Why Are We Still Watching Eurovision?

WHY ARE WE STILL WATCHING

EUROVISION What Shapes The Hidden Factors Behind Winning Europe’s Largest Stage?

12%

Artistic Skills & Musical Talent

28%

Jury’s Agenda

33%

Regional Bias

51%

Political Climate In Play

The 70s: A New Era Where Do We Begin?

Notable Winners

1988

Celine Dion represented Switzerland and won with her ballad “Ne partez pas sans moi.” Her victory in Dublin marked a defining moment not only for the contest but also for Dion’s career.

This win underscored Eurovision’s role as a launchpad for international talent and helped solidify the contest’s reputation for discovering artists. Dion’s story remains one of Eurovision’s most inspiring legacies.

Eurovision was born out of a unique postwar vision, proposed by Marcel Bezençon during a European Broadcasting Union (EBU) meeting: a spectacular live television broadcast that would unite Europe in a spirit of peace and friendship through song.

The show’s rules were initially quite simple: each participating country would submit a song to be performed live, and a jury would vote to determine the winner.

1956

The Eurovision Song Contest was born in Lugano, Switzerland, with only seven participating countries.

Switzerland’s Lys Assia took home the first-ever trophy with Refrain, setting the tone for decades of music, unity, and cultural celebration to come.

1974

The Eurovision Song Contest of 1974, held in Brighton, UK, marked a shift in the competition’s legacy, thanks to the rise of ABBA. Representing Sweden with their now-iconic song Waterloo, ABBA didn't just win the contest—they revolutionized how Eurovision was perceived on the global stage.

Before ABBA, Eurovision winners often enjoyed regional fame but struggled to break into international markets. ABBA’s victory catapulted them to worldwide stardom, showcasing the competition as a springboard for global success.

ABBA’s dazzling costumes, vibrant energy, and bold performance introduced a new visual style to Eurovision.

Their stage presence reshaped ideas for what a Eurovision act could do, setting new grounds of a higher benchmark for future performances.

With such vibrant preformances today, we see the ABBA effect in action.

1975 02 | The Pudding

What makes the 70s special?

Language Flexibility Although language restrictions were reinstated after a brief lift in 1971, the language debates of the 1970s sparked a conversation about inclusivity and accessibility in Eurovision.

Visual Innovation As television technology advanced, Eurovision began incorporating elaborate stage designs and performance effects, enhancing the visual appeal of the contest.

With the addition of color broadcasts in the late 1960s, the 1970s became a decade where Eurovision embraced more theatrical, visually striking performances, setting the tone for the staging expectations we see today.

Music Styles The 70s broke away from Eurovision’s emphasis on traditional ballads. The contest began embracing modern and diverse genres, including glam rock, pop, and folk inspired music, making it more relatable to contemporary audiences.

Resilience and Adaptability

Eurovision’s four-way tie in 1969 revealed the need for a more clear method of determining a single winner.

the 70s were marked by political tensions, the lingering effects of World War II, and the escalating divisions of the Cold War. Yet, Eurovision managed to rise above these conflicts, providing a neutral platform where countries could engage in friendly competition through the universal language of music.

Eurovision soon introduced the “12 points system” (explained on page 5).

This approach significantly reduced the likelihood of a tie while making the show more exciting.

By remaining true in its commitment to neutrality and cultural celebration, Eurovision proved itself as a resilient, adaptable institution that championed unity, celebrated diversity, and provided a sense of stability in an ever-changing world.

1998

In 1998, Dana International became Eurovision’s first openly transgender winner with her song “Diva,” representing Israel.

Major Changes

The Future of Eurovision

As Eurovision grew in popularity, the show faced increasing pressure to adapt to its millions of viewers from across Europe and beyond. This rise in global stardome brought with it new challenges that required careful adjustments to maintain the contest’s integrity, fairness, and entertainment value.

New Rules

1999

Language Barrier Lift In 1999, Eurovision introduced one of its most impactful rule changes: lifting the restriction on performing in a country’s native language.

Decade of Diversity

2014

Conchita Wurst, a bearded drag queen, won with a powerful ballad, symbolizing strength and self-acceptance. Her victory became a significant moment for LGBTQ+ visibility and highlighted Eurovision as a platform for inclusivity.

