It’s that time again – the greatest time of the year. Yes, it’s Eurovision time!
This year, the annual song contest comes live from the Expo Tel Aviv in Israel after Netta tasted victory with TOY last year.
Over the years, there have been some show-stopping moments as the good, the bad and the very bad take to stages around Europe (and sometimes Asia). The United Kingdom will be hoping for a quieter performance this year, after last year's entrant SuRie was disrupted by a protesting stage invader and left shaken on stage.
As we get ready for the big day, here are five of the most Eurovision moments ever:
Abba – 1974
And so the stars were born!
Little known Swedish group ABBA took to the stage in Brighton (the UK hosted the event so as not to put the financial strain on Luxembourg who had won…again) with Waterloo and stormed to victory with 24 points (I know, that would be a total the UK dream of nowadays…).
Even better than the victory, ABBA went on to become one of the most successful groups of all time with their hits reaching iconic status. They recently announced they’re reuniting so, you know, watch out Eurovision 2019.
Bucks Fizz – 1981
A throwback to when the UK was actually successful at Eurovision, Bucks Fizz boogied all the way to victory with Making Your Mind Up and 136 points in Dublin.
The already catchy song made for an even more memorable routine when the girls of the group had their skirts ripped off by male counterparts, only to reveal slightly shorter skirts.
Since then, we’ve finished in top spot just once – in 1997 with Katrina and the Waves – but we’ve had the “honour” of coming in last three times, in 2003, 2008 and 2010. An extra accolade was bestowed upon the first of those fails as Gemini didn’t manage a single point.
Good luck SuRie…
Lordi – 2006
When you think Eurovision, heavy metal probably doesn’t spring to mind. But that is exactly what Finland’s 2006 entry gave us. The rock group performed Hard Rock Hallelujah completely decked out in Viking costumes.
So taken was the continent (and the few geographically different countries), that Lordi won the competition with 292 points.
Mind you, Lithuania had other ideas as their fifth-placed entry titled We Are The Winners included the lyrics ‘we are the winners of Eurovision” over and over again.
Verka Serduchka – 2007
Arguably the biggest injustice in recent years of Eurovision, the Dancing Lasha Tumbai finished in second place with 235 points for sheer, unadulterated craziness.
The German, English and Ukrainian song is one of the most memorable songs in the last couple decades of Eurovision. Admit it, we all know the one. It’s in your head now. Sorry not sorry.
(Also this year, French-Anglo relations reached a head in Eurovision world as both countries came 22nd in proceedings. To be fair, we sent Scooch over with their double-entendre laden airplane-themed performance so even 19 points were, most likely, generous).
Buranovskiye Babushki – 2012
Try saying that 10 times fast.
The group of living Russian dolls actually finished second with their song Party For Everyone but the singing grannies had a place in everybody’s hearts by the end
