winner took pole position in her semi-final and came within just 24 points of winning the whole thing thanks to a modestly staged, dramatic-sounding power ballad that allowed Im’s powerhouse tones to do most of the talking.

From Kate Miller-Heidke’s brilliantly bonkers popera-on-a-pogo to Voyager’s infectious hair metal throwback, Australia have since delivered several entries which have captured the spirit of the contest far more effectively than many long-termers (cough, the UK, cough). Turns out Eurovision can simply be a state of mind.

9. Sertab Erener – “Every Way That I Can” (Turkey, 2003)

10. Dami Im – “Sound of Silence” (Australia, 2016) , 9. Sertab Erener – “Every Way That I Can” (Turkey, 2003), 8. Bambie Thug – “Doomsday Blue” (Ireland, 2024), 7. Jamala – “1944” (Ukraine, 2016), 6. Måneskin – “Zitti e buoni” (Italy, 2021), 5. Verka Serduchka – “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” (Ukraine, 2007), 4. Måns Zelmerlöw – “Heroes” (Sweden, 2015), 3. Lordi – “Hard Rock Hallelujah” (Finland, 2006), 2. Conchita Wurst – “Rise Like A Phoenix” (Austria, 2014), 1. Loreen – “Euphoria” (Sweden, 2012)

Sertab Erener, the 2003 contestant for Turkey (Photo: AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Largely existing in its own weird and wonderful bubble, Eurovision had always struggled to keep up with the chart landscape. But in 2003, Sertab Erener led Turkey to their first-ever victory with a contemporary belly-dancing banger that gave the mainstream pop girls a run for their money.

In fact, “Every Way That I Can” was produced by Ozan Çolakoğlu, the man behind the original “Kiss Kiss” that Neighbours graduate-turned-Nigel Farage supporter Holly Valance had recently taken to number one. Sadly, all momentum had entirely dissipated by the time the track crawled into record shops several weeks later. Had it been released in the iTunes era, however, then a Top 10 smash would surely have been guaranteed.

8. Bambie Thug – “Doomsday Blue” (Ireland, 2024)

10. Dami Im – “Sound of Silence” (Australia, 2016) , 9. Sertab Erener – “Every Way That I Can” (Turkey, 2003), 8. Bambie Thug – “Doomsday Blue” (Ireland, 2024), 7. Jamala – “1944” (Ukraine, 2016), 6. Måneskin – “Zitti e buoni” (Italy, 2021), 5. Verka Serduchka – “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” (Ukraine, 2007), 4. Måns Zelmerlöw – “Heroes” (Sweden, 2015), 3. Lordi – “Hard Rock Hallelujah” (Finland, 2006), 2. Conchita Wurst – “Rise Like A Phoenix” (Austria, 2014), 1. Loreen – “Euphoria” (Sweden, 2012)

Irish singer-songwriter Bambie Ray Robinson made headlines last year (Photo: Jessica Gow/TT/AFP)

“The world has spoken, the queers are coming,” proclaimed non-binary Ouija-pop extraordinaire Bambie Thug after steering Ireland to their highest placing since 2000. Few entrants have worn their revolutionary ideals on their sleeves – or should that be trans-flag-emblazoned swimsuit – prouder.

Indeed, the multi-talent cast a spell on audiences across the globe with an intoxicating blend of whispered incantations, gothic folk metal and demonic cosplay that veered from pretty to petrifying within the space of a balletic kick. Written off as a certain non-qualifier before the staging was revealed, “Doomsday Blue” instead only just missed out on the top five. Even nearly 70 years in, Eurovision can still conjure the shock of the new.

7. Jamala – “1944” (Ukraine, 2016)

10. Dami Im – “Sound of Silence” (Australia, 2016) , 9. Sertab Erener – “Every Way That I Can” (Turkey, 2003), 8. Bambie Thug – “Doomsday Blue” (Ireland, 2024), 7. Jamala – “1944” (Ukraine, 2016), 6. Måneskin – “Zitti e buoni” (Italy, 2021), 5. Verka Serduchka – “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” (Ukraine, 2007), 4. Måns Zelmerlöw – “Heroes” (Sweden, 2015), 3. Lordi – “Hard Rock Hallelujah” (Finland, 2006), 2. Conchita Wurst – “Rise Like A Phoenix” (Austria, 2014), 1. Loreen – “Euphoria” (Sweden, 2012)

Jamala representing Ukraine in 2016 (Photo: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP)

Sometimes, a Eurovision song can completely transcend the contest. The title of Jamala’s winning entry refers to the year Stalin ordered the mass cleansing of Crimean Tatars, a development that forced her beloved grandmother to flee. In fact, its chorus borrows from a sorrowful folk song the latter used to sing. Arriving at a time when the Crimea had only recently been annexed by Russia, “1944” was interpreted by many as a clever way of subverting Eurovision’s no-politics rules. Jamala was subsequently awarded the honour of People’s Artist of Ukraine for her efforts, a surprisingly subtle blend of trip-hop and two-step garage which would have compelled even without its haunting backstory.

