What Is Eurovision? A Guide for Americans

I write for a largely American audience, which means the most common response to What is Eurovision? might be Who cares? But because we’re the wannabe worldly types—and music has no borders—here’s what you need to know.

 

What exactly is Eurovision?

The Eurovision Song Contest—better known as just Eurovision—is an annual competition traditionally held in May that pits European (and occasionally a handful of non-European) countries against each other for the title of best song.

Organized by the European Broadcasting Union, the competition first began in 1956 and—depending on the year—now includes around 40 participating countries (37 in 2023).

 

What’s the big deal?

Eurovision has become one of the world’s most watched non-sporting events, boasting somewhere between 160 and 200 million viewers for at least part of the three-day competition (more on that below). For perspective, the one-day Super Bowl might attract between 130 and 150 million viewers when non-Americans are taken into account.

Why all the hoopla? The event is known for its grand—and at times over-the-top—production, and an emphasis on inclusion leaves plenty of room for eccentricity. Throw in some covert political jabs, and the result is can’t-miss television.

 

Details and Quirks

Each participating nation submits one song, often determined by a national competition preceding the main event. Songs must be original and no longer than three minutes, consisting of live vocals and no more than six performers on stage. In recent times, most acts opt to sing in English.

Six countries—the host and the five largest financial contributors to the contest, namely France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom—automatically qualify for the final. The remaining countries participate in one of two semifinal rounds, each producing a top 10 that advances to what ends up being a 26-country final.

That’s where things get interesting, as every country is able to vote for its favorite songs using a point system, with half the vote coming from a jury of professionals and the other half from viewers. While countries cannot vote for themselves, politics of course play a role, as those friendly with one another tend have each other’s back, so to speak.

Ultimately, the act with the most points is crowned the winner, receiving a trophy and—with some luck—everlasting fame. The winner’s country earns the right to host the competition the following year. As hosting the contest, which is actually the culmination of a two-week-long party, can get expensive, rumors swirl that certain countries intentionally undermine their chances of winning by sending substandard talent to the festivities.

Although such rumors might be unfounded, it has been pointed out that Ireland has won a total of seven times—tied for most with Sweden—though success suspiciously disappeared after 1996, when an emphasis on economic growth began to take precedence.

 

Who You Know

As above, Eurovision has the ability to catapult winners to global renown, evidenced by this sampling of acts that have taken such a path.

 

ABBA (1974)

A relatively unknown foursome from Sweden saw its trajectory altered with this performance.

 

Céline Dion (1988)

Dion is not actually from Switzerland (the country she represented), but her upbringing in Quebec and the French language that came with it perhaps made her an honorary Swiss? Regardless, the rest is history.

 

Måneskin (2021)

This Italian rock band went from a regional favorite to an international phenomenon after winning with an Italian-language song, later cementing its fate with this cover of a Four Seasons classic.

 

Will Ferrell

Okay, he’s never been in the actual contest, but along with Rachel McAdams, he did star in a hilarious movie—Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga—inspired by it.

 

So what is Eurovision? Your next guilty pleasure.