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Eurovision Song Contest's Biggest Stars

13 of the Biggest Eurovision Stars of All Time

Mar 24 2023

The Eurovision Song Contest is the annual opportunity for countries to give their all in the form of international showbusiness strategy, bizarre music performances, and, occasionally, reaping the rewards in the form of kickstarting the making of a superstar. It's no surprise, then, that Netflix made a movie about the contest - led by none other than Rachel McAdams and Will Ferrell — in 2020 called "The Story of Fire Saga".

Hollywood movies aside, the Eurovision Song Contest has launched the careers of some of the world's biggest music stars, although it's not always easy. Despite many of the contestants's on-stage wins within the competition, they struggle to translate their success into fame post-Eurovision - with just a handful managing to make their mark, either in their home countries or around the world. Many have tried (yes, even Katie Price and Kym Marsh made a Eurovision bid, although failed to be chosen as the UK's entrant), but not all have succeeded. Those that have though, have gone down in history.

With only weeks to go until the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, the countdown is well and truly on. Liverpool is proudly hosting the event, on behalf of 2022 winning country, Ukraine. The devastating, ongoing war means it would be unsafe to hold the competition in the country. Graham Norton will present the Grand Final on 13 May along with Ukrainian singer and frontwoman of The Hardkiss band, Julia Sanina, "Ted Lasso" star Hannah Waddingham, and "Britain's Got Talent" judge Alesha Dixon. And the 2023 UK entrant? It's Mae Muller.

Ahead of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, read ahead to see some of the biggest stars catapulted to fame via the competition.

— Additional reporting by Amanda Prahl

Image Source: Getty / Lester Cohen

Eurovision Song Contest 2022: Sam Ryder

In 2022, Sam Ryder took home second place for the United Kingdom with his track, "Spaceman". Hailed as an uplifting pop-rock track comparable to that of British music legend Elton John, Ryder secured 466 points, the UK's highest score in over 20 years. Not only was the star responsible for the UK's success on the show, but the singer himself went on to peak at number two on the UK Singles Chart, and was even certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry. He may not have won Eurovision, but he's a winner in our hearts!

Image Source: Anadolu Agency / Getty Images

Eurovision Song Contest 2021: Måneskin

The four-piece glam-rock band Måneskin broke barriers when they took home the crown for Italy int the 2021 Eurovision. The group became the first Italian entry to win the contest in 31 years with their track "Zitti e buoni". But since their landmark win two years ago, the group — comprising of vocalist Damiano David, bassist Victoria De Angelis, guitarist Thomas Raggi, and drummer Ethan Torchio — have got international success, receiving their first Grammy nomination this year for Best New Artist. Despite missing out to Samara Joy, the band have plenty more in the pipeline — including a sold-out show at London's O2 Arena this summer.

Image Source: Lester Cohen / Getty Images

Eurovision Song Contest 2011 and 2012: Jedward

Twin brothers John and Edward Grimes may have made their mark on the 2009 series of "The X Factor" (I mean, who could forget the time they served Britney Spears realness with their rendition of "Oops...I did it again" in matching red patent leather suits?), but it was in the "Eurovision Song Contest" that they made history. The singing duo marked the first time that Ireland sent the same act two years in a row, after they performed their track "Lipstick" in 2011, and performed again on the Eurovision stage in 2012 with their song "Waterline". They may not have won, but the pair were given worldwide publicity and are very much still in the public eye with their performances and extremely on-brand elaborate outfits. Oh, and you'll be pleased to know their gravity-defying quiffs are very much back, too.

Image Source: Lester Cohen / Getty Images

Eurovision Song Contest 2014: Conchita Wurst

Conchita Wurst, an Austrian singer and drag queen, garnered international attention when she won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2014 with her song "Rise Like a Phoenix". Born Tom Neuwirth, the bearded singer blew fans and judges out of the water with the James-Bond-inspired power-ballad. Neuwirth quickly became an LGBTQ+ icon, and was invited to perform at various pride parades including Cologne, Amsterdam, Vienna, and Sydney, before launching an exclusive streaming platform called WURSTTV.

Image Source: Tristar Media / Getty Images

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Eurovision Song Contest 2003: t.A.T.u.

