Overview

The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual music competition first held in 1956 and organized by the European Broadcasting Union. Broadcasters from participating countries each submit one original song and performer to represent their nation. The show is produced as a live television event and attracts audiences across Europe and beyond, showcasing a wide range of musical styles, languages and stage productions.

Format and rules

Each entry must be an original song performed live and is subject to time and other production rules (for example, songs are limited to a short maximum duration and live vocals are required). In recent decades the contest has used a combination of national professional juries and public televoting to determine results. To accommodate growing interest, semi-final rounds were added in the 2000s so that a larger pool of countries can compete for a place in the televised Grand Final. A small group of long-standing broadcasters automatically qualify for the final; the host country is usually the previous year’s winner.

History and notable winners

Eurovision began as an effort to unite European broadcasters after World War II and quickly became a platform for launching artists into international careers. Famous winners who later achieved global recognition include ABBA, Céline Dion, and rock act Lordi. More recent winners such as Loreen and Duncan Laurence have renewed interest in the contest’s ability to influence mainstream pop charts.

Cultural significance and examples

Eurovision is known not only for music but for extravagant staging, fashion, and moments that enter popular culture. Performances can be multilingual, and the contest has become a platform for both established and emerging artists. Beyond Europe, the event draws international viewers and has occasionally invited non‑European broadcasters to participate or send guest performers.

Recent developments and disruptions

The contest has evolved with changes to its voting systems and broadcast technologies. In 2020 the event was cancelled for the first time in its history because of the COVID‑19 pandemic; organizers produced an alternative broadcast called "Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light" on the date the final would have taken place to honor the selected entries and maintain the sense of community during the crisis (details). The contest continues to adapt, updating rules and production approaches while remaining a major fixture of European popular culture.