Digital Voting Televoting was introduced in 1997 on a trial basis and became more widespread in 1998. By 1999, most countries adopted televoting, allowing the public to vote for their favorite songs via telephone, which increased audience engagement.

2000 The “Big Five”

To ensure financial stability, the contest granted automatic final qualification to the four largest financial contributors—the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Spain—known as the "Big Four."

Italy's return to Eurovision in 2011 expanded this group to the "Big Five."

2004

2018

Netta’s quirky, empowering anthem aligned with the #MeToo movement, making “Toy” a symbol of female empowerment. Her unique style and message resonated worldwide, reinforcing Eurovision’s relevance to social issues.

The introduction of the semi-final in 2004 allowed a greater number of countries to participate, particularly from Eastern Europe.

2009

Professional Juries To balance public televoting and reduce potential biases, professional juries were reintroduced in 2009, each contributing 50% to the final result, combining expert opinion with public preference.

As a non-binary artist, Nemo’s presence on the Eurovision stage symbolized a progressive shift in the contest’s representation of diverse identities.

The winning song Aurora has poignant themes of self-discovery, resilience, and embracing one’s true. By blending deeply personal storytelling with a message of hope and unity, Nemo preformed a story rather than just a song.

Their authentic self, both in their performance and personal narrative, resonated with many audiences worldwide, turning their victory into a triumph not only for Finland but also for LGBTQ+ representation and visibility on a global scale.

Semi-Final Introduction

A few years later in 2008, Eurovision finalized a two semi-final format to accomodate even more countries to participate in Eurovision.

2024

2023

Loreen made history by becoming the first woman to win Eurovision twice. Her win tied Sweden with Ireland for the most victories, highlighting the legacy and impact of returning Eurovision champions.

Nemo’s win reinforced Eurovision’s uprising evolution as a beacon of diversity and inclusion, showing that the contest is not just about music but also about fostering understanding and acceptance.

2025

Eurovision 2025 will be held in Basel, Switzerland, marking Switzerland's first win since 1988.

With the slogan "United By Music," the event aims to celebrate unity and cultural diversity. Fans can expect a mix of traditional Eurovision spectacle and innovative performances as the event approaches in May 2025.

Towards a More Progressive Future Addressing Political and Social issues The 21st century saw more Eastern European countries join, bringing fresh influences. The introduction of semi-finals in 2004 allowed even more nations to take part, while Australia’s inclusion in 2015 highlighted Eurovision’s international appeal beyond Europe.

Empowerment and Self-Expression The 21st century has highlighted themes of empowerment and individuality at Eurovision. Songs like Netta’s “Toy” (2018) celebrate self-confidence, while others like Conchita’s “Rise Like a Phoenix” promote resilience.

Eurovision now champions self-expression and inspires audiences worldwide to be who they truly are.

LGBTQ+ Representation Eurovision has become a safe space for LGBTQ+ representation, with memorable wins from icons like Conchita Wurst in 2014 and non-binary artist Nemo in 2024. These moments reinforce Eurovision as a space for acceptance and visibility for diverse gender and sexual identities.

Milestones in Sustainability Eurovision had solidified its commitment to sustainability by implementing eco-friendly stage designs, greener production practices, and waste reduction initiatives to minimize its environmental impact. The contest embraced renewable energy sources, sustainable transportation, and carbon offset programs. | 03

Austria

“Douze Points!”

Behind The Scores Eurovision’s winner isn’t just chosen based on the night’s best performance—it’s a result of a voting process that tells its own story. Votes are cast in two ways: through public televotes, where viewers from participating countries send in their favorites, and professional juries, who evaluate performances based on criteria like vocals, stage presence, and originality. But behind those votes lies a fascinating web of connections, influences, and patterns. We dived deeper into what’s really behind the numbers—how cultural affinities, regional alliances, and strategic voting can shape the scoreboard and ultimately decide who takes home the trophy.

Germany

United Kingdom

Netherlands

France

Spain

Italy

Montenegro

Serbia

Hungary

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Portugal

Sw

Opening The Stage To More Nations With Eurovision’s growing popularity and an increasing number of countries eager to participate, the contest introduced semi-finals in 2004 to manage the expanding lineup.