Russian girl-group duo t.A.T.u. were already launched into international fame status with their 2002 single, "All the Things She Said" before gracing the Eurovision stage the following year with their track "Ne Ver, Ne Boysia, Ne Prosi". The music video for their trademark single was the cause of significant controversy at the time, with the duo portraying an underage LGBTQ+ couple. The music video was banned from ITV's show, "CD:UK" back then, with the producer Tammy Hoyle stating it was "not really suitable for children". Nonetheless, the group - comprised of members Lena Katina and Julia Volkova - finished in third place in the 2003 contest, despite the UK and Ireland not rewarding them with any points.

Image Source: Lester Cohen / Getty Images

Eurovision Song Contest 1996: Lucia Moniz

You might not know her by name, but you'll definitely recognise her. Moniz represented Portugal at Eurovision 1996 and finished in sixth place. But it's her acting career after performing on the contest that got her the most recognition. You'll know her for her role as Aurelia from Love, Actually, of course.

Image Source: Getty / Tony Barson

Eurovision Song Contest 1994: Riverdance

The iconic dance troupe got its start at the 1994 Eurovision contest — but they weren't even competitors! The contest was hosted in Dublin that year, and Riverdance provided the entertainment during the show's interval. Needless to say, their performance was a smash hit, and Riverdance toured the world. The group are now celebrating 25 years since they got their break, performing in Dublin and the USA to celebrate their milestone achievement.

Eurovision Song Contest 1988: Celine Dion

Yep, one of the biggest pop stars in the world actually got her start on Eurovision! Way back in 1988, Dion appeared on the contest to represent Switzerland (despite actually being of French-Canadian origin). She won with her song "Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi," and, as we all know, went on to have an enormous career that is still ongoing, with hits like "My Heart Will Go On" and "It's All Coming Back to Me Now".

Image Source: Getty / Bruno Torricelli

Eurovision Song Contest 1978: Colm Wilkinson

Irish singer-actor Wilkinson may be beloved stage actor in the UK, but he may have never had his claim to fame if it wasn't for Eurovision. He represented Ireland in 1978, before his career really took off, finishing in fifth place at Eurovision. Just a few years later, the actor became a theatre star on both sides of the pond for playing Valjean in both the West End and Broadway productions of "Les Miserables". He continued a steady career on the stage in the UK, and in 2012, appeared in the "Les Mis" film in a cameo role alongside the movie's Valjean, Hugh Jackman.

Image Source: Getty / Walter McBride

Eurovision Song Contest 1974: Olivia Newton-John

Before she became an international movie star and her appearance in "Grease", Australian-raised Newton-John represented the UK in the 1974 Eurovision contest. She didn't manage to bring us a win, but she came pretty close, ultimately coming in fourth place that year. Four years later,she starred alongside John Travolta in the ever-famous musical. Sadly, Newton-John died in August 2022 at the age of 73, but she will always be hailed as an entertainment legend.

Image Source: Getty / Frank Barrett

Eurovision Song Contest 1974: ABBA

That's right, everyone's favourite Swedish band had their humble beginnings on Eurovision! In 1974, ABBA was a little-known band representing their home country of Sweden at the annual song contest. Their performance of the future classic, "Waterloo", launched them to victory at the contest and into the stratosphere of international stardom, from hit albums to movie (and Broadway) musicals and more. Without Eurovision, we may have never had tracks like "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!", "Dancing Queen", and "Mamma Mia". Can you imagine what a dire world that would be?

Image Source: Getty / Olle Lindeborg

Eurovision Song Contest 1970: Julio Iglesias

Although his son Enrique became an even bigger international star, the elder Iglesias had a pretty successful career that was launched off the back of his appearance on Eurovision. Finishing in fourth place in 1970 after representing Spain with the track "Gwendolyne", the star went on to earn himself a highly successful recording career both in his home country and internationally. He has been regarded as the most successful Spanish singer in the world (yes, even over his son!), having sold more than 100 million records worldwide in 14 languages.

Image Source: Getty / Georg Goebel

Eurovision Song Contest 1969: Lulu

Before performing on behalf of the UK in the 1969 Eurovision contest, Lulu had a promising career as a pop singer and actor. Her controversial win - which saw the mononymous star becoming one of four winners in an unprecedented four-way tie with Spain, the Netherlands and France - only raised her profile further. She went on to be granted the prestigious role of bond theme singer for "The Man with the Golden Gun"in 1974, and was nominated for a Grammy in 1982 thanks to her impressive singing chops.

Image Source: Getty / Gianni Ferrari

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