6. Måneskin – “Zitti e buoni” (Italy, 2021)

10. Dami Im – “Sound of Silence” (Australia, 2016) , 9. Sertab Erener – “Every Way That I Can” (Turkey, 2003), 8. Bambie Thug – “Doomsday Blue” (Ireland, 2024), 7. Jamala – “1944” (Ukraine, 2016), 6. Måneskin – “Zitti e buoni” (Italy, 2021), 5. Verka Serduchka – “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” (Ukraine, 2007), 4. Måns Zelmerlöw – “Heroes” (Sweden, 2015), 3. Lordi – “Hard Rock Hallelujah” (Finland, 2006), 2. Conchita Wurst – “Rise Like A Phoenix” (Austria, 2014), 1. Loreen – “Euphoria” (Sweden, 2012)

Måneskin performs at the Eurovision final in Rotterdam, 2021 (Photo: Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP)

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Following the pandemic-imposed year off, Eurovision returned in 2021 with one almighty bang thanks to a bunch of glam-rock revivalists who looked like they’d stepped off the set of Velvet Goldmine. Måneskin have barely stopped for breath since, proving the contest can still serve as an international launchpad in the process.

After romping home with Italy’s first win in 31 years, the leather-clad four-piece have scored a US top 20 hit, received a Best New Artist Grammy nod, and opened for the Rolling Stones. With three-quarters of the band born after Y2K, “Zitte e buoni” represent a new breed of Eurovision artists who’ve grown up in the post-genre streaming age, where anything goes and anything seems possible.

5. Verka Serduchka – “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” (Ukraine, 2007)

10. Dami Im – “Sound of Silence” (Australia, 2016) , 9. Sertab Erener – “Every Way That I Can” (Turkey, 2003), 8. Bambie Thug – “Doomsday Blue” (Ireland, 2024), 7. Jamala – “1944” (Ukraine, 2016), 6. Måneskin – “Zitti e buoni” (Italy, 2021), 5. Verka Serduchka – “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” (Ukraine, 2007), 4. Måns Zelmerlöw – “Heroes” (Sweden, 2015), 3. Lordi – “Hard Rock Hallelujah” (Finland, 2006), 2. Conchita Wurst – “Rise Like A Phoenix” (Austria, 2014), 1. Loreen – “Euphoria” (Sweden, 2012)

Ukrainian comedian Verka Serduchka (Photo: Oli Scarff/AFP)

Russian’s cookie-baking grannies, Norway’s banana-obsessed wolves, our very own flag-flying trolley dollies. The Eurovision of the 21st century might boast a more professional sheen than it did in its first 44 years but it’s still proudly given the novelty act a chance to thrive.

Few, however, have enjoyed a longer shelf life than Ukraine’s most famous drag queen, Verka Serduchka. The missing link between Elton John and Su Pollard very nearly pipped Serbia to the post in 2007 with a glorious burst of Eurodance nonsense, performed in an outfit that seemed to have been fashioned from kitchen foil. “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” has since featured prominently in Melissa McCarthy comedy Spy and Killing Eve, and once again brought the house down during 2019’s song-swapping interval.

4. Måns Zelmerlöw – “Heroes” (Sweden, 2015)

10. Dami Im – “Sound of Silence” (Australia, 2016) , 9. Sertab Erener – “Every Way That I Can” (Turkey, 2003), 8. Bambie Thug – “Doomsday Blue” (Ireland, 2024), 7. Jamala – “1944” (Ukraine, 2016), 6. Måneskin – “Zitti e buoni” (Italy, 2021), 5. Verka Serduchka – “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” (Ukraine, 2007), 4. Måns Zelmerlöw – “Heroes” (Sweden, 2015), 3. Lordi – “Hard Rock Hallelujah” (Finland, 2006), 2. Conchita Wurst – “Rise Like A Phoenix” (Austria, 2014), 1. Loreen – “Euphoria” (Sweden, 2012)

Måns Zelmerlow performs “Heroes” (Photo: Dieter Nagl/AFP)

The year 2025 has been something of an annus horribilis for Måns Zelmerlöw, whose divorce from Hollyoaks actress Ciara Janson has made tabloid headlines. But a decade ago, the Swede was on the top of the world following a triumphant entry that practically reinvented the Eurovision wheel. Not in a musical sense, of course: “Heroes” is a solid slice of country-tinged EDM, undoubtedly borrowing heavily from Avicii’s run of barn-dance-friendly hits.