Before then, a single show couldn’t accommodate all entries, forcing some nations to sit out each year. The semi-finals solved this issue, allowing every participant a chance to compete and ensuring a fairer selection process.

Today, the journey to the Grand Final begins with two semi-finals, where participating nations showcase their acts in front of a global audience. Each semi-final typically features 15–20 countries, depending on the year, with only the top 10 from each advancing. By the end of the semi-finals, 20 acts join a handful of pre-qualified countries to create the final lineup, setting the stage for the Grand Final.

Who Is “The Big Five”?

The Big Five — France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom — hold a unique position in Eurovision. As the largest financial contributors to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), these five nations receive a direct pass to the Grand Final each year, bypassing the semi-final rounds.

From Largest To Smallest Donations

€350,000 United Kingdom Italy

Up to ~€500,000

~ €350,000

per country was the average Big Five Donation to EBU in 2024.

Spain

~ €325,000

Germany France ~ €325,000

~ €300,000

Keeping Up With Inflation For smaller countries, Eurovision participation has become an increasingly steep financial commitment. Since 2022, participation fees have surged due to inflation and the absence of previous high contributors like Russia. Rising fees have forced some nations to withdraw entirely. Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Montenegro are among the countries that cited financial strain as the reason for their recent absences from Eurovision.

Priced Out Of Competition Beyond participation fees, the overall cost of Eurovision—including staging, travel, costumes, and promotion—can reach six figures, making it unsustainable for smaller broadcasters.

Limited budgets and economic challenges have pushed some countries to withdraw, as even reaching the semi-finals may not justify the financial strain. For others, the prospect of hosting as a winner adds further hesitation, widening the gap between wealthier nations and those priced out, and sparking concerns over the contest’s inclusivity.

04 | The Pudding

M

Forever Binding Or Progressively Changing?

Bloc voting, where countries favor neighbors or those with shared cultural ties, became prominent with the introduction of televoting in 1997. Dominant blocs like the Nordics and Balkans have often overshadowed less connected nations, sparking debates about fairness.

However, evolving music trends, diverse participants, and the rise of global voting are beginning to challenge traditional bloc dominance.

82%

of Greece and Cyprus’s 12-point votes exchanged.

Greece and Cyprus share one of Eurovision’s strongest alliances, consistently awarding each other top points due to cultural, linguistic, and political connections. Their mutual support remains steadfast, even when their entries underperform elsewhere.

Eurovision Political Blocs

witzerland

Ireland

Greece

How It Works: Each arrow illustrates the country’s favorite recipient for consistently high scores throughout Eurovision history, from 1956 to 2023. These connections reveal strong, enduring preferences, highlighting how certain countries have regularly supported each other with substantial points year after year.

While some patterns reflect cultural, linguistic, or regional affinities, others hint at strategic voting and alliances that go beyond the music itself. These relationships offer a unique glimpse into how geography, history, and even politics shape Eurovision’s outcomes, raising the question of whether the contest is as much about connection as it is about competition.

Finland

Norway

Western Bloc

Nordic Bloc

Balkan Bloc

Baltic Bloc

Post Soviet Bloc

Eastern Bloc

Iceland

Country is part of the “Big Five” Country voting outside of their bloc

Cyprus

Sweden

"You’re my favorite” : Countries who reciprocate each other’s favors

Denmark

From Stage to Points: The Process Performance All countries perform their songs live. All countries perform their songs live in one of Eurovision’s three main rounds: two semi-finals and the grand final. The semi-finals determine which countries advance to the final, with only the top entries from each round progressing. Automatic qualifiers, including the "Big Five" (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK) and the host country, skip the semi-finals and go straight to the grand final.

Jury Voting Each participating country appoints a jury of five music professionals who assess performances based on vocal ability, stage presence, composition, song arrangement, and overall impression.

They rank their favorites, awarding 12 points to the top act, 10 to the second, and 8 to the third, with smaller points for the next seven. Scores are based on the jury show, a dress rehearsal held before the live broadcast, ensuring technical issues don’t affect their decisions.

12

10

8

Televoting

Slovenia

Georgia

Estonia

Lartvia

Lithuania

Using the same voting system, the public in each country votes for their favorite performances via phone, SMS, or the Eurovision app. The only rule: Viewers cannot vote for their own country, ensuring that votes reflect cross-border support.

