The 2021 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place imminently, which means fans from around Europe will be able to party and enjoy a fun-filled night of some truly entertaining action.
Of course, whilst hearing all of the songs from the competing nations is always one of the main draws, there has also been the fact that the performances have been from the down-right bizarre and outrageous, whilst some leave the imagination wandering for days, weeks or even years!
Naturally, there will be some that also use the Eurovision Song Contest as an opportunity to be able to have a little fun and place a wager on the outcome. Indeed, many will continue to look for the best Eurovision 2021 odds possible, as it can simply add to the overall experience that the huge music event provides.
Whilst the Eurovision Song Contest continues to attract viewers – whether they are huge fans or just casual watchers and watch it every now and again – there have been a number of musical acts that have gone on to be famous because of the contest or have become famous in later life.
Here are just some of those artists that many may have forgotten have performed at the event, whilst some might be known by others.
Celine Dion
Whilst Celine Dion is a household name because of her song “My Heart Will Go On” and its use in the film Titanic, many may not have released that her performance in Eurovision was what arguably gave her pop career the lift-off that has elevated her to stardom and a residency in Las Vegas.
Although she is a French-Canadian, she did not represent France at the 1988 Eurovision Contest. Instead, she represented neighbours, Switzerland, and managed to win the contest with her song ‘Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi’.
Julio Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias might be one of the world’s biggest pop stars to have ever existed, however he got his musical talent from his father. Julio Iglesias was a very good singer in his own right and was incredibly successful with a number of songs that he sang.
The Spaniard represented his country in the 1970 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest by singing “Gwendolyne”. The Latin singer managed to come fourth in the competition, although many might remember him for the outfit he wore instead of the song; a turquoise suit that really shone and stood out.
Olivia Newton-John
Whilst she might be famous for her starring role as Sandy in the legendary film of Grease, Olivia Newton-John actually took part in a Eurovision Song Contest – which perhaps elevated her to the fame and success she had throughout her career.
Indeed, having represented the UK in 1974, Newton-John finished fourth as she sang “Long Live Love”; a track that was selected from a possible six by the British public that year that she had already recorded and later released on an album.
She was unfortunate not to win that year, as the legendary ABBA – who everyone knows about the Eurovision Song Contest – won that year’s edition with their “Waterloo” track.
Michael Ball
The UK also sent Michael Ball to represent them at one edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, with the already-established famous singer singing in the 1992 competition.
However, Ball’s “One Step Out of Time” was not enough to win the competition as he managed to finish second in the tournament. He was beaten by fierce rivals, and neighbours, Ireland as Linda Martin sang “Why Me?” to victory.
Acts that tried to make the main Eurovision Contest but did not qualify
Whilst those mentioned above have had their careers potentially elevated because of their appearances in the Eurovision Song Contest, there have been a number of famous performers who have looked to try and represent their country but had failed to even get past the qualifying stages of the tournament.
Big names such as Enya – who has had hits such as “Orinoco Flow” and “Caribbean Blue”, and Justin Hawkins, who was famous for being the frontman of The Darkness; a band that had been able to smash the charts when they were at their height!
