11 most memorable Eurovision Song Contest performances ever

These performances were amazing!

Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 26th Aug 2021
Last updated 26th Aug 2021

The 2021 Eurovision Song Contest took place on Saturday 22nd May in Rotterdam and was won by Italian rockers MÃ¥neskin!

We take a look back at some of the weird, yet wonderful performances that make Eurovision the success that it is.

Whether it's the UK's 2007 entry Scooch or Austria's winner Conchita Wurst, Eurovision is known for memorable performances. Take a look back at some of the most memorable below...

1. Scooch – 2007 ‘Flying The Flag’

When Scooch entered the contest for the UK back in 2007 with their incredibly cheesy song ‘Flying The Flag’ they brought with it the most memorable stage show ever. Despite finishing 22nd out of the 24 counties with 19 points, we still know every word!

2. ABBA – 1974 ‘Waterloo’

One of the very few acts to turn into superstars after appearing on the Eurovision. ABBA won the show with their amazing performance of ‘Waterloo’. Look at those outfits!

3. Loreen – 2012 ‘Euphoria’

Loreen won over the world back in 2012 with her incredible performance of ‘Euphoria’. After winning the contest, the song went on to become a massive hit across the world and climbed to Number 3 in the UK charts.

4. Brotherhood of Man – 1976 ‘Kisses For Me’

After Brotherhood of Man’s performance at the 1976 contest, this catchy song went on to become one of the biggest hits out of the contest's history. It bagged the UK a win as well!

5. Lordi – 2006 ‘Hard Rock Hallelujah’

In one of the most outrageous performances on Eurovision to date, Finland left audiences speechless back in 2006 with the rock hit ‘Hard Rock Hallelujah’. Unbelievably the track went on to win the contest in Athens.

6. Celine Dion – 1988 ‘Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi’

It may not have been in English, but this performance is what catapulted Celine Dion’s career into the superstar category. After the stunning vocal performance, a young Celine won the contest for Switzerland.

7. Verka Serduchka – 2007 ‘Dancing Lasha Tumbai'

Ukraine pulled out all of the stops in 2007 with one of the wackiest performances ever to grace the Eurovision stage. Dressed in what can only be described as tin-foil suits, Verka was joined on stage by two dancers who had the best dance moves ever! DANCINGGG!

9. Jedward – 2011 ‘Lipstick’

How can you forget Jedward’s energetic performance in 2011? The Irish duo donned their best glittery jackets, then sang and danced their way through ‘Lipstick’, finishing in 19th place.

10. Bucks Fizz – 1981 ‘Making Your Mind Up’

Everything about Bucks Fizz’s 1981 entry is magical. The song, the dance, the outfits and of course that skirt pull!

11. Conchita Wurst - 2014 'Rise Like A Phoenix'

Austria's 2014 entry came from the amazing Conchita Wurst (aka drag queen Thomas Neuwirth). The over-the-top performance and Conchita's beard was the perfect blend for Eurovision success.

Who represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021?

In 2012, the UK's hopeful came in the form of James Newman.

Take our fun quiz below and see if you can guess which country the performances are from, then check your answers at the bottom! Extra points if you can name the artist and song title!

Take our fun Eurovision Song Contest quiz:

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Check your answers...

1) UK - Bucks Fizz: 'Making Your Mind Up' (1981)


2) FINLAND - Lordi: 'Hard Rock Hallelujah' (2006)


3) SWEDEN - Loreen: 'Euphoria' (2012)


4) UK - Scooch: 'Flying The Flag' (2007)


5) SWITZERLAND - Celine Dion: 'Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi' (1988)


6) NORWAY - Alexander Rybak: 'Fairytale' (2009)


7) SWEDEN - ABBA: 'Waterloo' (1974)


8) IRELAND - Jedward: 'Lipstick' (2011)


9) UK - Brotherhood Of Man: 'Save Your Kisses For Me' (1976)


10) UKRAINE - Verka Serduchka: 'Dancing Lasha Tumbai' (2007)


11) UK - Katrina and the Waves: 'Love Shine A Light' (1997)


12) AUSTRIA - Conchita Wurst: 'Rise Like a Phoenix' (2014)


13) RUSSIA - Buranovskiye Babushki: 'Party For Everybody' (2012)


14) UK - Blue: 'I Can' (2011)


15) ISRAEL - Netta: 'Toy' (2018)


16) IRELAND - Ryan O'Shaughnessy: 'Together' (2018)

17) UK - Sam Ryder: 'Space Man' (2022)

Now read:

Who is representing the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest 2021?

12 facts you probably didn’t know about the Eurovision Song Contest

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