UK's Eurovision Rollercoaster: Five Wins, Record Last Places

The UK's Eurovision Journey: A History of Wins, Near Misses, and Last Places Basel, Switzerland – The Eurovision Song Contest is underway in Basel, and the UK's participation has sparked a renewed interest in its history within the competition. The UK boasts five Eurovision victories, a significant achievement. However, this success is juxtaposed against a less celebrated record: the UK has also finished last more times than any other country except Norway. "The UK seems destined to do badly, no matter how good the songs are," observed Maryam Moshi, a BBC presenter at the Eurovision event. This sentiment reflects the common perception of the UK's Eurovision performance. This year, however, the focus is not only on the UK's past performances but also on the broader context of the competition. Ireland and Sweden, for instance, each hold seven Eurovision wins, showcasing the intense competition. Conversely, Norway holds the record for the most last-place finishes, with twelve, including last year. Kyle Alessandro, a Norwegian Eurovision contestant, commented, "Yeah, no, we don't... we don't talk about it." His words highlight the emotional weight of repeated failure. Despite the UK's mixed history, its participation in Eurovision remains a significant cultural event, generating ongoing discussion and analysis.