Points Allocation Both sets of points (jury and public) are combined to form the final score for each country.

Result Announcement

Croatia

Russia

Ukraine

Moldova

Romania

North Macedonia

Armenia

Belarus

Poland

Bulgaria

50%

The points from the jury are announced first, followed by the dramatic reveal of the televote results. This split reveal keeps the suspense alive, often turning the leaderboard upside down in the final moments and delivering unexpected twists.

Why Skip 11 and 9?

1969 Four-Way Tie

758

of Nordic 12-point votes stay within the bloc.

was the highest score ever received by Portugal.

The Nordic bloc, with countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland, is known for its tight-knit voting patterns, often favoring regional entries. Sweden frequently dominates within the bloc, solidifying its reputation as a Eurovision powerhouse.

Lisbon-born Salvador Sobral represented Portugal in the 2017 Eurovision in Kiev with his emotive ballad Amar pelos dois (Love for Both).

His expressive voice and the song’s heartfelt lyrics made it a standout, earning acclaim from viewers and critics alike.

18

countries gave 12-point votes to Loreen.

In 2012, Loreen’s Euphoria disrupted traditional bloc voting, earning 12 points from 18 countries and setting a new standard for universal appeal.

The Eurovision scoring system’s omission of 11 and 9 points has historical roots tied to the contest’s controversial 1969 four-way tie. That year, Eurovision faced its first major voting crisis when France, Spain, the Netherlands, and the UK all ended with the same score. At the time, there was no rule for breaking ties, leaving four countries declared winners, which sparked criticism and confusion among audiences and broadcasters alike.

Balanced Drama In response, the contest refined its voting system for clarity and decisive outcomes. By 1975, the iconic 12, 10, 8–1 point system was introduced, creating larger gaps between scores to minimize ties and spotlight favorites.

Skipping 11 and 9 points added simplicity and heightened suspense, with “douze points” becoming a dramatic Eurovision trademark.

While some critics argue the system favors bloc voting and regional alliances, it undeniably adds tension and spectacle, turning the voting reveal into one of the contest’s most thrilling moments.

| 05

When it comes to winners, is there a catch?

There’s no “catch” to winning Eurovision, but history reveals a few trends that have consistently captured the votes of Eurovision viewers.

Every spring, millions of fans from across the globe eagerly tune in to Eurovision, wondering who will emerge victorious in Europe’s most beloved song contest. Eurovision is known for its vibrant performances and fierce competition, but is there a pattern to winning?

40%

25% Ballad

40% Pop

16% Rock 11% Ethno/ Traditional

8% Dance/ Electronic

Of all winning songs fall into the pop genre Pop music leads the pack, captivating audiences with catchy hooks and mass appeal, as exemplified by ABBA’s iconic Waterloo.

Ballads, renowned for their emotional depth and powerful vocals, frequently win hearts, such as Duncan Laurence’s Arcade.

Rock entries, while less common, bring energy and boldness to the stage, with Måneskin’s Zitti e buoni sparking global excitement.

Ethno-inspired songs, combining traditional elements with contemporary sounds, highlight cultural roots, like Ruslana’s Wild Dances.

Dance and electronic tracks energize the competition, with Loreen’s Euphoria setting a high bar with its mesmerizing rhythm and stunning visuals.

Can we predict what will make an artist stand out?

Over the years, trends and demographics have revealed factors that often lead to success. While each winner is unique, some common themes emerge, shedding light on the recipe for Eurovision glory.

1:27

minutes was the shortest song entry.

120BPM is the tempo “sweet spot” for winning.

The shortest entry is Finland's 2015 song Aina mun pitää by Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät.

Many winning songs fall around 120 beats per minute—the ideal tempo for catchy tunes without being rushed.

5:09

279M

The longest entry is Italy's 1957 song Corde della mia chitarra, performed by Nunzio Gallo.

Russia’s 2020 song Uno by Little Big holds the title of most viewed performance, despite the cancellation of the 2020 contest.

minutes was the longest song entry.

06 | The Pudding

views makes “Uno” the most watched song.

1280

English dominates as the favored language, followed by French with about 200 songs, and Spanish with 80 songs

Out of 1717 total song entries were sang in English since 1956 While Eurivision song entries have historically featured a variety of languages, English songs tower above the rest in numbers, serving as a common ground for reaching the contest's international audience.