Instead, by cleverly utilising the contest’s advances in screen technology – and nailing a choreography routine alongside an army of adorable stick men – Zelmerlöw pushed the boundaries of how a song can be staged. Not only did he adopt a pair of butterfly wings, watch his heart burst from his chest and shift the world’s axis – all virtually, of course – he also interacted in perfect timing with an army of adorable stick men. Everyone from Greece’s Stefania and the UK’s Olly Alexander, to fellow countrymen Benjamin Ingrosso and Marcus & Martinus, have all since adopted a similar visual flair.

3. Lordi – “Hard Rock Hallelujah” (Finland, 2006)

10. Dami Im – “Sound of Silence” (Australia, 2016) , 9. Sertab Erener – “Every Way That I Can” (Turkey, 2003), 8. Bambie Thug – “Doomsday Blue” (Ireland, 2024), 7. Jamala – “1944” (Ukraine, 2016), 6. Måneskin – “Zitti e buoni” (Italy, 2021), 5. Verka Serduchka – “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” (Ukraine, 2007), 4. Måns Zelmerlöw – “Heroes” (Sweden, 2015), 3. Lordi – “Hard Rock Hallelujah” (Finland, 2006), 2. Conchita Wurst – “Rise Like A Phoenix” (Austria, 2014), 1. Loreen – “Euphoria” (Sweden, 2012)

Finnish rock legends Lordi (Photo: Aris Messinis/AFP)

Metal had practically been a dirty word in Eurovision until Norway’s Wig Wam placed ninth in 2005. But fellow Scandinavians Lordi took the genre to new ridiculous heights a year later with a shock-rock classic that confirmed the contest as a true musical smorgasbord.

Finland’s first and only win – despite cha-cha-cha-ing Käärijä’s best efforts in 2023 – broke the all-time points record. Both juries and the public were dazzled by all the pyrotechnic-spouting guitars, epic glam hooks and monstrous costumes so outlandish they made Kiss look like shy and retiring wallflowers. Iceland’s BDSM-clad goths Hatari, Germany’s mohawked metallers Lord of the Lost and post-hardcore Hungarians AWS have all essentially shouted “Hard Rock Hallelujah” since.

2. Conchita Wurst – “Rise Like A Phoenix” (Austria, 2014)

10. Dami Im – “Sound of Silence” (Australia, 2016) , 9. Sertab Erener – “Every Way That I Can” (Turkey, 2003), 8. Bambie Thug – “Doomsday Blue” (Ireland, 2024), 7. Jamala – “1944” (Ukraine, 2016), 6. Måneskin – “Zitti e buoni” (Italy, 2021), 5. Verka Serduchka – “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” (Ukraine, 2007), 4. Måns Zelmerlöw – “Heroes” (Sweden, 2015), 3. Lordi – “Hard Rock Hallelujah” (Finland, 2006), 2. Conchita Wurst – “Rise Like A Phoenix” (Austria, 2014), 1. Loreen – “Euphoria” (Sweden, 2012)

Conchita Wurst performs “Rise Like A Phoenix” (Photo: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP)

“We are unity, we are unstoppable,” a defiant Conchita Wurst remarked after guiding Austria to victory with what sounded like a lost James Bond theme. The bearded drag queen had previously been subjected to the most intense scrutiny – and unashamed prejudice – since Dana International before taking to the stage in 2014: Russian and Belarusian broadcasters faced pressure to omit her performance entirely, while even a fellow contestant, Armenia’s Aram Mp3, described Wurst’s lifestyle as “not natural”. But her rendition of “Rise Like a Phoenix” was so inspiring that even countries not exactly renowned for their tolerance showered it with votes. A new LGBTQ icon was born.

1. Loreen – “Euphoria” (Sweden, 2012)

10. Dami Im – “Sound of Silence” (Australia, 2016) , 9. Sertab Erener – “Every Way That I Can” (Turkey, 2003), 8. Bambie Thug – “Doomsday Blue” (Ireland, 2024), 7. Jamala – “1944” (Ukraine, 2016), 6. Måneskin – “Zitti e buoni” (Italy, 2021), 5. Verka Serduchka – “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” (Ukraine, 2007), 4. Måns Zelmerlöw – “Heroes” (Sweden, 2015), 3. Lordi – “Hard Rock Hallelujah” (Finland, 2006), 2. Conchita Wurst – “Rise Like A Phoenix” (Austria, 2014), 1. Loreen – “Euphoria” (Sweden, 2012)

Loreen at the Eurovision 2012 final (Photo: Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty)

Claudia Winkleman lookalike Loreen became the undisputed queen of Eurovision when she achieved a second win in 2023 with “Tattoo”. But the Swede’s first victory remains her true crowning glory. Bringing a touch of class to a genre oversaturated with “fun in the club” inanity, the emotive, string-soaked EDM of “Euphoria” was also the contest’s first bona fide crossover this century.

Not only did it achieve the highest domestic chart peak for a non-UK act since Johnny Logan 25 years earlier, it also dethroned Abba’s “Waterloo” as the nation’s most downloaded Eurovision hit. Quite simply, this is the Year Zero of the modern era.

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