The Eurovision Song Contest made its debut in 1956. Featuring a host of countries from both Europe and further afield, the yearly competition has developed a huge following across the continent and indeed in many other parts of the world. While not as familiar to American audiences, the tone of Eurovision combines both the cheesiness of Glee with the showmanship of a Broadway production.
Across the contest, there have been completely unforgettable performances that will continue to stand the test of time. From both unknown names and superstars, these performances have helped to create Eurovision as it is today. Of course, when it comes to this competition, the 'best' can mean a variety of things.
ABBA (1974)
ABBA are international icons, producing songs that have been enjoyed for multiple decades and even spawned the much loved musical Mamma Mia! Greek islands, hit dance routines, and memorable costumes aside though, ABBA became ever more popular thanks to their performance in the UK hosted Eurovision.
Singing their now-famous song "Waterloo," the group completely dazzled with their mesmerizing movements and memorable outfit choices. Representing Sweden, the pop band went on to win the contest and cemented their legacy as one of the most successful victors of all time.
Lordi (2006)
There have definitely been some unconventional entries into the Eurovision Song Contest over the years, but one that seemingly changed the game was Finland's entry. Hosted in Athens, Greece, the group Lordi performed a song titled "Hard Rock Hallelujah."
Hard rock was an understatement though, as the band put together a heavy metal-influenced performance that shook the stadium. The monstrously masked group went on to win the tournament, and are still hailed as one of the most influential competitors in Eurovision history.
Måns Zelmerlöw (2015)
Sweden's entry into the Vienna, Austria edition of Eurovision was simply breathtaking. Another positive song, there was a calmness to Måns Zelmerlöw's performance which made the rendition of "Heroes" feel all the more powerful. Zelmerlöw would win the 2015 competition with the song.
Not only was this down to a memorable voice and great songwriting; the success of Sweden can also be credited to the staging. Utilizing modern holographic technology that feels more at home on a sci-fi film set, Måns Zelmerlöw sung alongside a light-based projection which helped to tell the story.
LT United (2006)
Vocally, the Lithuanian entry LT United are far from the best of their year, nor are they some of the best of all time. Indeed, they didn't even win the competition or become a runner-up. Yet, their performance is still fondly remembered as they called their shot early on.
Singing in the host country of Greece, the Athens crowd was greeted with a peculiar set of lyrics. Channeling their inner Queen with the song Titled "We Are The Winners," the group declared that they had already won Eurovision that year and just needed a few extra votes from fans. No one had ever had a performance quite like it before or since.
Alexander Rybak (2009)
Moscow, Russia saw one of the highest-scoring winners in Eurovision history thanks to Alexander Rybak's beloved performance. Representing Norway, Rybak's song "Fairytale" was an instant hit and continues to be fondly remembered by fans of the show.
While the lyrics were perfect and the staging was both exciting and intense, the star of the show was easily Rybak, who brought his violin playing skills to the forefront of the performance. Audiences were taken aback by the talent of the young performer, securing him an impressive victory.
Verka Serduchka (2007)
Sometimes the best of Eurovision doesn't mean that the performance has to be elegant and sophisticated. Some of the classic performances over the years have been totally wacky. Verka Serduchka's song for Ukraine in the Helsinki hosted Eurvosion is remembered for all the right and wrong reasons.
Dressed in tight silver tin foil, wearing a star hat, and singing "Dancing Lasha Tumbai," the performance was a lot of fun. Although Serduchka would not go on to win the contest, he has made appearances on the show in the years since and even has a cameo (donning the same outfit) in Melissa McCarthy's Spy.
Bucks Fizz (1981)
Bucks Fizz is a British icon and they made their mark in the Dublin, Ireland hosted Eurovision of 1981. Entering for the United Kingdom, the young group sang the incredibly upbeat "Making Your Mind Up" which immediately had audiences tapping their feet.
It wasn't just the positive atmosphere that sold Bucks Fizz as the winners though. The fast-paced dance routine, memorable costumes, and notable wardrobe changes brought younger audiences on board for their performances. Despite the era, in many ways, this was quite a modern entry into the competition.
Conchita Wurst (2014)
Denmark hosted the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest and its winner would have one of the most memorable performances in the competition's history. The much-celebrated Conchita Wurst won the tournament for her moving rendition of "Rise Like A Phoenix."
Wurst would be representing her home country of Austria in the contest and drew attention thanks to the simple yet elegant staging of the song. Framed with a symbolic phoenix, the focus was put upon the vocals, of which Wurst is one of the strongest audiences have seen from the show.
Barbara Pravi (2021)
Barbara Pravi represented France in the 2021, Rotterdam hosted Eurovision Song Contest. Singing the subtle song "Voilà," Pravi would become the catalyst for France to gain some of their highest points in years. Coming second overall, Pravi managed to fill this performance with great strength.
Singing about vulnerability and talent, Barbara Pravi was framed with a simple set of light projectors, which would surround the singer with white birds. Hailed as one of the best performances of its year, it definitely stood out amongst the competition.
Céline Dion (1988)
Céline Dion is a music icon. She's had a huge impact in pop culture, even becoming well known for singing classic movie tracks for films such as Titanic and ironically Deadpool 2. Her career launched into the stratosphere after representing Switzerland in the Dublin hosted Eurovision.
Titled "Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi" which translated means "Don't Leave Without Me," this French song captured the hearts of voters so much so that she went on to win the 1988 contest. Her performance is further proof that stars can be made through the platform.