Western Europe Takes the Most Wins with

The historic powerhouse of Eurovision, Western Europe leads in wins with Ireland and the UK cementing their iconic status

47%

Total Victories

47% Western Europe

8% Eastern Europe

Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, Monaco.

Ukraine, Russia, Serbia, Azerbaijan

23% Northern Europe

8% Central Europe

Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland

Switzerland, Austria, Germany

9% Southern Europe

5% South/Eastern Europe

Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece

Turkey, Greece, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina

15% Mixed Band Winners 8% Male Band Winners 1% Female Band Winners

33% Solo Male Winners

Gender & Age Winners by Gender From powerhouse female soloists to dynamic male performers and collaborative groups, Has there really been a bias for gender through Eurovision’s history? Let’s take a look:

Solo Female Winners Women have dominated Eurovision wins, with icons like Celine Dion achieving global fame after winning for Switzerland in 1988 with Ne partez pas sans moi.

Solo Male Winners Male soloists also have notable wins, with success from Duncan Laurence’s Arcade (Netherlands, 2019) and Måns Zelmerlöw’s Heroes (Sweden, 2015).

43%

Solo Female Winners

Mixed Band Winners Mixed groups bring a unique synergy to the contest, with ABBA’s groundbreaking win Waterloo (Sweden, 1974) being the most famous example of this category.

Male Band Winners Though less common, male band winners still captivate audiences with energetic performances such as Måneskin’s Zitti e buoni (Italy, 2021)

Female Band Winners

34%

Ages 30-39

Female bands are most uncommon, with acts like Bobbysocks! bringing vibrant energy with their 1985 victory, leaving room for more success in this category.

56%

Ages 20-29

Winners by Age Historically, Eurovision winners were predominantly young artists, often in their late teens or early twenties. In recent years, the show has showcased a notable increase in age diversity among its participants and winners, reflecting a broader inclusivity within the competition. Let’s look at a breakdown by age:

Ages 20 to 29 The majority of winners fall into this group, often showcasing seasoned yet dynamic performers at the peak of their creative powers. This age range is where breakout stars typically emerge, combining vigor with refined stage presence.

Ages 30 to 39 Performers in this group bring a mature artistry and experience that resonates deeply with audiences. Iconic winners, like Salvador Sobral from Portugal in 2017, deliver heartfelt performances that highlight the depth of their craft.

Ages younger than 20 Teenage winners, while rare, often captivate audiences with fresh energy and raw talent. Sandra Kim, who won for Belgium in 1986 at just 13 years old, remains the youngest Eurovision champion to compete and win.

Ages 40 and above

4% Ages >40 6% Ages <20

Though less common, winners over 40 bring a sense of gravitas and longevity to the contest. These seasoned artists often connect to viewers through their enduring passion and well-honed artistry, proving that Eurovision welcomes talent at every stage of life. | 07

MESSY. GLITTERY. AND TOTALLY WORTH IT. Is Eurovision Ridiculous? Yes. Are We Watching Anyway? Absolutely.

Let’s be honest: Eurovision is far from perfect. The voting is biased, the staging can be completely ridiculous, and some of the songs? Let’s just say they’re an experience. But that’s the point. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, and it’s unapologetically fun.

Yeah, we know it’s not about finding the best song in Europe—it’s about having a good time and letting countries blow off some steam in the most over-the-top way possible.

It’s glittery, “healthy” competition that gets everyone talking, cheering, and maybe even yelling at their TV. Because at the end of the day, what do humans crave more than anything? Entertainment. And Eurovision delivers it in spades, every single year.

— Christine & Xenia For The Pudding

...And We’re Not The Only Ones!

The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 achieved unprecedented success, captivating a record-breaking audience across Europe and beyond.

With social media amplifying its reach and engagement growing globally, the contest continues to evolve into a truly international phenome-non. As Eurovision opens its doors to even more regions, it’s clear the show’s legacy is far from over.

163M

58.6%

41.6M

6.5B

people reached on TV watching for at least one minute.

unique viewers on Youtube from 231 territories.

record viewership by youth audiences.

total TikTok views for #Eurovision2024.