While many Eurovision acts slide into obscurity, some have gone on to international stardom. The contest's biggest success story is Swedish four-piece ABBA. Virtually unknown outside of Sweden before the 1974 contest, their winning song "Waterloo" reached number one in the UK and Germany, number six in the U.S., and the group went on to sell more than 370 million records worldwide.
ABBA —
While many Eurovision acts slide into obscurity, some have gone on to international stardom. The contest's biggest success story is Swedish four-piece ABBA. Virtually unknown outside of Sweden before the 1974 contest, their winning song "Waterloo" reached number one in the UK and Germany, number six in the U.S., and the group went on to sell more than 370 million records worldwide.
Prior to Eurovision 1988, Canada's Celine Dion was little-known outside the Francophone world. Her victory for Switzerland launched her as an international star -- in 2010 she was estimated to be worth $748 million.
Celine Dion —
Prior to Eurovision 1988, Canada's Celine Dion was little-known outside the Francophone world. Her victory for Switzerland launched her as an international star -- in 2010 she was estimated to be worth $748 million.
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In 1974, four years before she shot to stardom in "Grease," English-Australian singer Olivia Newton-John represented the UK in Eurovision, finishing fourth. Since then, the singer has racked up five number one singles in the U.S. and won four Grammy awards.
Olivia Newton-John —
In 1974, four years before she shot to stardom in "Grease," English-Australian singer Olivia Newton-John represented the UK in Eurovision, finishing fourth. Since then, the singer has racked up five number one singles in the U.S. and won four Grammy awards.
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Eurovision was responsible for launching the Irish dance sensation "Riverdance" as an international phenomenon. The routine was first performed during the interval of Eurovision 1994 in Dublin, Ireland.
Riverdance —
Eurovision was responsible for launching the Irish dance sensation "Riverdance" as an international phenomenon. The routine was first performed during the interval of Eurovision 1994 in Dublin, Ireland.
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British pop singer Sir Cliff Richard led Eurovison 1968 until the last moment, when Spain's entry surged ahead and won by one point. Spanish documentarian Montse Fernandez Vila alleges dictator Francisco Franco rigged the contest to boost Spain's image abroad. Richard's song, "Congratulations," went on to be come an international hit regardless.
Cliff Richard —
British pop singer Sir Cliff Richard led Eurovison 1968 until the last moment, when Spain's entry surged ahead and won by one point. Spanish documentarian Montse Fernandez Vila alleges dictator Francisco Franco rigged the contest to boost Spain's image abroad. Richard's song, "Congratulations," went on to be come an international hit regardless.
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As "Dana," Dana Rosemary Scallon won Eurovision for Ireland in 1970, singing "All Kinds of Everything," which spent nine weeks at the top of the UK charts. In 1999, she was elected the representative for Connacht-Ulster in the European Parliament.
Dana —
As "Dana," Dana Rosemary Scallon won Eurovision for Ireland in 1970, singing "All Kinds of Everything," which spent nine weeks at the top of the UK charts. In 1999, she was elected the representative for Connacht-Ulster in the European Parliament.
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Bucks Fizz won Eurovision for the UK in 1981 with "Making Your Mind Up," which sold four million copies and reached number one in nine countries.
Bucks Fizz —
Bucks Fizz won Eurovision for the UK in 1981 with "Making Your Mind Up," which sold four million copies and reached number one in nine countries.
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Katrina and the Waves, whose "Walking on Sunshine" was a hit in 1985, won Eurovision for the UK in 1997 with the song "Love Shine a Light," after more than a decade out of the spotlight.
Katrina and the Waves —
Katrina and the Waves, whose "Walking on Sunshine" was a hit in 1985, won Eurovision for the UK in 1997 with the song "Love Shine a Light," after more than a decade out of the spotlight.
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