The Eurovision Song Contest!

The Eurovision Song Contest!

In the Beginning The first time I saw the Eurovision Song Contest on television was in 1970. I was with my family, who are Irish. Judges from other countries voted for their favorite songs. We wanted Ireland's song to win the contest. My first memory of this yearly show has stayed with me. It taught me that I lived in a country that was part of a continent called Europe. I remember it because that year Ireland won the Eurovision Song Contest.

What Is Eurovision? The Eurovision Song Contest is Europe's largest and most exciting song competition. People are proud of their country's performances. Contestants show off their talent to their international neighbors. Audiences have fun voting.

When Did Eurovision Start? The Eurovision Song Contest started in 1956. It was a way to help European countries do something fun together after the Second World War. The first Eurovision Song Contest took place in Switzerland, and only seven European countries took part. The show lasted over an hour and a half. Popular singers from each country sang live.

How Does Eurovision Work? Each country chooses its song entry in a national competition. All songs must be sung live and must be three minutes or less.

All the performers travel to the country where Eurovision is taking place. They compete against each other to reach the semifinals. This event takes place over two days. The twenty- six winning acts go to the Grand Final. The audience and the judges vote. Five music industry experts also vote. People at home vote by telephone or text message or through an app. To keep it fair, people can't vote for their own country.