As Tel Aviv gears up to host the 2019 Eurovision song contest, the 64th edition of the international celebration, here are a few fun Eurovision facts that you may not have known.
Eurovision Song Contest – Did you know…?
- Any song that is considered in the Eurovision song contest must not exceed three minutes.
- From 1978 to 1998 the Eurovision song contest rules indicated that each country must perform in one of their national languages.
- The Eurovision song contest has been broadcast annually for 63 years, since its inauguration back in 1956, and currently remains as one of the longest-running and successful television programs around the globe. It is a non-sporting event but is watched around the world on over five continents with audiences ranging from 100 million and 600 million internationally.
- Israel has won the Eurovision song contest four times and has hosted the contest twice, both in 1979 and 1999. In previous years, the contest was held in Jerusalem, 2019 will be the third time to contest is held in Israel, and the first time is it held in Tel Aviv.
- The previous winning songs in Israeli include “A-Ba-Ni-Bi” performed by Izhar Cohen and Alphabeta, winning in 1978 in Paris. Israel also took victory in 1979 with “Hallelujah” performed by Gali Atari and Milk & Honey. The third win came in 1998 with the song “Diva” performed by Dana International and finally, the fourth win came in 2018 with the song “Toy” performed by Netta Barzilai.
- In 2019, Israel will compete with singer Kobi Marimi, singing the song “Home”.
Visiting Israel for Eurovision 2019? Check out 5 things to do in Tel Aviv during Eurovision or read more about Eurovision here. If you are looking to explore Israel, check out those sites in Israel featured during Eurovision in Tel Aviv.
For a full list of events including a performance by Madonna, click here.
